(Cambridge) MPP Rob Leone stood up for the people from Cambridge and North Dumfries today, expressing his lack of confidence in the Liberal government.

The 2013 edition of the Ontario budget lacked a credible plan for jobs, while increasing spending to record levels.

“A vote for this budget is a vote of confidence in this government, and after years of uncontrolled overspending and scandal, the people of Cambridge have lost all confidence in the Ontario Liberals’ ability to govern.”

It was revealed Thursday that spending will increase by $3.6 billion next year, with the deficit also set to increase to $11.7 billion.

Leone says that this is a clear indication that the Liberals have decided to pander to the NDP, rather than make the tough decisions to get the province back on track. The NDP joined the Liberals to vote against the Cambridge MPP’s balanced budget legislation on March 21st.

“Catherine Fife and the NDP complain about waste and scandal, but when push comes to shove, they drape their arm around the Premier and offer their wholehearted support,” added Leone. “People want a clear path out of this mess, and only a Tim Hudak-led government can provide the solutions to rebuild Ontario.”

In the lead up to the budget, almost every idea put forward by Tim Hudak and the Ontario PC party was dismissed by Premier Wynne without meaningful discussion. Leone says this is evidence enough that this government is well past its expiry date.

“After years of making promises they haven’t kept, and in addition to all the scandals that continue to plague this government, it’s becoming clearer that change is necessary.”

Thursday’s budget comes on the heels of recent revelations that costs associated with canceling the Oakville power plant were 775% higher than the Liberal government originally stated.

For Leone, enough is enough.

“Instead of spending money on the priorities of the people of Ontario, the Liberals have wasted billions of dollars trying to win an election. For this reason, I have lost confidence in this government.”

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