McGuinty turns down HST public hearings

Premier Dalton McGuinty won't agree to hold public hearings on the HST across Ontario, but says he expects voters will pass judgment on the new tax in 2011.

The opposition parties are vowing to ring the bells and use other legislative delaying tactics until the Liberal government agrees to public consultations on the harmonized sales tax.

McGuinty said Wednesday that people can call talk radio or write letters to the editor about the 13 per cent single sales tax, adding he would be surprised if voters don't consider the HST in the next Ontario election.

He says that's when people will have an opportunity to pass judgment on the government for introducing the HST.

Progressive Conservative critic Lisa MacLeod says it's going to be a long November and December for the Liberals if they try to "ram the HST legislation through" without public hearings.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says McGuinty needs to hear directly from people about the fears they have about the impact of the tax, which takes effect next July.