The PC Environment Critic and Huron Bruce MPP is calling on the Liberal Government to phase out the tire tax program.
Lisa Thompson says an audit has found little to no safeguards to protect Ontarian's tax dollars. She says it concluded that it was too easy to manipulate the $70 million in tire taxes collected every year.
Thompson adds taxpayers were outraged to learn that the Ontario Tire Stewardship was using tire tax dollars on fancy dinners and lavish stays at the Fairmount Chateau Laurier.
She says now all parties have approved the Waste-Free Ontario Act to eliminate eco tax programs and make businesses responsible for meeting recycling standards and targets.
Thompson secured a key change to Bill 151 to require the Environment Minister to report progress to the House every year.
"Ontarians need to understand that eco-taxes are still being charged. That means when you go to buy new tires, you will still pay a tire tax at the cash register," Thompson said. "Bill 151 gives the government the ability to eliminate eco-taxes, but it's now up to all of us to ensure the Liberals actually follow through."
