The premier yesterday defended the decisions his government has made, which included violating a pledge not to raise taxes and to balance the provincial budget within a year, because of the $6-billion deficit his party inherited from the Conservatives in October 2003.

McGuinty said good things the government has done have got lost in the debate, including hiring 2,400 more nurses and 1,100 elementary school teachers and committing more cash to heart procedures, knee and hip replacements and radiation treatment for cancer patients.

"I think we've done some really good things," the premier told reporters after speaking at a luncheon at Liuna Gardens in Winona.

"People are entitled to know they are getting some results as a result of our activities over the last 10 months ... Leaders are suppose to lead. It doesn't mean you lead in the direction people are anxious to go in. They send me up to the crow's nest ... to get the best view of the situation and make a call."

About 150 people, mostly local Liberals, came out to hear the premier speak about the government's record. Hamilton Mayor Larry Di Ianni, Grimsby Mayor Bob Bentley and newly elected Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale MP Russ Power were on hand for the visit, which is part of a tour McGuinty plans across Ontario in the next month. Source.

Bookmark mackaycartoons.net