The Premier, who ran on a no new-taxes platform in the 2003 election and then introduced one of the largest income tax increases in provincial history, said Ontarians should believe him now "because I'm in charge."

"I'm not hiding a deficit. You know I'm not hiding a deficit, and furthermore the provincial auditor will confirm that I'm not hiding a deficit. That's the difference," Mr. McGuinty told reporters after delivering an election- style speech to about 1,100 Liberal supporters.

After looking at the province's books and concluding the Conservatives had left them with a deficit of more than $5-billion, the newly elected Liberals in 2004 introduced an income tax hike-- they called it a health premium -- that now costs Ontarians about $2.6-billion annually.

"Why would anyone believe anything that Dalton McGuinty has to say about making any promises?" Conservative MPP Frank Klees said yesterday following the Premier's remarks. "His credibility with the electorate is at an all-time low. I hear every day from people that Dalton McGuinty cannot be believed. I don't believe that there's a promise he can make that will be taken seriously in the coming election." Source...