While the federal Conservatives spent $4.3 billion to convince the Ontario Liberals to blend the 5 per cent GST with the 8 per cent GST, the normally controlling Harper has allowed his MPs to distance themselves from the levy.

That has left McGuinty's government as the public face of a business-friendly change that will increase taxes on hundreds of goods and services when it takes effect July 1.

"I'm proud to attach my name to this measure," the premier told reporters Wednesday.

"If some people are less comfortable than others when it comes to acknowledging the role that they might have played, so be it."

While that was a veiled reference to Ontario Conservative MPs who have renounced a cornerstone policy of their own government, provincial Finance Minister Dwight Duncan was more pointed.

"The feds certainly pushed us – they've given us 4.3 billion reasons to do it," he said. "There are always rats in these debates and it's funny watching ... those individuals who are trying to deny the $4.3 billion their government is giving us." Continued....