Joe Oliver warns Ontario voters of ‘real consequences’ if Liberals win

TORONTO – Finance Minister Joe Oliver is trying to use Kathleen Wynne’s record to discourage Liberal voters.

At a news conference in downtown Toronto Saturday, Oliver said if there would be serious consequences for Canadians if the Liberals take office.

“It’s very clear that Justin Trudeau is tied to the provincial Liberal party and to Kathryn Wynne’s policies. … So we have an insight, a look at what type of government, what type of economic policies he would pursue,” Oliver said.

“We’ve seen the consequences of a Liberal government here in Ontario: massive tax hikes, out of control spending, sky-high hydro bills, business closures. We don’t want that to happen across the country.”

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READ MORE: Wynne attacks Harper for lack of leadership, urges Canadians to back Trudeau

He said one example is the “Wynne pension plan,” which he believes will negatively affect job creation and growth if it were implemented across the country.

Many Ontario businesses share his belief, and expressed their reservations about the plan by signing a letter penned by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

With only nine days left in the election, he also hammered home the Conservative plan at the news conference.

“There is a real scenario in which the Liberals can form the next government and Justin Trudeau can become the next prime minister,” he said. “That would have real consequences for the economy.”

Oliver said the economy remains the number one priority for the Conservatives, especially with the instability in the global markets.

Harper is not campaigning today.

Trudeau is in Iqaluit, where he announced a Liberal government will funnel $40 million over four years in to the government’s Nutrition North program designed to bring health food to isolated communities.

With files from The Canadian Press.