As the summer months approach and children everywhere count down the days to the end of the school year, Ontario families will soon be planning the activities they want to do together this summer.

However, with increased cost of living expenses, they will have much tougher decisions to make than what to do first – ride the Maid of the Mist, see a Blue Jays game or try the new rollercoaster at Canada’s Wonderland.

Gas prices hit $1.29 per litre at some stations this week and forecasters are predicting it could hit $1.50 this summer. Combine that with increasing food prices for such basic items as bread and pasta, and families and seniors will find it difficult to pay for the basics, let alone a summer getaway.

Earlier this month, I joined Ontario PC Party Leader John Tory in announcing an initiative that would immediately give Ontario families and seniors a modest, but well-deserved, opportunity to enjoy the summer months a little more. We proposed that the McGuinty government immediately eliminate the provincial sales taxes on all Ontario hotels, accommodations and attractions through to Labour Day weekend.

Removing the provincial sales tax would help ease the tax burden on families looking to take some time away together this summer. We estimate it would save a family of four visiting Niagara, Hamilton or Toronto for a weekend more than $100. That might not sound like a lot of money to people in the Premier’s office, but it could make the difference for a family weekend getaway or may encourage Ontario residents to stay in our province rather than go across the border. Combined with a good marketing campaign, this plan will also bring U.S. residents back across the border.

In the face of recession, fiscal uncertainty and higher costs to consumers, our summer relief package will also add some much needed stimulus to the economy, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sector. In fact, leaders in the tourism and hospitality industry cheered our plan. Your support may help us convince Premier McGuinty to act on the thoughtful PC plan for some tax relief.