TORONTO - Finance Minister Charles Sousa says Ontario's Liberal government remains committed to balancing the books by 2017-18, but won't say if he'll hike taxes to meet his goal.
Sousa was asked repeatedly if he will raise taxes to help eliminate the $12.5-billion deficit in two years as he began budget consultations in Toronto.
But he would say only that he recognizes the importance of increasing revenues and controlling government spending.
However, Sousa said the Liberals' policies are aimed at creating jobs and encouraging growth in the economy to increase revenues, and ruled out any suggestion of pushing back the deadline to balance.
He said the province is "determined, and disciplined," to eliminate the red ink on schedule.
The Progressive Conservatives say the Liberals have proven they cannot control their spending and warn there's no way the government can eliminate the deficit in two years without raising taxes.
PC finance critic Vic Fedeli says Premier Kathleen Wynne has already suggested the Liberals could impose a new carbon tax in the spring budget.
