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“This shouldn’t be about Ms. Wynne and her attempt to hold on to government.”

The NDP has already gotten everything they want (in the budget), so I’m not understanding what another week or 10 days of answering 1-800-Andrea is going to do

The Progressive Conservatives said the New Democrats have been just as angry as they are about the $585-million spent to cancel gas plants in Oakville and Mississauga to save Liberal seats, and don’t know what more Horwath needs to learn before making up her mind about defeating the government.

“The NDP has already gotten everything they want (in the budget), so I’m not understanding what another week or 10 days of answering 1-800-Andrea is going to do,” said PC finance critic Peter Shurman.

The Tories lashed out at the Liberals for caving in to the NDP’s demands in the budget instead of actually reducing government spending.

You’re telling people who are trying to do the right thing by car pooling that they might get squeezed out by those who can pay to drive in those lanes

“Just like the gas plant scandal, this budget deal with the NDP is another costly Liberal business expense that puts the interests of their party ahead of taxpayers,” added Shurman.

“We cannot afford an NDP-Liberal government willing to spend billions of dollars to protect their own political skins.”

Thursday’s budget addressed most of the NDP’s demands, such as a cut in auto insurance premiums and improved home care services, but with vague wording, said Horwath.

“The government reflected some of our proposals, but we don’t see a true five-day guarantee for home care for example,” she said. “We don’t see a real commitment on a time frame for auto insurance reductions.”

Horwath also complained the Liberals ignored NDP ideas to save money in the budget, such as a cap on public-sector CEO salaries and bonuses, and adopted the weakest idea of the many so-called revenue tools that could be used to fund public transit.

Allowing drivers without passengers to pay a premium to use car pool lanes on highways defeats the environmental protection aim of high occupancy vehicle lanes, she said.

“You’re telling people who are trying to do the right thing by car pooling that they might get squeezed out by those who can pay to drive in those lanes,” said Horwath.

“The last thing I think Ontarians want is another Lexus lane boondoggle.”

Ontario budget 2013