Last March, when the Ontario government handed down its 2009 provincial budget, it surprised residents by indicating there would be a blending of the federal Goods and Services Tax and the current Provincial Sales Tax. This would mean that goods and services that currently attract only the GST will now attract the provincial sales tax as well, as a single 13% tax. Many Ontarians are against this tax, while some business groups have supported and even lobbied the government to adopt this tax. However, some observers believe that the by-election in St. Paul's Riding, which is an urban riding in north Toronto that has a significantly diverse voting base, as well as what some believe to be a highly educated riding with 48% of its residents university educated, will be a referendum on this tax.
By-Election Called Upon Resignation of Michael Bryant
Prior to the by-election, the riding has been held by Michael Bryant since 1999. Bryant was considered to be a rising star in Dalton McGuinty's Cabinet, starting off as his first Attorney-General. Bryant, the youngest ever Attorney-General, was particularly noted for major legislative initiatives, including a ban on street racing, a ban on pit bulls, and reforms to the courts to handle major guns and gangs trials. Other positions held included Minister Responsible for Native Affairs, Minister of Economic Development as well as Government House Leader. However in the spring of 2009, Bryant resigned his seat to accept a position as the CEO of a newly created Invest Toronto.
