The Ontario government introduced legislation yesterday that would allow it to collect a new health tax.

The tax would assess annual fees of up to $900 per person, with all of the funds raised directed to the health-care system.

It was proposed in the Liberal government’s first budget last month.

The government estimates that the health premiums will add $1.6 billion to provincial coffers this year.

The premiums will be deducted from the paycheques of Ontario workers starting July 1.