Months before Ontarians head to the polls in a provincial election, the Ford government has laid out a roadmap for its priorities.
“The qualities that saw our province through the worst days of the pandemic — the spirit of the people of Ontario — will see us to a brighter, more prosperous future,” said Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy. “Our government has a responsible and prudent plan that creates the conditions for an economic and fiscal recovery driven by growth. It is a plan to protect the progress we’ve made, build for the future and work for workers who make it all happen.”
The Fall Economic Statement includes funding to hire more staff in long-term care homes and hospitals, money for a new highway in the GTA to reduce gridlock, and the introduction of the bill to raise the minimum wage.
However, the plan does not address many cost of living concerns for the average Ontarian. There is no mention of an agreement with the federal government for $10 a day childcare or a reduction in the gas tax.
“It’s getting harder and harder for Ontarians to afford the life they’re working hard for as skyrocketing prices squeeze their budgets,” said NDP Leader Andrea Horwath. “The cost of child care, auto insurance, gas, and groceries are rising, and pay cheques aren’t. And it was already getting tougher for everyday folks to get the health care they need, and to get their kids the education they deserve.
Minister Bethlenfalvy said the government is having discussions with the federal government to reduce the gas tax for the province and to reach an agreement on childcare.
To help the tourism sector recover and to promote Ontario staycations, the government has introduced a temporary travel tax credit for 2022. The credit would provide 20 per cent back on eligible 2022 accommodation expenses in Ontario of up to $1,000 for an individual or $2,000 for a family. That's a max of $200 for an individual and $400 for a family.
The Ford government is also committing to double the funding to support the search for unmarked graves at Ontario Residential school sites.
For 2021–22, the government is projecting a deficit of $21.5 billion, $11.6 billion lower than the outlook published in the 2021 Budget in March.