Don’t be hoodwinked by Ford government’s $200 ‘gift’

The announcement by the Ford government to distribute a $200 cheque to every individual aged 18 and older brought to mind that consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative.

True to form, this hoodwinking announcement will add $3 billion to Ontario’s debt, which is the highest of subnational jurisdiction in the world.

This consistency will also divert attention from the Ford government’s intentional failed promise to reduce taxes for the middle class, which he announced in 2018. How much longer can one expect this promised tax relief, particularly given that the Ford government has been in power for over six years?

At no other point in Ontario’s history have two rival political parties presented such a stark difference in their approaches to helping the middle class. We know the Ford government is fully committed to helping their rich friends and supporters.

Let’s be honest, how many millionaires need this $200 rebate or an elimination of their license plate fee?

However, many of our neighbors and friends could have used the extra money from the elimination of the HST on heating expenses. Last winter, the Ford government rejected my motion aimed at achieving this, which would have provided over $200 in savings for the average middle-class family - not once but every single year.

Furthermore, the Ford govern-ment’s approach to middle-class families is to reject putting more money in their pockets. The government also rejected my initiative to provide tax credits for children to engage in sports and arts activities.

But I won’t criticize their failed approach without highlighting our approach to be judged by the middle class in Ontario.

One of the initiatives my colleagues and I recently announced to support the middle class is a tax cut that will save the average taxpayer $950 each year. Furthermore, we will eliminate the HST on home heating and electricity resulting in an additional annual savings of $200 for households.

If the circulating rumors hold any truth and the Ford government chooses to break the scheduled election date by calling for an early election, Ontarians will have the opportunity to evaluate whether, after accumulating over $100 billion in new debt, running the largest budget deficits, neglecting the middle class, and making minimal investments in infrastructure, and healthcare are we better off?