Provincial deficit continues to pile up under Ford government
Doug Ford likes to talk about being careful with money.
He talks about balancing the budget, protecting taxpayers, and living within our means.
But after eight years in office, the numbers tell a different story..
When Doug Ford became Premier, Ontario’s debt stood at $337.6 billion. This year, it will reach $485.1 billion, nearly $150 billion more. That is a staggering 43.7 per cent increase in the provincial debt during the Conservatives’ time in office.
Even the Fraser Institute, hardly a left-wing organ-ization, said the Ford government has “again failed to back up its past rhetoric about the importance of balancing the budget.”
Doug Ford has become Ontario’s half-trillion-dollar man.
The question is simple: what are Ontarians getting for all that debt?
Are families finding it easier to see a doctor? No. Two million Ontarians still do not have a family doctor.
Are our schools improving? No. Education spendi-ng is being cut while class sizes rise.
Is it easier to buy a home? No. Housing starts are falling, and the promise to build 1.5 million homes is nowhere in this budget.
Is it easier for young people to get ahead? No. College and university funding is being cut, while OSAP changes have left students with more debt and less help.
Families are paying more for groceries, rent, hydro, and gas.
Here in Orléans, it has also been two years since Doug Ford promised to upload Highway 174, and nothing has changed. The budget is also silent on his signature election promise to upload Ottawa’s LRT.
Moreover, after adding almost $150 billion to the debt, this budget offers no mean-ingful affordability relief.
No cut to hydro bills. No help with groceries. No middle-class tax cut. No serious plan to make housing affordable.
More than half of provincial ministries are being cut, while the Premier’s office has grown by 243 per cent since 2018.
Ontario now spends roughly $17 billion every year on interest payments. That is more than we spend on colleges and universities. It is money that cannot go to hospitals, schools, roads, or public safety.
Debt is sometimes necessary. During a crisis, governments should act.
But if Ontario is going to borrow this much money, people should at least be able to see results.
After eight years and $150 BILLION in new debt, life is not easier. It is harder.
DEBT is the real legacy of Doug Ford’s budget.
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55TH ANNUAL CUMBERLAND MAPLEFEST BREAKFAST from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lions Maple Hall in Cumberland Village. Enjoy pancakes with syrup, scrambled eggs, sausage, and beans. Tea/coffee/hot chocolate or juice (apple or orange) will also be available. Tickets: Adults 13+ $15. Children 6-12 $10. Children 5 and under FREE. 
CLOTHING SWAP EVENT from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Halls A & G at Bob MacQuarrie Recreational Center. Bring a reusable bag (or several) and some friends, and “shop” for new-to-you items at no cost. Don’t have items to contribute? No problem! By attending the event and picking up items you’ll use instead of buying brand new ones, you’re helping to protect the environment. 
TRIVIA NIGHT from 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday night at the Royal Oak Pub Orléans. Free to play. Prizes for the winning team! The Royal Oak Pub is located at 1981 St. Joseph Blvd. near Jeanne d'Arc. For more info visit 
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