Most of the Progressive Conservatives’ election promises should be announced in this budget, even if other measures will probably be added during the campaign. The document will serve as an argument to support the re-election of Doug Ford and his team.
Over the past few weeks, the Ford government has undertaken a blitz of announcements that will no doubt be mentioned in the document. The Prime Minister traveled to several pivotal ridings to encourage investment, particularly in the health network. Hospitals in Scarborough, Barrie, Brantford, Brampton and Ottawa, for example, have received substantial amounts from the government to initiate expansion or modernization projects.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced on March 25 a grant of $29 million for the new campus of the Ottawa Hospital.
Photo: The Canadian Press/Justin Tang
Similar announcements were made by the minister responsible for long-term care, Paul Calandra. About ten times since the beginning of March, the minister has announced the addition or renovation of beds in long-term care homes. On the other hand, the majority of the new places promised will not be fitted out before 2023.
The budget should also highlight the reductions granted to motorists with the reimbursement of the cost of license plates and the reduction of the provincial gasoline tax. In the case of the gas tax, Doug Ford will cut 5.7 cents a liter on the condition of being re-elected on June 2.
Ontario has removed license plate stickers, but people still have to renew their plates.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Malcolm Campbell
It is quite possible that other measures to control the increase in the cost of living will be announced on Thursday.
This will be the second provincial budget led by current Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy. The Minister let it be known that the document will present the Progressive Conservatives’ vision for a better future
as well as the steps for get there
a nod to the campaign slogan chosen by Doug Ford’s team.
What about returning to balance?
With the list of new expenditures constantly growing, has the Ford government abandoned the idea of restoring balance? In fact, the Progressive Conservatives had already announced that they would not write a budget in black ink in their first term. However, reaching equilibrium would not be so far away.
The province is on track to balance the budget by 2023-24, according to a recent analysis by Ontario’s financial watchdog. The Financial Accountability Office (FAO) even believes that Ontario could even post multi-billion dollar surpluses in subsequent years due to strong revenue growth.
Boost for the automotive sector
Doug Ford has handed out some $900 million to the auto industry in recent weeks. The Prime Minister took part in three major announcements to support the relaunch of the sector and its transition to the manufacture of electric vehicles.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford (left) with Federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne, among others.
Photo: CBC/Meagan Fitzpatrick
Honda Canada, GM Canada and the consortium of electronics giant LG and automaker Stellantis have all been awarded grants. The government will not fail to highlight these investments in the budget presented on Thursday.
If he returns to power after June 2, Doug Ford could decide to table essentially the same budget a second time. With his new government, he will have to decide whether to do so soon after the election or whether it is better to wait until September.
Reference-ici.radio-canada.ca