The provincial budget, introduced July 14 in the Ontario legislature by the Liberal government, is nearly identical to the budget that prompted the recent spring election.
Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece calls it bad News for the province.
“Not even the threat of a credit downgrade will push the spendthrift Liberals to change their ways,” he said. “They still haven’t learned that you can’t spend your way out of a hole.”
A credit downgrade could mean an extra $3 billion in borrowing costs every year, according to finance ministry figures. “This will affect healthcare and education,” said Pettapiece. “And it will push even more costs onto our children and grandchildren.”
However, finance minister Charles Sousa says the credit rating agencies like the fact the Liberals won a majority on June 12, stating in published comments that investors are pleased there is a “more stable” government.
Pettapiece believes the budget promises billions in borrowed money for high-speed rail and other “Liberal” projects while giving short shrift to rural Ontario.
The MPP again highlighted the additional $35 million that will be slashed from the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF). This fund is essential to municipalities in Perth-Wellington, especially while local communities struggle to meet their infrastructure obligations.
“Today’s recycled budget is another kick in the teeth to communities in Perth-Wellington,” he said.
“Area municipalities will have no choice but to transfer these costs onto residents through increased property taxes,” he added.
Ontario’s deficit will go from $11.3 billion in 2013 to $12.5 billion in 2014.
Pettapiece is also concerned the budget did not address issues he is hearing from families and businesses in Perth-Wellington. “The rising cost of energy is an issue I heard time and time again at the doorsteps,” he said. “People want to see action on this file, but the budget was silent.”
Pettapiece makes no apologies for opposing the budget.
“I sit in opposition. It is our job to oppose policies we believe are not in the public interest. We believe the budget is not in the public interest, and it certainly is not in the interest of the people of Perth-Wellington.”
Pettapiece was re-elected as MPP for Perth-Wellington on June 12.
The Ontario Legislature is currently sitting in a rare summer session.
