The Ontario Liberal government approved what it dubbed “one of the most progressive budgets in provincial history” on May 17.
However, Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece called the budget “reckless” and joined fellow Progressive Conservatives in voting against it.
Liberals are touting the budget as a balanced one that provides:
– universal drug coverage for four million individuals under the age of 24;
– an $11-billion investment in Ontario’s healthcare;
– $1.3 billion to reduce health care wait times and $250 million to expand home care;
– a strategy to enhance care for those with dementia;
– $6.4 billion in education support for kindergarten to post-secondary levels;
– $16 billion over 10 years to build new schools and renew existing ones;
– $190 million over three years to created 40,000 work-related opportunities for students; and
– support for 100,000 more children to get quality licensed child care.
“It’s a reckless budget, and I cannot support it,” said Pettapiece.
“It makes life harder for families and taxpayers now. It also piles crushing debt on future generations.”
Prior to the budget, Pettapiece said the PC caucus called for a plan to pay down debt, scrap the Green Energy Act, put an immediate moratorium on school closures and rein in executive salaries.
“The Liberal government did not adopt any of these ideas,” the MPP stated in a press release.
Pettapiece acknowledged the budget does include some “welcome support” for health care.
However, he said there is “no credible plan” to pay for the measures.
Pettapiece questioned the Liberals’ claim of a balanced budget, calling it “nothing but an illusion built on cash grabs, unauthorized pension assets, and the fire-sale of assets such as Hydro One.”
Yet finance minister Charles Sousa stated in a press release, “This balanced budget makes crucial investments in hospitals, schools, public transit, roads and bridges across the province. Our plan continues to bolster Ontario’s strong reputation as a driver of progressive policy and a leader in economic growth.”
