Opposition pans Ontario budget for doing little to address cost of living
Ontario opposition parties are not as enthusiastic about the provincial budget as the Ford government.
The budget was introduced on Thursday and included a record $244 billion in spending.
The NDP, though, sees it failing to achieve the five objectives they were looking for.
“This budget fails the test to meet Ontario’s priorities,” says Stiles.
“Young people and families are struggling with sky-high rents, fewer opportunities, and soaring costs. Budget 2026 was an opportunity to deliver hope and relief for our province during a difficult moment.”
Stiles notes the budget makes cuts to education, colleges and universities, jobs, and housing, while funding a new Ferris wheel in Niagara.
NDP Finance critic Jessica Bell adds that the budget fails the basic tests Ontarians expect their government to meet.
“Doug Ford had one job: to spend taxpayer money on fixing the issues that Ontarians really care about. He failed,” says Bell.
The Liberals’ interim leader, John Fraser, sees the Ford government as out of gas and out of ideas.
He says the budget fails to make life more affordable for Ontario residents.
“There’s nothing in this budget, no HST, cut for home energy costs, even though energy prices are going up,” says Fraser.
“If you need a family doctor, you’re one of those two million people who don’t have a family doctor; there’s really nothing in here. There’s nothing in here that’s going to make class sizes smaller. There’s nothing in here that’s going to kids with special education needs that aren’t getting what they deserve. There is nothing here to address the mental health crisis in our schools.”
Fraser says that for the past two years, the budget has been entitled Protecting Ontario, but notes the decision to introduce new Freedom of Information legislation that is retroactive.
“Maybe this budget shouldn’t be called protecting Ontario, but protecting Doug,” says Fraser in reference to the legislation protecting the Premier from making his phone calls public.
Green Party leader Mike Schreiner is also critical of the budget, stating it offers nothing to bring down housing costs or commit to building affordable and supportive housing.
