Laurie Scott is giving the over $158 billion provincial budget two thumbs down. The Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes, Brock M.P.P. says the Wynne Government is trying to buy votes for June’s election.
Finance Minister Charles Sousa unveiled Ontario’s financial blueprint yesterday in Queen’s Park.Among the big investments will be $822 million being spent to improve care in Ontario’s hospitals, and $2.1 billion over four years for improved mental health services. The Healthy Home Program, which will cost around $1 billion over three years, will give anyone 75 or older living at home $750 a year.
Scott says taxpayers will feel the effect of this budget.
Scott adds there is very little in this budget for Rural Ontario, which could end up stretching municipal budgets in Haliburton County.
The government also promised $2.2 billion towards free daycare for preschool-aged children starting in 2020. Last week, Sousa said he aims to balance the books but wants to make sure no Ontarian is left behind. Scott also said approximately a third of every tax dollar Ontario receives goes to pay for the interest on the debt.