Todd Smith says the 2018 provincial budget is filled with ‘big spending’ and ‘empty promises.’
This comes after the budget was released earlier today. The MPP for Prince Edward-Hastings says Premier Kathleen Wynne’s most recent budget includes a $6.7-billion deficit this year.
As part of the budget, the province says it will introduce a number of significant new investments into health care, child care, home care, and mental health, along with steps to create jobs. However, Smith says the only way the government will be able to pay for these programs is through a $2-billion tax increase.
The province also says it will balance the budget by the year 2025, building on its long track record of responsible fiscal management. Smith says Kathleen Wynne will no longer be the premier then.
Ultimately, Smith calls this a desperate attempt by the current government to buy votes before June’s provincial election. However, he also says he doesn’t think it will fool Ontarians.
Some of the new programs outlined in the budget include:
– A ‘Seniors’ Healthy Home Program’ which will give an up-to-$750 benefit to those over the age of 74 to help them stay in their homes.
– A new Ontario Drug and Dental Program to reimburse 80 per cent of eligible prescription drug and dental expenses each year for those without benefits or OHIP.
– Free childcare for kids from two-and-a-half-years-old until they start kindergarten as of 2020.
– Free prescriptions for seniors starting in 2019.
– An extra $822-million for hospitals across Ontario in 2018-2019 to improve access to care, reduce wait times, and address capacity issues.
To read the entire 2018 Ontario budget, click here.