In the face of criticism, the finance minister refused to let everyone down. Peter Bethlenfalvy listed all the relief measures that have been implemented in recent months: the end of tolls on certain motorways, the abolition of vignette fees on license plates, the reduction in fuel taxes, per-child benefits paid to parents during the pandemic. The government has been giving money to Ontario residents for months, the minister says. The catch is that inflation remains a harsh reality and new relief measures are missing from the 2023 budget.
“We didn’t wait until today to put money back in the pockets of Ontario residents. »
— A quote from Peter Bethlenfalvy, Ontario Secretary of the Treasury
On Friday Minister Bethlenfalvy reiterated that his budget includes targeted measures to deal with the current economic turmoil. However, with the exception of needy seniors, the document is not aimed at many people. No rent cap, no subsidy for low-income families, no increase in benefits for people with disabilities. NO. For the opposition to Queen’s Park, the observation is clear: the government is doing nothing to strengthen the social safety net, which is crumbling more and more.
Premier Doug Ford and Treasury Secretary Peter Bethlenfalvy assist at the International Union of Painters & Allied Trades in Toronto.
Photo: The Canadian Press / Nathan Denette
In that regard, Doug Ford appears set to pass the puck to Chrystia Freeland, who will present their budget next week. Unlike Ontario, the federal minister pledged to help the most vulnerable citizens. Maybe the Ford government will let them foot the bill.
revenue increases
The province’s finances are in better shape thanks to a rapid economic recovery from COVID-19. The government has taken in $20 billion more than expected over the past 12 months and a balanced budget is within reach.
The unexpected increase in his income would have allowed Doug Ford to be more generous to taxpayers, but he chose differently.
In fact, the government believes that the tax increase offered to businesses will also help people. A side benefit, as the $8 billion in savings for businesses will boost job creation, and those new jobs will translate into good salaries. Thus, according to the logic of the conservatives, the money invested will flow back into the pockets of the workers.
Premier Doug Ford, along with Treasury Secretary Peter Bethlenfalvy, is helping to assemble an island drain at an Oakville factory before the 2023 budget is presented.
Photo: The Canadian Press / Nathan Denette
But the 2023 budget still reveals the gulf between two Doug Fords, the one presenting himself as a common man, and wealthy businessman Doug Ford, for whom the rise in the cost of living is unlikely to be a major source of daily stress.
The opposition parties have been unfriendly towards the government, pointing out that this new budget study does not meet the urgent needs of the population. Those who see the glass half full will tell you that the situation could have been a lot worse. Progressive conservatives have avoided pursuing austerity. No major compression was announced this week, which might come as a surprise.
The first budget after a majority government is elected is often the bad news. We’re taking the opportunity to make quick cuts to push through big unpopular changes, and there’s enough time before citizens go to the polls to forget everything. The strategy is widespread.
Former Finance Minister Vic Fedeli presents his first and only budget in 2019.
Photo: The Canadian Press/Frank Gunn
This time, Doug Ford avoided budget cuts. His government presented a rather beige budget. He too seems to be dodging the waves, still traumatized by his 2019 budget, which had a disastrous reception and was badmouthed for several weeks.
Still, Doug Ford picked the winners and losers of this budget. He prioritized businesses and turned a blind eye to citizens’ financial challenges.
The 2023 budget is titled Building a Strong Ontario. But as one New Democrat representative pointed out, building for whom? Private sector or mere mortals? The question is legitimate.