Some specific details on the Ford government’s spending plans have been revealed.
Treasury Board President Peter Bethlenfalvy has tabled the annual estimates which provide a more line-by-line look at the provincial budget.
Overall there is $4.9 million more in spending.
“We’re telling all Ontarians that we’re going to spend on those things and protect what matters most…our healthcare system, our education system, our social services system. At the same time we’re telling the people of Ontario, we’ve being forthright and honest with the people of Ontario, that we can’t continue down the financial path. We have to find efficiencies. We have to do things smarter,” says Bethlenfalvy.
Bethlenfalvy admits tough choices have been made but makes no apologies for the path being taken to get Ontario’s debt in check.
He says failing to do so would put in jeopardy the provinces core services.
NDP point out to the cuts identified in the estimates.
Cancer Care Ontario losing $11.6 million. Ontario Provincial Police have $46.3 million less than this did in the last fiscal year. The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) by $222 million and Ontario Works (OW) by $300 million and breaking the brunt of budget reductions.
John Vanthof, Deputy Leader of the Ontario NDP, says it’s clear the cuts are cruel and deep.
