The Progressive Conservatives are poised to re-introduce their 2022 budget today, almost three months after it was presented to Ontarians.
The 268-page document was first tabled in late April, but before any debate or discussion could take place, the legislature was adjourned so lawmakers could campaign for the June election.
The budget then became Prime Minister Doug Ford’s re-election platform. The plan promises billions of dollars to build and revitalize infrastructure, as well as a number of promises related to affordability, including a new personal income tax credit for seniors.
Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Dowdswell will deliver the throne speech at 1 p.m. Tuesday and then the budget will be brought back to the Legislature. The document is likely to be similar, if not exactly the same as the one presented in April.
Officials have made it clear that minor budget adjustments — including a five per cent increase in funding for the Ontario Disability Assistance Program promised during the campaign — will not make a significant difference to the province’s overall spending plan.
Here are some of Ford’s biggest promises outlined in the PC’s nearly $200 billion budget:
FOCUS ON TRANSIT
During his campaign, Ford made it clear that he had a plan to say yes to building and revitalizing the countryside after the pandemic.
Budget 2022 outlined just over $25.1 billion over 10 years to expand and create Ontario’s highways, roads and bridges. This includes the Bradford Bypass and the controversial 413 freeway, which has yet to be priced.
The government has also committed $61.6 billion over 10 years to transit projects that include Toronto’s Ontario Line — a rapid transit system that will connect the Ontario Science Center to Ontario Place — as well as a number of GO Rail extensions.
The PCs also said they would eliminate double fares when transferring to GO Transit, a promise that would likely affect most local systems except Toronto.
HEALTHCARE DOLLARS GOING FOR INFRASTRUCTURE
The PCs have earmarked more than $40 billion over the next 10 years for hospital infrastructure, something they say is $10 billion more than what was committed in 2021.
No changes will be made to OHIP drug coverage.
Ontario’s opposition parties have called for a new budget to better address other health care challenges, including staff shortages. While health experts criticized the government for not taking further action as emergency rooms were closed and patients were diverted, the province’s new health minister said Monday that things are not as dire as they seem.
“It upsets me, as I’m sure it does a lot, when they find their hospital has to close for four hours, a shift, a period of time,” Sylvia Jones said at a scrum in Queen’s Park. “But to suggest it is in crisis is completely inappropriate.”
Unions have long called for repeal of House Bill 124, which caps pay increases for public sector workers such as nurses, so employees can get what they deserve.
When asked about Bill 124, government officials turned to touting a $5,000 retention bonus they offered employees in March.
Budget 2022 also includes an investment in the recruitment and retention of health care providers.
NEW SENIOR TAX CREDIT
A surprise addition to April’s budget was a personal income tax credit designed to offset the cost of some medical expenses for home care for people over the age of 70.
The credit will offer seniors a refund of up to 25 percent of eligible expenses up to $6,000 for a maximum credit of $1,500.
The credit will be available to seniors earning less than $65,000 a year and is expected to be worth about $110 million in 2022.
INCOME TAX CUT FOR LOWER INCOME WORKERS
The government also promised to cut income taxes for Ontarians earning less than $50,000 a year.
The Low-Income Individuals and Families Tax Credit was originally available to individuals earning less than $38,000 a year.
The province said about 1.1 million taxpayers would benefit from an additional $300 on average per year as a result of expanding the program.
LIFT was first introduced in 2018 by the Ford government as a way to oppose the repeal of the $15 minimum wage, a decision that was made after the Progressive Conservatives took office.
Expanding the program would cost taxpayers $400 million a year.
SAVINGS FOR DRIVERS
License plate renewal fees were waived, a move that will save drivers about $60 to $120 a year. It will cost the government about $1.8 billion. Gas tax has also been reduced by 5.7 cents per liter and fuel tax has been reduced by 5.3 cents per litre.
The relief at the pumps may be short-lived, however, as the government plans to keep these measures in place only until December 31.
OTHER PROMISES INCLUDE:
• A 50-cent increase in the minimum wage
• An additional $3.5 million for emergency preparedness measures
• About $96 million over three years to equip and train Ontario police services to respond to future protests and land border blockades
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