New Democrats claim Ford government hanging on to $20 billion; deliberately under spending on health care, education, and justice – services

By Staff

February 8th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The province has a Financial Accountability Office (FAO) which recently reported that the Ford government will withhold nearly $20 billion in promised spending by 2024/2025.

The NDP Finance critic said: “This FAO report reveals that Ford is on track to leave almost $20 billion on the table, deliberately under-spending on health care, education, and justice – services that are vital to Ontarians.

Leader of the Opposition at Queen’s Park, Marit Stiles

“I am extremely concerned that Ford is taking money from health care and education and putting it in ‘contingency funds’ that are unallocated and not transparent. Ontarians deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent, and the Ford government should be investing in the services that people need, not stockpiling funds with no purpose.

“Budgets are about priorities. This report makes it crystal clear that Ford is not prioritizing the well-being of Ontarians.

“We have been travelling around the province with the pre-budget committee, listening to delegations from organizations that desperately need funding for health care, education, and mental health supports. They are coming to us in good faith, and their concerns are not being heard.

“We need our government to listen to the people of Ontario and commit to spending the money they have on the services we need – not hiding it away.”

Marit Stiles, who now sits in the Legislature as leader of the New Democrats, will be doing some door to door campaigning in Hamilton today.

 

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3 comments to New Democrats claim Ford government hanging on to $20 billion; deliberately under spending on health care, education, and justice – services

  • Grahame

    NDP would prefer to go further in debt …….Did not work for Bob Rae.

  • Carol Victor

    Not surprising…Conservatives always want to look fiscally responsible even at the risk of underspending in areas that need it the most education and health care…they only look after developers and businesses that support them.

    • Philip Waggett

      Not surprised to hear the usual narrative from Ms. Victor. However, you might want to consider that Ontario and Canada are facing multiple crises–housing, affordability, healthcare, and crime that have developed or been exacerbated in the past 8 years. Carol might want to consider who has been in charge during those years.