Ontario's finance minister is set to present his budget Tuesday amid pressures to ease the rising cost of living, spur new home construction and plan for larger public sector salaries, all while eyeing an expected weaker economy on the horizon.
"This update will continue with our government's very prudent and responsible plan — and very targeted — to manage the province's finances. It's going to help us stay the course while creating stronger communities, not just for today, but for tomorrow as well." But this moment cries out for more spending both to address an affordability crisis and to help see more homes built, opposition parties said Monday.
Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner said what he wants to see in Tuesday's budget is"housing, housing, housing" because it underpins so much of the affordability crisis. NDP Leader Marit Stiles said in addition to housing, she wants to see the budget prioritize public health care and public education. "They're very aware of the risks and they've been wise in how they structure their finances to try and absorb that," he said in an interview.