Stiles: Ford helps insiders get richer and hangs everyone else out to dry

QUEEN’S PARK – At a time when people are fed up with the skyrocketing cost of living, Ford’s Fall Economic Statement (FES) maintains the status quo and does nothing to support people through tough times – or earn back the trust of Ontarians while Ford is mired in scandal.

“Times are incredibly tough for everyone right now and this report does nothing to help,” said Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition NDP. “Instead of investing in people, Ford has wasted a year rigging the system to help his friends and insiders get even richer. He’s lost Ontario’s trust and now his government is under RCMP criminal investigation.”

With no meaningful affordability measures, Ontarians will find little relief in this budget. Ford’s Conservatives do not have a plan to make rent more affordable or tackle rising food costs.

“At a difficult moment like this, I expected bigger things from an economic update,” said MPP Catherine Fife (Waterloo), NDP Finance critic. “We need real measures to invest in public services and make people’s lives easier. All people got today from Ford was more of the same. People have lost trust in this government, and after seeing today’s budget – I can see why.”

"You deserve a government that puts you first,” said Stiles. “One that will get back in the business of building affordable housing for you. One that invests in public services to ensure you never have to wait for an ambulance or emergency room. One that supports child care workers, educators, and nurses. Your Ontario NDP are working every day to put you first and bring real solutions to help you thrive.”

QUICK FACTS

• Ford added $2.5 billion to their contingency slush fund instead of investing those resources directly into our schools, hospitals, and public supports. Ford’s contingency fund now stands at $5.7 billion (Referenced from the Financial Accountability Office Q1 Expenditure).
• FES contains no measures to address the affordable housing crisis, including anything that would help the student housing shortage
• This FES doesn’t contain a single mention of Francophone affairs, autism, consultation with First Nations, climate change initiatives, or agriculture and farming support.