Ford’s Fall Economic Statement fails to deliver for working people

QUEEN’S PARK – Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles; and Shadow Minister for Finance and Treasury Board, MPP Jessica Bell are calling out Ford’s lacklustre Fall Economic Statement for failing to deliver a real plan that families across Ontario urgently need as the cost of living rises, the job crisis worsens, and the housing crisis deepens.

"Families want stability and a fair shot at getting ahead,” said Stiles. “Today’s announcement did not move Ontario any closer to that.”

"Doug Ford is a jobs disaster, and this Fall Economic Statement fails to deliver for working people. Ontario’s unemployment is highest in a decade, and our housing starts are at their lowest in a decade. By every measure, this government is failing.”

“Today, the Ford government had the opportunity to deliver real hope: with a real jobs plan, lower costs, and investments to strengthen Ontario. Instead, it only leaves them with more fear and uncertainty. With these cuts to health care and education, this is a recipe for longer wait times, more crowded classrooms, and higher costs for Ontarians.”

“Ford's Fall Economic Statement lacks ambition,” said Bell. “No jobs plan to address the 7.8 per cent unemployment rate and the 1 in 5 young people without a job, and they have thrown in the towel on building homes.”

“Their only jobs plan is their scandal-ridden skills fund and tax cuts for big businesses. At a time when Ontarians are facing severe economic uncertainty, the Ford government has done nothing to make it easier for Ontarians to afford a home, keep their jobs, or afford groceries.”

The Ontario NDP is urging the Ford government to prioritize:

• Protecting and creating good jobs by expanding supports for local manufacturing, small businesses, and Ontario’s critical resource sectors.
• Investing in social infrastructure such as housing, health care, education, and childcare, to attract and retain workers.
• Building economic security by increasing social assistance rates, expanding public pharmacare and mental health care, and investing in municipalities to prevent job loss and homelessness.