NDP responds to FAO’s alarming economic outlook

TORONTO – Shadow Minister for Finance Jessica Bell (University-Rosedale) and Shadow Minister for Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Catherine Fife (Waterloo) respond to the Financial Accountability Office (FAO) Report revealing that Ontario is facing the lowest housing starts since 2009 and rising unemployment:

“These numbers paint a clear picture – the Government has fallen short in protecting our economy and making life easier for Ontarians. Employment and housing starts are critical to our province’s prosperity. How can our economy grow when people are struggling to find secure jobs and can't afford to live here?” MPP Bell asked.

“Instead of putting the province in the strongest position possible to tackle economic threats and uncertainty, the Ford Government has been focusing on power grabs and causing division.

The Premier needs to get serious about making housing more affordable. That means investing in building non-profit housing on public land, easing zoning rules to speed up construction, and bringing in strong rent control. In the middle of a trade war, we need to be strengthening Ontario and build homes that people can actually afford – not regressing to where we were more than a decade ago.”

MPP Fife added, “The Government promised to protect Ontario jobs, but we are losing thousands in professional, scientific, and technical services – the very jobs we need right now to grow our economy and fight against Trump’s tariffs. The people of Ontario need the Government to act; they don’t need more excuses.”