Overview
- Peter Bethlenfalvy said the budget will target productivity and innovation, a more competitive business climate, infrastructure and housing, trade, workforce development, and clean energy.
- He described a balanced fiscal approach designed to mitigate economic risks and preserve flexibility to support public services and infrastructure.
- Ontario is contending with a projected $13.4 billion deficit and fast-rising health expenditures, with $91.1 billion allocated to health care in last year’s plan.
- Hospital leaders report a $2.7 billion operating need and an urgent $1 billion structural gap as institutions prepare three-year balancing plans based on roughly 2% annual funding increases.
- Recent post-secondary measures include $6.4 billion over four years for colleges and universities alongside lower student grants and a greater reliance on loans.