Budget 2016 Makes Life Harder and More Unaffordable for Ontarians

QUEEN’S PARK – Budget 2016, tabled last week by the Liberal Government, makes life harder and more unaffordable for Ontarians.

The Liberal Government has promised to balance the budget by 2017-2018, but they lack a credible plan to do so that does not involve tax hikes. The budget forecasts an additional $3-billion in tax revenue this year alone – $1.9-billion in personal income taxes, $700-million in corporate taxes, and $500-million through cap-and-trade.
“If the tax increases weren’t enough, this budget increases virtually every other government service fee,” said Leader of the Official Opposition Patrick Brown during Question Period. “Fees for driver and vehicle licencing are going up. Camping in provincial parks and fishing and hunting licences just got more expensive. Everything from liquor licences and event permits for charity fundraisers will cost people more.”
Ontario families are already burdened with skyrocketing costs of living, including among the highest electricity prices in North America. Rather than making life more affordable for Ontario families, students, and seniors, the Liberals are scrambling for new revenue tools to pay for years of scandal, mismanagement and waste.
“If you drive a car…you’ll pay more. If you heat your home with gas…you’ll pay more. If you camp, fish, or hunt…you’ll pay more. If you are a senior with medication…you’ll pay more,” added Brown. “If you’re a charity hosting an event…you will pay more. This budget makes life more expensive in Ontario.”
“Is there not a single person, family, charity, or business the Wynne Liberals won’t take more money from to pay for your scandals, waste and mismanagement?”