TORONTO - The National Citizens Coalition is deeply disappointed by the content of the Ontario provincial released today.
"Kathleen Wynne's Liberal government has completely failed to address the needs of the province with this budget," says Peter Coleman, President and CEO of the National Citizens Coalition. "They have also made a farce of the public consultation process by ignoring the input and advice of Ontario's taxpayers."
Total public spending will increase to $134-billion in 2016, and the deficit is projected to reach $5-billion. Annual interest fees on the provincial debt will continue to increase beyond $11-billion each year.
"The Wynne Liberals had already decided on this year's budget before the public consultation even began," continues Coleman. "Clearly, they do not understand the purpose of public consultation or accountability."
Increased cuts to front-line health services are expected in this budget, while bureaucratic spending continues to rise.
"This is an utterly irresponsible approach that puts patients at risk. Much deeper and comprehensive reform is required at the bureaucratic level to improve critical patient services and improve our standard of living, not diminish it."
This year's budget also contains several controversial measures including ongoing "green energy" initiatives and a disastrous "cap-and trade" carbon tax scheme.
"These new taxes will be a disaster for Ontario's economy, leading to job losses and reduced economic opportunities in the province," continues Coleman. "We already know that prices for goods and services are set to increase for businesses and consumers alike."
Prices on gasoline are projected to rise more than 4 cents per litre due to this new tax alone. Meanwhile, prices are also set to increase on home utilities and heating.
"These increases will be particularly tough on elderly Ontarians and those on a fixed income. Also, it must be understood that these new fees will have no impact on the environment whatsoever," adds Coleman. "This tax is only designed to provide new revenues for a provincial government with a spending addiction, all on the backs of hardworking taxpayers.
Peter Coleman
President and CEO
Email: pcoleman@ncc-on.org
