Ontario’s opposition parties aren’t sharing the same excitement about the provincial budget as the Ford government.
The budget was presented on Thursday and featured a historic $244 billion in expenditures.
However, the NDP believes it falls short of addressing the five goals they had in mind.
“This budget fails the test to meet Ontario’s priorities,” says Stiles.
“Young people and families are struggling with sky-high rents, fewer opportunities, and soaring costs. Budget 2026 was an opportunity to deliver hope and relief for our province during a difficult moment.”
Stiles points out that the budget cuts funding for education, colleges and universities, jobs, and housing while allocating money for a new Ferris wheel in Niagara.
NDP Finance critic Jessica Bell adds that the budget does not meet basic expectations that Ontarians have from their government.
“Doug Ford had one job: to spend taxpayer money on fixing the issues that Ontarians really care about. He failed,” says Bell.
The interim leader of the Liberals, John Fraser, sees the Ford government as running low on energy and ideas.
John Fraser, Liberal Leader of the Legislature and Education Critic, discusses education funding at Queen’s Park, September 22, 2025. Queen’s Park Media Room screen shot
He states that this budget does nothing to make life more affordable for those living in Ontario.
“There’s nothing in this budget, no HST cut for home energy costs, even though energy prices are going up,” says Fraser.
“If you need a family doctor and you’re one of those two million people who don’t have one; there’s really nothing here. There’s nothing in here that will make class sizes smaller. There’s nothing in here to help kids with special education needs who aren’t getting what they deserve. There is nothing here to tackle the mental health crisis in our schools.”
Fraser notes that for two years now, budgets have been titled Protecting Ontario but highlights recent moves toward retroactive Freedom of Information legislation.
“Maybe this budget shouldn’t be called protecting Ontario but protecting Doug,” says Fraser regarding legislation shielding the Premier from public scrutiny over his phone calls.
The Green Party leader Mike Schreiner also criticizes this budget by stating it does little to lower housing costs or commit to creating affordable housing options.
Randy Thoms is a veteran news broadcaster with over 40 years’ experience. He is based in Fort Frances and covers stories across northwestern Ontario. Contact Randy at thoms. randy@radioabl. ca.
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Randy Thoms is a veteran news broadcaster with over 40 years’ experience. He is based in Fort Frances and covers stories across northwestern Ontario. Contact Randy at thoms. randy@radioabl. ca.
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