Ontario's provincial government will release its first balanced budget in a decade on Thursday, with a host of new spending measures focused on pocketbook issues it hopes will resonate with voters heading into an election year.
Premier Kathleen Wynne has previously focused on big-picture plans for the province, such as tackling climate change, massive infrastructure spending and pension reform. But as her Liberal party and personal popularity have sunk in the polls, her focus is instead on fairness and everyday affordability.
She recently unveiled a "Fair Hydro Plan" and a "Fair Housing Plan", and this week, brought out details of a basic income pilot project, rehashing the fairness theme, adding that by eliminating the deficit, Ontario is in a position to do those things.
Ontario Finance Minister Charles Sousa has already announced that the budget will contain new spending to benefit seniors, students, parents, caregivers and patients.
Sousa adds the budget will include a public transit tax credit for seniors 65 years and older. He has also promised measures regarding health care, specifically funding to deal with the problem of overcrowded hospitals, which forces patients to be placed in hallways and other unconventional spaces.
No further such housing measures will be unveiled in the budget, Sousa said Wednesday, but there will be measures on social housing for low-income residents.
