Ford’s budget is another blow to Ontarians
Ford government’s budget shortfall soars to $9.8 billion as tax revenues plunge, March 26
The hits keep coming. It is very disheartening to once again see that this government has done little in the budget for the climate emergency aside from criticize the Canada Carbon Rebate. This Conservative government is using taxpayer dollars to reduce prices at the pumps, so help comes at a cost to Ontarians, and there is no other provincial fiscal policy or plan toward bringing emissions down. In fact, its path to increase gas plant market share instead of a faster transition to clean energy, is moving Ontario’s emissions trajectory upward. This budget doesn’t “get it done” or “keep costs down.” Melanie Duckett-Wilson, Newmarket
I was alarmed and downright fuming at Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy’s 2024 budget that will triple Ontario’s annual deficits, shamefully and recklessly regressing back to levels we saw in the Wynne/McGuinty era, unconscionably spiralling debt-servicing costs onto future generations! It’s looking like the only difference is that with oh folksy Premier Doug Ford at the helm our pocketbooks aren’t being hit as adversely as they were with past Liberal and NDP budgets in Ontario or to the painful extent of Trudeau and his carbon-tax-crazed Liberals are renowned for. It certainly looks like any “talk of prudence” was thrown out the window letting down many Tory voters!
David C. Searle, Toronto
With another season of severe wildfires upon us, it appears that Ontario’s FireRangers will have a significant shortage of crews and those on the front lines will once again be stretched too thin. Crew numbers have dropped significantly in recent years, but the number and intensity of wildfires has increased. There is no reason to expect relief anytime soon. While the recent announcement of a $5,000 hiring and retention incentive is welcome, it isn’t nearly sufficient to bend the curve and significantly increase hires and improve retention. The problems are systemic, going beyond just low pay. There is no reason why FireRangers should not be reclassified and afforded access to the same comprehensive health benefits that firefighters working in municipalities enjoy. If government officials are serious about tackling the problems plaguing wildland firefighting they can start by treating it as a profession and not just the equivalent of a summer job.
Richard Schertzer, Milton