Doug Ford shortchanging Ontarians by billions when they need support the most

March 2, 2022

QUEEN'S PARK — Mike Schreiner made the following statement in response to today's report from the Financial Accountability Office (FAO) on Ontario's spending in the first three quarters of 2021-22:

“Today’s FAO report confirms what we all already knew: Doug Ford is shortchanging Ontarians billions at a time when they’re hurting the most.

The health care system is overrun and nurses are burning out. Schools are understaffed, many with poor infrastructure.

Yet Doug Ford spent just 39% of the health care budget and 43% of the education budget. And at a time when the climate emergency is raging and we need to rapidly decarbonize transportation, he spent just 4% of the municipal transit budget!

Instead of $1 billion licence plate sticker election gimmicks, we need to kickstart a green and caring recovery in Ontario.

We can achieve this by investing in livable and affordable communities that are connected by affordable, clean transit. And by investing in shoring up the healthcare system and improving working conditions for nurses and healthcare staff.

Now is not the time to cut corners on recovery. It’s time to get to work on building a more affordable, healthy and green Ontario.”

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