Greens’ demand a budget that puts people before corporate profits

March 23, 2026

QUEEN'S PARK — Ontario Greens leader and MPP for Guelph, Mike Schreiner, outlined the Party’s priorities ahead of the upcoming provincial budget.

“Ontarians have been abandoned by a government that continually puts corporate interests above the wellbeing of everyday people.” 

“People are struggling to make rent, afford groceries or put money aside for the future,” said Schreiner. “In this budget, we’re calling on the government to put everyday Ontarians before the wealthy and well-connected. 

Ontario Greens are urging the government to make bold investments that make life easier and more affordable for everyday people by investing in communities, not corporations.

Budget priorities include:

1. Building affordable homes in the communities people want to live in, close to family, shops, and transit – not where wealthy developers and corporate investors see the most profit. Legalize more types of housing; protect renters; invest in deeply affordable non-profit, co-op and supportive housing; and create good-paying construction jobs through infill building.
   
2. Protecting Ontario’s farmland and water supply by halting expensive sprawl and preserving farmland and natural heritage. Put communities’ water needs before corporate and industrial uses and invest in strong protections for farmland and natural infrastructure.
   
3. Strengthening systems of care by making real investments in Ontario’s starving public healthcare system. Raise wages for public healthcare workers who have dedicated their lives to caring for us. Ensure every Ontarian has access to high-quality care when and where they need it, without barriers. 

4. Keeping energy affordable by investing in made-in-Ontario renewable energy like wind, solar, and storage. Keep corporate oil and gas profits out of our energy bills to lower costs for people and end Ontario’s dependence on fossil fuels.
5. Investing in education and shrinking student debt. Make real investments in public education to address the massive school repair backlog, increase support for Special Education and increase per student funding. Make post-secondary education more accessible by reversing changes to the OSAP grant-to-loan ratio, removing interest on student loans and converting all funding to grants for low- and middle-income students. Level the playing field so that everyone can afford a good education. 

“Right now, Ontarians need a government that has their back. Ontario Greens are ready to fight for a province where homes are built for people, not investors. Where our water is for people and communities, not corporations. Where people can afford to send their kids to school. And where the places we love aren’t auctioned off to the highest bidder,” said Schreiner.

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