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TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Ford government today released its Fall Economic Report, giving Ontarians an update on the government’s priorities. The Ontario Federation of Labor (OFL) says today’s announcement shows yet again that the Ford government is determined to starve public services while sector after sector faces crisis.
“Government budgets are about choices,” said OFL President Patty Coates. “Ontario’s health care system is in crisis. Our education system deserves better funding. But the Ford Conservatives are choosing to invest in corporate interests while too many Ontarians are struggling.
The government is touting $8.7 billion in support for businesses this year alone, while workers have been left in the dust, according to the OFL.
“Instead of raising the minimum wage to $20 an hour, this government is choosing to let people rely on food banks. Instead of repealing Bill 124, the wage cap for public sector workers, this government is facing the consequences of high turnover. Instead of paying educators fairly, it broke government their charter rights and bought parents with guidance,” added Coates.
The OFL says the Ford government is making these choices despite being financially healthy. “We cannot afford to further starve our public services. Ontarian lives depend on it,” said Coates.
According to the OFL, decades of underfunding and underinvestment in Ontario’s public services have caused communities across the province to suffer. Ontario spends the least per capita on program costs of all provinces. Coates added: “The patient experience in our healthcare system is only going to get worse as A&Es and ICUs reach breaking point. Ford chooses to incite these crises. It doesn’t have to be that way.”
“While Ontarians are facing a cost-of-living crisis, Ford’s answer is gas cuts and license plate discounts. Those are not the answer,” Coates said. “With Ontario’s budget still sound, now is the time to invest in the people and services that make this province work.”
Ontario Federation of Labour represents 54 unions and one million workers in Ontario. Visit for information www.OFL.ca and follow @OFLabour Facebook and Twitter.
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