Ontario budget forecasts $14.6B deficit, slower growth in wake of U.S. tariffs

The budget is also pledging a new program that would provide up to $40 million in grants for communities impacted by trade disruptions.

The government also plans to invest an additional $1 billion over the next three years to train skilled workers.

The budget says the government will invest more than $235 million this year to establish and expand up to 80 more primary care teams, which it says will connect 300,000 more people to primary care.

It also says it will invest up to $280 million over two years to support the expansion of integrated health service centres that will help more Ontarians access MRI and CT scans, among other services.

The budget pledges a new refundable tax credit to support 25 per cent of fertility treatment expenses, for a maximum credit of $5,000 per year.

It also plans to increase the province’s investment to the Ontario Autism Program, bringing this year’s total funding to $779 million.

The budget is promising close to $2 billion for the upcoming school year to repair and maintain schools. Last December, the province’s fiscal watchdog found that the province has a $12.7-billion school repair and construction backlog, and it would cost $31.4 billion over 10 years to clear it.

The budget is also pledging $10 million over three years to create new scholarship opportunities for First Nations post-secondary students interested in pursuing careers in resource development.

It’s also earmarking an additional $207 million over three years in funding for research at Ontario universities.

The budget outlines an increase to the Liquor Control Board of Ontario’s wholesale discount rate from 10 per cent to 15 per cent for bars, restaurants, convenience stores and LCBO convenience outlets until the end of this year. The budget estimates the measure will save Ontario businesses about $56 million.

The budget also proposes an Ontario Grape Support Program to provide up to $35 million in annual support for eligible wineries until 2029-30, with total program funding of $175 million. It says it anticipates the move will double the percentage of Ontario grapes in blended wine.

It further outlines plans to expand its investment in the VQA Wine Support Program to $84 million annually, with total program funding of $420 million over the next five years.

The government also plans to introduce changes for retail cannabis stores to “improve their outside visibility.”

SECURITY AND PUBLIC SAFETY

The budget proposes $1 billion in funding to expand and renovate the Ontario Police College in Aylmer, Ont., and a new Ontario Provincial Police academy in Orillia, Ont. It also proposes $8.8 million to support a one-time additional intake of up to 300 recruits in the basic constable training program.

It’s proposing an additional $113 million over the next three years to combat illegal cross-border activity through measures such as air patrols and firearm seizures.

It earmarks $57 million for two new helicopters for police in Niagara Region and Windsor. Last year, the government announced $134 million for five helicopters for the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa.

The budget also earmarks $6 million to help tackle auto theft in the province, and $12.8 million this year to help faith-based and cultural organizations implement safety measures such as hiring security staff and building repairs.

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