A Liberal government in Ontario would count on a renegotiated child-care deal and “efficiencies” in procurement to pay for its promises, which include making housing more affordable and ending for-profit long-term care.
The party released its costed platform at an event in Toronto today, saying it would also draw money from contingency funds that the auditor general has described as “overly cautious.”
If elected in June, the party expects to balance the budget by 2025-2026 – a year earlier than the Progressive Conservatives, who are seeking to stay in office.
But it wasn’t immediately clear how the Liberals would reopen the child-care deal, which the provincial and federal governments signed earlier this year and only allows for renegotiation in Year 3.
The party also revealed the housing plank of its platform, saying it would reinstate rent control and build 1.5 million new homes – also key promises from the NDP.
The Liberals previously pledged to end for-profit long-term care, which they say would cost $50 million this fiscal year, $150 million in 2023-24, and $200 million in each of the following two years.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 9, 2022.
The Canadian Press
