Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound Progressive Conservative MPP Paul Vickers believes the 2026-27 Provincial budget meets the moment for Ontarians.
Ontario’s Minister of Finance, Peter Bethlenfalvy tabled the budget on Thursday in the provincial legislature. It has the deficit growing from $7.8bn last year — to $13.8bn this year.
Bethlenfalvy cited heightened trade tensions with the US, and greater reserve spending.
Vickers says in a statement, “In this budget are key investments. Key investments in our economy, in healthcare, in our social sectors, and most importantly, in the futures and livelihoods of Ontarians,” adding, “These investments will make demonstrable differences in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound.”
Finance Minister Bethlenfalvy said Thursday, “Ontario is navigating economic challenges with a pragmatic and prudent fiscal plan,” adding, “To help the province navigate these times and come out stronger, we are investing in strategic priorities such as energy, critical minerals, key infrastructure and critical technologies that will make our economy stronger, while cutting red tape and creating the conditions for businesses to grow, supporting workers and strengthening Ontario’s economy.”
Vickers says highlights of the 2026-27 budget include a one-year pause on the HST on new construction homes worth $1-million or less, $6.4-billion in new funding over the next four years to support Ontario’s public colleges and universities, an additional $1.1-billion dedicated to homecare and programs to support aging-in-place, and $407-million over the next three years to support Ontario’s community and social service agencies with rising operating costs.
“Today’s announcement of an additional $1.1-billion invested in homecare and aging-in-place will support many seniors and their families in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound and across the province. I have heard from many families over the past year about just how important homecare is, and I am glad that today’s budget will support them,” says Vickers.
Vickers says the budget also includes an additional $1-billion for Ontario’s hospital sector, $300-million over six years to build and renovate community recreation infrastructure across the province, and an additional $15-million over the next three years for rural transportation through the Ontario Transit Investment Fund.
Meanwhile, opposition Ontario NDP finance critic Jessica Bell says in a statement, “Premier Ford had a clear test for this budget: lower costs, fix health care and education, build homes that folks can afford, and create good jobs. He failed on all counts,” said Bell adding, “This budget delivers cuts where Ontarians need support the most.”
“Let’s take a look at the numbers. This budget cut nearly $150 million from education, $69 million from colleges and universities, $347 million from housing, and a whopping $486 million from job creation and training,” Bell added.
The budget will be debated in the provincial legislature and voted on by MPPs in the coming weeks.