Ontario NDP calls for plan to create jobs, make life affordable ahead of the Fall Economic Statement

QUEEN’S PARK – Ontario NDP Shadow Minister for Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Catherine Fife (Waterloo) and Shadow Minister for Finance and Treasury Board Jessica Bell (University–Rosedale) are calling on the Doug Ford government to use Thursday’s Fall Economic Statement to deliver a meaningful plan that keeps good jobs in Ontario, and builds economic security for working people.

“The least Ontarians can expect from their government is a fall economic statement with a plan.” said Bell. “Ontarians want to know if this is a government that will make it easier to pay rent or afford groceries. They want to know what the plan is to stop the hemorrhaging of jobs and help people find good, stable work. They want to know if it will be easier to get a family doctor or help their kids succeed in school. Ontarians deserve a real plan that makes life better, not harder.”

“Communities across Ontario are feeling the devastating impact of job losses, high costs, and economic uncertainty,” said Fife. “Instead of another round of empty announcements the Ford government needs to bring forward a plan that invests in people whether that be in public services, in good local jobs, and in the small businesses that keep our communities strong.”

“That means expanding the Ontario Made Manufacturing Tax Credit, investing in affordable housing as industrial strategy, and supporting local producers through a real Buy Ontario program. Every single dollar of public money should create good, local jobs here at home.”

The Ontario NDP is urging the Ford government to prioritize:

• Protecting and creating good jobs by expanding supports for local manufacturing, small businesses, and Ontario’s critical resource sectors
• Investing in social infrastructure such as housing, health care, education, and childcare, to attract and retain workers
• Building economic security by increasing social assistance rates, expanding public pharmacare and mental health care, and investing in municipalities to prevent job loss and homelessness
• Growing sustainable industries through public investment in clean manufacturing, forestry, and mining jobs that stay in Ontario

Ontarians need to see a plan that makes this province stronger, fairer, and more resilient, not another budget that puts wealthy insiders first. It’s time for a government that builds Ontario up by investing in the people who make it work.