Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae has high hopes that the provincial government’s new plan can help out rural communities.
Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy introduced this year’s Fall Economic Statement, a plan aiming to build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy.
The statement includes rebating the full provincial portion of the HST for first-time home buyers of most new homes, permanently reducing gas and fuel tax rates, making sure electricity bills remain affordable, investing $100 million to help small and medium businesses, investing over $250 million to create and expand 75 extra primary care teams, putting in $1.1 billion to extend home care services, and an extra $1.6 billion to speed up construction of homes and critical infrastructure.
Rae said the statement comes in the face of U.S. tariffs affecting Ontario workers and communities.
“It has never been more important for the government to deliver on its plan to protect Ontario.”
“We continue to make historic investments in highways, transit, health care and all the other services our communities rely on, so we can build for our growing province.”
He said that families deserve more money back in their pockets and increasing taxes hurt families and make Ontario less competitive in the global market.
This comes as the provincial government has committed nearly $11.5 billion in relief for individuals and families for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
The province’s 2025-2026 deficit looks to be $13.5 billion, up $1.1 billion from the previous budget.
