January is a time of resolutions for some and pre-budget submissions for others. For the 2023 budget, we’re hoping the Ford government will resolve to boost funding for public services and people by budgeting more like other Canadian provinces.
We’re hoping Ontario will aim to be average.
Because when you compare Ontario budgets to those in the rest of Canada, Ontario just doesn’t measure up. When it comes to per-person spending on public services, especially health care, Queen’s Park is always at the back of the pack, and frequently dead last. From 2008 to 2021—through periods of recession, economic growth, low inflation, pandemic shutdowns, and high inflation—that has remained constant.