The provincial government plans to table its budget by March 31, and is now starting the process of public consultations, with a legislative committee travelling the province and an online survey that launched Wednesday.
Premier Doug Ford, speaking after an unrelated health-care announcement Wednesday, said he will"continue finding ways to put money back into people's pockets," citing previous steps to eliminate licence plate renewal fees and temporarily cutting the gas tax."That's the key area - if you have a strong economy, you're creating great-paying jobs, companies and people, they pay up to the provincial coffers.
Bethlenfalvy also wrote that he is glad the budget consultations will have an in-person element this year. The legislative committee started hearings in Kenora, Ont., on Monday and is set to travel through eight other communities, before holding a final day of in-person presentations in Toronto on Feb. 14.
As well, one question says the government is working to address labour shortages, and asks what areas should be prioritized, including employer incentives, apprenticeship and skills training, improving child-care access and supporting skilled newcomers.