Andrea Horwath can’t support the provincial budget as is. Even if it means toppling the Liberals and sending voters back to the polls for an election they surely don’t want.
It’s a cruel budget. A business friendly, conservative budget. And one that certainly doesn’t meet any social democratic standards.
A budget that will freeze public sector wages through negotiation or legislation. Translation: Voluntarily agree to wage freezes or the government will impose them on you. Not even the Drummond report recommended public sector wage freezes.
A budget that freezes welfare and disability rates. Without a cost of living adjustment, recipients fall deeper into poverty.
A budget that will freeze corporate taxes at 11.5 per cent instead of raising them. Even most economists agree that low corporate taxes don’t create jobs or fuel economic growth.
A budget that will reform public service pensions, probably reducing benefits for retirees.
A budget that will cancel or postpone $900 million in infrastructure programs and put off $3.2 billion in projects.
A budget that postpones child benefit increases.
A budget that caps health care spending growth at 2.1 per cent over the next three years.
Some pundits argue that everyone is being asked to share the pain. Wrong. It’s social assistance recipients, public sector workers, retirees and other low income Ontarians that will feel all the pain.
The same people the NDP is supposed to stand up for.
The only question that remains is whether or not Horwath and her colleagues will support the McGuinty budget.
Here’s hoping she makes the right decision.
Update:
From the Ontario NDP press release
Today, Horwath unveiled a website and toll-free number that Ontarians can use to tell New Democrats what they like and don’t like about yesterday’s budget. Ontarians can have their say online at www.ondpcaucus.com/yoursay/, www.ondpcaucus.com/exprimez-vous/ or by telephone at 1-855-ONT-BDGT (668-2348).
Support rabble today!
We’re so glad you stopped by! Thanks for consuming rabble content this year.
rabble.ca is 100% reader and donor funded, so as an avid reader of our content, we hope you will consider gifting rabble with a donation during our summer fundraiser today.
Whether it be a one-time donation or a small monthly contribution, your support is critical to keep rabble writers producing the work you’ve come to rely on as a part of a healthy media diet.
Become a rabble rouser — donate to rabble.ca today.
Nick Seebruch, editor
