NDP: Latest FAO report shows Ford’s decisions are leaving Ontarians behind

QUEEN’S PARK — Following the latest report by Ontario’s Financial Accountability Office (FAO), NDP Shadow Finance Minister Jessica Bell (University—Rosedale), and Shadow Minister for Economic Development Catherine Fife (Waterloo) say that the message is clear: Ontario is continuing to fall further behind under Doug Ford.

“This Premier’s record is one of pink slips and layoffs,” said Bell. “Doug Ford is a jobs disaster.

“No amount of spin from Minister Bethlenfalvy can hide these staggering unemployment numbers and a record-high provincial debt. We need a plan that brings significant investments into infrastructure and public services — from schools to hospitals — to strengthen Ontario’s economy and create good jobs.”

“Ontario’s youth unemployment rate is now the highest in Canada,” said Fife. “After eight years under the Ford government, people are losing hope, and young people are being hit the hardest.

“By refusing to fund sectors like health care as our population ages, Doug Ford is continuing to compromise our economy. This will lead to more layoffs, and longer wait times to access care. Ford is failing to support municipalities and local economies, while he uses our tax dollars for misleading commercials and long-term projects that will take years to create jobs. Ontario needs jobs, and we need them now.”

BACKGROUND:

• The province set a 30-year-high in long-term unemployment (not including the pandemic) as a growing number of Ontarians are finding themselves without a job for upwards of six months.
• Youth unemployment also continues to soar, while Ontario’s health care system struggles under the weight of chronic underfunding.