NDP: Doug Ford makes more cuts to affordable housing, school repairs in latest FAO report

QUEEN’S PARK — Ontario NDP Shadow Minister for Finance Jessica Bell (University—Rosedale) is sounding the alarm as the latest FAO report shows more cuts to key services:

“Doug Ford is making more cuts to the services that people rely on. The Conservatives are throwing in the towel.

“With 85,000 people homeless and rising unemployment, the need for new affordable housing has never been greater, but instead of investing, Ford plans to slash funding to affordable housing.

“The Ford government are shortchanging our kids and making more cuts to education; there is simply not enough money here to fix overcrowded and poorly maintained schools, or build the schools we need. Our children’s future will include more closures, portable classrooms, and sweltering heat or freezing cold.

“Buildings don’t treat people: health care workers do. If the Conservatives follow through on cutting 10,000 health care workers, Ontarians will continue to wait even longer to get the care they need.

“Ontario needs a government that will meet the moment with an economic agenda that prioritizes investment in public schools, transit, affordable housing, and healthcare. We can't afford more of Ford’s cuts — the people of our province deserve a spending plan that creates and protects jobs and gives Ontarians a good life.”

BACKGROUND:

• In 2024, the FAO estimated that it would cost $21.7 billion to bring all school buildings to a state of good repair by 2034. According to today’s report, only $15.8 billion has been allocated for school repairs and renewal
• Ontario has allocated just $1.9 billion to housing capital over the next 10 years, which is approximately a 60% cut from the previous 10 years’ spending.