Ontario’s deficit will rise this year to $19.9 billion, with the Ford government pumping 20 billion dollars into infrastructure alone, in a budget that holds out hope the province can return to balance sometime near the next provincial election in 2026.
Lyn Smith, of the Renfrew County Child Poverty Action Network suggests there’s a dearth of programming for low income earners and the working poor.
Smith says some form of public transportation would be beneficial, and over the last four years the purchasing power of those on social assistance has dropped dramatically.
The Child Poverty Action Network spokesperson says the pandemic made working remotely attractive- but Ottawans who can afford to relocate are putting the squeeze on locals just getting by.
Lyn Smith says the 2022 budget is an interesting document, without many of the goodies that might have made life better for CPAN clients.


