Northwestern Ontario MPP’s are reacting to Wednesday’s fall economic statement delivered by the Ford government.
Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Judith Monteith-Farrell feels there were a few glimmers of hope for our region.
Monteith-Farrell says the PC’s once again committed to building a new jail in Thunder Bay and she hopes shovels can finally hit the ground.
The NDP member is also pleased to see a cut to the aviation fuel tax by 4 cents since many communities rely on fly-in services.
However, Monteith-Farrell says it’s unfortunate the government didn’t take the opportunity to address public outcry over provincial cuts to legal aid, justice and other programs.
Meanwhile, Liberal MPP Michael Gravelle is questioning the latest round financial figures.
Gravelle fears more funding cuts could be hidden in the government’s mini-budget.
The Thunder Bay-Superior North MPP says “That’s what I fear. I mean I do believe the inflated deficit last year was a way to make massive cuts to the system. Today’s figure of $9 billion, I believe is an inflated deficit amount.”
Finance Minister Rod Phillips stated that they are projected to beat their deficit target for 2019-20 by $1.3 billion.
(Photo: Michael Gravelle)
