Introduction
Ontario has an ambitious plan for the economy. As announced in the 2022 Budget, released in April, Ontario’s Plan to Build is prudent, flexible and implementation is underway. Investments are being made to rebuild Ontario’s economy, bring good paying jobs to the province, build new infrastructure such as Highway 413 and the Bradford Bypass, lower taxes and keep Ontario open.
The government recognizes that while Ontario’s economy is performing well, with low unemployment and solid GDP growth, an elevated degree of economic uncertainty exists. Supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions and robust demand have caused inflation to reach near 40-year highs. The Bank of Canada is now raising interest rates in order to moderate inflation.
These factors have contributed to a higher cost of living for Ontario families. As part of its plan to keep costs down for families, the government will continue to help create the conditions for a stronger economy and is putting more money into the pockets of families so they can invest in themselves and in their futures.
In order to support the Bank of Canada’s effort to restore price stability, the government is committed to ensuring fiscal policy in the province works in tandem with monetary policy.
The government has committed to manage the public finances in a responsible, transparent and accountable manner. Regular updates on the Province’s evolving fiscal and economic outlook, based on the latest information available, help maintain public, investor and market confidence in the state of the Province’s finances.
It is during uncertain times such as these that the responsible fiscal management demonstrated by this government is needed most. In the current high inflation environment, the government is taking a prudent step to improve the Province’s fiscal outlook by reducing the deficit as a result of higher-than-expected projected revenues. This is important in today’s high inflationary environment and for future generations which will shoulder the burden of high debts and deficits.
The next steps in the government’s Plan to Build Ontario will be outlined in the 2022 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review, to be released by November 15, 2022.
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