The release of the province’s Fall Economic Statement today outlines the need to balance fiscal responsibility with investments that will strengthen our provincial and local economies during these uncertain times.
Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) are encouraged to see the province investing in industries impacted by tariffs that have affected local economies in communities across Ontario. Industries including steel, automotive, natural resources and the other industries that support them, employ thousands of residents who face an uncertain future. These investments as well as the Ontario Competitiveness Tax Cut will help keep our economy growing and support our workers while planning for future economic growth.
OBCM is also pleased to see continued investment in programs that will reduce housing costs for buyers and build the critical infrastructure needed to build more homes including roads, energy, transit and community infrastructure. These investments are so important as our municipalities continue to grow and have to provide the services our residents need.
In these times we must also remember the most vulnerable members of our communities, who may be unhoused and need our support, especially as we head into the colder winter months. OBCM is asking for the province to increase investments in supportive housing, HART Hubs and recovery based treatment programs, to help those suffering with homelessness, mental health and addictions access the resources they need. To learn more details on what we are asking of the province please visit solvethecrisis.ca.
“All levels of government must work together to invest in protecting local jobs, businesses and communities from the impact of tariffs. During unstable times these investments will help keep Ontarians working now and into the future. We would like to see the province also commit to investing in the homelessness, mental health and addictions crisis that is happening in our streets, an investment that would improve the lives of thousands of Ontarians and their families.”
Marianne Meed Ward
Chair of Ontario’s Big City Mayors
About Ontario’s Big City Mayors
Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) is an organization that includes mayors of 29 single and lower-tier cities with a population of 100,000 or more, who collectively represent 70% of Ontario’s population and almost 30% of Canada’s population. OBCM advocates for issues and policies important to Ontario’s largest cities.
Media Contacts
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Chair Angela Trewartha, Executive Director (Acting)
905-335-7777 647-308-6602