Doug Ford Outlines Ontario’s Budgetary Needs To Justin Trudeau

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has sent a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau requesting significant financial support for infrastructure projects across the province. In the letter, Ford outlined funding needs for roads, highways, public transportation and other “critical infrastructure priorities” totaling billions of dollars. Ford argued the federal government should be a true funding partner to help cover escalating costs due to inflation.

Among the biggest ticket items, Ford asked Ottawa to commit to at least half the estimated $6 billion cost of expanding GO Transit rail service in Milton. Ford also wants the federal government to fully fund its 40% commitment to four priority subway projects in the GTA. Additionally, Ford called on Trudeau to allow provincial infrastructure developments like Highway 413 to proceed without federal environmental assessments.

Other Budgetary Asks

Ford made several other budget-related requests of the federal government. He urged Trudeau to cancel the upcoming carbon tax increase set for April, which Ford argued will significantly drive up gas costs. Ford also wants Ottawa to eliminate taxes on all home heating fuels. Furthermore, Ford is looking for $1 billion in funding for road development in Ontario’s Ring of Fire mining region.

The federal government did not directly address Ford’s funding requests, instead providing a standard statement about presenting budget details on April 16th. Ontario is set to release its own budget on March 26th. How the federal budget responds to Ford’s infrastructure priorities for roads, transit and other projects will be key, as both levels of government work to address rising costs and citizen needs.