Ontario Construction News staff writer
The fall economic statement delivered by the federal government on Tuesday is getting one thumbs up and one thumbs down from the provincial government.
“Our government supports the federal government’s new measures to encourage increased housing supply,” said provincial finance minister Peter Bethlenfalvy. “These policies, including $15 billion in new funding under the apartment construction loan program, build on the recent decision to remove the HST from purpose-built rental housing, making it cheaper and easier to build badly needed rental homes.
However, we were disappointed by the federal government’s failure to provide significant new funding for the critical infrastructure our growing communities need.”
Ontario is looking for “a next generation infrastructure program” that aligns with provincial infrastructure priorities and is “flexible, predictable and fair.” Also, they are asking the federal government to provide funding that builds on the recently announced $200-million Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund to repair, rehabilitate and expand critical water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.
”We are also disappointed that the federal government has ignored calls from governments across Canada to treat all Canadians fairly by removing its carbon tax from all forms of home heating,” Bethlenfalvy said. “We know the federal carbon tax is increasing the cost of everything, from home heating to gasoline to groceries, and that the most effective way to offer relief to families and support economic growth is to remove the tax completely.
“In the meantime, we continue to call on the federal government to do the right thing, treat all Canadians fairly and remove its carbon tax on all forms of home heating.
In addition to funding critical infrastructure, the federal government must meet its obligation to support Ontario municipalities that are struggling to cope with the record number of asylum claimants that have come to Ontario over the past year, the finance minister said.
“With ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges, our government will continue our responsible, targeted approach to build a strong Ontario. Canada and Ontario have worked together over the years to tackle pressing issues amid this uncertainty—and we must continue to do so.”