Dear Neighbour,
The big news from this week came yesterday with the introduction of the Provincial Budget. The purpose of the Budget is to highlight the Government’s priorities for the next year, outline how those priorities will be paid for, and demonstrate how Ontario will respond to the state of our economy.
My expectation had been to see investments in healthcare and education, an action plan to address the housing crisis, and the restoration of the Science Centre. Additionally, I wanted to see measures to protect jobs, provide tax relief, and increase our resilience especially in tariff-impacted industries.
Unfortunately, I found none of those things.
Instead, the budget projects a $14.6 billion deficit this year, and sees our debt rise to half a trillion dollars. There is no shortage of pet projects driving up spending like the Therme spa, tunnels under the 401 and new initiatives for the cannabis and alcohol sectors.
In fact, the Budget mentions alcohol and related terms 132 times. Meanwhile, as an example, the words “health” or “healthcare” are mentioned only 85 times. This budget has unprecedented spending and now an unprecedented preoccupation with beer.
It feels a lot like the the Premier’s gravy train has now become the booze cruise.
There are all sorts of easter eggs scattered throughout the budget. In case you’re wondering, easter eggs are things I consider to be hidden surprises and things which look good which aren’t.
For example, you could be mistaken for missing a tiny chart that shows this year will have the lowest housing construction starts since this government took office. Or you might be overjoyed to see new announcements in healthcare such as $2.1 billion for primary care. But there’s a problem: total healthcare spending is unchanged, meaning that in order to put $2.1 billion into primary care, the same amount was taken out from somewhere else in healthcare. Where should that spending be cut from? Emergency departments? Home care? Nurses? No, thank you.
Here’s a better idea – take it out of the Therme spa (that’s costing us $2.2 billion) which would even leave some extra money left over to fund schools.
"Show me your budget and I’ll show you your values.” This budget skimps on the things Don Valley East really needs, and spends money on the things we don't. I’ll keep going through it next week (it’s over 200 pages) and provide some more insights in my next newsletter.
Victoria Day is on Monday so I wish you a happy long weekend. Next Wednesday represents sixty years since our province adopted its official flag, hence Ontario Flag Day. And finally, I got married 8 years ago today. Happy anniversary, lovebug!
Legislative Update
While Budget 2025 dominated much of my work at Queen’s Park this week, it’s not the only thing on my mind from a legislative perspective.
The Government introduced new legislation (Bill 17) that hopes to spur homebuilding. It has some good elements to help streamline permitting processes, for example, but it is far from perfect. It defers development charges which will help get homes built, but still passes the cost on to new homebuyers. I had previously suggested a costed policy that would see those charges waived altogether, which I think is a superior approach.
This week, I also participated in a debate that would have designated new hospital infrastructure as a “nation-building priority” under the federal government’s initiative to fund provincial projects that strengthen our country’s independence. The motion listed a number of high priority hospital projects and – while I supported the spirt of the motion – I was critical of the fact that it didn’t oall for any kind of funding for the hospitals which serve our riding, such as Michael Garron Hospital. Unfortunately, the government voted against this motion altogether.
Finally, we learned today that one of the Premier’s former top aides, Amin Massoudi, has been sanctioned by the Integrity Commissioner for inappropriately lobbying government officials. He has previously also been implicated in the Greenbelt scandal. Ontarians deserve a government that acts with accountability and transparency – and I won’t stop fighting to ensure it lives up to that standard.
Constituency Update
This nursing week, I was pleased to join local RNAO Chapter 7 in celebration of nurses in Don Valley East. As an emergency physician, I have seen firsthand the compassion and resilience nurses bring to work every single day.
If you're planning to catch the City of Toronto’s official fireworks display this Victoria Day, it will take place on Monday at 10 p.m. at Ashbridges Bay Park. You’ll find more details on that and other long weekend activities in the Events & Opportunities section below.
Also, if you're out and about this long weekend, please be mindful of ongoing construction on Don Mills Road south of Eglinton that has become especially challenging to navigate due to Ontario Line work. Many residents have noted the sharp turns and swerves, so be sure to take it slow.
Speaking of construction, this week’s provincial budget brought a small update for those of us eagerly awaiting better transit. It confirmed that major construction on the Eglinton Crosstown LRT is now complete, however, there is still no clear timeline on when it will be operational. The Minister of Transportation was asked directly about when we could get a date for this in Question Period, and he refused to answer.
Video of the Week
Upcoming Events & Opportunities
May 15: Splash & Spray Pads Opening
Over 140 water play areas open daily starting Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. until September 14. Find your closest splash pad at this link.
May 16 : Toronto Island Ferry Service Expansion
Summer schedule starts May 16. Avoid peak hours if possible by departing from the mainland before 10 a.m. and returning before the last ferry. Also consider biking on the island with the Bike Share Toronto stations.
May 19: Victoria Day Fireworks at Ashbridges Bay
Monday, May 19 at 10 p.m., Lake Shore Blvd E & Coxwell Ave. Take the TTC if you can, using this guide regarding Victoria Day Service Adjustments.
ALL WEEKEND: Activities at the Aga Khan Museum
The Aga Khan Museum will be running a variety of family friendly activities all weekend. See their schedule here.
Have a great long weekend,
Adil