Ontario

The Ford government appears to be counting on the federal government to step in if the economy worsens — an assumption Nanji called risky, especially given ongoing trade tensions.

While Nanji welcomed long-term infrastructure investments, he criticized the continued focus on the Highway 401 tunnel, calling it a political project rather than a strategic one. Nanji argued that the gas tax cut and Highway 407 toll removal are poorly targeted and largely benefit higher-income Ontarians, while doing little to help those most in need.

On the environment, Mike Marcolongo, associate director of Ontario programs at Environmental Defence was more blunt. “It’s been called a plan to protect Ontario, but it’s not clear where the government’s plan is when it comes to protecting clean water, healthy communities and natural ecosystems.” Marcolongo also took aim at the government’s continued push to remove bike lanes in major Toronto corridors as part of its budget plans.

When it comes to clean energy, Alienor Rougeot, senior program manager for climate and energy at Environmental Defence, said the government is sending mixed messages. While the budget claims to support affordable energy, she says it largely sidelines the most cost-effective solutions — like wind, solar and battery storage. Rougeot also pointed to Bill 17, which she said undermines local energy efficiency rules, leaving Ontarians with higher energy bills and no clear path to reducing carbon emissions.

“It’s infuriating to watch taxpayer money funneled to insider friends, lobbyists and donors while Ontarians are told to settle for less,”Crombie said in a statement. “This isn’t fiscal responsibility. This is political favouritism.”

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ca/post/44184277

Officials with Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) are reporting 104 new measles cases in one week, accounting for more than half of the total increase the province reported overall in a similar time frame.

Don't laugh. There is nothing funny about this. It's your money.

https://archive.is/https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/doug-fords-government-vows-to-protect-ontario-from-donald-trumps-tariffs-with-record-232-5b/article_7efaf6f0-2515-46f8-ae27-0d198a4a7d02.html

Dangerous Dougie wanting to take away bike lanes when Paris put them in. Look at the difference over years.

1. 2024-05-01: Former PC Party vice-president appointed as Ontario judge. Province appointed 2 former staffers to a committee that helps select provincial judges in February
2. 2025-04-28: Ontario looking to fast-track judicial appointments, add more judges to courts. Legislation will address backlog of criminal cases, attorney general says
3. 2025-04-30: Ford rants about 'bleeding-heart judges' who are 'overruling the government'. Ontario premier denounced bike lane injunction, suggests judges should be elected like in U.S.
4. 2025-04-30: Doug Ford's judges 'rant' again sparks fears over judicial independence. Premier mused about electing judges and publicly posting justices’ bail records
5. 2025-05-03: Doug Ford’s attack on Ontario judges should not be shrugged off