Ontario Premier Doug Ford is amplifying his proactive approach to the new year by reaching out to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with a detailed letter outlining his expectations from Ottawa as both governments gear up to unveil their budgets.
In a missive addressed to Trudeau, Ford emphasized his key priorities, including the Highway 413 project, the expansion of Milton GO train services, and concerns regarding carbon pricing.
The premier has been steadfast in his focus on key issues such as affordability and infrastructure development since the start of the year.
In February, Ford introduced the Get It Done Act, a legislative proposal addressing critical matters such as carbon pricing, road tolls, and regulatory streamlining. Additionally, he announced measures to freeze the cost of driver’s licenses and streamline environmental approvals for certain projects.
Accompanied by his housing minister, Ford has embarked on a province-wide tour, offering additional funding to cities surpassing their housing targets. During these engagements, he has reiterated his opposition to the federal government’s carbon pricing policy, emphasizing the need to prioritize putting money back into people’s pockets.
During a recent housing event in Pickering, Ontario, Ford criticized the federal government’s stance on carbon pricing, stating, “They’re going to get annihilated if they don’t start putting money back in people’s pockets.”
In response, Trudeau has defended the carbon pricing scheme, highlighting the rebates provided to Canadians and addressing climate change concerns.
In his letter to Trudeau, Ford reiterated his opposition to carbon pricing while also requesting substantial federal funding for crucial infrastructure projects, including the Toronto-Milton GO train link and roads in the Ring of Fire region.
Ford also sought clarity on the federal government’s approach to funding new transportation projects, particularly in light of previous disagreements over Highway 413.
Ontario has been pressing the federal government to lift the freeze on Highway 413, which was imposed under the Impact Assessment Act in 2021. Despite legal challenges, Ontario awaits certainty on the project’s status.
As both levels of government finalize their budgets, Ford’s renewed calls for infrastructure investment and policy alignment underscore the ongoing collaboration and negotiation between Ontario and Ottawa. Ontario is scheduled to present its budget on March 26, while the federal budget is slated for April 16.