Budget day
Posted Mar 25, 2010 03:25:14 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Liberal government says today’s Ontario budget will show a lower than expected deficit.
Finance Minister Dwight Duncan announced yesterday that the deficit is $21.3-billion, down 14 per cent from his $25-billion prediction in the fall.
Improvements in government revenues, including corporate and sales taxes are being credited, but the Progressive Conservatives say the fact there have been five deficit figures in the past year is a sign of incompetence.
The NDP say the Liberals inflated the deficit projection last fall to make themselves look good in today’s budget.
Duncan says the government will protect its investments in health care and education as it moves to slow the growth in annual spending.
Meantime, the budget is not expected to include any new tax hikes or cuts.
Premier Dalton McGuinty has also promised help for northern residents and funding for 20,000 new college and university spaces this fall.
