Many Ontarians oppose cutting funding to public programs to reduce deficit: survey

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Published June 9, 2020 at 10:46 pm

investments

As a result of the pandemic, Ontario’s deficit is projected to increase due to the emergency spending required to help those most affected.

However, many Ontarians don’t want to see the government cut funding for public services in order to reduce the deficit.

A Nanos Research survey found that the majority of Ontarians would much rather see taxes on corporations and the wealthy increased instead.

“This poll is revealing a sea of change in Ontario,” OPSEU President Warren Thomas said in a news release. “For years, people have been bombarded by rhetoric from politicians who fear-monger about the deficit and promise to cut, cut, cut.

“But the pandemic has shown the reality that behind every cut lies suffering and death. And folks are saying: no more,” Thomas said. “They’re saying it’s time for corporations and the wealthy to invest their fair share in our province.”

Nearly three out of four respondents—72 per cent—said they opposed or strongly opposed reducing the deficit by cutting funds to public services such as social services, job training, enforcement of regulations, etc.

Additionally, more than four out of five respondents—81 per cent—were in favour of raising taxes on the wealthy, and 76 per cent were in favour of raising corporate taxes.

Further, an overwhelming majority of respondents—91 per cent—believe the government should make job creation a priority, while 96 per cent believe the government should incentivize businesses to begin manufacturing essential products in Ontario.

“Ontario is an incredible province filled with incredible people – we have so much capacity to create jobs, create opportunity, and create wealth,” Eduardo Almeida, OPSEU first vice-president and treasurer, said in the same release.

“And that’s coming through loud-and-clear in this poll. People understand that both public and private sector jobs boost the economy,” he continued. “People want the government to create, not cut.”

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