Snappy slogans can’t hide Ontario’s limping economy
Premier Doug Ford keeps telling us that Ontario’s economy is “the best it has ever been”, but the numbers tell a different story. Behind the glossy slogans lies an economy limp-ing along under weak growth, rising unemployment, and a mountain of debt.
Ontario now carries more subnational debt than any jurisdiction on Earth. Every resident shoulders about $60,408 in provincial debt. That isn’t a bragging point – it’s a warning sign.
Look at growth. In 2023, real GDP reached about $852 billion, or $71,659 per person, ranking Ontario just sixth among provinces. This year’s performance is even worse: only 0.8 per cent growth in the first quarter, with projections of 1.2 per cent for 2025. The national average? 1.6 per cent. Ontario hasn’t stumbled this badly since 2016. So much for “best ever.”
The labour market isn’t bailing us out either. The unemployment rate is stuck at 7.9 per cent, among the highest in Canada. More than 700,000 Ontarians are out of work.
For young people, the situation is bleaker still: 14.6 per cent youth unemployment, the highest in the country.
For too many, Ontario now means fewer jobs, higher costs, and dimmer prospects. Add to that a housing crisis where provincial targets are routinely missed, and affordability slips further out of reach.
This is not responsible stewardship. It is self-congratulation dressed up as leadership.
Ontarians don’t need more press conferences and puffed-up slogans. They need a credible plan to rein in debt, spark real economic growth, and tackle youth unemployment with urgency.
Members of the Legislature are not cheerleaders. Our job is to be honest with the people we serve. The truth is Ontario’s economy is underperforming.
Until this government swaps spin for substance, our province will remain stuck in neutral — and Ontarians will keep paying the price.
STATION 71 PANCAKE BREAKFAST from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Fire Station 71 in Navan with a freewill donation to the CHEO Foundation. Come enjoy pancakes with local maple syrup Erabliere des Wats Sugar Bush, local coffee from Papa Bean coffee roastery, and sausages and bacon from Lavergne Meat. After breakfast check out the Navan Fall Fest at the Navan Fairgrounds.
HEART OF ORLEANS MARKET from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Orléans Festival Plaza on Centrum Blvd. 120+ vendors. Free to come and shop. Dogs welcome. Parking on site.
90s HITS MUSICAL BINGO 7:30 p.m. at the Orléans Brewing Co. 4380 Innes Rd., next to McDonalds. Hosted by Shine.
TARTARE NIGHT every Wednesday night at the Orléans Brewing Co. from 5-8 p.m. Beef, tuna and beet options. The Orléans Brewing Co. is located 4380 Innes Rd., next to McDonalds.
