Ontario Liberals announce tax cuts for middle class families as part of election platform | CBC News
Briefly

Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie announced that their plan for the 2026 election includes reducing income tax rates for middle-class families by 2% and eliminating HST on hydro bills, which could save families around $1,150 annually. Crombie emphasized this initiative as 'real and ongoing relief' for families needing assistance with daily expenses such as groceries and household repairs. This strategic move intends to rejuvenate the party's standing in the lead-up to the next election while addressing financial concerns of the middle class.
Providing thorough support for their proposed tax reductions, Bonnie Crombie estimated the changes would save the average family about $950 annually just from the income tax shift. Additionally, eliminating the HST on residential heating and hydro bills could save households another $200. Her statement underlines a commitment to make life more affordable for Ontarians, especially as they face rising costs in their daily lives.
In a critical response, Premier Doug Ford framed Crombie's tax proposal as a deceptive measure, asserting that she would actually increase taxes rather than provide relief. Ford, calling her the 'carbon tax queen,' suggested that her previous actions during her tenure as a federal MP would lead to increased tax burdens on Ontarians, contrasting his approach of offering rebate cheques.
The Ontario Liberal Party's announcement marks a significant shift in policy focus as they seek to regain footing ahead of the 2026 elections. With Ford not ruling out an early election, Crombie's pledge highlights a keen awareness of the electorate's financial woes, aiming to position the Liberals as champions of middle-class interests in the battleground of provincial politics.
Read at www.cbc.ca
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