I hope you and your families are doing well. Our government recently announced the 2026 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario. In the midst of tariffs and economic uncertainty, we are continuing to build the most competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy in the G7.
2026 Ontario Budget
The 2026 Budget furthers our plan to attract jobs and investments, lower costs for workers and businesses, keep life affordable for families and individuals, and make targeted investments in key public services that support the province’s long-term prosperity.
This includes taking action to keep people safe by strengthening bail rules, increasing penalties for dangerous and impaired driving, and ensuring greater accountability for serious offences. At the same time, our government is supporting small businesses by delivering meaningful tax relief, helping over 375,000 businesses save up to $5,000 each year so they can grow, invest and create jobs.
Ontario is navigating economic challenges with a strong and effective fiscal plan while retaining a path to a balanced budget.
Increasing WSIB Benefits
I had the pleasure of standing at the site of Scarborough’s first medical school alongside Minister David Piccini and Minister Andrea Khanjin to speak on our government’s proposal to announce the new measures our government will be taking to increase benefits to protect injured workers in Ontario.
By proposing the first increase to WSIB benefits in nearly 30 years, we are helping more workers keep more of their income while they recover. With approximately 444,000 Ontarians aged 65 and older participating in the workforce, these updates reflect the realities of today’s labour market and help ensure workers never have to choose between recovery and their financial security.
These changes are a part of our plan to protect workers, strengthen Ontario’s workforce, and make Ontario the best place to invest in the G7.
Opening HOV Lanes
To More Drivers
We’ve heard from drivers across our communities that people want more flexibility and less time stuck in traffic. That’s why our government is taking a practical step to make better use of the roads we already have.
We’re opening up High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes to more drivers during off-peak hours, when those lanes often go underused. It’s about keeping traffic moving and making everyday commutes a little easier.
Once finalized later this year, the new off-peak hours will be set out in regulation. This change will help reduce gridlock and keep people and goods moving efficiently across Ontario.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our office at 8130 Sheppard Ave. East Unit 105, by email at vijay.thanigasalam@pc.ola.org, or give us a call at 416-283-8448.