cocktail

Thursday March 28, 2024

The Ford government's reckless decision-making, exemplified by the cancellation of annual license plate fees and the costly fallout from unconstitutional measures such as Bill 124, have created "billion-dollar boondoggles" that have exacerbated Ontario's fiscal crisis, burdening taxpayers with a soaring deficit and extraordinary debt.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday March 28, 2024

Ontario’s Fiscal Crisis: Ford Government’s Reckless Decision-Making Burdens Taxpayers

In the face of Ontario Premier Doug Ford's optimistic portrayal of the province's economy, a reality check reveals underlying weaknesses including sluggish growth, rising business bankruptcies, and challenges stemming from rapid population growth and macroeconomic headwinds.

March 27, 2024

In the wake of Ontario’s staggering budget shortfall and unprecedented debt burden, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the reckless decision-making of the Ford government. With a deficit soaring to $9.8 billion and a provincial debt reaching a mind-boggling $462.9 billion, it’s evident that Ontario taxpayers are bearing the brunt of the consequences of irresponsible governance.

Premier Doug Ford and his administration have consistently prioritized short-term political gains over the long-term financial health of the province. Their failure to exercise fiscal responsibility has left Ontario in a precarious position, with taxpayers left to foot the bill for their egregious mismanagement.

News: Ontario deficit will triple as economy weakens, 2024 budget shows

Premier Doug Ford's populist measures, including halting tolls and eliminating fees, may provide short-term relief but risk sacrificing essential revenue needed for crucial infrastructure and public service improvements, totaling over $1 billion annually.

February 17, 2024

One of the most glaring examples of this mismanagement is the cancellation of annual license plate fees, resulting in a staggering annual loss of approximately $1 billion in revenue for the treasury. This move, touted as a populist measure, has left a massive hole in the province’s finances, further exacerbating an already dire situation.

Additionally, Ford’s government has frequently pointed out the “billion-dollar boondoggles” left behind by the previous Liberal governments of Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne. These include the scandalous cancellation of two gas-fired power plants, costing taxpayers over $1 billion, as well as mismanaged projects such as the E-health initiative, the Ornge Air Ambulance scandal, and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) modernization debacle. These instances of financial mismanagement further illustrate the consequences of irresponsible decision-making that Ontario taxpayers are now burdened with.

Opinion: Doug Ford’s free-spending fiscal ways in Ontario are worse than Kathleen Wynne’s  

June 7, 2013

Furthermore, the Ford government’s ill-conceived attempt to impose stringent wage restraints on essential public sector workers through Bill 124 has backfired spectacularly. Not only was the bill deemed unconstitutional, but taxpayers are now on the hook for over $6 billion in compensation owed to these workers. This shortsighted decision demonstrates a complete lack of foresight and disregard for the well-being of Ontario’s workforce.

It’s abundantly clear that the Ford government’s penchant for reckless decision-making has plunged Ontario into a fiscal crisis of unprecedented proportions. The burden of the high deficit and extraordinary debt burden falls squarely on the shoulders of hardworking taxpayers who deserve better.

October 19, 2018

Instead of pursuing policies that prioritize the interests of the people of Ontario, the Ford government has chosen to prioritize political expediency at the expense of sound financial management. This approach is not only unsustainable but fundamentally unfair to the taxpayers who rely on their government to act in their best interests.

As we confront the daunting challenges posed by Ontario’s fiscal crisis, it’s imperative that we hold the Ford government accountable for their reckless decision-making. Ontarians deserve a government that prioritizes responsible governance and fiscal prudence, not one that squanders taxpayer dollars on short-sighted policies that only serve to deepen the province’s financial woes. It’s time for the Ford government to acknowledge their failures and take decisive action to address the pressing issues facing Ontario’s economy. (AI)

 

Wednesday May 12, 2021

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday May 12, 2021

What happens when people get two different COVID-19 vaccines?

As some experts continue to warn of very rare side effects associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine, Canadian health officials are now reviewing the research on mixing various COVID-19 shots.

May 6, 2020

A study of a “mismatched” vaccine regimen is underway in the U.K. — but some scientists say there’s reason to believe that administering two doses of different products could boost a person’s immune response beyond what can be achieved by giving the same shot twice.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) caused some confusion earlier this month when it said the viral vector shot from AstraZeneca is not the “preferred” product given its associated risk of vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) — a condition that causes blood clots. That warning came out after hundreds of thousands of Canadians had received the AstraZeneca vaccine already.

According to the Ontario Science Table, estimates of the frequency of VITT in individuals who have received the AstraZeneca vaccine now range from 1 case in 26,000 to 1 case in 127,000 doses administered.

The risk of developing this side effect, combined with an uncertain delivery schedule for future supply, has prompted some provinces to consider pausing AstraZeneca vaccinations altogether.

Researchers at Oxford University in the U.K. launched a study in early February to explore the possible benefits of alternating different COVID-19 vaccines. According to the lead scientists, the study is “looking for clues as to how to increase the breadth of protection against new virus strains.”

March 31, 2021

The study — otherwise known as the COVID-19 Heterologous Prime Boost study, or “Com-COV” — is collecting data to determine whether receiving two different types of vaccine generates an immune response at least equal to the response that follows receiving the same product twice. (A “heterologous” vaccination regimen is one that uses more than one product.)

Dr. Helen Fletcher is a professor of immunology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in the U.K. She said a “mismatched” vaccine program would deliver some practical benefits — vaccine delivery logistics would be greatly simplified — but there could be another good reason to pursue a mixed-dose regimen.

“I’m excited about the study because I think it’s likely that the immune response will be even better if you mix and match vaccines,” Fletcher said in an interview with CBC News.

Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, said last week the current guidance is for AstraZeneca recipients to get a second dose of the same product, but NACI is now reviewing the Oxford research on mixing AstraZeneca with an mRNA shot.

“There will be further advice forthcoming on that second dose based on the evolving science. We should watch this space,” Tam said. 

Will Canada shorten the time between shots? Possibly. NACI said in early March that, given the limited vaccine supply, provinces and territories may want to wait up to 16 weeks between first and second doses to give more people at least some level of protection.

The provinces have since followed this guidance, with a few exceptions. For example, many long-term care home residents have been fully vaccinated on the timeline recommended by the vaccine makers. Pfizer calls for a second dose 21 days after the first, while Moderna stipulates the second shot should come 28 days later. (CBC)