Ontario Releases $86 Billion 2025 Budget Boosting Skills, Trade, Infrastructure

Ontario's 2025 Budget, titled 'A Plan to Protect Ontario,' emphasizes substantial investments to support the skilled trades workforce, post-secondary education, and innovation amid economic uncertainty and trade tensions. The budget allocates over $1 billion to skills development and training programs, including expansions in construction-related post-secondary seats and facilities, as well as funding for nursing and STEM education to maintain competitiveness in emerging technologies like AI. Local leaders in Waterloo Region have responded positively to the budget's focus on economic protection, community investment, and housing infrastructure, citing a $400 million top-up to housing-related water system funding to facilitate home building. However, criticism arose from opposition politicians, such as New Democrat MPP Catherine Fife, who highlighted cuts to the post-secondary sector that she argues undermine support for struggling institutions. Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy emphasized the budget's role in supporting workers and stimulating the economy in response to U.S. tariffs. Overall, the budget aims to balance economic growth, workforce development, and community needs while addressing challenges posed by external trade pressures.