Premier Doug Ford used his keynote address at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference Monday to pledge record investments in housing, health care and infrastructure, while vowing to stand firm against U.S. tariffs.
“President Trump’s tariffs are taking direct aim at our country, our province and our people,” Ford told delegates in Ottawa. “Because a tariff on Canada is a tax on Americans. And it needs to end.”
The premier said Ontario has already delivered nearly $30 billion in relief for businesses and workers hurt by tariffs, and is working to make the province “the most competitive place in the G7 to invest, create jobs and do business.” He also pointed to new trade agreements with other provinces, and a $500-million Critical Minerals Processing Fund to ensure resources mined in Ontario are refined in the province by Ontario workers.
On health care, Ford highlighted nearly $60 billion earmarked to build or upgrade 50 hospitals, new medical schools, and $2.1 billion to connect every resident with a family doctor or care team by 2029. “We’re continuing to invest record amounts to protect important services like health care,” he said.
Ford also emphasized buying local, urging municipalities to follow the province’s lead in prioritizing Ontario-made steel, vehicles and other goods in public procurement. He praised Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow for helping secure a contract that will see subway trains built in Thunder Bay.
On housing, Ford confirmed a $1.6-billion boost to the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, nearly doubling the fund to $4 billion. He said the program has already supported 800,000 homes and will help deliver “hundreds of thousands more.”
“We’re making record investments in housing and infrastructure so we can keep workers on the job and help families across the province find a home that meets their needs and their budgets,” Ford said.
The premier also renewed his call for municipalities to cut development charges and for the federal government to remove the HST on first-time homebuyers.
“We live in the best province, in the best country on earth,” Ford said. “Our government will continue working with you to protect our communities, invest in growth and make Ontario safer, more competitive and more prosperous than ever before.”
