Candidates pitch education and housing plans at Ontario leaders’ debate

$200 cheques under the microscope

Asked about the cost of living crisis, Schreiner referenced the $200 cheques the Ford government sent out to every taxpayer in the province this year. Schreiner asked why the province would send money to “millionaires and billionaires” like the CEO of Loblaws, “the guy gouging you at the grocery store.”

Ford said his rivals’ opposition to the cheques underlines “the fundamental difference” between PCs and the other parties — that the NDP, Liberals and Greens believe taxpayers’ money belongs to them.

“Let me tell you folks, it’s your money. That’s what you paid into. When we saw more revenue come up to the coffers, we believe that it goes back to the people to stimulate the economy,” Ford said.

Crombie pointed out that in 2018, Ford promised a tax cut that never materialized.