Ontario’s Liberals announce plan to cut youth unemployment in half, restore the dream of homeownership for the next generation, and reduce the burden of student debt
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2025
TORONTO – This morning, Bonnie Crombie unveiled a bold plan to restore hope for the next generation in Ontario.
Ontario used to be the economic engine of Canada, but in Doug Ford’s Ontario, an entire generation is falling behind. Young people are burdened with sky-high rents and mounting student loan payments, leaving them unable to get ahead.
“Young people in Ontario are being told that in order to get ahead, they have to leave for Alberta or the U.S.,” Crombie said. “But that’s the reality of Doug Ford’s Ontario.”
“Hard work and education used to be the foundation for success in this province – but that’s no longer the case,” Crombie said. “Our young people are struggling to make ends meet and pay rent every month. It’s time to change it. Ontario’s Liberals will get more for you.”
Team Bonnie will get the basics right so young people can get ahead in Ontario. They will:
Cut youth unemployment in half:
- Support the creation of 40,000 new paid co-op, internship, and apprenticeship positions through tax credits for employers who hire young people.
- Cut the small business tax rate in half so employers can hire more employees.
- Grow our economy and backstop businesses under threat from Trump’s tariffs.
Make education more affordable:
- Eliminate interest on OSAP loans and raise the income threshold for repayment to $50,000.
- Cap international student enrollment at 10% for each Ontario college and university, and expand campus resources and affordable student residence options.
- Fund colleges and universities fairly to help them avoid being heavily dependent on international student enrollment.
Make life more affordable:
- Lower income taxes and take the HST off of home heating and hydro bills.
- Waive the Land Transfer Tax for first-time homebuyers to help you afford your first home.
- Eliminate hidden taxes and fees that add as much as $170,000 to the cost of a new home.
- Introduce fair, phased-in rent control similar to Manitoba to ensure young people aren’t pouring their hard-earned money into rent instead of saving for a home.
Get young people a family doctor:
- Hire, retain, and train 3,100 family doctors to ensure everyone in Ontario has a doctor integrated with accessible mental health services through Family Health Teams.