FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 6, 2025
QUEEN’S PARK — The Ontario Liberal Caucus is calling out Doug Ford’s failed economic strategy as Ontario’s unemployment rate climbs to 7.9 per cent and youth unemployment reaches 17.8 per cent — the highest in Canada.
“Life is getting harder in Ontario, not easier,” said John Fraser, MPP for Ottawa South and Parliamentary Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party. “Families are struggling to afford rent and groceries, hospitals are at a breaking point, and young people can’t find work. Doug Ford is out of touch and out of excuses.”
“To paraphrase the Minister, this isn’t even teeny-tiny tinkering, when what we needed was real action to meet the economic challenges we face,” said Stephanie Bowman, MPP for Don Valley West and Ontario Liberal Critic for Finance and Trade. “Jobs, growth, and responsible spending are all headed in the wrong direction. We needed tax relief for middle-income earners, support for small businesses, and funding for colleges and universities to train our youth for the jobs of the future — and we saw none of it.”
Hospitals are under extreme pressure, with the Ontario Hospital Association warning that $1 billion in new funding is needed just to maintain services. Ontario Liberals are calling on the government to make this investment now to prevent further closures and ER shutdowns.
Youth unemployment continues to rise, yet the Fall Economic Statement offers no plan to help young Ontarians begin their careers. Ontario Liberals have proposed a Youth Wage Subsidy Program to create meaningful jobs and help young people gain experience while supporting local businesses.
The cost of living keeps climbing, hydro bills are rising, and government promises of relief remain empty. Since Ontario’s last balanced Liberal budget in 2017, Ford’s reckless decisions have weakened healthcare, education, and the economy. Ontario Liberals will continue to fight for responsible leadership that invests in people and delivers results.