We are committed to ensuring that all families can find and afford high-quality childcare services without sacrificing their financial stability.

Implementation:

To fulfill this promise, we will establish a tiered pricing structure based on family income, ensuring that those with lower incomes pay less while still receiving the same high-quality care as others. Additionally, we will offer scholarships and flexible payment plans for families who face financial challenges. Regular market assessments will help us remain competitive and adjust our pricing to meet the needs of the community better.

Reasoning:

Affordable childcare is essential for supporting working families and stimulating the economy. When families can access reasonably priced childcare, they can pursue employment opportunities, knowing their children are receiving quality care and education. This accessibility reduces stress on parents, allowing them to focus on their careers and improve their overall well-being, while children benefit from a stable, nurturing environment.

Nuance:

While affordable pricing is crucial, it’s equally important to maintain the quality of care provided. Balancing affordability with the hiring of skilled educators and maintaining safe facilities can be a challenge. By operating efficiently and prioritizing funding sources such as grants and community partnerships, we can ensure that affordability does not compromise the standards of care. Moreover, engaging families in discussions about pricing transparency fosters trust and helps them understand the value of the services provided.

In Waterloo, we understand that today's children will be tomorrow's leaders in technology, robotics, and electric vehicles. Our commitment is to provide an educational environment that sparks critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability, preparing our children for the challenges and opportunities that lie

Implementation:

To bring this vision to life, we will revamp our childcare curriculum to incorporate hands-on learning experiences that focus on technology and engineering. This includes introducing coding classes, robotics clubs, and sustainable practices related to electric vehicles. Educators will receive specialized training to inspire curiosity and innovation. We will also partner with local tech companies to provide real-world insights and resources for our children.

Reasoning:

In an era where artificial intelligence and advanced technologies shape our world, it's imperative that we equip our children with the necessary skills to navigate and thrive in this landscape. By fostering critical thinking and technical expertise, we can cultivate a generation that is not only prepared for future careers but also capable of driving positive change in the world around them.

Additionally, by nurturing local skilled professionals, we reduce our reliance on outsourcing and prevent shortages of skilled workers in Waterloo. Investing in our youth ensures that our community remains self-sufficient and competitive in a rapidly evolving job market.

Furthermore, when students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed for high-tech careers, they can approach their futures with confidence—eliminating the fear of job displacement in an automated world. Currently, we see that the curriculum does not adequately prepare students for this high-tech future; the last major revision of the curriculum at the elementary level in the Waterloo District School Board took place over a decade ago. It’s time for a radical change that aligns education with the demands of today’s and tomorrow’s workforce.

Nuance:

While we push for a curriculum rich in technology, we must also prioritize holistic development. Balancing technical skills with social-emotional learning is essential for well-rounded growth. We will work to create a learning environment that encourages collaboration and communication alongside technical proficiency, ensuring that children are prepared not just as individuals but as engaged members of a community ready to tackle the future head-on.

Let’s ignite this radical change in Waterloo childcare education — for our children, for our community, and for a brighter tomorrow!

"We will establish a wage grid for child care workers and ensure decent work standards to keep them on the job." — On Your Side: The Ontario NDP Plan for the North, retrieved 2025-02-20

"We will ensure access to French language education programs close to home, and invest in French-language child care, a proven gateway to French language education." — On Your Side: The Ontario NDP Plan for the North, retrieved 2025-02-20

We pledge to transform the food industry by implementing a pragmatic approach that directly addresses rising food costs while simultaneously supporting local agriculture. Our commitment is to innovate solutions that have yet to be practiced effectively in our community, paving the way for a sustainable and economically viable food system.

Implementation:

To achieve this promise, we will establish direct partnerships with local farmers and producers, creating a local food network that reduces transportation costs and ensures fresher produce. We will promote community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, enabling families to buy shares of local farms, providing them with seasonal produce at a lower cost. To mitigate the impact of extreme weather on agriculture, we will invest in greenhouse technologies and vertical farming, allowing local growers to produce food year-round, regardless of external conditions. Additionally, we will host workshops and educational programs to encourage urban gardening and local food production, empowering residents to contribute to the solution.

Reasoning:

By supporting local agriculture and creating direct supply chains, we reduce reliance on large-scale food distributors and mitigate the impact of supply chain disruptions. This initiative not only stabilizes food costs but also promotes the local economy, creating jobs in agriculture and related sectors. Furthermore, providing fresher, locally sourced food has proven health benefits for communities, from improved nutrition to increased food security.

Nuance:

While our focus is on reducing food costs and supporting local agriculture, we must also consider the challenges that farmers face, such as unpredictable weather and market fluctuations. Addressing these issues requires a flexible approach that encourages innovation and resilience in the agricultural sector. By investing in research and development of sustainable farming practices and providing resources to help farmers adapt to changing conditions, we can create a robust system that not only lowers food costs but also strengthens the community's food supply chain. Transparency in pricing and sourcing will further foster community trust and engagement, ensuring everyone benefits from these new initiatives.

We promise to create a robust network that connects local agricultural experts with small-scale farmers in Waterloo. By fostering collaboration with soil scientists, agricultural specialists, and climate experts, we’ll cultivate a sustainable food ecosystem that stabilizes costs and minimizes product spoilage.

Implementation:

To realize this vision, we will establish a dedicated advisory team comprising soil experts, agricultural scientists, and climate specialists. This team will work closely with local farmers to provide tailored advice on best practices for soil health, crop selection, and adaptive strategies for changing climate conditions. Additionally, we will advocate for a government initiative to purchase crops directly from these small-scale farmers, ensuring they have a reliable market for their goods. This government-backed model will reduce the risk of spoilage for farmers, as they will have guaranteed sales, and it will facilitate a local distribution system that directly connects these products with the community.

Reasoning:

This approach not only supports local farmers by providing them with expert guidance and reduced risk but also strengthens the local economy as government purchases circulate back into the community. By implementing this model, we can drastically reduce food waste and create a stable supply of fresh produce for residents. Moreover, when local farmers thrive, it cultivates a resilient agricultural sector capable of meeting the demands of the community, ultimately leading to more affordable food costs for everyone.

Nuance:

While this strategy aims to create a seamless connection between agriculture and local distribution, challenges may arise, such as variations in crop yields and changing market demands. Ensuring that small-scale farmers can adapt to these variables while maintaining sustainability requires ongoing support and resources. Utilizing data-driven approaches and technology, we can monitor crop progress and demand trends, allowing for agile adjustments in production and distribution. Furthermore, transparency in government purchases and distribution practices will foster trust among farmers and consumers, ensuring that the community understands the value of supporting local agriculture while also receiving fresh, high-quality food.

"Designing a refundable tax credit in Ontario linked to food purchased from stores indicators from the Ontario Consumer Price Index (O-CPI) and phased in similarly to the Ontario Childcare Access and Relief from Expenses (CARE) Tax Credit requires a structured approach that balances inflation responsiveness, income sensitivity, and administrative feasibility.

The NDP’s Monthly Grocery Rebate would be delivered to Ontarians on a monthly basis. The baseline credit/benefit is tied to the cost of a basket of essential food items, how much each family spent on the basket of essential food items annually before Ford became Premier, and how much that price has increased since. The amount is increased given changes to the price of the basket of essential food items in grocery stores. The rebate is non-taxable and recipients are identified based on 2024 tax filings.

This design ensures the credit adapts to rising food costs while targeting low-to-moderate-income families. By borrowing some successful elements from Ontario’s existing refundable credits (e.g., the CARE Tax Credit’s phase-in structure and the Trillium Benefit’s inflation adjustments), it balances equity, efficiency, and simplicity.

Eligibility Criteria

Residency: Recipients must be Ontario residents as of December 31 of the tax year.

Income Threshold: Introduce a phased-in structure where the credit amount decreases as household income rises.

• Full credit for family households with adjusted net income ≤ $65,000; full credit for individuals with adjusted net income ≤$50,000.

• Partial credit phased out by 3.5% of family household income exceeding $65,000, and reaching zero at $100,000 (final phase-out credit = 51%)

• Partial credit phased out by 3.5% of individual income exceeding $50,000, and reaching zero at $65,000 (final phase-out credit = 51%)

Base Credit: Provides $40 per adult in each household.

Family Size Adjustments: Provide additional amounts per dependent (eg $20 base credit per child under 18) to reflect higher food costs for larger households."

— ontariondp.ca, retrieved 2025-02-20

"We will create an office for a provincial Consumer Watchdog that will be a one stop shop for consumer complaints. A core challenge of consumer protection in Ontario that enforcement requires the individual to pursue legal action, or the Government of Ontario to impose a fine on those who violate it. You shouldn't need a lawyer to stop corporations from gouging you with deceptive pricing. The Consumer Watchdog would hold the power to investigate businesses or other entities on consumer protection laws or practices. They could release public reports similar to the Auditor General or the Ombudsman of Ontario, and to level fines or other penalties against businesses found to be in violation of consumer protection legislation." — ontariondp.ca, retrieved 2025-02-20

"We will establish a Corporate Crime and Competition Bureau to enforce competition laws and prevent coordinated price hikes among Ontario grocers. The Bureau would focus on actively monitoring large corporations and conspiracies that would otherwise be nearly impossible to detect at the consumer level." — ontariondp.ca, retrieved 2025-02-20

"Feed students. Kids can’t learn on an empty stomach. Families are facing record high grocery bills, and inflation from tariffs could drive up costs even further. We’ll create a universal School Food Program so that every child in Ontario is set up to succeed. Ontario already feeds some kids in school, we’ll expand it for all and use fresh food prepared and grown right here in Ontario to do it. We can help kids focus on their teacher, not their hunger, and give families some financial relief." — ontariondp.ca, retrieved 2025-02-20

We are committed to providing affordable and eco-friendly transportation options for the Waterloo community. Our goal is to reduce the costs associated with commuting while implementing sustainable practices that protect our environment.

Implementation:

To make this promise a reality, we will invest in a fleet of electric and hybrid vehicles for public transportation, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, we will offer subsidized fares for low-income commuters and implement a community ride-sharing program that connects residents with nearby destinations. We will also work with local businesses to create incentives for employees who choose public transportation over driving, thereby decreasing traffic congestion and overall emissions.

Reasoning:

Affordable and reliable transportation is crucial for facilitating access to jobs, education, and essential services. By providing low-cost transportation options, we can help alleviate the financial burden on residents while encouraging more people to leave their cars at home. This will not only improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also foster a sense of community as residents come together to use shared transportation solutions.

Nuance:

While enhancing the affordability and sustainability of transportation is essential, we must also recognize the challenges related to infrastructure and the transition to electric and hybrid vehicles. Creating charging stations and ensuring maintenance for a new fleet requires significant investment and planning. By collaborating with local governments and businesses to secure funding and resources, we can develop a comprehensive strategy that addresses these challenges. Additionally, gathering community feedback will ensure that our transportation solutions meet the needs of all residents, fostering trust and engagement in the process.

"Permanently cutting the provincial tax on gas by 5.7 cents per litre and on diesel by 5.3 cents, for total savings of 10.7 cents per litre of gas when combined with the PCs’ cancellation of the Liberal cap-and-trade carbon tax. Since the gas tax cuts were first introduced, the Ontario PCs have saved the average driver more than $400." — ontariopc.ca, retrieved 2025-02-19

"Commuters in Niagara will finally be able to ride on the long-planned and long-delayed expansions and improvements to the GO Lakeshore West rail line, including moving ahead on the Grimsby GO station and restoring reliable express GO service." — On Your Side: The Ontario NDP Plan for Southwest Ontario & Niagara, retrieved 2025-02-20

"We’ll cost share municipal transit operating funding 50-50 to improve reliability and affordability." — On Your Side: The Ontario NDP Plan for Southwest Ontario & Niagara, retrieved 2025-02-20

"A re-elected PC government would upload the Ottawa LRT, subject to due diligence, and integrate its operations under Metrolinx. This integration would create new opportunities to reduce costs and improve services through greater economies of scale and expertise in managing large projects, particularly as the LRT project completes Stage 2 and begins Stage 3 expansion." — ontariopc.ca, retrieved 2025-02-19

"When fully realized, GO 2.0 would support the creation of multiple new lines, including a line running through mid-town Toronto, a line from Bolton to Union Station via Woodbridge and Etobicoke, as well as extensions and improvements to existing lines, including Richmond Hill." — ontariopc.ca, retrieved 2025-02-19

"Moving up the Sheppard East subway extension to connect the TTC’s Line 4 with the Scarborough Subway Extension at Sheppard Ave. East and McCowan Road." — ontariopc.ca, retrieved 2025-02-19

"Working in partnership with the federal government, CPKC and CN to ensure continued and reliable freight rail access throughout the region, a re-elected PC government would seek to build a freight rail bypass along the Highway 407 corridor in Peel Region that would take freight rail around the City of Toronto to reduce congestion and free up existing rail capacity for passenger train service." — ontariopc.ca, retrieved 2025-02-19