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!

"Invest in “ready for kindergarten pro- grams” to provide school readiness to alleviate the challenges schools and families face in transitioning to school" — Our Plan for Fairness, retrieved 2025-02-22

"Accelerate program expansion through access to funding and planning grants for non-profit centres that wish to expand in regions in which more care is needed" — Our Plan for Fairness, retrieved 2025-02-22

"Create a province-wide child care plan that is proactive, publicly managed, predictable and integrated that provides targeted investments and expansions in areas without adequate care that includes clear goals and timelines, especially for underserved communities" — Our Plan for Fairness, retrieved 2025-02-22

"Address the critical shortage and retention of early childhood educators by immediately increasing wages for child care workers through the implementation of a publicly funded wage grid that ensures child care providers have the funds available to pay fair, equitable wages, benefits and pensions while also being able to provide quality care" — Our Plan for Fairness, retrieved 2025-02-22

"Provide adequate funding to ensure the survival of before- and after-school care, including added supports for children with special needs" — Our Plan for Fairness, retrieved 2025-02-22

"Cancel the planned cut of $85.5 million and cost-share changes imposed on municipalities" — Our Plan for Fairness, retrieved 2025-02-22

"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 end the stress and uncertainty of applying at dozens of child care centres and following up endlessly to secure a spot and establish one single Daycare Application Portal for each region to make it easier to find quality childcare close to home." — On Your Side, retrieved 2025-02-22

"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.

"Ensure the existing Federal-Provincial-Territorial grocery retailer code of conduct is mandatory, enforceable, transparent, and benefits both customers and farmers" — Our Plan for Fairness, retrieved 2025-02-22

"Provide start-up funding for community-owned food markets and increase support for community gardens through land gifts and organisational support to eliminate urban food deserts" — Our Plan for Fairness, retrieved 2025-02-22

"Introduce strict anti-gouging and collusion laws to stop grocery corporations from gouging people on their grocery bills" — Our Plan for Fairness, retrieved 2025-02-22

"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 will bring transparency to grocery prices by forcing big retailers to display signage when they raise prices on basic grocery items more than two per cent in a week (by weight, to protect against shrinkflation), and we’ll crack down on price fixing and other unfair practices by establishing a new consumer watchdog to keep food prices fair." — On Your Side, retrieved 2025-02-22

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.

"Undertake a comprehensive review of provincial auto insurance practices and premiums, which have become the most expensive in Canada, in order to bring costs down for consumers, improve accident care and better protect owners from auto theft." — Getting the Basics Right: A Plan to Do More For You, retrieved 2025-02-22

"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

"Implement a dedicated tuition waiver to attract students into post-secondary education programs to earn degrees in careers experiencing shortages" — Our Plan for Fairness, retrieved 2025-02-22

"Immediately reverse the Ford government’s cuts to OSAP by converting loans to grants for low and middle income students and eliminating interest charges on student debt" — Our Plan for Fairness, retrieved 2025-02-22

"Include meaningful consultation with people who have lived experience with poverty and existing social assistance programs in the design of all programs and services aimed at client-centred approaches for reducing poverty" — Our Plan for Fairness, retrieved 2025-02-22

"Phase in a Basic Income, with the first step being to at least double the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and Ontario Works (OW) rates and get rid of aggressive and unfair clawbacks, including clawbacks from the Canada Disability Benefit

1. Eliminate any unnecessary red tape, reporting requirements, and other barriers typically faced by those needing financial support
2. Remove ODSP from the purview of Employment Ontario
3. Ensure shelter allowances reflect the shelter costs where people live"

— Our Plan for Fairness, retrieved 2025-02-22

"Prohibit “payday” lending that takes advantage of those facing financial hardship and work with credit unions to develop a low-cost, small loan alter- native to help people get out of debt." — Our Plan for Fairness, retrieved 2025-02-22

"We will double social assistance rates for ODSP and OW to get people out of deep poverty and boost the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit program to help more people move out of shelters into homes, freeing up shelter beds in the process." — On Your Side, retrieved 2025-02-22

"Permanently double the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) benefits and index it to inflation so that Ontario’s most vulnerable are not left behind." — Getting the Basics Right: A Plan to Do More For You, retrieved 2025-02-22

"Upload costs to the province that had previously been unfairly downloaded onto municipalities like community housing, shelters, and transit funding" — Our Plan for Fairness, retrieved 2025-02-22

"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

"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

"Hire an additional 300 special constables for TTC, OC Transpo, Metrolinx and other major transit service providers across the province." — Getting the Basics Right: A Plan to Do More For You, retrieved 2025-02-22

"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

"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

"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

"Install charging plug ports, cup holders and improved Wi-Fi on all Metrolinx GO trains and Northlander trains to make travelling and commuting more convenient and enjoyable." — Our Plan to Protect Ontario, retrieved 2025-02-26

"Extend the Hazel McCallion LRT by building the Mississauga loop and bringing the line into downtown Brampton, including tunnelling the Brampton portion of the transitway." — Our Plan to Protect Ontario, retrieved 2025-02-26

"Cut taxes for low and middle income earners under $65,000 and households making under $100,000, saving people up to $1,700 per year" — Our Plan for Fairness, retrieved 2025-02-22

"We will freeze income taxes for the 98.2% of Ontarians making under $220,000 a year." — On Your Side, retrieved 2025-02-22

"To help pay for services we all rely on, we will implement a provincial Luxury Residences Tax on purchasing homes over $3 million, bringing in an expected 33 million dollars a year in new revenue." — On Your Side, retrieved 2025-02-22

"We will conduct a tax fairness review to assess whether the current tax structure is equitable and meets the needs of our growing province." — On Your Side, retrieved 2025-02-22

"Introduce the More For You Tax Cut, delivering $1,150 in permanent financial relief for Ontario families. This includes permanently cutting taxes for Ontario workers on taxable income between $51,446 and $75,000 by 22%, from the current 9.15% to 7.15%; as well as eliminating sales tax (HST) on home heating and hydro bills." — Getting the Basics Right: A Plan to Do More For You, retrieved 2025-02-22

"Reduce and/or eliminate personal income tax for low-income workers by indexing the Low-Income Workers Tax Credit." — Getting the Basics Right: A Plan to Do More For You, retrieved 2025-02-22

"Stop giving hydro rebate cheques to the wealthiest Ontarians and redirect that money to help low- and middle-income earners pay their bills" — Our Plan for Fairness, retrieved 2025-02-22

"Provide a free heat pump for house- holds with incomes under $100,000 and zero interest loans for households over $100,000" — Our Plan for Fairness, retrieved 2025-02-22

"We will reduce energy costs for struggling households, especially those in rural and Northern Ontario, with on-bill rate relief for lower-income households that heat with gas, oil or other fuels — to bridge them to conversion to more affordable electric heating. This program will operate similarly to the existing Ontario Electricity Support Program. We will provide monthly financial support to help cover your heating costs, as well as access to emergency financial assistance if you are at risk of being cut off by your fuel distributor." — On Your Side, retrieved 2025-02-22

"We will also enhance Ontario’s SaveONEnergy Energy Affordability program to provide retrofit support to renters and low-income households, ensuring fair access to Ontario’s energy savings programs." — On Your Side, retrieved 2025-02-22

"We will provide free or discounted electric heat pumps to Ontario households, with access to easy interest- free financing. Heat pump rebates of up to $19,500 will be available depending on household income, with an additional $5,000 available for households that heat with propane, heating oil, or coal." — On Your Side, retrieved 2025-02-22

"Mandating shared services between local hydro utilities to support critical investments in infrastructure and save ratepayers money." — Our Plan to Protect Ontario, retrieved 2025-02-26