CBC News (the English section of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) has learned that Doug Ford's government in Ontario is planning to send rebate checks to residents of the province as part of its fall economic statement.

“This move will be a key element in the government's fall economic statement” which will be released on October 30th, according to a source in one of Canada's most populous and economically significant provinces.

The value of the checks is expected to be at least $200 per person.

The Toronto Star, published in Ontario's capital, was the first to report on this step, which comes amid ongoing rumors of early elections.

Ford has ruled out holding early elections in 2024, although political strategy experts told CBC that the possibility of elections this year remains, and he has signaled strongly that his government will call for a general election before June 2026, the scheduled date for elections which falls four years after the last general election.

Opposition parties criticize the move

The three opposition parties responded to the news of the planned rebate checks by criticizing the Progressive Conservative government.

Ontario New Democratic Party leader Marit Stiles wrote on the social media platform X that “Ontario residents know this is a trick from a government that has lost touch with the people (...) and clearly lacks ideas.”

Stiles, whose party is the official opposition in the Ontario legislature, addressed the provincial premier saying, “If you really want to help Ontario residents, here are some tips: Build homes, hire doctors, restore schools, and give people a chance to plan for their future.”

Ontario Liberal Party leader Bonnie Crombie described the move as a “one-time gimmick,” adding that the premier has failed to reduce taxes during his time in office.

Crombie pledged that the Liberals would cut taxes for middle-class families and hinted that she would provide more details about that soon.

For his part, Green Party leader Mike Schreiner pointed out that government checks would also go to the wealthy, including individuals like Galen Weston, the former CEO of Loblaw, one of Canada's largest grocery chains, whose wealth is estimated in the billions.

“Imagine: Galen Weston gets a $200 check in the mail,” Schreiner wrote on the social platform X.

“Ontario residents need a government that stands with them, not one that tries to buy them,” Schreiner said.