Taxpayers in Ontario are set to receive $200 checks by mail early next year, a $3 billion plan proposed by the Premier that he claims is unrelated to a potential early election – although opposition leaders have their doubts.
 

This was announced by Premier Doug Ford and Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy on Tuesday, a day before the province's fall economic statement, which serves as a mini-budget.
 

Ford stated that anyone who filed a 2023 tax return should expect to receive a $200 check, plus an additional $200 for each child.

He added, "These $200 deductions will make a big difference for families across the province, with checks arriving early in the new year."

He explained, "This is money families can use to pay off their credit card after the holidays, or to buy a winter coat for their children, or to cover the cost of fueling the family car to offset the cost of the Liberal carbon tax."

This announcement comes as Ford ruled out the possibility of an election being held earlier than the next scheduled date in June 2026, and while he said he would not call for an election this year, opposition parties are preparing for a potential spring election contest.

Ford suggested the two matters are unrelated, stating that his government has been looking for ways to save Ontario residents money all along, including transit fares, lowering the gas tax, and license plate renewal fees.

He then went on to attack the Liberals, saying, "They will raise taxes, and take money out of your pockets," concluding his response by stating that the Liberals and the New Democratic Party are "essentially the same party."

Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie stated she would donate her $200 check to the party as it prepares for a potential early election, as she was not shy about calling it a "bribe" in providing the money.

She claimed the Premier is trying to bribe Ontario residents with their own money. New Democrat leader Marit Stiles stated that the checks do not provide any long-term help.

She said, "I think a lot of people are struggling right now, but a one-time payment right before an election will not solve the affordability crisis for Ontario residents."

Green Party leader Mike Schreiner stated that it doesn’t make sense to distribute this money without testing any means. He said, "It’s ridiculous that millionaires and billionaires like Galen Weston are getting a $200 check while many Ontario residents can’t afford a place to live tonight."

Ford defended sending checks to millionaires and even billionaires, stating, "They are taxpayers."

"This tax money will go back to taxpayers, and we will be giving it back to everyone in Ontario. And if they have a child, they will receive an additional $200 because life is expensive right now."

Ford and Bethlenfalvy said the government is able to send out $3 billion in checks now due to higher-than-expected revenue, including from the impact of inflation on regional sales tax funds in the government's coffers.