Back in black: Well, back to balance at least
The Liberals are not forecasting a surplus but are in the position to do so by using prudent forecasting measures. The deficit peaked in the last recession at $19 billion in 2009.
MORE: Ontario’s budget-balancing act is based on some risky assumptions
Deficits aside, the debt has ballooned and needs attention
Since the recession in 2009, the Ontario debt grew by nearly half when measured against GDP. Debt is starting to slide from a peak of 39.1% of GDP but is only projected to recover to 2009 levels of 27% in 2030, 21 years later.
Look! No more bad debt
Just good debt. Lots of it! Accumulated deficits accounted for 61% of the run-up in debt between 2008 and 2016.
Net givers to rest of Canada
Ontario contributes $7.1 billion to the equalization program, while receiving $1.4 billion, for a net contribution of $5.7 billion. Quebec benefits most, with a net $7.6 billion received.
Ontario’s sweet spot
Ontario has been in an economic sweet spot in the past few years, fuelled by strong corporate profits, employment gains and a red-hot housing marketing in the GTA.
How much Ontario pays on its debt
In 1990, the province paid 10.9% on its debt. Today, thanks to generation-low interest rates, that amount is down almost two-thirds. Beware higher rates. If rates were to increase 1 percentage point, that would mean a $300 million hit on interest. Ontario pays $11.25 billion on its debt interest this year, which adds up to 8.2 cents of every revenue dollar it takes in.
READ: How Ontario’s 2017 budget will affect your pocketbook
Trump Factor No. 1
If the U.S. president goes ahead with his plan for aggressive cuts to corporate taxes in the U.S., it will put pressure on Ontario to cut as well, which would put a strain on provincial revenues.
Trump Factor No. 2
Ontario relies on trade with its largest trading partner to the south. Exports account for 36% of the province’s GDP and the U.S. takes 81% of that trade. Ontario is the top export market for 20 U.S. states.
