The Region of Durham has been ignored in this year’s provincial budget, according to Rob Cerjanec, Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Ajax and Ontario Liberal Critic for Economic Development, Innovation, Tourism, Culture and Sport.
Ontario Budget 2026 was presented on March 26 by Peter Bethlenfalvy, Ontario Minister of Finance and a Durham MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge.
“This budget makes it clear that Ajax and Durham Region are not a priority for this government. Families here are dealing with gridlock, overcrowded hospitals and strained infrastructure, yet this budget fails to deliver on the basics our community needs,” said Cerjanec.
“There is no meaningful progress on Highway 401 expansion, no clear improvements to Highway 412, and no new investment in the GO Lakeshore East line that so many residents rely on every day. The long-promised Durham Region bus rapid transit system is still not being treated with the urgency it requires,” he pointed out.
Whitby Hospital
The Town of Whitby had asked for the progress in the budget on the approved new hospital in the town (see below).
“In healthcare, the situation is just as concerning. Lakeridge Health continues to face growing pressure without the level of investment needed to keep up. Emergency departments are overcrowded and wait times remain too high, yet there is no clear plan to address it. The Whitby hospital project is still being pushed further into the future, despite the need being immediate,” said Cerjanec.
OSAP Changes
“Students in my riding have expressed to me the stress and uncertainty that comes with the recent changes to OSAP. Even though they worked hard and got the grades, they no longer know if they will be able to pursue their goals and reach their full potential. We need to be focused on making life more affordable and this includes ensuring access to great education,” said the Ajax MPP.
“Durham Region is being left behind on so many issues. Our community deserves a government that listens, plans, and delivers real results,” he added.
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