Premier Doug Ford’s government is set to announce a plan to distribute $200 rebate cheques to Ontarians as part of its upcoming fall economic statement, according to sources close to the government. The initiative, expected to be a central element of the provincial economic plan, comes amid growing speculation that Ford could call an early election, despite his previous assurances that no election would take place in 2024.
The cheques, amounting to at least $200 per individual, will be detailed in the government’s fall economic statement scheduled for release on October 30. The move was first reported by the Toronto Star and confirmed by CBC News through a government insider, who described it as a “signature” feature of the fall budget update. While Ford has publicly ruled out a 2024 election, some political strategists believe that his government may trigger an election before the fixed date of June 2026, fueling rumors of early polling.
The opposition parties were quick to condemn the planned rebates, characterizing them as a superficial attempt to garner voter support ahead of a potential election. NDP Leader Marit Stiles, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), labeled the cheques a “political stunt” that fails to address the deeper issues affecting Ontarians. Stiles argued that if the Ford government were truly focused on improving the lives of Ontarians, it would concentrate on building more affordable housing, addressing healthcare shortages by hiring more doctors, and investing in education by fixing crumbling schools. She further accused Ford of being “out of touch, out of gas, and clearly — out of ideas.”
Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie also criticized the rebate cheques, calling them a “one-time gimmick” that does nothing to address long-term economic challenges. Crombie took aim at Ford’s record, accusing him of failing to cut taxes for middle-class families during his time in office. In contrast, Crombie promised that the Ontario Liberals would introduce more meaningful tax cuts for working families, hinting at more detailed policy announcements to come in the near future as part of their platform.
Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner weighed in as well, expressing frustration that the rebate would apply universally, including to the wealthiest individuals in Ontario. Schreiner pointed out that the cheques would be sent to billionaires such as Galen Weston, the former CEO of Loblaw, arguing that the Ford government was out of step with the needs of ordinary Ontarians. “Imagine: Galen Weston getting a $200 cheque in the mail,” Schreiner said in a social media post, calling for more targeted and meaningful support for struggling families and individuals. “Ontarians need a government that’s in their corner — not one that’s trying to buy them out.”
As the provincial legislature prepares to resume, the political atmosphere is expected to become more charged, with opposition parties likely to unveil alternative economic proposals. With Ford’s government facing increasing pressure over issues such as healthcare, housing, and the environment, the planned rebate cheques are seen by many as an attempt to placate voters ahead of potential political headwinds.
The timing of the rebate announcement has also raised eyebrows, given the ongoing rumors of an early election. Although Ford has dismissed the idea of an election this year, political observers note that distributing rebate cheques could be a strategy to build goodwill among voters, particularly in light of the growing challenges his government faces. The rebates, seen by some as a populist move, may appeal to certain segments of the electorate but could fall short in addressing the larger, more systemic issues that Ontarians are grappling with.
In the weeks leading up to the fall economic statement, more details about the rebates and other government initiatives will likely emerge. Meanwhile, the opposition parties are expected to ramp up their criticism of Ford’s policies and propose alternative solutions aimed at addressing Ontario’s long-term economic and social challenges. With the political landscape in flux, the debate over the merits of the rebate cheques is sure to dominate headlines, setting the stage for a potentially turbulent period in Ontario politics.