Ontario's budget plan will subsidize a portion of energy prices for medium and large commercial and industrial businesses.
That will be in a range of 14% to 16% and cost $1.3 billion next year.
MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound and the Associate Minister Minister of Energy, Bill Walker, says it's a key part of the plan.
"We lost 350,000 manufacturing jobs. And a lot of that was attributable to the high energy rates," said Walker. "So we are trying to fix that to give businesses some relief so they can be competitive."
Walker says the Ontario budget sets the table for the province to move forward once we get through the pandemic.
"This goes right down to things like our grocery stores. They were paying significant amounts of money. Over in Grey County everyone will recognize, of course, Chapman's Ice Cream," said Walker. "So a 16% decrease to their rates will allow them to remain competitive."
The MPP for Huron-Bruce says the Ontario budget invests not only in infrastructure in the province but people.
Lisa Thompson, who is also Minister of Government and Consumer Services, say that's key in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
And while it marks record spending, Thompson says there was a long list drawn up during consultations with business, agriculture and even tourism.
"And we're taking action as a result of that listening exercise. And it means that some of the very things that we hold near and dear, like festivals and events, they too will be taken care of," added Thompson. "We are deeming 2021 the year of the staycation in Ontario. Because we know we have worked so hard to keep our communities safe."
The Ontario budget could include a credit of up to 20% of expenses along with a $100-million community building fund to support tourism, cultural and sports organizations.
