Things You Need to Know about Ontario’s 2016 Budget

Ontario’s 2016 budget was passed Thursday and there are quite a few new promises in there worth mentioning.

Free tuition/cheaper loans            

There will be free “average” tuition for students from households earning an average annual income below $50 000 and free tuition for students in graduate programs who qualify for OSAP.

Free Drive Clean  

Instead of eliminating the Drive Clean test (which was found redundant by the auditor general) the Province will now be absorbing the $30 cost of the tests.

Wine in Grocery Stores  

Eventually, 300 grocery stores in the province will be allowed to sell wine. But, the cost of wine, ciders, and fortified wine will be going up as well (to a minimum of $7.95 per 750-millilitre bottle).

LCBO online      

The LCBO will be working to create an online store that will allow home delivery and in store pickup.

Cheaper Hospital Parking      

There will also be cheaper hospital parking for frequent visitors who will be able to buy cheaper, transferable passes or save 50% on multi-use passes at hospitals that charge more than $10 per day.

Check out the rest of Ontario’s 2016 budget promises here.