Ontario’s finance minister has launched a series of public consultations to develop this year’s provincial budget, which he suggests will be delivered earlier than usual because of the upcoming election.Charles Sousa did not provide an exact date for the budget during a press conference Monday, but said the provincial election — set for June 7 — creates a condensed timeline for the government to deliver the spending plan and ensure legislative watchdogs and Ontario residents can properly examine it.“I know we’re going to be as advanced and open in terms of what we are doing for the benefit of the Auditor General and the (Financial Accountability Officer),” Sousa said. “Now, because of the election ... those timelines are constrained, but I want to provide as much information as possible so that everyone can be aware of what is being proposed and what’s being done.”The annual pre-budget consultations will take place across the … [Read more...] about Charles Sousa suggests Ontario budget could come early because of upcoming election
Budget
Amazon has a ‘budget-friendly’ Prime option for low-income customers — but it’s actually a trap
Amazon is raising Prime membership fees for people who pay monthly. The increase will be from $10.99 to $12.99 per month. This is likely to impact its low-income shoppers who can’t afford the one-time annual membership fee. Amazon Prime just got more expensive for some of its members. Today, the online store announced it would be increasing monthly Prime membership rates from $10.99 to $12.99, which comes to around $156 a year. Amazon Prime is a subscription service that offers its paying members services such as free two-day shipping on certain purchases and unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Prime Video. These changes are likely to impact its lower-income shoppers who can’t afford to pay the one-off price of $99 for a year-long membership. Moody’s Lead Retail Analyst Charlie O’Shea said in a statement that Amazon’s monthly deal “still affords members a more … [Read more...] about Amazon has a ‘budget-friendly’ Prime option for low-income customers — but it’s actually a trap
B30bn budget targeted for large-scale farm reforms
Finance Minister Apisak Tantivorawong aims to take out a 30-billion-baht budget for farm sector reform, part of the 150-billion-baht supplementary budget for fiscal 2018, within the next six months. The government's upcoming reform of the farm sector will be done on a mass scale, with plans to cut supply and raise crop prices, he said, adding that the budget will also focus on infrastructure investment for the sector such as silos and warehouses, which will allow farmers to store produce and prevent gluts in the market.The six-month target is achievable, while the long-term reform -- over 3-4 years -- will be set in the 2019 budget, Mr Apisak said.Downsizing farming areas, particularly for rice, rubber and oil palm, is a crucial part of the government's agriculture reform plan, but the size of the reduction will be determined by the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry.The cabinet earlier this week approved the supplementary budget of 150 billion baht for this fiscal year, of which 50 … [Read more...] about B30bn budget targeted for large-scale farm reforms
Public health budget hike of 13% sought
The rising cost of medicine and hospital visits has prompted the Ministry of Public Health to propose a public health-care budget of 193 billion baht, up 13% from its present level. Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn, the public health minister, said the budget has not increased in two years, causing it to fall out of synch with the costs faced by taxpayers.With the ministry's budget constrained by its current cap, the price of medicine and the cost of visits to hospitals or clinics has spiked while the number of patients is also on the rise, he said.He said the ministry needs to increase the per-capita budget for its universal health care package to 3,635 baht per head, up 437 baht last year.It is also aiming for an additional budget of 437 baht per capita to help public hospitals cope with more expensive medical treatment.This breaks down as an additional 133 baht for out-patient services, 233.5 baht for general patients, 9.75 baht for emergency treatment, 51.4 baht for health-promoting … [Read more...] about Public health budget hike of 13% sought
The end of austerity? Torontonians get say on city budget
It’s not everyone’s idea of a good time, but Sarah Climenhaga is eager to give Toronto councillors an earful about the 2018 budget.The community activist, who plans to run against Mayor John Tory next October, can’t wait to tell budget committee members she is fed up with austerity budgets during public “deputations” starting Monday.“I’m frustrated by the lack of funding for city-approved policies and strategies, and I’m upset that the needs of the people of Toronto are not in this budget,” said Climenhaga, who plans to make her pitch Wednesday with input, on video, from like-minded Torontonians.“I’m going to tell the budget committee that they must fund all the policies and strategies that council has already approved. Torontonians should not have to fight over whether to fund poverty reduction, climate change, student nutrition or anti-black racism. This budget does not meet the needs of our city.”Others will … [Read more...] about The end of austerity? Torontonians get say on city budget