The people of Ontario can sleep a little easier these days, knowing that our province is on the path towards balancing the budget so that we can protect what matters most: our vital services, such as health care and education.

Adding on to the $1.2-billion investment our government is making in the LRT, which was incredible news for residents in Riverside South, Findlay Creek, Manotick, Stittsville and, in fact, everywhere across the riding of Carleton, the budget included the word “Ottawa” 13 times. It included $2 million in funding for the Ottawa Police Service to help combat gang- and gun-related crime.

Not only that, but the province has also promised to contribute funding towards the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario’s children’s treatment centre, and it has committed to help the Ottawa Hospital with the expansion of the Civic campus, expected to open by 2026.