TORONTO, ON: A new poll from Leger shows 75 per cent of Ontarians are concerned about debt interest charges on the provincial debt as the Canadian Taxpayers Federation released a report illustrating the Ontario government’s rapid debt growth.

“For two decades, premiers spent beyond the province’s means and irresponsibly borrowed heavily,” said Noah Jarvis, CTF Ontario Director. “Ontario’s debt has nearly tripled in 20 years and is on track to surpass $500 billion.”

A new poll from Leger accompanies the report which finds 75 per cent of Ontarians are concerned about the province’s debt interest charges.

“Ontarians know they are paying for decades of borrowing as debt interest charges hit $16.2 billion this year,” said Jarvis. “This is a major concern for Ontario taxpayers.”

The report found that Ontario’s government debt has grown from $154 billion to $459 billion this year, a 200 per cent increase. If debt had grown at the rate of inflation and population growth, it would be $182 billion lower today.

Rising government spending has driven the debt surge. Total spending increased 164 per cent between 2006-07 and 2025-26 from $101.5 billion to $267.9 billion. Inflation during the same period was 51.5 per cent.

Increased spending pushed debt interest charges from $8.8 billion to $16.2 billion in 20 years, costing roughly $300 more per person per year. Debt interest charges are set to rise by about six per cent each year until at least 2030, according to the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario.

“Regardless of the party in power, the past 20 years have been marked by continuous overspending and rapid debt growth,” said Jarvis. “Instead of saddling Ontarians with rising debt and higher interest cost, Queen’s Park needs to listen to taxpayers and chart a course to end government borrowing and reduce the debt."

The full report is available HERE.