TORONTO

Ontario Finance Minister Charles Sousa has vowed a measured and pragmatic budget on May 2 — one that doesn’t significantly hike or cut taxes.

“This budget is going to address matters that are fiscally responsible, that are going to continue to provide support for families and those most vulnerable,” Sousa said, following a speech to the Economic Club of Canada Monday. “It’s going to continue to invest in health care and education and things that matter most (to) us. It’s also going to ensure that we remain competitive.”

Sousa warned of prolonged tepid growth, though, and raised the possibility that the government may eventually bring in an income test for the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit (OCEB) and other programs.

Tory finance critic Peter Shurman said the Ontario Liberals have no plan beyond this year to balance the books, despite their promise to return to black by 2017-18, and can only do so with deep cuts to a range of government ministries.

“So if the money’s not coming from tax increases and if he’s not prepared to make significant cuts, how is he planning to balance the budget?” Shurman said. “Is it a levy, is it a premium? What is it?”

Adding an income test to the OCEB would increase many hydro bills by up to 10%, when the province already has some of the highest electricity rates, he said.

“You tell me what that is if it isn’t a tax,” he said.

Sousa said he raised the OCEB issue because some people are advising him to find savings through income testing, but he has no plans to touch the program in this budget.

The much-discussed revenue tools for Toronto-area transit will also not be in the May 2 fiscal document, although the minister remained committed to new funding sources and said his budget will address infrastructure.

Sousa said residents outside the Golden Horseshoe will not be hit up for new fees or taxes to pay for Toronto transit.

The budget will also focus on Ontario auto insurance premiums, the highest in the country, and ways to bring those costs down for drivers, Sousa said.

The Ontario Tories are introducing a confidence motion to defeat the minority government of Kathleen Wynne, but the New Democrats and Liberals dismissed it as a meaningless gesture.

Shurman said Progressive Conservatives will vote against the budget.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath has remained open to supporting the Wynne government.

Outside Queen’s Park Monday, a small group of demonstrators called for the budget to address poverty issues by increasing the minimum wage and social support benefits.