The provincial NDP wants a better deal for municipalities.

Leader Marit Stiles proposes taking back the financial responsibility of affordable housing and homelessness programs while restoring cost-sharing agreements for ambulance services and public health to previous levels.

She says municipalities are struggling.

“What I hear from municipalities is they want a new deal,” says Stiles.

“They’ve been very clear about it. Sit down with municipalities and get a new deal done.”

Stiles says in 2022, municipalities spent a combined $3.8 billion more than they received for social housing, long-term care, ambulance service, social services and childcare.

She says increased costs affecting those services end up being passed down to residents through higher property taxes, higher user features and worse services.

“We do need to find ways to help make life more affordable for people, but we also have to deliver the services they need. And right now, those basic services are at risk,” says Stiles.

“Ambulances, public health, basic shelter, these services that we depend on in our communities, the most basic things people are having to do without.”

The province in the Fall Economic Statement, promised an extra 100 million dollars in transfer payments over two years through the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund.