Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy, left, shakes hands with Premier Doug Ford after providing an economic update, at Queen's Park in Toronto, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024.Photo by Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press

Ford government moves Ontario closer to balanced budget with early election call possible

Earlier this year, the government had forecast a $4.6 billion deficit for 2025-26, but in its fall economic update, that is now set at $1.5 billion

by · National Post

TORONTO — Ontario sharply lowered its projected deficit for next year in a move the opposition suggests is all about setting the stage for a balanced budget just ahead of a possible spring election.

Earlier this year, the government had forecast a $4.6-billion deficit for 2025-26, but in its fall economic update presented Wednesday, that is now set at $1.5 billion.

Ford says $200 cheques going to Ontario taxpayers at cost of $3 billionTORONTO – Ontario taxpayers are set to receive $200 cheques in the mail early next year, a $3-billion plan the premier suggests is not tied to a possible early election — though the opposition leaders have their doubts.Allison Jones and Liam Casey, 29 Oct 2024Ontario legislature returns in the midst of speculation that Ford will call an early electionOntario’s legislature will resume sitting Monday after an unusually long summer break, and returns in the midst of intense speculation that Premier Doug Ford will call an early election.Allison Jones and Liam Casey, 20 Oct 2024