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It’s shaping up to be a slow one around Queen’s Park. The Ford government’s mini-budget is out. We’ve got the goods — and the gripes. An ex-PC MPP is due in court this week, as Marit Stiles makes a stop in The Soo. Plus: two would-be Liberal leadership hopefuls turned up at the Prime Minister’s Canadian Club speech, while a new poll put Ford up against Carney. Let’s dig in.
A message from Next Campaign:
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It’s shaping up to be a slow one around Queen’s Park. The Ford government’s mini-budget is out. We’ve got the goods — and the gripes. An ex-PC MPP is due in court this week, as Marit Stiles makes a stop in The Soo. Plus: two would-be Liberal leadership hopefuls turned up at the Prime Minister’s Canadian Club speech, while a new poll put Ford up against Carney. Let’s dig in.
A message from Next Campaign:
It’s shaping up to be a slow one around Queen’s Park. The Ford government’s mini-budget is out. We’ve got the goods — and the gripes. An ex-PC MPP is due in court this week, as Marit Stiles makes a stop in The Soo. Plus: two would-be Liberal leadership hopefuls turned up at the Prime Minister’s Canadian Club speech, while a new poll put Ford up against Carney. Let’s dig in.
A message from Next Campaign:
— The House is out for constituency week.
— There’s no slowing down on the committee circuit. Ahead:
— Fundraising watch: At 7 p.m., Karen McCrimmon and Tyler Watt are headlining a $40-a-ticket fundraiser in Kanata. RSVP.
On Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., Lee Fairclough is hosting a sold-out $500-a-ticket fundraiser in Etobicoke.
On Thursday at 6:30 p.m., Bruce Fanjoy and Stephen Blais will speak at a $125-a-ticket fundraiser in Stittsville. A ticket will get you Chef Blackie’s signature bites and boards, one drink on the house and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. RSVP.
— Coming up this week:
Noted: Last week, a pretrial was held for Chris Scott, charged in relation to an alleged intimate partner violence incident with his spouse. More here.
— Get festive: The Legislature is hosting an all-Ontario holiday market on Saturday, November 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
— Remembrance Day is the topic of this month’s themed tour, running every Friday at 12:30 p.m.
— Tabled: Not much beyond the Fall Economic Statement: Bill 68, Plan to Protect Ontario Act (Budget Measures).
The highlights:
— The province is marching toward balance. A $13.5 billion deficit is projected this year — $1.1 billion smaller than the budget expected — shrinking to $7.8 billion in 2026-27 and becoming a $200-million surplus by 2027-28.
— There’s slow growth. Real GDP growth is projected to slow to 0.8 per cent this year, down from 1.4 per cent in 2024, before picking up to 1.8 per cent in 2027 and 1.9 per cent in 2028.
The debt-to-GDP ratio is projected at 37.7 per cent — 0.2 points lower than forecast.
— Employment growth has cooled to 0.8 per cent, down from 1.7 per cent last year. It’s projected to slow further to 0.4 per cent in 2026, before inching up to 0.8 per cent in 2027 and 1 per cent in 2028.
— Housing construction is slowing. 64,300 housing starts are expected this year, down nearly 10 per cent from the 71,800 projection in the budget. In 2026, housing starts are projected at 70,200, before rising to 79,600 in 2027 and 83,700 in 2028.
Not mentioned in the document: The Ford government’s earlier pledge to build 1.5 million homes by 2031.
Not impressed: The Opposition says it doesn’t cut it — branded low on ambition and proof of “a failed economic strategy.”
— "Doug Ford is a jobs disaster, and this Fall Economic Statement fails to deliver for working people,” said NDP leader Marit Stiles. “Ontario’s unemployment is highest in a decade, and our housing starts are at their lowest in a decade. By every measure, this government is failing.”
— “To paraphrase the Minister, this isn’t even teeny-tiny tinkering, when what we needed was real action to meet the economic challenges we face,” added Liberal Stephanie Bowman. “... We needed tax relief for middle-income earners, support for small businesses, and funding for colleges and universities to train our youth for the jobs of the future — and we saw none of it.”
Cheers and jeers: Here’s who’s applauding the mini-budget — and who says it’s more spin than spending.
— CUPE Ontario: “They love tax expenditures because it’s a way of hiding their largesse toward the rich and powerful, even as they rob our hospitals, schools, and other public services of the funding they need.”
— The Ontario Real Estate Association: The group praised the Ford government for axing the 8 per cent provincial share of the HST on first-time home purchases. “... We can’t deny that the economic uncertainties continue to impact everyday lives across the province. But we’re encouraged to see that Ontario’s fiscal future is in good hands with today’s announcement, as Ontario’s deficit projects to be $1.1 billion less than had originally been forecasted.”
— The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario: “Behind the rhetoric, there are no meaningful new investments in public education. While educators struggle with large class sizes, increasing workloads, and rising violence in schools, the Ford government remains incomprehensibly focused on rewarding well-connected conservative party donors.”
— The Canadian Taxpayers Federation: “It’s irresponsible for the Ford government to continue to borrow more money and pile more debt onto taxpayers”
— Canadian Climate Institute: “Ontario’s decision to repeal the legislated requirement to set emissions-reduction targets, develop and publish credible climate plans and measure progress toward its climate goals is regrettable, and will create less certainty for Ontarians and companies doing business in the province.”
— Canadian Federation of Independent Business: “[The] Fall Economic Statement mentions some positive, previously announced actions under the government’s $30B tariff relief package for businesses… Small businesses need more direct measures like WSIB surplus rebates to help them weather the tariff storm and unpredictable economy. They don’t have the time or resources to search and apply for programs for which they end up being ineligible.”
— Killed: Second reading of Bill 49, 62-39.
Marit Stiles’ Opposition Day motion on “Ontario First” procurement was defeated, 60-25.
— How the budget landed: “The premier seems increasingly powerless to steer Ontario through a tough economic cycle, but he knows how to retain power through the political cycle,” Martin Regg Cohn writes.
It’s boring and that’s a good thing, says Brian Lilley.
— John Michael McGrath took a look at what got buried in it.
— “The Ontario government will shell out $9.1 million for a Canadian company to study whether or not Premier Doug Ford’s dream of tunnelling underneath Highway 401 is possible or practical,” per Global.
— Build, baby, build: “Proposals to double the size of a Vancouver port, build Highway 413 in Ontario and develop or expand mines in Yukon and Nunavut were among the list of 17 ’major projects’ compiled by the Carney government in March.” The Narwhal first reported it.
Noted: Speaking at the Canadian Club on Friday, Carney teased that the next wave of major “nation-building projects” will be announced this Thursday.
Seen: Andrew Boozary and Navdeep Bains at the speech. Catch up: Card-carrying Liberals still don’t know when — or how — they’ll pick their next leader.
Speaking of Liberal land: The New Leaf Liberals hosted a meet-up at 3 Brasseurs in Ottawa last week, billed as a chance to “hang out, meet friends new and old, and help us chart the future of the party.”
Seen: Liberal MP Fares Al Soud (Mississauga Centre), Jake Sawatzky (New Westminster-Burnaby-Maillardville) and Juanita Nathan (Pickering-Brooklin). The Hill Times’ Stu Benson was in the room as well.
— Can’t stop the stream: “Parents and advocates are taking matters into their own hands and livestreaming some committee meetings at school boards under provincial supervision after the government directed these boards to stop doing so.” The Trillium has more.
— Majority watch: “... Chris d’Entremont says pushing and yelling from Conservative Party leadership ’sealed the deal’ on his choice to cross the floor of the House of Commons to the Liberals this week.” More from CBC News.
The Star has more on d’Entremont’s defection — and discontent brewing in Pierre Poilievre’s caucus.
Althia Raj says we haven’t seen this kind of soap opera drama in decades.
— Ford vs. the People: An Abacus poll compared Ford and Caroline Mulroney against Mark Carney, and found they’d fare worse than Poilievre.
— Carney’s relationship with Ford, as illustrated by Theo Moudakis:
— “Fitzrovia, the largest purpose-built developer in Canada, has partnered with a Toronto-based fintech company Chexy, allowing residents who are Aeroplan members and pay rent using Chexy’s platform to collect points every time they pay rent.”
— Greg Sorbara argues doing away with fixed election dates is a win for Ford alone.
— “A lot of people in this country owe Doug Ford an apology,” says Jen Gerson on the Ronald Reagan ad.
— The last episode of The Premier Files is out, feat. Kathleen Wynne.
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. How are you reading the mini-budget? Drop a line and you’ll stay anonymous, just like those mysterious sources you’re still curious about. We’re back in your inbox on Monday.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now.
It’s shaping up to be a slow one around Queen’s Park. The Ford government’s mini-budget is out. We’ve got the goods — and the gripes. An ex-PC MPP is due in court this week, as Marit Stiles makes a stop in The Soo. Plus: two would-be Liberal leadership hopefuls turned up at the Prime Minister’s Canadian Club speech, while a new poll put Ford up against Carney. Let’s dig in.
A message from Next Campaign:
— The House is out for constituency week.
— There’s no slowing down on the committee circuit. Ahead:
— Fundraising watch: At 7 p.m., Karen McCrimmon and Tyler Watt are headlining a $40-a-ticket fundraiser in Kanata. RSVP.
On Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., Lee Fairclough is hosting a sold-out $500-a-ticket fundraiser in Etobicoke.
On Thursday at 6:30 p.m., Bruce Fanjoy and Stephen Blais will speak at a $125-a-ticket fundraiser in Stittsville. A ticket will get you Chef Blackie’s signature bites and boards, one drink on the house and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. RSVP.
— Coming up this week:
Noted: Last week, a pretrial was held for Chris Scott, charged in relation to an alleged intimate partner violence incident with his spouse. More here.
— Get festive: The Legislature is hosting an all-Ontario holiday market on Saturday, November 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
— Remembrance Day is the topic of this month’s themed tour, running every Friday at 12:30 p.m.
— Tabled: Not much beyond the Fall Economic Statement: Bill 68, Plan to Protect Ontario Act (Budget Measures).
The highlights:
— The province is marching toward balance. A $13.5 billion deficit is projected this year — $1.1 billion smaller than the budget expected — shrinking to $7.8 billion in 2026-27 and becoming a $200-million surplus by 2027-28.
— There’s slow growth. Real GDP growth is projected to slow to 0.8 per cent this year, down from 1.4 per cent in 2024, before picking up to 1.8 per cent in 2027 and 1.9 per cent in 2028.
The debt-to-GDP ratio is projected at 37.7 per cent — 0.2 points lower than forecast.
— Employment growth has cooled to 0.8 per cent, down from 1.7 per cent last year. It’s projected to slow further to 0.4 per cent in 2026, before inching up to 0.8 per cent in 2027 and 1 per cent in 2028.
— Housing construction is slowing. 64,300 housing starts are expected this year, down nearly 10 per cent from the 71,800 projection in the budget. In 2026, housing starts are projected at 70,200, before rising to 79,600 in 2027 and 83,700 in 2028.
Not mentioned in the document: The Ford government’s earlier pledge to build 1.5 million homes by 2031.
Not impressed: The Opposition says it doesn’t cut it — branded low on ambition and proof of “a failed economic strategy.”
— "Doug Ford is a jobs disaster, and this Fall Economic Statement fails to deliver for working people,” said NDP leader Marit Stiles. “Ontario’s unemployment is highest in a decade, and our housing starts are at their lowest in a decade. By every measure, this government is failing.”
— “To paraphrase the Minister, this isn’t even teeny-tiny tinkering, when what we needed was real action to meet the economic challenges we face,” added Liberal Stephanie Bowman. “... We needed tax relief for middle-income earners, support for small businesses, and funding for colleges and universities to train our youth for the jobs of the future — and we saw none of it.”
Cheers and jeers: Here’s who’s applauding the mini-budget — and who says it’s more spin than spending.
— CUPE Ontario: “They love tax expenditures because it’s a way of hiding their largesse toward the rich and powerful, even as they rob our hospitals, schools, and other public services of the funding they need.”
— The Ontario Real Estate Association: The group praised the Ford government for axing the 8 per cent provincial share of the HST on first-time home purchases. “... We can’t deny that the economic uncertainties continue to impact everyday lives across the province. But we’re encouraged to see that Ontario’s fiscal future is in good hands with today’s announcement, as Ontario’s deficit projects to be $1.1 billion less than had originally been forecasted.”
— The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario: “Behind the rhetoric, there are no meaningful new investments in public education. While educators struggle with large class sizes, increasing workloads, and rising violence in schools, the Ford government remains incomprehensibly focused on rewarding well-connected conservative party donors.”
— The Canadian Taxpayers Federation: “It’s irresponsible for the Ford government to continue to borrow more money and pile more debt onto taxpayers”
— Canadian Climate Institute: “Ontario’s decision to repeal the legislated requirement to set emissions-reduction targets, develop and publish credible climate plans and measure progress toward its climate goals is regrettable, and will create less certainty for Ontarians and companies doing business in the province.”
— Canadian Federation of Independent Business: “[The] Fall Economic Statement mentions some positive, previously announced actions under the government’s $30B tariff relief package for businesses… Small businesses need more direct measures like WSIB surplus rebates to help them weather the tariff storm and unpredictable economy. They don’t have the time or resources to search and apply for programs for which they end up being ineligible.”
— Killed: Second reading of Bill 49, 62-39.
Marit Stiles’ Opposition Day motion on “Ontario First” procurement was defeated, 60-25.
— How the budget landed: “The premier seems increasingly powerless to steer Ontario through a tough economic cycle, but he knows how to retain power through the political cycle,” Martin Regg Cohn writes.
It’s boring and that’s a good thing, says Brian Lilley.
— John Michael McGrath took a look at what got buried in it.
— “The Ontario government will shell out $9.1 million for a Canadian company to study whether or not Premier Doug Ford’s dream of tunnelling underneath Highway 401 is possible or practical,” per Global.
— Build, baby, build: “Proposals to double the size of a Vancouver port, build Highway 413 in Ontario and develop or expand mines in Yukon and Nunavut were among the list of 17 ’major projects’ compiled by the Carney government in March.” The Narwhal first reported it.
Noted: Speaking at the Canadian Club on Friday, Carney teased that the next wave of major “nation-building projects” will be announced this Thursday.
Seen: Andrew Boozary and Navdeep Bains at the speech. Catch up: Card-carrying Liberals still don’t know when — or how — they’ll pick their next leader.
Speaking of Liberal land: The New Leaf Liberals hosted a meet-up at 3 Brasseurs in Ottawa last week, billed as a chance to “hang out, meet friends new and old, and help us chart the future of the party.”
Seen: Liberal MP Fares Al Soud (Mississauga Centre), Jake Sawatzky (New Westminster-Burnaby-Maillardville) and Juanita Nathan (Pickering-Brooklin). The Hill Times’ Stu Benson was in the room as well.
— Can’t stop the stream: “Parents and advocates are taking matters into their own hands and livestreaming some committee meetings at school boards under provincial supervision after the government directed these boards to stop doing so.” The Trillium has more.
— Majority watch: “... Chris d’Entremont says pushing and yelling from Conservative Party leadership ’sealed the deal’ on his choice to cross the floor of the House of Commons to the Liberals this week.” More from CBC News.
The Star has more on d’Entremont’s defection — and discontent brewing in Pierre Poilievre’s caucus.
Althia Raj says we haven’t seen this kind of soap opera drama in decades.
— Ford vs. the People: An Abacus poll compared Ford and Caroline Mulroney against Mark Carney, and found they’d fare worse than Poilievre.
— Carney’s relationship with Ford, as illustrated by Theo Moudakis:
— “Fitzrovia, the largest purpose-built developer in Canada, has partnered with a Toronto-based fintech company Chexy, allowing residents who are Aeroplan members and pay rent using Chexy’s platform to collect points every time they pay rent.”
— Greg Sorbara argues doing away with fixed election dates is a win for Ford alone.
— “A lot of people in this country owe Doug Ford an apology,” says Jen Gerson on the Ronald Reagan ad.
— The last episode of The Premier Files is out, feat. Kathleen Wynne.
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. How are you reading the mini-budget? Drop a line and you’ll stay anonymous, just like those mysterious sources you’re still curious about. We’re back in your inbox on Monday.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now.
It’s shaping up to be a slow one around Queen’s Park. The Ford government’s mini-budget is out. We’ve got the goods — and the gripes. An ex-PC MPP is due in court this week, as Marit Stiles makes a stop in The Soo. Plus: two would-be Liberal leadership hopefuls turned up at the Prime Minister’s Canadian Club speech, while a new poll put Ford up against Carney. Let’s dig in.
A message from Next Campaign:
— The House is out for constituency week.
— There’s no slowing down on the committee circuit. Ahead:
— Fundraising watch: At 7 p.m., Karen McCrimmon and Tyler Watt are headlining a $40-a-ticket fundraiser in Kanata. RSVP.
On Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., Lee Fairclough is hosting a sold-out $500-a-ticket fundraiser in Etobicoke.
On Thursday at 6:30 p.m., Bruce Fanjoy and Stephen Blais will speak at a $125-a-ticket fundraiser in Stittsville. A ticket will get you Chef Blackie’s signature bites and boards, one drink on the house and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. RSVP.
— Coming up this week:
Noted: Last week, a pretrial was held for Chris Scott, charged in relation to an alleged intimate partner violence incident with his spouse. More here.
— Get festive: The Legislature is hosting an all-Ontario holiday market on Saturday, November 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
— Remembrance Day is the topic of this month’s themed tour, running every Friday at 12:30 p.m.
— Tabled: Not much beyond the Fall Economic Statement: Bill 68, Plan to Protect Ontario Act (Budget Measures).
The highlights:
— The province is marching toward balance. A $13.5 billion deficit is projected this year — $1.1 billion smaller than the budget expected — shrinking to $7.8 billion in 2026-27 and becoming a $200-million surplus by 2027-28.
— There’s slow growth. Real GDP growth is projected to slow to 0.8 per cent this year, down from 1.4 per cent in 2024, before picking up to 1.8 per cent in 2027 and 1.9 per cent in 2028.
The debt-to-GDP ratio is projected at 37.7 per cent — 0.2 points lower than forecast.
— Employment growth has cooled to 0.8 per cent, down from 1.7 per cent last year. It’s projected to slow further to 0.4 per cent in 2026, before inching up to 0.8 per cent in 2027 and 1 per cent in 2028.
— Housing construction is slowing. 64,300 housing starts are expected this year, down nearly 10 per cent from the 71,800 projection in the budget. In 2026, housing starts are projected at 70,200, before rising to 79,600 in 2027 and 83,700 in 2028.
Not mentioned in the document: The Ford government’s earlier pledge to build 1.5 million homes by 2031.
Not impressed: The Opposition says it doesn’t cut it — branded low on ambition and proof of “a failed economic strategy.”
— "Doug Ford is a jobs disaster, and this Fall Economic Statement fails to deliver for working people,” said NDP leader Marit Stiles. “Ontario’s unemployment is highest in a decade, and our housing starts are at their lowest in a decade. By every measure, this government is failing.”
— “To paraphrase the Minister, this isn’t even teeny-tiny tinkering, when what we needed was real action to meet the economic challenges we face,” added Liberal Stephanie Bowman. “... We needed tax relief for middle-income earners, support for small businesses, and funding for colleges and universities to train our youth for the jobs of the future — and we saw none of it.”
Cheers and jeers: Here’s who’s applauding the mini-budget — and who says it’s more spin than spending.
— CUPE Ontario: “They love tax expenditures because it’s a way of hiding their largesse toward the rich and powerful, even as they rob our hospitals, schools, and other public services of the funding they need.”
— The Ontario Real Estate Association: The group praised the Ford government for axing the 8 per cent provincial share of the HST on first-time home purchases. “... We can’t deny that the economic uncertainties continue to impact everyday lives across the province. But we’re encouraged to see that Ontario’s fiscal future is in good hands with today’s announcement, as Ontario’s deficit projects to be $1.1 billion less than had originally been forecasted.”
— The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario: “Behind the rhetoric, there are no meaningful new investments in public education. While educators struggle with large class sizes, increasing workloads, and rising violence in schools, the Ford government remains incomprehensibly focused on rewarding well-connected conservative party donors.”
— The Canadian Taxpayers Federation: “It’s irresponsible for the Ford government to continue to borrow more money and pile more debt onto taxpayers”
— Canadian Climate Institute: “Ontario’s decision to repeal the legislated requirement to set emissions-reduction targets, develop and publish credible climate plans and measure progress toward its climate goals is regrettable, and will create less certainty for Ontarians and companies doing business in the province.”
— Canadian Federation of Independent Business: “[The] Fall Economic Statement mentions some positive, previously announced actions under the government’s $30B tariff relief package for businesses… Small businesses need more direct measures like WSIB surplus rebates to help them weather the tariff storm and unpredictable economy. They don’t have the time or resources to search and apply for programs for which they end up being ineligible.”
— Killed: Second reading of Bill 49, 62-39.
Marit Stiles’ Opposition Day motion on “Ontario First” procurement was defeated, 60-25.
— How the budget landed: “The premier seems increasingly powerless to steer Ontario through a tough economic cycle, but he knows how to retain power through the political cycle,” Martin Regg Cohn writes.
It’s boring and that’s a good thing, says Brian Lilley.
— John Michael McGrath took a look at what got buried in it.
— “The Ontario government will shell out $9.1 million for a Canadian company to study whether or not Premier Doug Ford’s dream of tunnelling underneath Highway 401 is possible or practical,” per Global.
— Build, baby, build: “Proposals to double the size of a Vancouver port, build Highway 413 in Ontario and develop or expand mines in Yukon and Nunavut were among the list of 17 ’major projects’ compiled by the Carney government in March.” The Narwhal first reported it.
Noted: Speaking at the Canadian Club on Friday, Carney teased that the next wave of major “nation-building projects” will be announced this Thursday.
Seen: Andrew Boozary and Navdeep Bains at the speech. Catch up: Card-carrying Liberals still don’t know when — or how — they’ll pick their next leader.
Speaking of Liberal land: The New Leaf Liberals hosted a meet-up at 3 Brasseurs in Ottawa last week, billed as a chance to “hang out, meet friends new and old, and help us chart the future of the party.”
Seen: Liberal MP Fares Al Soud (Mississauga Centre), Jake Sawatzky (New Westminster-Burnaby-Maillardville) and Juanita Nathan (Pickering-Brooklin). The Hill Times’ Stu Benson was in the room as well.
— Can’t stop the stream: “Parents and advocates are taking matters into their own hands and livestreaming some committee meetings at school boards under provincial supervision after the government directed these boards to stop doing so.” The Trillium has more.
— Majority watch: “... Chris d’Entremont says pushing and yelling from Conservative Party leadership ’sealed the deal’ on his choice to cross the floor of the House of Commons to the Liberals this week.” More from CBC News.
The Star has more on d’Entremont’s defection — and discontent brewing in Pierre Poilievre’s caucus.
Althia Raj says we haven’t seen this kind of soap opera drama in decades.
— Ford vs. the People: An Abacus poll compared Ford and Caroline Mulroney against Mark Carney, and found they’d fare worse than Poilievre.
— Carney’s relationship with Ford, as illustrated by Theo Moudakis:
— “Fitzrovia, the largest purpose-built developer in Canada, has partnered with a Toronto-based fintech company Chexy, allowing residents who are Aeroplan members and pay rent using Chexy’s platform to collect points every time they pay rent.”
— Greg Sorbara argues doing away with fixed election dates is a win for Ford alone.
— “A lot of people in this country owe Doug Ford an apology,” says Jen Gerson on the Ronald Reagan ad.
— The last episode of The Premier Files is out, feat. Kathleen Wynne.
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. How are you reading the mini-budget? Drop a line and you’ll stay anonymous, just like those mysterious sources you’re still curious about. We’re back in your inbox on Monday.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now.
It’s shaping up to be a slow one around Queen’s Park. The Ford government’s mini-budget is out. We’ve got the goods — and the gripes. An ex-PC MPP is due in court this week, as Marit Stiles makes a stop in The Soo. Plus: two would-be Liberal leadership hopefuls turned up at the Prime Minister’s Canadian Club speech, while a new poll put Ford up against Carney. Let’s dig in.
A message from Next Campaign:
— The House is out for constituency week.
— There’s no slowing down on the committee circuit. Ahead:
— Fundraising watch: At 7 p.m., Karen McCrimmon and Tyler Watt are headlining a $40-a-ticket fundraiser in Kanata. RSVP.
On Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., Lee Fairclough is hosting a sold-out $500-a-ticket fundraiser in Etobicoke.
On Thursday at 6:30 p.m., Bruce Fanjoy and Stephen Blais will speak at a $125-a-ticket fundraiser in Stittsville. A ticket will get you Chef Blackie’s signature bites and boards, one drink on the house and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. RSVP.
— Coming up this week:
Noted: Last week, a pretrial was held for Chris Scott, charged in relation to an alleged intimate partner violence incident with his spouse. More here.
— Get festive: The Legislature is hosting an all-Ontario holiday market on Saturday, November 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
— Remembrance Day is the topic of this month’s themed tour, running every Friday at 12:30 p.m.
— Tabled: Not much beyond the Fall Economic Statement: Bill 68, Plan to Protect Ontario Act (Budget Measures).
The highlights:
— The province is marching toward balance. A $13.5 billion deficit is projected this year — $1.1 billion smaller than the budget expected — shrinking to $7.8 billion in 2026-27 and becoming a $200-million surplus by 2027-28.
— There’s slow growth. Real GDP growth is projected to slow to 0.8 per cent this year, down from 1.4 per cent in 2024, before picking up to 1.8 per cent in 2027 and 1.9 per cent in 2028.
The debt-to-GDP ratio is projected at 37.7 per cent — 0.2 points lower than forecast.
— Employment growth has cooled to 0.8 per cent, down from 1.7 per cent last year. It’s projected to slow further to 0.4 per cent in 2026, before inching up to 0.8 per cent in 2027 and 1 per cent in 2028.
— Housing construction is slowing. 64,300 housing starts are expected this year, down nearly 10 per cent from the 71,800 projection in the budget. In 2026, housing starts are projected at 70,200, before rising to 79,600 in 2027 and 83,700 in 2028.
Not mentioned in the document: The Ford government’s earlier pledge to build 1.5 million homes by 2031.
Not impressed: The Opposition says it doesn’t cut it — branded low on ambition and proof of “a failed economic strategy.”
— "Doug Ford is a jobs disaster, and this Fall Economic Statement fails to deliver for working people,” said NDP leader Marit Stiles. “Ontario’s unemployment is highest in a decade, and our housing starts are at their lowest in a decade. By every measure, this government is failing.”
— “To paraphrase the Minister, this isn’t even teeny-tiny tinkering, when what we needed was real action to meet the economic challenges we face,” added Liberal Stephanie Bowman. “... We needed tax relief for middle-income earners, support for small businesses, and funding for colleges and universities to train our youth for the jobs of the future — and we saw none of it.”
Cheers and jeers: Here’s who’s applauding the mini-budget — and who says it’s more spin than spending.
— CUPE Ontario: “They love tax expenditures because it’s a way of hiding their largesse toward the rich and powerful, even as they rob our hospitals, schools, and other public services of the funding they need.”
— The Ontario Real Estate Association: The group praised the Ford government for axing the 8 per cent provincial share of the HST on first-time home purchases. “... We can’t deny that the economic uncertainties continue to impact everyday lives across the province. But we’re encouraged to see that Ontario’s fiscal future is in good hands with today’s announcement, as Ontario’s deficit projects to be $1.1 billion less than had originally been forecasted.”
— The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario: “Behind the rhetoric, there are no meaningful new investments in public education. While educators struggle with large class sizes, increasing workloads, and rising violence in schools, the Ford government remains incomprehensibly focused on rewarding well-connected conservative party donors.”
— The Canadian Taxpayers Federation: “It’s irresponsible for the Ford government to continue to borrow more money and pile more debt onto taxpayers”
— Canadian Climate Institute: “Ontario’s decision to repeal the legislated requirement to set emissions-reduction targets, develop and publish credible climate plans and measure progress toward its climate goals is regrettable, and will create less certainty for Ontarians and companies doing business in the province.”
— Canadian Federation of Independent Business: “[The] Fall Economic Statement mentions some positive, previously announced actions under the government’s $30B tariff relief package for businesses… Small businesses need more direct measures like WSIB surplus rebates to help them weather the tariff storm and unpredictable economy. They don’t have the time or resources to search and apply for programs for which they end up being ineligible.”
— Killed: Second reading of Bill 49, 62-39.
Marit Stiles’ Opposition Day motion on “Ontario First” procurement was defeated, 60-25.
— How the budget landed: “The premier seems increasingly powerless to steer Ontario through a tough economic cycle, but he knows how to retain power through the political cycle,” Martin Regg Cohn writes.
It’s boring and that’s a good thing, says Brian Lilley.
— John Michael McGrath took a look at what got buried in it.
— “The Ontario government will shell out $9.1 million for a Canadian company to study whether or not Premier Doug Ford’s dream of tunnelling underneath Highway 401 is possible or practical,” per Global.
— Build, baby, build: “Proposals to double the size of a Vancouver port, build Highway 413 in Ontario and develop or expand mines in Yukon and Nunavut were among the list of 17 ’major projects’ compiled by the Carney government in March.” The Narwhal first reported it.
Noted: Speaking at the Canadian Club on Friday, Carney teased that the next wave of major “nation-building projects” will be announced this Thursday.
Seen: Andrew Boozary and Navdeep Bains at the speech. Catch up: Card-carrying Liberals still don’t know when — or how — they’ll pick their next leader.
Speaking of Liberal land: The New Leaf Liberals hosted a meet-up at 3 Brasseurs in Ottawa last week, billed as a chance to “hang out, meet friends new and old, and help us chart the future of the party.”
Seen: Liberal MP Fares Al Soud (Mississauga Centre), Jake Sawatzky (New Westminster-Burnaby-Maillardville) and Juanita Nathan (Pickering-Brooklin). The Hill Times’ Stu Benson was in the room as well.
— Can’t stop the stream: “Parents and advocates are taking matters into their own hands and livestreaming some committee meetings at school boards under provincial supervision after the government directed these boards to stop doing so.” The Trillium has more.
— Majority watch: “... Chris d’Entremont says pushing and yelling from Conservative Party leadership ’sealed the deal’ on his choice to cross the floor of the House of Commons to the Liberals this week.” More from CBC News.
The Star has more on d’Entremont’s defection — and discontent brewing in Pierre Poilievre’s caucus.
Althia Raj says we haven’t seen this kind of soap opera drama in decades.
— Ford vs. the People: An Abacus poll compared Ford and Caroline Mulroney against Mark Carney, and found they’d fare worse than Poilievre.
— Carney’s relationship with Ford, as illustrated by Theo Moudakis:
— “Fitzrovia, the largest purpose-built developer in Canada, has partnered with a Toronto-based fintech company Chexy, allowing residents who are Aeroplan members and pay rent using Chexy’s platform to collect points every time they pay rent.”
— Greg Sorbara argues doing away with fixed election dates is a win for Ford alone.
— “A lot of people in this country owe Doug Ford an apology,” says Jen Gerson on the Ronald Reagan ad.
— The last episode of The Premier Files is out, feat. Kathleen Wynne.
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. How are you reading the mini-budget? Drop a line and you’ll stay anonymous, just like those mysterious sources you’re still curious about. We’re back in your inbox on Monday.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now.
It’s shaping up to be a slow one around Queen’s Park. The Ford government’s mini-budget is out. We’ve got the goods — and the gripes. An ex-PC MPP is due in court this week, as Marit Stiles makes a stop in The Soo. Plus: two would-be Liberal leadership hopefuls turned up at the Prime Minister’s Canadian Club speech, while a new poll put Ford up against Carney. Let’s dig in.
A message from Next Campaign:
— The House is out for constituency week.
— There’s no slowing down on the committee circuit. Ahead:
— Fundraising watch: At 7 p.m., Karen McCrimmon and Tyler Watt are headlining a $40-a-ticket fundraiser in Kanata. RSVP.
On Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., Lee Fairclough is hosting a sold-out $500-a-ticket fundraiser in Etobicoke.
On Thursday at 6:30 p.m., Bruce Fanjoy and Stephen Blais will speak at a $125-a-ticket fundraiser in Stittsville. A ticket will get you Chef Blackie’s signature bites and boards, one drink on the house and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. RSVP.
— Coming up this week:
Noted: Last week, a pretrial was held for Chris Scott, charged in relation to an alleged intimate partner violence incident with his spouse. More here.
— Get festive: The Legislature is hosting an all-Ontario holiday market on Saturday, November 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
— Remembrance Day is the topic of this month’s themed tour, running every Friday at 12:30 p.m.
— Tabled: Not much beyond the Fall Economic Statement: Bill 68, Plan to Protect Ontario Act (Budget Measures).
The highlights:
— The province is marching toward balance. A $13.5 billion deficit is projected this year — $1.1 billion smaller than the budget expected — shrinking to $7.8 billion in 2026-27 and becoming a $200-million surplus by 2027-28.
— There’s slow growth. Real GDP growth is projected to slow to 0.8 per cent this year, down from 1.4 per cent in 2024, before picking up to 1.8 per cent in 2027 and 1.9 per cent in 2028.
The debt-to-GDP ratio is projected at 37.7 per cent — 0.2 points lower than forecast.
— Employment growth has cooled to 0.8 per cent, down from 1.7 per cent last year. It’s projected to slow further to 0.4 per cent in 2026, before inching up to 0.8 per cent in 2027 and 1 per cent in 2028.
— Housing construction is slowing. 64,300 housing starts are expected this year, down nearly 10 per cent from the 71,800 projection in the budget. In 2026, housing starts are projected at 70,200, before rising to 79,600 in 2027 and 83,700 in 2028.
Not mentioned in the document: The Ford government’s earlier pledge to build 1.5 million homes by 2031.
Not impressed: The Opposition says it doesn’t cut it — branded low on ambition and proof of “a failed economic strategy.”
— "Doug Ford is a jobs disaster, and this Fall Economic Statement fails to deliver for working people,” said NDP leader Marit Stiles. “Ontario’s unemployment is highest in a decade, and our housing starts are at their lowest in a decade. By every measure, this government is failing.”
— “To paraphrase the Minister, this isn’t even teeny-tiny tinkering, when what we needed was real action to meet the economic challenges we face,” added Liberal Stephanie Bowman. “... We needed tax relief for middle-income earners, support for small businesses, and funding for colleges and universities to train our youth for the jobs of the future — and we saw none of it.”
Cheers and jeers: Here’s who’s applauding the mini-budget — and who says it’s more spin than spending.
— CUPE Ontario: “They love tax expenditures because it’s a way of hiding their largesse toward the rich and powerful, even as they rob our hospitals, schools, and other public services of the funding they need.”
— The Ontario Real Estate Association: The group praised the Ford government for axing the 8 per cent provincial share of the HST on first-time home purchases. “... We can’t deny that the economic uncertainties continue to impact everyday lives across the province. But we’re encouraged to see that Ontario’s fiscal future is in good hands with today’s announcement, as Ontario’s deficit projects to be $1.1 billion less than had originally been forecasted.”
— The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario: “Behind the rhetoric, there are no meaningful new investments in public education. While educators struggle with large class sizes, increasing workloads, and rising violence in schools, the Ford government remains incomprehensibly focused on rewarding well-connected conservative party donors.”
— The Canadian Taxpayers Federation: “It’s irresponsible for the Ford government to continue to borrow more money and pile more debt onto taxpayers”
— Canadian Climate Institute: “Ontario’s decision to repeal the legislated requirement to set emissions-reduction targets, develop and publish credible climate plans and measure progress toward its climate goals is regrettable, and will create less certainty for Ontarians and companies doing business in the province.”
— Canadian Federation of Independent Business: “[The] Fall Economic Statement mentions some positive, previously announced actions under the government’s $30B tariff relief package for businesses… Small businesses need more direct measures like WSIB surplus rebates to help them weather the tariff storm and unpredictable economy. They don’t have the time or resources to search and apply for programs for which they end up being ineligible.”
— Killed: Second reading of Bill 49, 62-39.
Marit Stiles’ Opposition Day motion on “Ontario First” procurement was defeated, 60-25.
— How the budget landed: “The premier seems increasingly powerless to steer Ontario through a tough economic cycle, but he knows how to retain power through the political cycle,” Martin Regg Cohn writes.
It’s boring and that’s a good thing, says Brian Lilley.
— John Michael McGrath took a look at what got buried in it.
— “The Ontario government will shell out $9.1 million for a Canadian company to study whether or not Premier Doug Ford’s dream of tunnelling underneath Highway 401 is possible or practical,” per Global.
— Build, baby, build: “Proposals to double the size of a Vancouver port, build Highway 413 in Ontario and develop or expand mines in Yukon and Nunavut were among the list of 17 ’major projects’ compiled by the Carney government in March.” The Narwhal first reported it.
Noted: Speaking at the Canadian Club on Friday, Carney teased that the next wave of major “nation-building projects” will be announced this Thursday.
Seen: Andrew Boozary and Navdeep Bains at the speech. Catch up: Card-carrying Liberals still don’t know when — or how — they’ll pick their next leader.
Speaking of Liberal land: The New Leaf Liberals hosted a meet-up at 3 Brasseurs in Ottawa last week, billed as a chance to “hang out, meet friends new and old, and help us chart the future of the party.”
Seen: Liberal MP Fares Al Soud (Mississauga Centre), Jake Sawatzky (New Westminster-Burnaby-Maillardville) and Juanita Nathan (Pickering-Brooklin). The Hill Times’ Stu Benson was in the room as well.
— Can’t stop the stream: “Parents and advocates are taking matters into their own hands and livestreaming some committee meetings at school boards under provincial supervision after the government directed these boards to stop doing so.” The Trillium has more.
— Majority watch: “... Chris d’Entremont says pushing and yelling from Conservative Party leadership ’sealed the deal’ on his choice to cross the floor of the House of Commons to the Liberals this week.” More from CBC News.
The Star has more on d’Entremont’s defection — and discontent brewing in Pierre Poilievre’s caucus.
Althia Raj says we haven’t seen this kind of soap opera drama in decades.
— Ford vs. the People: An Abacus poll compared Ford and Caroline Mulroney against Mark Carney, and found they’d fare worse than Poilievre.
— Carney’s relationship with Ford, as illustrated by Theo Moudakis:
— “Fitzrovia, the largest purpose-built developer in Canada, has partnered with a Toronto-based fintech company Chexy, allowing residents who are Aeroplan members and pay rent using Chexy’s platform to collect points every time they pay rent.”
— Greg Sorbara argues doing away with fixed election dates is a win for Ford alone.
— “A lot of people in this country owe Doug Ford an apology,” says Jen Gerson on the Ronald Reagan ad.
— The last episode of The Premier Files is out, feat. Kathleen Wynne.
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. How are you reading the mini-budget? Drop a line and you’ll stay anonymous, just like those mysterious sources you’re still curious about. We’re back in your inbox on Monday.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now.
It’s shaping up to be a slow one around Queen’s Park. The Ford government’s mini-budget is out. We’ve got the goods — and the gripes. An ex-PC MPP is due in court this week, as Marit Stiles makes a stop in The Soo. Plus: two would-be Liberal leadership hopefuls turned up at the Prime Minister’s Canadian Club speech, while a new poll put Ford up against Carney. Let’s dig in.
A message from Next Campaign:
— The House is out for constituency week.
— There’s no slowing down on the committee circuit. Ahead:
— Fundraising watch: At 7 p.m., Karen McCrimmon and Tyler Watt are headlining a $40-a-ticket fundraiser in Kanata. RSVP.
On Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., Lee Fairclough is hosting a sold-out $500-a-ticket fundraiser in Etobicoke.
On Thursday at 6:30 p.m., Bruce Fanjoy and Stephen Blais will speak at a $125-a-ticket fundraiser in Stittsville. A ticket will get you Chef Blackie’s signature bites and boards, one drink on the house and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. RSVP.
— Coming up this week:
Noted: Last week, a pretrial was held for Chris Scott, charged in relation to an alleged intimate partner violence incident with his spouse. More here.
— Get festive: The Legislature is hosting an all-Ontario holiday market on Saturday, November 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
— Remembrance Day is the topic of this month’s themed tour, running every Friday at 12:30 p.m.
— Tabled: Not much beyond the Fall Economic Statement: Bill 68, Plan to Protect Ontario Act (Budget Measures).
The highlights:
— The province is marching toward balance. A $13.5 billion deficit is projected this year — $1.1 billion smaller than the budget expected — shrinking to $7.8 billion in 2026-27 and becoming a $200-million surplus by 2027-28.
— There’s slow growth. Real GDP growth is projected to slow to 0.8 per cent this year, down from 1.4 per cent in 2024, before picking up to 1.8 per cent in 2027 and 1.9 per cent in 2028.
The debt-to-GDP ratio is projected at 37.7 per cent — 0.2 points lower than forecast.
— Employment growth has cooled to 0.8 per cent, down from 1.7 per cent last year. It’s projected to slow further to 0.4 per cent in 2026, before inching up to 0.8 per cent in 2027 and 1 per cent in 2028.
— Housing construction is slowing. 64,300 housing starts are expected this year, down nearly 10 per cent from the 71,800 projection in the budget. In 2026, housing starts are projected at 70,200, before rising to 79,600 in 2027 and 83,700 in 2028.
Not mentioned in the document: The Ford government’s earlier pledge to build 1.5 million homes by 2031.
Not impressed: The Opposition says it doesn’t cut it — branded low on ambition and proof of “a failed economic strategy.”
— "Doug Ford is a jobs disaster, and this Fall Economic Statement fails to deliver for working people,” said NDP leader Marit Stiles. “Ontario’s unemployment is highest in a decade, and our housing starts are at their lowest in a decade. By every measure, this government is failing.”
— “To paraphrase the Minister, this isn’t even teeny-tiny tinkering, when what we needed was real action to meet the economic challenges we face,” added Liberal Stephanie Bowman. “... We needed tax relief for middle-income earners, support for small businesses, and funding for colleges and universities to train our youth for the jobs of the future — and we saw none of it.”
Cheers and jeers: Here’s who’s applauding the mini-budget — and who says it’s more spin than spending.
— CUPE Ontario: “They love tax expenditures because it’s a way of hiding their largesse toward the rich and powerful, even as they rob our hospitals, schools, and other public services of the funding they need.”
— The Ontario Real Estate Association: The group praised the Ford government for axing the 8 per cent provincial share of the HST on first-time home purchases. “... We can’t deny that the economic uncertainties continue to impact everyday lives across the province. But we’re encouraged to see that Ontario’s fiscal future is in good hands with today’s announcement, as Ontario’s deficit projects to be $1.1 billion less than had originally been forecasted.”
— The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario: “Behind the rhetoric, there are no meaningful new investments in public education. While educators struggle with large class sizes, increasing workloads, and rising violence in schools, the Ford government remains incomprehensibly focused on rewarding well-connected conservative party donors.”
— The Canadian Taxpayers Federation: “It’s irresponsible for the Ford government to continue to borrow more money and pile more debt onto taxpayers”
— Canadian Climate Institute: “Ontario’s decision to repeal the legislated requirement to set emissions-reduction targets, develop and publish credible climate plans and measure progress toward its climate goals is regrettable, and will create less certainty for Ontarians and companies doing business in the province.”
— Canadian Federation of Independent Business: “[The] Fall Economic Statement mentions some positive, previously announced actions under the government’s $30B tariff relief package for businesses… Small businesses need more direct measures like WSIB surplus rebates to help them weather the tariff storm and unpredictable economy. They don’t have the time or resources to search and apply for programs for which they end up being ineligible.”
— Killed: Second reading of Bill 49, 62-39.
Marit Stiles’ Opposition Day motion on “Ontario First” procurement was defeated, 60-25.
— How the budget landed: “The premier seems increasingly powerless to steer Ontario through a tough economic cycle, but he knows how to retain power through the political cycle,” Martin Regg Cohn writes.
It’s boring and that’s a good thing, says Brian Lilley.
— John Michael McGrath took a look at what got buried in it.
— “The Ontario government will shell out $9.1 million for a Canadian company to study whether or not Premier Doug Ford’s dream of tunnelling underneath Highway 401 is possible or practical,” per Global.
— Build, baby, build: “Proposals to double the size of a Vancouver port, build Highway 413 in Ontario and develop or expand mines in Yukon and Nunavut were among the list of 17 ’major projects’ compiled by the Carney government in March.” The Narwhal first reported it.
Noted: Speaking at the Canadian Club on Friday, Carney teased that the next wave of major “nation-building projects” will be announced this Thursday.
Seen: Andrew Boozary and Navdeep Bains at the speech. Catch up: Card-carrying Liberals still don’t know when — or how — they’ll pick their next leader.
Speaking of Liberal land: The New Leaf Liberals hosted a meet-up at 3 Brasseurs in Ottawa last week, billed as a chance to “hang out, meet friends new and old, and help us chart the future of the party.”
Seen: Liberal MP Fares Al Soud (Mississauga Centre), Jake Sawatzky (New Westminster-Burnaby-Maillardville) and Juanita Nathan (Pickering-Brooklin). The Hill Times’ Stu Benson was in the room as well.
— Can’t stop the stream: “Parents and advocates are taking matters into their own hands and livestreaming some committee meetings at school boards under provincial supervision after the government directed these boards to stop doing so.” The Trillium has more.
— Majority watch: “... Chris d’Entremont says pushing and yelling from Conservative Party leadership ’sealed the deal’ on his choice to cross the floor of the House of Commons to the Liberals this week.” More from CBC News.
The Star has more on d’Entremont’s defection — and discontent brewing in Pierre Poilievre’s caucus.
Althia Raj says we haven’t seen this kind of soap opera drama in decades.
— Ford vs. the People: An Abacus poll compared Ford and Caroline Mulroney against Mark Carney, and found they’d fare worse than Poilievre.
— Carney’s relationship with Ford, as illustrated by Theo Moudakis:
— “Fitzrovia, the largest purpose-built developer in Canada, has partnered with a Toronto-based fintech company Chexy, allowing residents who are Aeroplan members and pay rent using Chexy’s platform to collect points every time they pay rent.”
— Greg Sorbara argues doing away with fixed election dates is a win for Ford alone.
— “A lot of people in this country owe Doug Ford an apology,” says Jen Gerson on the Ronald Reagan ad.
— The last episode of The Premier Files is out, feat. Kathleen Wynne.
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. How are you reading the mini-budget? Drop a line and you’ll stay anonymous, just like those mysterious sources you’re still curious about. We’re back in your inbox on Monday.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now.
It’s shaping up to be a slow one around Queen’s Park. The Ford government’s mini-budget is out. We’ve got the goods — and the gripes. An ex-PC MPP is due in court this week, as Marit Stiles makes a stop in The Soo. Plus: two would-be Liberal leadership hopefuls turned up at the Prime Minister’s Canadian Club speech, while a new poll put Ford up against Carney. Let’s dig in.
A message from Next Campaign:
— The House is out for constituency week.
— There’s no slowing down on the committee circuit. Ahead:
— Fundraising watch: At 7 p.m., Karen McCrimmon and Tyler Watt are headlining a $40-a-ticket fundraiser in Kanata. RSVP.
On Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., Lee Fairclough is hosting a sold-out $500-a-ticket fundraiser in Etobicoke.
On Thursday at 6:30 p.m., Bruce Fanjoy and Stephen Blais will speak at a $125-a-ticket fundraiser in Stittsville. A ticket will get you Chef Blackie’s signature bites and boards, one drink on the house and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. RSVP.
— Coming up this week:
Noted: Last week, a pretrial was held for Chris Scott, charged in relation to an alleged intimate partner violence incident with his spouse. More here.
— Get festive: The Legislature is hosting an all-Ontario holiday market on Saturday, November 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
— Remembrance Day is the topic of this month’s themed tour, running every Friday at 12:30 p.m.
— Tabled: Not much beyond the Fall Economic Statement: Bill 68, Plan to Protect Ontario Act (Budget Measures).
The highlights:
— The province is marching toward balance. A $13.5 billion deficit is projected this year — $1.1 billion smaller than the budget expected — shrinking to $7.8 billion in 2026-27 and becoming a $200-million surplus by 2027-28.
— There’s slow growth. Real GDP growth is projected to slow to 0.8 per cent this year, down from 1.4 per cent in 2024, before picking up to 1.8 per cent in 2027 and 1.9 per cent in 2028.
The debt-to-GDP ratio is projected at 37.7 per cent — 0.2 points lower than forecast.
— Employment growth has cooled to 0.8 per cent, down from 1.7 per cent last year. It’s projected to slow further to 0.4 per cent in 2026, before inching up to 0.8 per cent in 2027 and 1 per cent in 2028.
— Housing construction is slowing. 64,300 housing starts are expected this year, down nearly 10 per cent from the 71,800 projection in the budget. In 2026, housing starts are projected at 70,200, before rising to 79,600 in 2027 and 83,700 in 2028.
Not mentioned in the document: The Ford government’s earlier pledge to build 1.5 million homes by 2031.
Not impressed: The Opposition says it doesn’t cut it — branded low on ambition and proof of “a failed economic strategy.”
— "Doug Ford is a jobs disaster, and this Fall Economic Statement fails to deliver for working people,” said NDP leader Marit Stiles. “Ontario’s unemployment is highest in a decade, and our housing starts are at their lowest in a decade. By every measure, this government is failing.”
— “To paraphrase the Minister, this isn’t even teeny-tiny tinkering, when what we needed was real action to meet the economic challenges we face,” added Liberal Stephanie Bowman. “... We needed tax relief for middle-income earners, support for small businesses, and funding for colleges and universities to train our youth for the jobs of the future — and we saw none of it.”
Cheers and jeers: Here’s who’s applauding the mini-budget — and who says it’s more spin than spending.
— CUPE Ontario: “They love tax expenditures because it’s a way of hiding their largesse toward the rich and powerful, even as they rob our hospitals, schools, and other public services of the funding they need.”
— The Ontario Real Estate Association: The group praised the Ford government for axing the 8 per cent provincial share of the HST on first-time home purchases. “... We can’t deny that the economic uncertainties continue to impact everyday lives across the province. But we’re encouraged to see that Ontario’s fiscal future is in good hands with today’s announcement, as Ontario’s deficit projects to be $1.1 billion less than had originally been forecasted.”
— The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario: “Behind the rhetoric, there are no meaningful new investments in public education. While educators struggle with large class sizes, increasing workloads, and rising violence in schools, the Ford government remains incomprehensibly focused on rewarding well-connected conservative party donors.”
— The Canadian Taxpayers Federation: “It’s irresponsible for the Ford government to continue to borrow more money and pile more debt onto taxpayers”
— Canadian Climate Institute: “Ontario’s decision to repeal the legislated requirement to set emissions-reduction targets, develop and publish credible climate plans and measure progress toward its climate goals is regrettable, and will create less certainty for Ontarians and companies doing business in the province.”
— Canadian Federation of Independent Business: “[The] Fall Economic Statement mentions some positive, previously announced actions under the government’s $30B tariff relief package for businesses… Small businesses need more direct measures like WSIB surplus rebates to help them weather the tariff storm and unpredictable economy. They don’t have the time or resources to search and apply for programs for which they end up being ineligible.”
— Killed: Second reading of Bill 49, 62-39.
Marit Stiles’ Opposition Day motion on “Ontario First” procurement was defeated, 60-25.
— How the budget landed: “The premier seems increasingly powerless to steer Ontario through a tough economic cycle, but he knows how to retain power through the political cycle,” Martin Regg Cohn writes.
It’s boring and that’s a good thing, says Brian Lilley.
— John Michael McGrath took a look at what got buried in it.
— “The Ontario government will shell out $9.1 million for a Canadian company to study whether or not Premier Doug Ford’s dream of tunnelling underneath Highway 401 is possible or practical,” per Global.
— Build, baby, build: “Proposals to double the size of a Vancouver port, build Highway 413 in Ontario and develop or expand mines in Yukon and Nunavut were among the list of 17 ’major projects’ compiled by the Carney government in March.” The Narwhal first reported it.
Noted: Speaking at the Canadian Club on Friday, Carney teased that the next wave of major “nation-building projects” will be announced this Thursday.
Seen: Andrew Boozary and Navdeep Bains at the speech. Catch up: Card-carrying Liberals still don’t know when — or how — they’ll pick their next leader.
Speaking of Liberal land: The New Leaf Liberals hosted a meet-up at 3 Brasseurs in Ottawa last week, billed as a chance to “hang out, meet friends new and old, and help us chart the future of the party.”
Seen: Liberal MP Fares Al Soud (Mississauga Centre), Jake Sawatzky (New Westminster-Burnaby-Maillardville) and Juanita Nathan (Pickering-Brooklin). The Hill Times’ Stu Benson was in the room as well.
— Can’t stop the stream: “Parents and advocates are taking matters into their own hands and livestreaming some committee meetings at school boards under provincial supervision after the government directed these boards to stop doing so.” The Trillium has more.
— Majority watch: “... Chris d’Entremont says pushing and yelling from Conservative Party leadership ’sealed the deal’ on his choice to cross the floor of the House of Commons to the Liberals this week.” More from CBC News.
The Star has more on d’Entremont’s defection — and discontent brewing in Pierre Poilievre’s caucus.
Althia Raj says we haven’t seen this kind of soap opera drama in decades.
— Ford vs. the People: An Abacus poll compared Ford and Caroline Mulroney against Mark Carney, and found they’d fare worse than Poilievre.
— Carney’s relationship with Ford, as illustrated by Theo Moudakis:
— “Fitzrovia, the largest purpose-built developer in Canada, has partnered with a Toronto-based fintech company Chexy, allowing residents who are Aeroplan members and pay rent using Chexy’s platform to collect points every time they pay rent.”
— Greg Sorbara argues doing away with fixed election dates is a win for Ford alone.
— “A lot of people in this country owe Doug Ford an apology,” says Jen Gerson on the Ronald Reagan ad.
— The last episode of The Premier Files is out, feat. Kathleen Wynne.
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. How are you reading the mini-budget? Drop a line and you’ll stay anonymous, just like those mysterious sources you’re still curious about. We’re back in your inbox on Monday.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now.
It’s shaping up to be a slow one around Queen’s Park. The Ford government’s mini-budget is out. We’ve got the goods — and the gripes. An ex-PC MPP is due in court this week, as Marit Stiles makes a stop in The Soo. Plus: two would-be Liberal leadership hopefuls turned up at the Prime Minister’s Canadian Club speech, while a new poll put Ford up against Carney. Let’s dig in.
A message from Next Campaign:
— The House is out for constituency week.
— There’s no slowing down on the committee circuit. Ahead:
— Fundraising watch: At 7 p.m., Karen McCrimmon and Tyler Watt are headlining a $40-a-ticket fundraiser in Kanata. RSVP.
On Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., Lee Fairclough is hosting a sold-out $500-a-ticket fundraiser in Etobicoke.
On Thursday at 6:30 p.m., Bruce Fanjoy and Stephen Blais will speak at a $125-a-ticket fundraiser in Stittsville. A ticket will get you Chef Blackie’s signature bites and boards, one drink on the house and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. RSVP.
— Coming up this week:
Noted: Last week, a pretrial was held for Chris Scott, charged in relation to an alleged intimate partner violence incident with his spouse. More here.
— Get festive: The Legislature is hosting an all-Ontario holiday market on Saturday, November 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
— Remembrance Day is the topic of this month’s themed tour, running every Friday at 12:30 p.m.
— Tabled: Not much beyond the Fall Economic Statement: Bill 68, Plan to Protect Ontario Act (Budget Measures).
The highlights:
— The province is marching toward balance. A $13.5 billion deficit is projected this year — $1.1 billion smaller than the budget expected — shrinking to $7.8 billion in 2026-27 and becoming a $200-million surplus by 2027-28.
— There’s slow growth. Real GDP growth is projected to slow to 0.8 per cent this year, down from 1.4 per cent in 2024, before picking up to 1.8 per cent in 2027 and 1.9 per cent in 2028.
The debt-to-GDP ratio is projected at 37.7 per cent — 0.2 points lower than forecast.
— Employment growth has cooled to 0.8 per cent, down from 1.7 per cent last year. It’s projected to slow further to 0.4 per cent in 2026, before inching up to 0.8 per cent in 2027 and 1 per cent in 2028.
— Housing construction is slowing. 64,300 housing starts are expected this year, down nearly 10 per cent from the 71,800 projection in the budget. In 2026, housing starts are projected at 70,200, before rising to 79,600 in 2027 and 83,700 in 2028.
Not mentioned in the document: The Ford government’s earlier pledge to build 1.5 million homes by 2031.
Not impressed: The Opposition says it doesn’t cut it — branded low on ambition and proof of “a failed economic strategy.”
— "Doug Ford is a jobs disaster, and this Fall Economic Statement fails to deliver for working people,” said NDP leader Marit Stiles. “Ontario’s unemployment is highest in a decade, and our housing starts are at their lowest in a decade. By every measure, this government is failing.”
— “To paraphrase the Minister, this isn’t even teeny-tiny tinkering, when what we needed was real action to meet the economic challenges we face,” added Liberal Stephanie Bowman. “... We needed tax relief for middle-income earners, support for small businesses, and funding for colleges and universities to train our youth for the jobs of the future — and we saw none of it.”
Cheers and jeers: Here’s who’s applauding the mini-budget — and who says it’s more spin than spending.
— CUPE Ontario: “They love tax expenditures because it’s a way of hiding their largesse toward the rich and powerful, even as they rob our hospitals, schools, and other public services of the funding they need.”
— The Ontario Real Estate Association: The group praised the Ford government for axing the 8 per cent provincial share of the HST on first-time home purchases. “... We can’t deny that the economic uncertainties continue to impact everyday lives across the province. But we’re encouraged to see that Ontario’s fiscal future is in good hands with today’s announcement, as Ontario’s deficit projects to be $1.1 billion less than had originally been forecasted.”
— The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario: “Behind the rhetoric, there are no meaningful new investments in public education. While educators struggle with large class sizes, increasing workloads, and rising violence in schools, the Ford government remains incomprehensibly focused on rewarding well-connected conservative party donors.”
— The Canadian Taxpayers Federation: “It’s irresponsible for the Ford government to continue to borrow more money and pile more debt onto taxpayers”
— Canadian Climate Institute: “Ontario’s decision to repeal the legislated requirement to set emissions-reduction targets, develop and publish credible climate plans and measure progress toward its climate goals is regrettable, and will create less certainty for Ontarians and companies doing business in the province.”
— Canadian Federation of Independent Business: “[The] Fall Economic Statement mentions some positive, previously announced actions under the government’s $30B tariff relief package for businesses… Small businesses need more direct measures like WSIB surplus rebates to help them weather the tariff storm and unpredictable economy. They don’t have the time or resources to search and apply for programs for which they end up being ineligible.”
— Killed: Second reading of Bill 49, 62-39.
Marit Stiles’ Opposition Day motion on “Ontario First” procurement was defeated, 60-25.
— How the budget landed: “The premier seems increasingly powerless to steer Ontario through a tough economic cycle, but he knows how to retain power through the political cycle,” Martin Regg Cohn writes.
It’s boring and that’s a good thing, says Brian Lilley.
— John Michael McGrath took a look at what got buried in it.
— “The Ontario government will shell out $9.1 million for a Canadian company to study whether or not Premier Doug Ford’s dream of tunnelling underneath Highway 401 is possible or practical,” per Global.
— Build, baby, build: “Proposals to double the size of a Vancouver port, build Highway 413 in Ontario and develop or expand mines in Yukon and Nunavut were among the list of 17 ’major projects’ compiled by the Carney government in March.” The Narwhal first reported it.
Noted: Speaking at the Canadian Club on Friday, Carney teased that the next wave of major “nation-building projects” will be announced this Thursday.
Seen: Andrew Boozary and Navdeep Bains at the speech. Catch up: Card-carrying Liberals still don’t know when — or how — they’ll pick their next leader.
Speaking of Liberal land: The New Leaf Liberals hosted a meet-up at 3 Brasseurs in Ottawa last week, billed as a chance to “hang out, meet friends new and old, and help us chart the future of the party.”
Seen: Liberal MP Fares Al Soud (Mississauga Centre), Jake Sawatzky (New Westminster-Burnaby-Maillardville) and Juanita Nathan (Pickering-Brooklin). The Hill Times’ Stu Benson was in the room as well.
— Can’t stop the stream: “Parents and advocates are taking matters into their own hands and livestreaming some committee meetings at school boards under provincial supervision after the government directed these boards to stop doing so.” The Trillium has more.
— Majority watch: “... Chris d’Entremont says pushing and yelling from Conservative Party leadership ’sealed the deal’ on his choice to cross the floor of the House of Commons to the Liberals this week.” More from CBC News.
The Star has more on d’Entremont’s defection — and discontent brewing in Pierre Poilievre’s caucus.
Althia Raj says we haven’t seen this kind of soap opera drama in decades.
— Ford vs. the People: An Abacus poll compared Ford and Caroline Mulroney against Mark Carney, and found they’d fare worse than Poilievre.
— Carney’s relationship with Ford, as illustrated by Theo Moudakis:
— “Fitzrovia, the largest purpose-built developer in Canada, has partnered with a Toronto-based fintech company Chexy, allowing residents who are Aeroplan members and pay rent using Chexy’s platform to collect points every time they pay rent.”
— Greg Sorbara argues doing away with fixed election dates is a win for Ford alone.
— “A lot of people in this country owe Doug Ford an apology,” says Jen Gerson on the Ronald Reagan ad.
— The last episode of The Premier Files is out, feat. Kathleen Wynne.
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It’s shaping up to be a slow one around Queen’s Park. The Ford government’s mini-budget is out. We’ve got the goods — and the gripes. An ex-PC MPP is due in court this week, as Marit Stiles makes a stop in The Soo. Plus: two would-be Liberal leadership hopefuls turned up at the Prime Minister’s Canadian Club speech, while a new poll put Ford up against Carney. Let’s dig in.
A message from Next Campaign:
— The House is out for constituency week.
— There’s no slowing down on the committee circuit. Ahead:
— Fundraising watch: At 7 p.m., Karen McCrimmon and Tyler Watt are headlining a $40-a-ticket fundraiser in Kanata. RSVP.
On Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., Lee Fairclough is hosting a sold-out $500-a-ticket fundraiser in Etobicoke.
On Thursday at 6:30 p.m., Bruce Fanjoy and Stephen Blais will speak at a $125-a-ticket fundraiser in Stittsville. A ticket will get you Chef Blackie’s signature bites and boards, one drink on the house and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. RSVP.
— Coming up this week:
Noted: Last week, a pretrial was held for Chris Scott, charged in relation to an alleged intimate partner violence incident with his spouse. More here.
— Get festive: The Legislature is hosting an all-Ontario holiday market on Saturday, November 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
— Remembrance Day is the topic of this month’s themed tour, running every Friday at 12:30 p.m.
— Tabled: Not much beyond the Fall Economic Statement: Bill 68, Plan to Protect Ontario Act (Budget Measures).
The highlights:
— The province is marching toward balance. A $13.5 billion deficit is projected this year — $1.1 billion smaller than the budget expected — shrinking to $7.8 billion in 2026-27 and becoming a $200-million surplus by 2027-28.
— There’s slow growth. Real GDP growth is projected to slow to 0.8 per cent this year, down from 1.4 per cent in 2024, before picking up to 1.8 per cent in 2027 and 1.9 per cent in 2028.
The debt-to-GDP ratio is projected at 37.7 per cent — 0.2 points lower than forecast.
— Employment growth has cooled to 0.8 per cent, down from 1.7 per cent last year. It’s projected to slow further to 0.4 per cent in 2026, before inching up to 0.8 per cent in 2027 and 1 per cent in 2028.
— Housing construction is slowing. 64,300 housing starts are expected this year, down nearly 10 per cent from the 71,800 projection in the budget. In 2026, housing starts are projected at 70,200, before rising to 79,600 in 2027 and 83,700 in 2028.
Not mentioned in the document: The Ford government’s earlier pledge to build 1.5 million homes by 2031.
Not impressed: The Opposition says it doesn’t cut it — branded low on ambition and proof of “a failed economic strategy.”
— "Doug Ford is a jobs disaster, and this Fall Economic Statement fails to deliver for working people,” said NDP leader Marit Stiles. “Ontario’s unemployment is highest in a decade, and our housing starts are at their lowest in a decade. By every measure, this government is failing.”
— “To paraphrase the Minister, this isn’t even teeny-tiny tinkering, when what we needed was real action to meet the economic challenges we face,” added Liberal Stephanie Bowman. “... We needed tax relief for middle-income earners, support for small businesses, and funding for colleges and universities to train our youth for the jobs of the future — and we saw none of it.”
Cheers and jeers: Here’s who’s applauding the mini-budget — and who says it’s more spin than spending.
— CUPE Ontario: “They love tax expenditures because it’s a way of hiding their largesse toward the rich and powerful, even as they rob our hospitals, schools, and other public services of the funding they need.”
— The Ontario Real Estate Association: The group praised the Ford government for axing the 8 per cent provincial share of the HST on first-time home purchases. “... We can’t deny that the economic uncertainties continue to impact everyday lives across the province. But we’re encouraged to see that Ontario’s fiscal future is in good hands with today’s announcement, as Ontario’s deficit projects to be $1.1 billion less than had originally been forecasted.”
— The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario: “Behind the rhetoric, there are no meaningful new investments in public education. While educators struggle with large class sizes, increasing workloads, and rising violence in schools, the Ford government remains incomprehensibly focused on rewarding well-connected conservative party donors.”
— The Canadian Taxpayers Federation: “It’s irresponsible for the Ford government to continue to borrow more money and pile more debt onto taxpayers”
— Canadian Climate Institute: “Ontario’s decision to repeal the legislated requirement to set emissions-reduction targets, develop and publish credible climate plans and measure progress toward its climate goals is regrettable, and will create less certainty for Ontarians and companies doing business in the province.”
— Canadian Federation of Independent Business: “[The] Fall Economic Statement mentions some positive, previously announced actions under the government’s $30B tariff relief package for businesses… Small businesses need more direct measures like WSIB surplus rebates to help them weather the tariff storm and unpredictable economy. They don’t have the time or resources to search and apply for programs for which they end up being ineligible.”
— Killed: Second reading of Bill 49, 62-39.
Marit Stiles’ Opposition Day motion on “Ontario First” procurement was defeated, 60-25.
— How the budget landed: “The premier seems increasingly powerless to steer Ontario through a tough economic cycle, but he knows how to retain power through the political cycle,” Martin Regg Cohn writes.
It’s boring and that’s a good thing, says Brian Lilley.
— John Michael McGrath took a look at what got buried in it.
— “The Ontario government will shell out $9.1 million for a Canadian company to study whether or not Premier Doug Ford’s dream of tunnelling underneath Highway 401 is possible or practical,” per Global.
— Build, baby, build: “Proposals to double the size of a Vancouver port, build Highway 413 in Ontario and develop or expand mines in Yukon and Nunavut were among the list of 17 ’major projects’ compiled by the Carney government in March.” The Narwhal first reported it.
Noted: Speaking at the Canadian Club on Friday, Carney teased that the next wave of major “nation-building projects” will be announced this Thursday.
Seen: Andrew Boozary and Navdeep Bains at the speech. Catch up: Card-carrying Liberals still don’t know when — or how — they’ll pick their next leader.
Speaking of Liberal land: The New Leaf Liberals hosted a meet-up at 3 Brasseurs in Ottawa last week, billed as a chance to “hang out, meet friends new and old, and help us chart the future of the party.”
Seen: Liberal MP Fares Al Soud (Mississauga Centre), Jake Sawatzky (New Westminster-Burnaby-Maillardville) and Juanita Nathan (Pickering-Brooklin). The Hill Times’ Stu Benson was in the room as well.
— Can’t stop the stream: “Parents and advocates are taking matters into their own hands and livestreaming some committee meetings at school boards under provincial supervision after the government directed these boards to stop doing so.” The Trillium has more.
— Majority watch: “... Chris d’Entremont says pushing and yelling from Conservative Party leadership ’sealed the deal’ on his choice to cross the floor of the House of Commons to the Liberals this week.” More from CBC News.
The Star has more on d’Entremont’s defection — and discontent brewing in Pierre Poilievre’s caucus.
Althia Raj says we haven’t seen this kind of soap opera drama in decades.
— Ford vs. the People: An Abacus poll compared Ford and Caroline Mulroney against Mark Carney, and found they’d fare worse than Poilievre.
— Carney’s relationship with Ford, as illustrated by Theo Moudakis:
— “Fitzrovia, the largest purpose-built developer in Canada, has partnered with a Toronto-based fintech company Chexy, allowing residents who are Aeroplan members and pay rent using Chexy’s platform to collect points every time they pay rent.”
— Greg Sorbara argues doing away with fixed election dates is a win for Ford alone.
— “A lot of people in this country owe Doug Ford an apology,” says Jen Gerson on the Ronald Reagan ad.
— The last episode of The Premier Files is out, feat. Kathleen Wynne.
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. How are you reading the mini-budget? Drop a line and you’ll stay anonymous, just like those mysterious sources you’re still curious about. We’re back in your inbox on Monday.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now.