Ford government to table 2026 budget with warning of ‘tougher times’ ahead
Global News
The annual financial plan will outline the government's expectations for economic growth and debt, as well as offering insights into the cost of its policies.
The Ford government will table its budget on Thursday afternoon, a financial blueprint expected to be printed with its fair share of red ink as the finance minister tells Ontarians to prepare for “tougher times” ahead.
The annual financial plan will outline the government’s expectations for economic growth and debt, as well as offer insights into the cost of its policies, the housing market and how Crown corporations like the LCBO are managing.
In a few brief comments as he bought the tie he will wear to present the budget, Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy acknowledged his plan comes as people struggle.
“It’s tough times for people,” he said. “People are hurting, the cost of everything is very high. That’s why we’ve been focused on affordability, putting more money back into people’s pockets.”
Bethlenfalvy’s comments echoed those he made earlier this month in a speech revealing the date of the budget.
“The world has changed, and Ontario must be ready for what change may bring, even if that means being prepared for tougher times,” he said during that event.
“As a government, we cannot eliminate uncertainty, but we can mitigate risks with a responsible, balanced fiscal approach that supports public services and infrastructure while maintaining flexibility.”
In that speech, he twice mentioned delivering government programs “efficiently and sustainably,” words that are sometimes used by politicians to signal belt tightening.
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