Ontario has new path to budget balance, Ford signals amid need for tariff relief [Video]

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is signalling that his government’s upcoming budget may not be balanced, as the province needs to support people in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

Ford announced today that in the Ontario budget to be tabled May 15, the province will be adding nearly $1 billion over three years to the Skills Development Fund, which supports hiring, training and upskilling programs.

Ford says the Trump-caused economic uncertainties are already having a direct impact on Ontario and its workers, and he will “not spare a penny” to protect workers, families and communities.

In the middle of remarks at a skills competition today, Ford gave a nod to Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy, saying the minister “really watches the dollars” and has warned that the premier’s plans will throw off the government’s path to balance.

The province’s last major fiscal update, the fall economic statement, had eyed a balanced budget for 2026-27, but that came …