Ontario’s Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy is giving a hint about what to expect from the provincial budget.
He delivers the fiscal document on Wednesday.
Speaking at the Empire Club of Canada, Bethlenfalvy would not offer any specifics, but says it will look to thinking big and bold.
“It’s about much more than just the tariff threats we are facing today,” says Bethlenfalvy.
“Our plan to protect Ontario is about making sure that we can help workers and businesses weather the immediate storm, but it’s also about building a stronger, more resilient, self-sufficient and competitive province.”
Bethlenfalvy says the budget will also champion nation-building projects.
“Like unlocking the Ring of Fire so that we can dig, process and sell those critical minerals to meet the demand of our manufacturing sector here at home and ship them all around the world. And like building out our clean energy grid by investing in nuclear and boosting our production, transmission and storage capabilities to meet our rapidly increasing electricity demand.”
Bethlenfalvy says the province’s finances are in the best health they have been in decades and put Ontario in a strong position for the future.
In an update last fall, Bethlenfalvy projected a deficit of $6.6 billion for this fiscal year and a $1.5 billion deficit for next year before showing a small surplus in 2026-27.
The forecast was made prior to new trade tariffs from the U.S.
