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Ontario’s 2026 budget shows a $13.8 billion deficit for 2026–27 on a $244.2 billion plan and delays balancing the books until 2028, while promising a 30% cut to the small business tax rate for three years.
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Ontario will waive the HST on newly built homes for one year only (starts Apr 1) — Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy says it won’t be extended, and the move is expected to spur home sales.
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The province is adding $1.1 billion for home care over three years but admits it’s unlikely to hit its goal of 58,000 new long‑term care beds by 2028 (about 26,000 are open/under construction/approved).
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Housing starts forecasts were cut again: private-sector projections fell to about 276,900 new homes from 2025–28, making the 1.5‑million homes target out of reach.
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LCBO modernization and tax cuts are shrinking public revenue from alcohol sales — revenue fell to $1.7 billion for 2025–26 and alcohol tax receipts dropped sharply.
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Ontario’s Sunshine List grew above 400,000 people earning over $100,000 in 2025; the top five earners were at Ontario Power Generation, with Kenneth Hartwick listed at $1.9 million.
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Big fight over transparency: the government plans retroactive FOI changes to shield the premier, ministers and staff, a move 60% of Ontarians oppose and which drew warnings from the privacy watchdog Patricia Kosseim.
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Metrolinx will roll out body-worn cameras and dashcams on GO Transit and UP Express this spring to improve safety and accountability — cameras activate only for specific incidents, with privacy safeguards.
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The two Air Canada pilots killed in the LaGuardia runway collision were repatriated to Canada (Mackenzie Gunther, 24; Antoine Forest, 30); more than 40 people were hospitalized and the NTSB investigation continues.
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A two‑alarm rooftop fire and explosions at a Toronto construction site (Richmond St W & John St) on Mar 27 ruptured propane cylinders, closed nearby streets and sent up large smoke plumes; no injuries reported.
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Toronto police are hunting a suspect after the fatal east‑end stabbing of 27‑year‑old Ahmed Hassan Asif; a white vehicle has been seized and officers urge witnesses to come forward.
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Ottawa police arrested a 19‑year‑old after a hit‑and‑run that killed crossing guard Peter Clark (in his 50s); the community is grieving and police ask anyone with dashcam footage to call.
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An unknown person was found dead after a large Mississauga house fire (Mirage Place); all residents were out of the country and the Office of the Fire Marshal is investigating.
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An Ontario man, Matthew Althorpe, was sentenced to 20 years for creating white‑supremacist propaganda tied to multiple attacks; the judge said his publications inspired at least six violent incidents.
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Guramrit Sidhu pleaded guilty in a U.S. federal case for trafficking about US$15–17 million of meth and cocaine into Canada and faces a minimum 20‑year sentence; sentencing is July 9.
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The Ford government defended closing more supervised consumption sites and said it’s expanding abstinence‑focused HART hubs, but health workers and former Toronto mayors warn closures could raise overdose harms.
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Humber Polytechnic will proceed with involuntary layoffs after its voluntary exit program didn’t fully close a budget shortfall, adding to wider post‑secondary funding pressure in Ontario.
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London Transit lost nearly 2 million bus rides last year as caps on international students cut tuition‑pass use — the drop reflects similar ridership hits in other Ontario cities.
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A St. Catharines crash sent six people, including a baby and the GO bus driver, to hospital; a 56‑year‑old Omemee man faces impaired‑driving charges.
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Toronto launched a third pothole blitz after a harsh winter — crews say they’ve already filled about 75,000 potholes this year and the city boosted pothole funding to $6.2 million.
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Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) upgrades for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are nearly finished: 17,000 temporary seats added to reach a 45,000 capacity, FIFA takeover on May 13, Canada opens here June 12.
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Raptors’ Scottie Barnes had a big night (23 points, 12 assists) on Mar 27 as Toronto beat New Orleans 119–106; it was his 27th double‑double of the season.
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Blue Jays locked in leadership: GM Ross Atkins extended through 2031 and manager John Schneider through 2028 after last year’s 94‑win, World Series run.
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Pride organizations asked the federal government for $9 million over three years (about $3M a year) to help festivals cover rising costs and pay performers, amid sponsor pullbacks.
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Ontario plans to repeal the SkyDome Act for a parcel south of Rogers Centre (305 Bremner Blvd) to free up development options — officials haven’t announced a specific plan yet.
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Ottawa announced $28.9 million from the Energy Innovation Program for carbon capture and renewable projects, with nearly $15 million going to two Saskatchewan carbon‑capture projects and $9M to solar.
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Owen Sound officials may bill anglers rescued from a broken ice shelf for emergency costs — some fishermen warn billing could deter people from calling for help.
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The OHL is pitching expansion teams to cities like Chatham‑Kent and Vaughan; the league says new franchises need modern 5,000‑seat arenas and that expansion would take several years.
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