Breaking down the FES

The 2022 campaign is starting to take shape

ABOVE THE FOLD

Finance Minister PETER BETHLENFALVY has dropped the PCs mini-budget Fall Economic Statement, entitled “Build Ontario,” setting the stage for 2022. Here are the highlights and reaction:

By the numbers: The deficit — initially projected to hit $33.1 billion — is now pegged at $21.5 billion. That’s thanks to a rosier economic recovery amid the pandemic, an increase in federal transfers and higher-than-expected tax revenues.

Highways: With the PCs pumping themselves up as the “party of yes”, it’s no surprise that there’s big spending for hospitals, schools, transit — and highways. That includes the controversial Highway 413 and Bradford Bypass, which are shaping up to be a big part of the PCs bid for reelection. However, there’s little detail on the cost and timeline to build the highways, which a government official said was because of the competitive tendering process.

Liberal Leader STEVEN DEL DUCA called it a “mirage” of a project that would take 10 years and $10 bill…