Budget deep dives

And rumours abound

🐰 PROGRAMMING NOTE: This will be the last edition of the week. I’m taking time off for Good Friday and will be back in your inbox bright and early on Monday. Enjoy the post-budget comedown!

ABOVE THE FOLD

There’s big news on the post-secondary front and more budget reaction is pouring in — before we dig in, how about some good ol’ fashioned gossip?

Some notable rumours floating around the Pink Palace…

— BREAKFAST AT SUTCLIFFE’S: Premier DOUG FORD is taking part in a “fireside” breakfast with Ottawa Mayor MARK SUTCLIFFE this morning.

Spoiler alert: Could he announce a new municipal funding deal a la Toronto? Sources say yes.

— WILL SHE OR WON’T SHE? There’s been talk that New Democrat JILL ANDREW (Toronto-St. Paul’s) is eyeing a possible run for the federal NDP in the hopes of replacing retired longtime Liberal MP CAROLYN BENNETT.

I managed to get Andrew on the phone briefly — and while she isn’t flat-out denying her potential federal bid, she isn’t confirming it either. As she quipped…