Ford's new mantra

And budget hints

ABOVE THE FOLD

DOUG FORD’S FIERY FIRESIDE — The Premier held forth in a one-on-one at the Public Policy Forum’s Growth Summit, where he dished with CPAC’s MICHAEL SERAPIO on everything from the upcoming budget to what he really thinks about DONALD TRUMP. Highlights:

Big spender — and proud of it: Ford leaned into his government’s “prudent” fiscal track record, and said the upcoming spring budget will clock in at “billions” more as Ontario stares down economic uncertainty and a trade war with the States. Ford said he told Finance Minister PETER BETHLENFALVY that while his tariff-fighting plan could add a few billion to the deficit — because “we’re going to be building” — the province will “ make that up in the next two or three years.”

Ford emphasized big spending on infrastructure projects and to open up Ontario’s critical minerals industry to a global market.

Ford’s mantra: “Two words: Faster and speed.” He said Cabinet Secretary MICHELLE DiEMANUELE knows that all too well.

“I love our…