NDP trolled after Ford's immigration remark

Plus: Calandra plays defence, Gravelle does damage control, and Bethlenfalvy teases FES

ABOVE THE FOLD

PAUL CALANDRA defended his $27,000-promotion to the front bench. DOLY BEGUM’s NDP office was bombarded with harassing messages after DOUG FORD refused to back down on his “divisive” remarks about immigrants collecting the dole. The Finance Minister teased a mini-budget. And the Liberals do damage control after one of their MPPs asked for exemptions for unvaccinated health-care workers.

MINI-BUDGET INCOMING — PETER BETHLENFALVY drops the Fall Economic Statement on November 4. While it will include the usual fiscal update such as deficit projections, it could also include some juicy campaign-style goodies, like highways and other infrastructure projects.

PROMISE MADE, NOT KEPT (YET) — Time is also ticking for some of the PCs big-ticket campaign pledges, and they may turn up in the FES. That includes an income tax cut — the most likely to get announced — as well as lowering gas prices and selling beer and wine in corner stores.

CALANDRA ON DEFENCE — The NDP was up in arms …