Spreadsheets and spin

Boozy exit

ABOVE THE FOLD

From clinking glasses to crunching numbers: Last night was Spring Fling, where Ministers mingled, staffers gossiped and secrets flowed freer than the wine. Today, it’s all spreadsheets and spin as the budget lands with a sobering reality check for the province’s economy.

I enlisted the Finance Minister’s former right-hand man to tee up today’s fiscal forecast. Meanwhile, everyone in Liberal land is talking about BONNIE CROMBIE’s response to the NATHANIEL ERSKINE-SMITH drama. And rumour has it the Premier is losing a top staffer to a booze giant. Let’s dig in.

Crombie claps back

Liberal circles are buzzing about BONNIE CROMBIE’s response to questions about NATE ERSKINE-SMITH’s not-so-subtle complaint about federal cabinet, which has some wondering if he’s about to challenge her leadership.

“I’m focused on the people of Ontario. That’s where my heart is,” Crombie told reporters at Queen’s Park. “And you know, that Member of Parliament is really hurting right now, so let’s …