Does the 2026 budget really 'protect' Ontario? | #onpoli

Ontario's 2026 budget is out. Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy joins #onpoli to discuss the Ford government's spending choices, why it has not produced a balanced budget, and when it would ever raise taxes. Then, hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath zoom out and take a broader look at the government's plans: the HST exemption for home purchases, the province's overall fiscal health, electricity subsidies, and how transportation changes might make it harder for northern Ontarians to access Toronto - and why the government is fine with that trade-off. 00:00 Intro 1:02 “A Plan to Protect Ontario” — budget sequel analysis 5:53 Budget overview: deficit, balance delayed, key numbers 9:04 Interview: Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy 13:44 Electricity rebates, affordability, and tax choices 17:47 Post‑interview analysis: fiscal assumptions and risks 30:57 Your Column, My Column: housing, HST, electricity subsidies 38:42 Mailbag: Billy Bishop Airport, Northern Ontario, and the Northlander Check out the rest of the TVO ecosystem TVO Docs - https://www.youtube.com/@tvo TVO Kids - https://www.youtube.com/@TVOkids TVO Learn - https://www.youtube.com/@tvolearn Download the TVO Today App Apple - https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/tvo-today/id1616182112 Available on: Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, Samsung, LG, Amazon Fire TV Enjoying this content and want to make a meaningful impact? Consider donating today! https://support.tvo.org/site/Donation2?mfc_pref=T&idb=599945504&df_id=16843&16843.donation=form1&DONATION_LEVEL_ID_SELECTED=1661&mfc_pref=T