Ford striking special committee to dig deeper into Ontario’s fiscal situation
TORONTO — Premier Doug Ford slammed his predecessor’s handling of Ontario’s books Monday, calling it the “biggest government scandal in a generation,” as he announced plans for a special committee that would dig further into the province’s fiscal situation.
Ford’s vow to hold the previous regime accountable came in a speech to caucus delivered days after his finance minister announced Ontario was dealing with a recently revised $15 billion deficit as a result of Liberal accounting practices.
“They do not just get to walk away from this,” said Ford, whose Progressive Conservatives won a majority this spring. “We will demand answers about where the money went.”
Critics said Ford’s move would likely set the stage for cuts to services and expressed skepticism about the committee’s work.