Ontario's budget watchdog found the provincial government spent $7.2 billion less than planned over the last fiscal year, which has opposition parties questioning why Premier Doug Ford isn't spending more to combat the province's housing and healthcare crises.
The report from the Financial Accountability Office (FAO) of Ontario found the province underspent in every sector compared to its spending plan. This includes the healthcare sector, where the provincial government spent $1.69 billion less than anticipated, and education, where the province underspent by $141 million.
While opposition parties say Ford will likely spin the report as a demonstration of his administration's fiscal responsibility, for Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles, reining in spending should not be the province's priority right now.