Ontario's finance minister criticizes federal spending and carbon pricing plan

Ontario’s finance minister slammed the 2019 federal budget, saying it shows the Liberal government is willing to run “endless” deficits as it heads to polls this fall. Vic Fedeli ramped up his rhetoric about the federal spending package unveiled in Ottawa, calling it a disappointing document that does not address the needs of the province. His comments are just the latest in a string of clashes between the provincial Progressive Conservatives and federal Liberals before the fall vote.“This certainly was an election budget with endless deficits,” he said. “We’re not really sure any of what they’ve promised will ever be realized. Of course, that is very, very disappointing.” Fedeli said the budget doesn’t adequately address a wide array of issues important to the province, including U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs, provincial transfer payments and the national cannabis supply shortage.