Ford rules out a new funding deal for Toronto; Chow seeks fixes

Premier Doug Ford has ruled out a new funding deal for Toronto, leaving Mayor Olivia Chow searching for a long-term solution to the city's finances. In 2023, Chow secured $7.6 billion in provincial capital funding and $1.2 billion for transit and shelter operations, but that support expires in March. Ford said the province has given Toronto $9 billion and the city must be responsible for its own budget. Chow, facing a billion-dollar shortfall, said she still expects to keep property tax increases near inflation and has imposed a hiring freeze on non-frontline positions. Ford remains open to funding specific priorities.