Final Vote on Ford’s Budget Bill Sparks Controversy

The Ford government’s omnibus budget bill, along with amendments to freedom of information laws, passed its final vote at Queen’s Park on Thursday. 

As opposition party members chanted “FOI,” the bill was approved with 57 votes in favor and 33 against. 

Bill 97 skipped the usual committee sessions and was debated during a heated question period Thursday, as well as in a rare late-night session on Wednesday.

Typically, bills go through committees where affected groups and the public can share their views, allowing committee members from both sides to propose and discuss changes.

House Leader Steve Clark suggested last week skipping these committee sessions and public hearings in order to expedite passing the budget.

The newly-approved bill brings several changes, including: 

The retroactive FOI law would prevent access to documents for Ford and cabinet members – including their offices – with Ford acknowledging that part of the reason is to block a request from for his cellphone records.

WATCH | Opposition parties have demanded freedom of information laws not be changed:

Ford’s cellphone records at issue as Queen’s Park resumes

Ontario’s legislature is back in session after a 14-week break. CBC’s Shawn Jeffords explains an exchange between Doug Ford and Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles over proposed changes to freedom-of-information rules.

Opposition Confronts Ford and Conservatives

Ford along with other Progressive Conservative MPPs faced relentless questioning from opposition members Thursday regarding the FOI law changes and how the province managed to pass the budget without expert input or public consultations.

“Under cover of darkness,” as Interim Liberal Leader John Fraser put it during Thursday’s question period, Wednesday’s sitting was described as a way for the province “to cover up.” 

He mentioned that FOI laws are vital for accountability, pointing out various scandals under Ford’s administration uncovered through FOI requests, like the Greenbelt scandal and improperly releasing 157 inmates.

“There must be something really, really, really bad on your cellphone. So what is it?” Fraser challenged Ford, suggesting that proof of “his backdoor deals” might be hidden on his personal device. 

“By lunchtime today the premier will think he got away scot-free.”

The late-night debate was labeled by some as an effort “to ram the bill through while nobody was watching,” following weeks of criticism regarding “shady FOI changes,” according to Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner in a news release.

“Doug Ford thinks he’s above the law – and he clearly has something to hide,” Schreiner stated. “It’s time to remind this government who they work for and take power back.”

Ford defended using his personal phone by saying he shares it “with everyone.” He expressed concerns about keeping private conversations confidential rather than publicizing them.</s

“FOI everything, I don’t care,” said Ford while noting that his opponents have been unfair towards his government.</s

Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy mentioned at Queen’s Park that there had been 35 public consultations conducted with Ontarians discussing budget matters for months.</s

“We’re using every tool we have available to streamline processes and cut unnecessary red tape that’s held our economy back while putting forward bold ideas,” he stated in a news release.</s< WATCH | Highlights of Ontario's 2026 budget:

Ontario’s 2026 budget in 60 secondsWant to know how Ontario’s 2026 budget will affect you? CBC’s Julia Knope highlights everything you need to know in just one minute.

Liberals Claim Province Is ‘Wasting Billions’ Through Budget

NDP Leader Marit Stiles accused Premier Ford of changing laws to obscure his role in scandals while claiming that this budget would burden “the next generation with endless debt.”

Ontario’s debt levels are projected at $485 billion for 2026-2027-up from $337 billion when Ford took office as premier. The cost just for servicing this debt alone is estimated at $17.2 billion according to this year’s budget, which surpasses what the province allocates for post-secondary education.

If elected as premier again, Stiles vowed on social media she would reverse these changes restoring transparency within Ontario.

“Democracy dies in darkness,” she noted. “Honest governments don’t change laws just so they can avoid facing truth.”

While most funding goes toward infrastructure projects , around “30 or 40 percent” comes from operating deficits , explained Ontario Liberal finance critic Stephanie Bowman during Wednesday evening debate.

“We’ve got a government that’s spending billions; wasting billions,” Bowman declared.

In response , Solicitor General Michael Kerzner claimed Wednesday that investments made will result in items being “an asset on our balance sheet.” He added that these investments aim “to leave a legacy” of infrastructure beneficial for future generations,< / s

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