{
  "id": 18028119,
  "title": "‘Always expecting more’: Ford government pushes back against Toronto’s new deal bid",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/always-expecting-more-ford-government-pushes-back-against-torontos",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-03T22:23:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Global News",
    "slug": "global-news",
    "url": "https://globalnews.ca/news/12135017/always-expecting-more-ford-government-pushes-back-against-torontos-new-deal-bid/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the wake of Toronto's financial struggles, the provincial government has expressed reluctance to renew a previous \"new deal\" to alleviate the city's budget pressures. The initial agreement, reached in November 2023, saw the Ford government commit $1.2 billion in operating support over three years beginning in the 2024-2025 fiscal year. However, with the deal set to expire in 2027, Toronto's mayor, Olivia Chow, is seeking to secure a fresh arrangement before the deadline.\n\nChow, returning to City Hall for a second term with a larger mandate after winning the recent election, has been pushing for a renewed deal. Despite her efforts, Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy has indicated that the province is not open to discussions on a new deal. This stands in contrast to Municipal Affairs Minister Rob Flack, who suggested that a decision on deal 2.0 had not yet been made, but emphasized that additional funds for Toronto are not forthcoming \"right now.\"\n\nIn January, Chow reported that Toronto's finances had stabilized, but projections indicate a $1.1 billion shortfall by 2027. Structural deficits, reduced development charge revenues, and concerns about the deal's expiration are some of the financial pressures Chow is facing during her second term. The city has acknowledged the new deal as a \"significant step forward\" in addressing fiscal challenges but is actively working with the province to tackle ongoing issues.\n\nThe original deal included funding for transit projects such as the Eglinton Crosstown LRT and Finch West LRT, as well as operating subsidies for the Gardiner Expressway and the Don Valley Parkway. However, the Ford government announced in June that it would take ownership of these highways in fall 2027, with up to $353 million allocated for their operation and maintenance until completion. Toronto's staff are currently preparing a draft budget for the new term, which begins on November 15.",
  "summary": "Despite Chow’s renewed push, however, Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy indicated the province is not opening the door to talks on any renewed new deal.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ford government refuses to renew Toronto's $1.2B deal until 2027.",
    "Mayor Olivia Chow seeks new agreement before expiration.",
    "Structural deficits and reduced revenues fuel financial pressure."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}