# Ontario Deficit Soars to $16.9B as Trump Tariffs Hit

> Ontario's budget deficit jumps to $16.9 billion amid Trump tariffs, delaying balanced budget by four years.
- Title: Ontario Deficit Soars to $16.9B as Trump Tariffs Hit
- Summary: Ontario's budget deficit jumps to $16.9 billion amid Trump tariffs, delaying balanced budget by four years.
- Keywords: ontario, deficit, trump tariffs, doug ford, budget deficit, 2026 budget, 2027-28 deficit, 2028-29 deficit, balanced budget, tariffs, gdp growth, public service
- Source: National Post — https://nationalpost.com/opinion/scott-stinson-ontario-deficit-to-soar-to-16-9b-as-trumps-tariffs-strangle-growth
- Author: Scott Stinson
- Published: 2026-10-29T18:26:05+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ontario, deficit, trump tariffs, doug ford, budget deficit, 2026 budget, 2027-28 deficit, 2028-29 deficit, balanced budget, tariffs, gdp growth, public service
## Ontario's Deficit Forecast
The 2026-27 budget deficit is now forecast at $16.9 billion, up $3 billion from March's $13.8 billion estimate.
## 2027-28 Deficit Doubles
The 2027-28 deficit is forecast at $12.7 billion, more than double the $6.1 billion predicted in March.
## 2028-29 Deficit Stays Negative
Ontario is expected to remain $5.7 billion in deficit for 2028-29, missing the balanced budget target.
## Fourth Delayed Budget Target
This marks the fourth time in the Ford era that the government has pushed back its balanced budget target date.
## Trump Tariffs Impact
Tariffs on over 50% of Ontario's exports to the U.S. have slowed GDP growth and job creation.
## Ford Government's Stance
The government claims it has constrained public service growth at 1.6% since 2017 versus a 30% federal rise.
## No Spending Cuts Announced
Despite budget pressures, the government announced no public service cuts or buyouts, only efficiency reviews.
## Ford's Paradox
Ford criticizes government waste but avoids tough measures when delivering bad economic news.
## Key takeaway

Ontario's 2026-27 budget deficit is forecast at $16.9 billion, up $3 billion from March's estimate, due to Trump tariffs.