Author: krushowy@thestar.ca Kristin Rushowy

Proposed changes to make Ontario’s civil courts more efficient and accessible could backfire while adding unaffordable, upfront costs for clients, legal groups warn.They are now asking the Ford government to reconsider several recommendations contained in a report that’s gone out for consultation.

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Premier Doug Ford has said Bill 5 is needed to speed up much-needed investments and projects — like the Ring of Fire mineral site in the north, or even a plan to potentially tunnel under Highway 401 to ease traffic congestion in Toronto — especially as the province tries to weather ongoing economic threats from the U.S. 

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Teacher training — and worker retraining — got a boost in the Ontario budget, as overall education funding will see above-inflation increases.Base spending on elementary and secondary education rises from this year’s $39 billion to almost $41 billion in 2025-26.

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From choppers for cops to new teacher spots, the record-breaking $232.5 billion Ontario budget unveiled Thursday also features a number of programs to help tariff-battered businesses and workers. As a point of national pride, the province is also introducing a new “buy” day to promote Ontario and Canadian-made products.Here are the highlights: