Ontario Budget Tracker
Last updated March 27, 2026 · Ontario Pulse Editorial
In 2026–27, Ontario plans to spend $245.7B while taking in $231.9B in revenue, leaving a $13.8B deficit. That gap is wider than 2025–26’s $12.3B.
Health spending drives the increase, crossing $100B for the first time at $101.2B. The Ford government's 2026 budget also commits to $200B in infrastructure over the next decade (the Plan to Protect Ontario Act) and responds to U.S. tariff threats through its Special Economic Zones Act. Both add to the spending side without a matching revenue increase.
Roughly $15,551 per person in spending, $14,677 per person in revenue. These are projections from the budget plan, not final numbers.
Where the money goes
Ontario's $245.7B in spending, by sector
Health care alone accounts for 41 cents of every dollar Ontario spends. That share has grown steadily since 2018, when it was closer to 38 cents. Interest on the provincial debt takes another 7%, a cost that rises automatically as the province borrows more. Education (K-12 and postsecondary combined) makes up about 22%.
41% of total spending. Hospitals. +3.5% vs prior year.
17% of total spending. School boards (K–12). +0.7% vs prior year.
10% of total spending. Government operations. +6.9% vs prior year.
9% of total spending. ODSP. 0.5% vs prior year.
7% of total spending. Annual interest payments on accumulated provincial debt. +7.5% vs prior year.
16% of total. Postsecondary Education & Training, Transportation, Justice, Economic Development & Job Creation, Natural Resources, Environment & Indigenous Affairs.
Where the money comes from
Ontario's $231.9B in revenue, by source
Personal income tax and the provincial share of the HST are the two largest sources, together accounting for about 45% of revenue. Federal transfers (including the Canada Health Transfer) contribute another 17%. Ontario does not collect its own sales tax separately; the 8% provincial portion is administered by Ottawa as part of the 13% HST.
Ontario personal income tax levied on individuals and families
Ontario's 8% portion of the 13% Harmonized Sales Tax
Canada Health Transfer, Canada Social Transfer, and other federal payments
Corporate income tax paid by businesses operating in Ontario
Other Non-Tax Revenue, Employer Health Tax, Other Taxes, Education Property Tax, Ontario Health Premium.
Fiscal trend
How Ontario's bottom line has changed, year by year
Ontario ran deficits every year from 2009 through 2020, first from the financial crisis recovery under McGuinty and Wynne, then from pandemic spending under Ford. The province briefly posted a $2.0B surplus in 2021-22, its first since 2007-08, as tax receipts surged during the post-COVID recovery. Deficits returned in 2022-23 and are projected to widen sharply through 2027 as infrastructure and tariff-response spending outpace revenue growth.
| Year | Revenue | Spending | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026–27 est. | $231.9B | $245.7B | −$13.8B |
| 2025–26 rev. | $226.6B | $238.9B | −$12.3B |
| 2024–25 | $226.2B | $227.3B | −$1.1B |
| 2023–24 | $209.0B | $209.7B | −$0.7B |
| 2022–23 | $194.4B | $200.3B | −$5.9B |
| 2021–22 | $185.8B | $183.8B | +$2.0B |
| 2020–21 | $165.7B | $182.0B | −$16.3B |
| 2019–20 | $157.1B | $165.7B | −$8.6B |
| 2018–19 | $154.8B | $162.1B | −$7.3B |
| 2017–18 | $151.3B | $155.0B | −$3.7B |
| 2016–17 | $140.7B | $141.7B | −$1.0B |
| 2015–16 | $136.2B | $139.7B | −$3.5B |
| 2014–15 | $119.7B | $130.0B | −$10.3B |
| 2013–14 | $113.0B | $124.3B | −$11.3B |
| 2012–13 | $113.4B | $122.6B | −$9.2B |
| 2011–12 | $109.7B | $122.7B | −$13.0B |
| 2010–11 | $95.8B | $109.8B | −$14.0B |
| 2009–10 | $90.2B | $109.5B | −$19.3B |
Explore by year
Detailed breakdowns are available from 2018-19 onward, covering the Ford government's full tenure. Earlier years only have top-line revenue, spending, and balance figures in this tracker.
Revenue
$231.9B
Spending
$245.7B
Balance
−$13.8B
View source document (opens in new tab) · PC (Ford) · Projected