Wynne not backing down on Toronto social program cuts

Premier Kathleen Wynne says it’s regrettable that the province’s relationship with Toronto Mayor Rob Ford is on the rocks, but she’s not backing down on eliminating a fund that helps pay for the city’s social programs. Her comments follow yesterday’s meeting between Mayor Ford and Finance Minister Charles Sousa.

“Social costs that have been imposed on the city by other municipalities are being taken back by our government in order to give the city more flexibility. I really feel very very good about the work that we’ve done. I’m sorry that the relationship has deteriorated at this point, but I believe that because we are treating the city fairly, and because we are working with municipalities across the province, we’ll get that back. You know, we’ll talk with the mayor’s office and other city councillors and I say the city of Toronto is better off,” Wynne said today.

The premier also says the revenue tools being incorporated in the City of Toronto Act will ultimately increase the city’s revenue to $700 million annually.