The Ford Government released its first budget nearly a month ago, but since then, there’s been constant news of cut-backs and downloading costs to municipalities. The opposition is furious but arguably the most affected will be the municipal governments as they learn of new cuts almost daily after they have already passed their budgets. Cities like Hamilton saying they were shocked to learn provincial money for services like child care programs would be taken away.

When the budget was unveiled on April 11th many reported that it had fewer cuts than expected, but within a matter of weeks the tone has changed. The leader of the opposition saying they’re landing on the most vulnerable people and municipalities.

The city is on the hook for at least 3.4 million dollars in child care costs previously covered by the provincial government, and 2.4 million more in health services. They add that an addiction counseling program for those on welfare will be scrapped.

The Ford Government adding that their budget was honest with Ontarians.

Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger has also told us that the downloading costs to municipalities happened without any consultation. At this point, the city has calculated up to 10 million dollars worth of cuts to the Hamilton budget.