Robert Benzie

1 day ago | thespec.com | Robert Benzie

The bell is tolling for a chunk of the provincial gasoline tax and for tolls on publicly run eastern section of Highway 407. Fulfilling a promise from the Progressive Conservatives’ Feb. 27 re-election campaign, Premier Doug Ford and Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy are cutting 5.7 cents a litre of the gas tax and eliminating tolls on the provincially operated part of the tollway.

2 days ago | thespec.com | Robert Benzie

President Donald Trump’s trade war is a “wake-up call” to reduce Canada’s reliance on the U.S., warns Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy. In a major speech at an Empire Club of Canada luncheon that sets the table for Thursday’s provincial budget, Bethlenfalvy said it’s time for “nation-building” infrastructure projects to create jobs, boost unity and spark economic growth. “Right now, Ontario is facing a challenge like we have not faced before.

2 days ago | stcatharinesstandard.ca | Robert Benzie

President Donald Trump’s trade war is a “wake-up call” to reduce Canada’s reliance on the U.S., warns Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy. In a major speech at an Empire Club of Canada luncheon to set the table for Thursday’s provincial budget, Bethlenfalvy said it’s time for “nation-building” infrastructure projects that will create jobs, boost unity and spark economic growth. “Right now, Ontario is facing a challenge like we have not faced before.

6 days ago | thespec.com | Robert Benzie

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is reaching out to Premier Doug Ford in the wake of the Tories’ latest electoral defeat. But there is one piece of advice Ford, who works closely with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals, isn’t about to share with the embattled federal Tory leader. Asked by a reporter whether Poilievre, who lost his Ottawa-area riding of Carleton on April 28, should seek an Ontario seat instead of one in Alberta, the premier flashed a grin.

1 week ago | thespec.com | Robert Benzie |Tonda MacCharles

Prime Minister Mark Carney will bring the premiers together in Saskatchewan next month in a bid to tackle forces threatening to tear Canada apart. Carney is holding a first ministers’ meeting in Saskatoon June 1-2 against the backdrop of a trade war with U.S. President Donald Trump and a potential referendum on Alberta secession. The bid to boost the economy and promote national unity comes as the prime minister has pledged to eliminate all federal barriers to interprovincial trade by July 1.