Ontario Legislature Returns, Budget & Education Funding in Spotlight

0:00It's March 23rd. Welcome to Canada News Today, powered by AI, I'm Corey with the story. Ontario's lawmakers are returning to the provincial legislature at Queen's Park for the first time since mid-December. They took an extended winter break starting December 11th, which the opposition has slammed as undemocratic. This spring session kicks off a packed schedule right away. The big highlight comes Thursday with the delivery of the provincial budget. Their Dove Force Progressive Conservative Government also plans key changes, like shielding records from the Premier, Cabinet Ministers, there, staff and assistance from Freedom of Information Requests. Opposition parties argue, this move shows the government has things to hide. But the Responsible Minister insists it's just aligning Ontario's rules with other provinces and the federal level. Meanwhile, cuts to student grants under the Ontario Student Assistance Program are stirring up trouble. The shift toward more loans has sparked protests, including one earlier this month, with

1:02a vandalized statue and two arrests. Expect more debate on education funding as tensions rise, with another demonstration planned soon. Lawmakers have their work cut out to tackle these issues head on.