NewsOntario releases 2021 budget SHARE ON: Casey Kenny, staff Wednesday, Mar. 24th, 2021 (Image supplied by CPAC)The Ford government says its 2021 budget focuses on the health and well being of the people of Ontario.The $186.1 billion budget, unveiled Wednesday afternoon, shows a $33.1 billion deficit which likely won’t be paid back before 2029.It includes $6.7 billion in spending for pandemic-related measures and also offers a third round of payments through the Ontario COVID-19 Child Benefit.The benefit is being doubled to $400 per child and $500 for each child with special needs.The budget also includes an additional $1.8 billion for hospitals in the province along with $650 million for long-term care in 2021.