‘Despicable and disgusting’: Doug Ford rebuffs accusations that province is underfunding wildfire fight

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As nearly 200 wildfires burn in northern Ontario, Premier Doug Ford is lashing out at his political opponents who he says are putting out “false information” about the province’s firefighting efforts.

“What I find despicable and disgusting is that the Opposition would politicize the amount of money being spent and going out there and putting false information out. It’s inaccurate, it’s untruthful,” Ford said at a news conference about the situation on Friday.

Both the Ontario NDP and the Ontario Liberals have pointed the finger at the province for budgeting only $150 million for its firefighting efforts this year, when it spent $271 million last year.

However, this year’s budget marks a $15-million increase over the $135 million budgeted in 2025 and 2024.

Ford explained that firefighting in Ontario is based on need, so while the base budget this year is set at $150 million, he revealed that every year it spends “significantly more than that.”

”In a time of a crisis, all levels of government need to come together, no matter if you’re opposition or not. But to go out there and try to scare people and put out blatant lies about the amount is spent is absolutely disgusting on their behalf."

This is a developing news story. More details to come.