OTTAWA—Andrea Horwath has admitted to a $1.4-billion math “mistake” in her NDP platform that will increase the annual deficits her government would run if it is elected June 7.Money was earmarked as a reserve fund to cover unexpected expenses or cash shortfalls but was booked as revenue instead of an expense, with a party official insisting that was appropriate because they don’t plan to spend it.But Horwath, who on Friday said, “I don’t have specifics around the detail” and boasted the plan had been reviewed and approved by former parliamentary budget officer Kevin Page, reversed course Sunday.“When the mistake was identified, we fixed it right away,” she said, insisting the party can keep its promises including dental care, pharmacare and improved daycare.“It will mean our deficit will take a little longer to eradicate,” acknowledged Horwath, whose party has been on the upswing in public opinion polls and is running second to Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives. Instead of $3.3 billion, the NDP now forecasts its deficit would grow to $4.7 billion in its first year because of the miscalculation in its platform document.Read more: Andrea Horwath says NDP would not allow beer, wine sales at corner storesLiberals and NDP call for police probe into PC nominationsOpinion | Micallef: Upcoming election highlights the fractured nature of OntarioWhile the reserve fund was budgeted at $700 million, moving it from the revenue column to the expense side doubles the fiscal impact to $1.4 billion. By law, all governments must set money aside in a reserve account for contingencies.The Liberal campaign quickly pounced on the “major” error, saying it shows the NDP is not ready to govern.“This is a mistake that will lead straight to higher taxes and lower job growth,” said Deb Matthews, a retiring MPP and veteran cabinet minister.Horwath’s rise in the polls ahead of Kathleen W ...
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