Spending is set to rise alongside the growing deficit. Total program spending will climb to $244.2 billion, up roughly four per cent from last year, with health care continuing to account for the largest share at just over $100 billion. Education remains the second-largest expense.

In an interview with QP Briefing, Calandra said that while he hopes boards will adjust voluntarily, he is ready to intervene using the full scope of his authority under the Education Act.

They are proposing a different model in which provinces would recommend and approve a pool of candidates, and the federal government would be required to make appointments from that list. They are also asking for equal access to information on all judicial candidates assessed during the process.

It would mark the first time the province uses the law, after it released the criteria for designations earlier this year.

The Ontario legislature is set to return this Monday after a three-month winter break, with the Ford government expected to revive a slate of unfinished legislation tied to housing, economic development and health care.