Infrastructure investment and eliminating Ontario's deficit by 2017-18 were among the key priorities addressed the Feb. 19 throne speech which marked the beginning of the second session of the 40th Parliament of Ontario.
TORONTO
Infrastructure investment and eliminating Ontario’s deficit by 2017-18 were among the key priorities addressed the Feb. 19 throne speech which marked the beginning of the second session of the 40th Parliament of Ontario.
The government said it will restrain program spending to reduce Ontario's debt-to-GDP ratio, while recommitting itself to eliminating the deficit by 2017-2018. It will restrict overall spending increases to one per cent below GDP growth until the province's debt-to-GDP ratio returns to the pre-recession level of 27 per cent.
The speech, from newly sworn in Liberal premier Kathleen Wynne, said smart infrastructure investment can no longer be mired in political rhetoric.
“Your government understands that infrastructure is the underpinning of our economy, and that if we continue to lag behind then we will never leap forward,” said David C. Onley, Ontario's Lieutenant Governor, who delivered the government's Speech from the Throne.
“The people of this province are ready to have a serious conversation about the needs of their communities, whether those needs are better roads or stronger bridges, repaired underpasses or accelerated, integrated transit planning.”
The speech acknowledged that infrastructure investment will require cooperation from all levels of government. It also noted that the province will engage in conversation with its municipal and community partners and reach out to provincial and territorial colleagues to advocate for a national strategy on infrastructure and transit.
Among the issues highlighted are improvements to rural roads and bridges, bridges, suburban transit, and a solution to the gridlock that threatens to cripple the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
It will address the special transportation needs of Ontario's North, endeavour to improve vital access to the Ring of Fire and improve the flow of people and goods along our trade corridors to the United States.
The speech promised to address youth unemployment by partnering with high school educators, colleges, universities, training partners and employers to establish opportunities for young people to enhance their skills; find placements, internships and co-op programs.
The speech said aboriginal communities must also have access to the tools and training they need to fully participate in economic development opportunities, including those related to natural resources.
The speech also called on the private sector to increase the number of people with disabilities in the Ontario workforce. The government will shift the Accessibility Directorate from the Ministry of Community and Social Services to the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment.
“Your government will ensure that all individuals can find their role in this economy,” said Onley.
The speech needs the support of at least one Ontario opposition party if the province is to continue with a minority Liberal government.
“Our government is committed to cooperating with opposition parties to move Ontario forward. We will focus on balancing the budget and ensuring opportunities for every Ontarian without letting anyone slip through the cracks. When we work together, Ontario is a place of endless possibilities,” said Wynne in a news release.
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