Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne offered a speech from the throne that may keep her in power until the budget is unveiled, but it lacked details, critics charge.
Wynne, elected by her party less than a month ago, had promised the speech would include ideas from both opposition parties.
She offered an outline for what she calls ?a fair society,? which will need to be filled in quickly in time for the spring budget.
?Your government will balance its books. It will also challenge the people of Ontario to help the province innovate and grow,? said Lt.-Gov. David Onley, reading the speech. ?And yes, your government will strive for economic prosperity. It will also encourage a fair society, where all the people of Ontario have good jobs and strong communities. And where each and every one of us is safe, and healthy and cared for.?
Both opposition leaders weighed in, but only the NDP will support the speech at Wednesday?s confidence vote.
On debt
?Your new government will restrain program spending to reduce Ontario?s debt-to-GDP ratio, while recommitting itself to eliminating the deficit by 2017-2018,? the speech promised. ?And after that, 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.?
On taxes
In a nod to the NDP, the speech promised the government will ?evaluate corporate tax compliance? and at the same time, in a nod to Hudak, promised to explore a tax break by raising the exemption threshold of the Employer Health Tax.
On jobs and the economy
The speech committed to helping bringing more new Canadians, young people, people with disabilities and Aboriginal peoples into the workforce. The plans will also include working with the education sector to create internships for young people.
Wynne said job creation will be aided by other measures to boost the economy, including efforts to strengthen global trade and a promise to spend $50 million on a new $300-million venture capital fund, along with the federal government and private sector.
Teacher strife
The speech promised ?respect for teachers, support staff, principals and school boards.? After the speech, leader of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers? Federation
(OSSTF) Ken Coran, and leader of the Elementary Teachers? Federation of Ontario (ETFO) Sam Hammond, said they were optimistic about the speech, but would wait to continue talks with the government before making any promises.
Transit
?To build these things and facilitate Ontario?s success, your government believes that smart infrastructure investment can no longer be mired in political rhetoric. Just as the hard-working men and women of this province can no longer afford to waste their time stuck in traffic,? Onley read in the speech. The speech did not mention revenue tools to fund transit in the GTA?such as road tolls or congestion taxes?but that is one of Wynne?s priorities, she said in a press conference afterwards.
On energy and public consultation
The speech promised ?dependable, affordable sources of energy? and continuing to end coal-fired energy generation. It also promised better consultation with communities, with a special mention to communities that have objected to wind turbine projects. ?Local populations (will be) involved from the beginning if there is going to be a gas plant or a casino or a wind plant or a quarry in their hometown.?
On the gas plants controversy
The speech promised the government ?will work with all parties in the legislature to review the decisions to relocate energy infrastructure in this province.? Wynne has asked the auditor general to take investigate both cancelled gas plants and offered to appear before select committee to answer questions about the scandal. However, Hudak will be asking to renew the contempt motion against former energy minister Chris Bentley, which tied up the legislature prior to prorogation.
Mental health
?Your government will also continue to expand access to mental health services and support efforts to reduce stigma for men and women coping with mental illness. It will work with partners in all related sectors to co-ordinate the best response to these challenges because Ontario?s minds and spirits must be healthy, too,? Onley read in the speech.
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