McGuinty's
First Throne Speech focuses on Restraint
Special Throne Speech Edition
- United Ways of Ontario
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The first Throne Speech of the new McGuinty government was situated firmly in the context of the $5.6 billion deficit inherited from its predecessor. The overall theme of fiscal restraint established from the outset is repeated throughout; as is the argument that the government needs to get its financial house in order to build a stronger Ontario.
The Speech confirms the government's plan to introduce legislation to roll back planned corporate tax reductions, maintain existing personal tax rates, eliminate the seniors property tax credit, cancel the private school tax credit, and "eliminate the waste of tax dollars on partisan, political advertising". It also commits to engage Ontarians to a new degree in a dialogue about the content of the next provincial Budget; but in doing so, the government cautions its partners "to temper requests for more".
The other key themes mirror the Liberal election platform - improving health care and education, building strong communities and delivering economic growth. The McGuinty government also commits to govern for all, to be more transparent and consultative with the public, and to work more cooperatively with other governments.
Some 'big-ticket items' promised during the election were notable for their absence. Topping that list were plans to build more affordable housing, provide additional rent supplements, and increase funding for childcare.
Throne Speech Highlights
- The minimum wage will be increased, and the 60-hour work-week eliminated.
- Standards in nursing homes will be raised.
- Rent control legislation will be enacted.
- Improvements are promised for women and children fleeing violence, including more second-stage housing.
- Pregnant woman on social assistance will once again be eligible for the nutrition supplement.
- The government commits to working with the disabled community to introduce 'meaningful legislation that will allow them to fully participate in building a stronger province".
- Tuition fees will be frozen for two years, pending development of a long-term plan to ensure quality and access to higher education.
- An immigration and labour market agreement will be finalized with the federal government.
- The government commits to help internationally trained tradespeople and professionals gain assess to their chosen fields.
- A provincial anti-bullying hotline will be established, and anti-bullying programs will be developed in all schools.
- The "Premier's Awards for Teacher Excellence" will be implemented.
- A francophone education strategy will be developed.
- New agreements will be sought to turn P3 hospitals into publicly owned facilities.
- A "Commitment to the Future of Medicare Act" will be introduced, enshrining universal, public medicare for all, and "making two-tier, pay-your-way-to-the-front-of-the-line healthcare illegal".
- Legislation will be enacted to give the Provincial Auditor powers to examine how hospitals and educational institutions spend public funds.
- Legislation will be introduced creating a new health quality council to independently report on the performance of our health care system.
- Cigarette taxes will increased, and public buildings and workplaces will be made smoke-free within 3 years.
- Steps will be taken to ensure safe meat, clean water, and open borders.
- A green-belt will be established in the Golden Horseshoe and a commission to oversee it.
- Legislation will be introduced to reform the Ontario Municipal Board.
- In the first session, "the most ambitious democratic renewal legislation Ontario has ever seen will be introduced".
Source: Special Throne Speech Edition, United Ways of Ontario Government Relations Bulletin
To obtain a copy of the Throne Speech please visit: http://www.premier.gov.on.ca/english/Library/ThroneSpeech112003_ts.asp
or http://dawn.thot.net/throne-speech-nov-2003.html
The Throne Speech ignored the Liberal Party's campaign promise to increase welfare benefits by the cost of living for the first time in eight years.
Social Services Minister Sandra Pupatello said the government can't afford to increase benefits now because of the $5.6 billion deficit left by the former Tory government. 'Our goal will be to do exactly that ... timing is going to be the issue... because we have some huge fiscal challenges,' she said.
It is absolutely essential
that MPPs across the province hear from their constituents that this is
an outrageous violation of promises made during the election, and a callous
disregard for the lives of the people who have been suffering for years
without enough income to survive in the richest province in one of the
richest countries in the
world.
Call your MPP today, and demand that they take immediate steps to raise the rates.
Ontario MPP contact information available at http://olaap.ontla.on.ca/mpp/contact.jsp
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Page last updated November 21, 2003