Healthcare crisis and inflation hot topics in Ford government’s speech from throne

Doug Ford’s government presented its vision for what it hopes to accomplish in its new term as the speech from the throne was read at Queen’s Park on Tuesday afternoon.

The document, read by Lt.-Gov. Elizabeth Dowdeswell, directly addressed the healthcare crisis affecting hospitals but provided little in the way of specifics on how the government plans to deal with it.

The speech says Ontario’s health system “continues to experience significant pressures, including an exhausted workforce and increasingly stressed emergency departments. More can still be done. Your government is actively engaging with health system partners to identify urgent, actionable solutions and will implement whatever measures are needed to help ease immediate pressures.”

The speech from the throne also reveals the government’s re-tabled budget being presented Tuesday will contain new direct money for parents.

“An additional $225-million over two years to provide direct payments to parents to help their kids catch up. This funding, which will put more money directly into parents’ pockets, is on top of more than $26.6 billion the province is investing in public education.”

The document also references the rising cost of living

“People are now paying more for everyday goods like groceries and gas, putting increased strain on household budgets.”

But the speech says “there are no easy solutions” to the inflationary pressures.

“Your government is steadfast in its commitment to a path forward focused on economic growth, not painful tax hikes or spending cuts.”

The document also reiterates the governments plan to spend $86.6 billion over 10 years to build and expand roads, highways and transit infrastructure.

It also addresses the government’s plan for a so-called strong mayor system.

“These new powers will be especially relevant as the province works with its municipal partners to expand the footprint of transit-oriented communities.”