Province’s throne speech focuses on economic recovery and health-care and long-term care systems

Durhamradionews.com
Oct. 5, 2021

The Ford government says they will continue the progress to build hospital and long-term care capacity.

“Long-term care residents are being neglected no more,” read Lieutennant Governor Elizabeth Dowdsewell. “Your government is investing $2.68-billion to build 30,000 new and modern care home beds in a decade.”

The throne speech also highlighted the growth in the hospital system with the addition of the new hospital in Vaughan and a future one in Windsor.

Doug Ford’s throne speech also thanked Ontarians for getting vaccinated and the said despite the fact we’re all heading indoors more and cases may rise, it won’t be cause for panic.

The “ultimate goal” is to avoid future lockdowns, but if some public health measures are needed, the hope is to keep them localized.

The speech also reaffirmed the proof-of-vaccination program is temporary and when Ontario’s top doctor says they end it, they will.

During the pandemic, it’s no secret the economy stalled.

“Unprecedented levels of spending have created new fiscal challenges,” Dowdeswell read. “Your government remains steadfast in its commitment to an economic and fiscal recovery that is fueled by economic growth, not painful tax hikes or spending cuts.”

In a release following the speech, NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says they’ll keep fighting for more support for health care, education and small businesses after they were left out of Monday’s Speech from the Throne.

“Today’s Speech from the Throne is disappointing for everyday families and working folks in Ontario,” said Horwath. “By announcing nothing new whatsoever to help patients, students, workers, or small business, Doug Ford made it clear again: he’s not here for you and he still doesn’t want to spend the money on you.”