A Liberal cabinet minister says we can expect the Throne Speech on Monday and the budget at the end of the month to put some focus on the economy.
Ontario's minister of economic development and growth, Steven Del Duca, says the provincial speech will outline his government's next priorities, including the economy.
Premier Kathleen Wynne announced the move on Thursday, less than a week after the Ontario Progressive Conservatives elected Doug Ford as their new leader.
The Liberals trail in the polls ahead of a June 7 election and Del Duca says don't expect an early election call.
"As far as I know the election will take place as per the fixed date legislation of June 7, less 90 days. Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a wild ride," says Del Duca.
Del Duca says the Throne Speech will build on the government's plan for fairness and providing opportunity during this period of rapid economic change.
"Having a Throne Speech on Monday helps reset and refocus our efforts and helps convey a message to people of Ontario that we take the challenges that are facing the province seriously but we recognize that there are significant opportunities as well," he says.
Del Duca says Ontario is moving in the right direction and should stay the course.
"I think there will be multiple aspects of the Throne Speech and I hope and expect the budget that's coming out on March 28 will also contain some elements that speak to ensuring that Ontario can remain in a very strong economically competitive position," Del Duca says.
The Conference Board of Canada says southwestern Ontario can expect cooler economic growth this year after strong economic conditions the last four years.
The government says it will reintroduce government bills that were before the legislature prior to prorogation so that debate on them can continue, including proposed legislation to eliminate the gender pay gap and increase pay transparency for workers and legislation to transform Ontario's corrections system.
