Economy and national sovereignty focus of Ontario throne speech

The economic uncertainty created by U.S. president Donald Trump’s tariffs — and threats of annexation — loomed large in Ontario’s throne speech today. The speech kicks off the government’s 44th session, and is intended to set the agenda and tone for the next four years.

“South of the border, president Donald Trump is openly taking aim at Ontario’s economy and our national sovereignty… This, of course, will never happen,” said Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont.

In a speech that mentioned Donald Trump by name 12 times, Dumont read out the priorities of the Ford government for the next four years.

“Your government will take a radically different approach to the way things have been done as it moves forward with its ambitious plan to protect Ontario,” added Dumont.

“That’s what this throne speech is all about today, is making sure that we protect people’s jobs, protect communities and businesses right across the province,” said Premier Doug Ford.

As outlined in the throne speech, that starts with creating free trade within Canada — legislation to do so is expected this week. As well as building more railways, highways, seaports and pipelines, that includes Go Train service to Niagara, as well as a road to the Ring of Fire.

“Simply put, Ontario has the minerals the world needs,” said Dumont.

The Ring of Fire is a region in northern Ontario rich with minerals like cobalt and nickel. The Ford government plans to pass legislation that will streamline the building approval process in the region, and similar strategically important areas.

It’s something the minister of environment says is necessary amid a trade war with the States.

“We want a process that protects the environment, protects species at risk, while building the Ontario of tomorrow. That’s good economics, and I happen to believe that good environmental policy is also good economics,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of Environment Conservation and Parks.

Ontario’s Green Party says they’re ready to work across the aisle to tackle tariffs, but Leader Mike Schreiner also had a message for the Premier.

“We are not going to let this government use the threat of tariffs to dismantle the environmental assessment process, conservation authority, pave over our farmland, our wetlands…,” said Schreiner.

While the speech doubled down on Ford’s election promise to build a tunnel under Hwy 401, his previous promise to build 1.5 million homes by 2031 was notably absent — something the opposition is concerned about.

“What I saw was a Premier who was leaning on municipalities to take matters into their own hands to individually reduce development charges to speed up the process,” said Bonnie Crombie, Ontario Liberal Party Leader.

MPP Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, said the province is “laser focused” on getting the homes built, and that building 1.5 million of them is achievable.

Marit Stiles, Leader of the official opposition, says she was disappointed in the speech, and is hoping the province’s up-coming budget will provide more supports for workers.

“We saw a throne speech that spoke to I think to some extent the reality of people’s fears and concerns about the economy and economic insecurity, but didn’t really address the ‘right now’. What’s going to happen when people right now are losing their jobs?” asked Stiles.

The speech also promises to provide municipalities with more tools to “end encampments,” though doesn’t specify what.

The Ford government is expected to table its first legislation since the provincial election tomorrow.

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