Background
This week, the Ontario Legislature returns after a long summer break. On June 6, the Ontario Legislature rose following a reshuffle of Premier Doug Ford’s Cabinet. This reshuffle followed former Education Minister Todd Smith’s resignation. With a fresh by-election win in the riding of Bay of Quinte and the government riding high from a series of critical announcements aimed at improving peoples’ lives across the province, several high-profile topics will likely form the heart of the action in this next session. Some expected themes include a focus on cost of living, including 2025 rebates for Ontarians along with other announcements aimed at reducing gridlock, expanding energy supply, and boosting economic growth.
The opposition parties will likely aim to steer the focus towards health care and education, as well as shining light on both the Greenbelt and Ontario Place.
What’s Coming Up at Queen’s Park
- Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria is set to unveil a robust package of transportation policies in a new legislative package, including new rules requiring provincial approval for bike lanes that eliminate traffic lanes. The Premier has also announced plans for a 50km tunnel beneath the 401 through the core of Toronto, drawing both interest and criticism. The Safer Roads, Safer Streets Act remains on the agenda, and the PCs may need to enhance their commitments in response to mounting critiques.
- Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy is preparing to deliver the government’s Fall Economic Statement on October 30. Reports showed a smaller-than-anticipated deficit of $600 million early in the year. However, a slowing economy and the government’s desire to keep Ontario growing pushed the anticipated deficit to roughly $10 billion in the government’s spring 2024 Budget.
- With the Ford government’s likely prepping to announce that every adult and child in Ontario a $200 credit, the government’s acceleration of the Beer Store contract’s dissolution, and a series of significant announcements and investments over the past weeks, speculation continues regarding an early provincial election. While a lot of government legislation still needs to be passed, and with increased uncertainty in Ottawa looming overhead, the Ford government will be considering the benefits of an early election before June 2026.
What is the government saying?
“It’s been a busy summer in Ontario! From meeting business owners to working with leaders from all levels of government to visiting local community members and more. I’m looking forward to being back at the legislature tomorrow, where we will continue to get it done for the people of Ontario.” – Premier Doug Ford
What is the opposition saying?
“With the legislature returning after 5 long months, New Democrats will be holding Doug Ford’s government to account for their costly failures. We will fight for the things that help people build a good life: a home they can afford, a family doctor when they need one, a good public school, and a more affordable life.” – NDP Leader Marit Stiles
“Ontario’s Liberals will investigate all of Ford’s sketchy deals when we form government and work to ensure we restore respect for taxpayers. But with his second billion-dollar boondoggle in 2024 now exposed, it is more clear than ever that Ford is not in it for you — he is spending all his time catering to his rich friends, while our healthcare and education systems suffer from his deliberate neglect. Ontario deserves so much better.” – Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie
Conclusion
The upcoming legislative session is crucial for Ford to cement his vision for Ontario before a potential early election. While the PCs enjoy favourable momentum in the polls, they must continue to show the electorate they are making progress on previous campaign commitments while showing they understand and are addressing the challenges real Ontarians face. Both the Liberals and the NDP will continue to jockey to be seen as the real alternative to the Ford Government while articulating their own visions for the province. With the stakes high, the next few weeks will be critical for setting the stage for the next provincial election—whenever that happens to be.