Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday September 9, 2016
Kathleen Wynne prorogues legislature for throne speech Monday
Premier Kathleen Wynne is giving her Liberals a mid-mandate reboot with a Monday throne speech aimed at “everyday” concerns like high electricity bills after a steamy summer.
Wynne, who prorogued the Legislature on Thursday, will outline the government’s agenda for the 20 months leading up to the spring 2018 election in an address to be read by Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell.
“I’m looking forward to Monday and the throne speech,” a beaming Wynne said as she returned to her office with Secretary of Cabinet Steve Orsini, the head of the Ontario public service, after meeting with Dowdeswell.
The speech will focus on “making the everyday lives of Ontarians better,” Government House leader Yasir Naqvi later told a news conference
“We know Ontarians have concerns about things like hydro prices, concerns about cost and everyday living,” he added, saying all government legislation — including the political fundraising reform bill triggered by a Star series — will be reintroduced, in some cases with amendments.
That means the prohibition on MPPs and candidates attending campaign fundraisers, and the ban on union and corporate donations to political parties will almost certainly take effect in January.
Wynne signalled pocketbook issues are top of mind after last week’s byelection loss of former Liberal stronghold Scarborough-Rouge River to the Progressive Conservatives, who scoffed at her sudden attention to them.
“Apparently Premier Wynne only just learned that Ontario families are struggling to afford their hydro bills,” PC Leader Patrick Brown — who was not available to take questions — said in a statement calling the Liberals “old, tired and self-interested.” (Source: Toronto Star)