Toronto – February 21, 2013 – Ontario Liberal Premier Kathleen Wynne survived her first major test in the Ontario Legislature when Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath offered her party’s support for the recent Throne Speech.

The speech outlined the plans of the Wynne government over the coming months and offered enough promise to gain the support of Horwath and the NDP. By contrast, Ontario PC Boss Tim Hudak appears to be yearning for an unnecessary election, as he rejected the speech almost as soon as it was delivered.

While the speech lacked specifics, it appeared to have a conciliatory tone by trying to strike a balance between social spending and fiscal responsibility. The speech promised to obtain additional revenue through the corporate tax system, focus on job creation by tackling youth and aboriginal unemployment, and allow working welfare recipients to keep more of their earned income.   

The Liberals promised to make infrastructure a priority by improving transit, roads, and bridges throughout the province. It also made reference to the NDP's proposal to reduce car insurance premiums for Ontarians.

While Tim Hudak flatly rejected the speech and appears unwilling to work with the government, Andrea  Horwath wants to cooperate with the Liberals to enact policies that will benefit all of the province's citizens. 

UFCW Canada is pleased to see that the Throne Speech offered some solutions to the challenges facing working Ontarians and their families, and we are encouraged that the government seems willing to work with the NDP to create a better Ontario for everyone.