Aug 09, 2022
By Christine Ross
Lt.-Gov. Elizabeth Dowdeswell delivered a speech that directly addresses the healthcare crisis but offers no new solutions as ERs across the province have closed for hours or days this summer.
“Amidst these pressures Ontario’s healthcare system continues to provide care to those who need it, nine-of-ten high urgency patients are finishing their emergency visit within target times, surgeries are happening at nearly 90% of pre pandemic levels, more can still be done,” said Lt.-Gov. Elizabeth Dowdeswell. She says the PC government is “actively engaging” with health-system partners to identify ideas to tackle the problem. But amid ongoing emergency-room closures, the Tories maintained they’re on top it.
The speech largely touts key parts of Ford’s agenda including investments in hospitals and long term care, building highways and attracting electric vehicle manufacturing.
The government’s speech notes rising interest amid high inflation and warns that Ontario – like the rest of the country – must be prepared for the possibility of a near-term economic slowdown.
It also outlines a plan to boost disability support payments by five percent and pledging to give an additional $225 million in direct payments to parents “to help their kids catch up.”
Both were promised during the election.
Following the Throne Speech, the government re-introduced the budget unveiled but not passed before the June election.
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