Throne Speech: Protect Ontario

With Premier Ford’s new Cabinet in place, the Throne Speech sets out the government’s legislative and policy priorities under the banner of “Protect Ontario.” 

Having won his recent majority on a platform of economic resilience, building infrastructure, and national leadership in trade and energy, the government used the Throne Speech to re-emphasize its commitment to stability, continuity, and accelerated delivery. The reappointment of key ministers signaled that the government intends to stay the course, doubling down on the themes and priorities that resonated with voters during the campaign. 

Lessons from 1812 

The speech opens and closes by paying homage to Canadian resilience during the War of 1812 and the threat of American annexation to frame present-day challenges. The Lieutenant Governor highlights how the President at the time underestimated the strength and resilience of Canadians, similar to President Trump’s rhetoric today. This set the backdrop for the plan to Protect Ontario. 

Protect Ontario from Economic Uncertainty 

The speech highlights Premier Doug Ford’s achievements to date, including nearly $70 billion in investment in key sectors and over one million new jobs since 2018. Going forward the government is repositioning its economic strategy as a defensive necessity. The $11 billion in urgent relief for workers and business hit by tariffs, and the reaffirmation of support for the electric vehicle and battery sector, signal responsiveness and a commitment to long-term industrial viability. 

Protect Ontario by Unleashing its Economy 

The speech outlines the plan for Ontario to become more economically self-reliant: 

1. Internal Trade Reform – The speech compares interprovincial barriers to Trump-style tariffs, offering a sneak peak of new legislation to establish equal treatment for goods and services from other provinces and create automatic credential recognition. Ontario will also champion new railways, highways, airports, seaports, and pipelines to move goods more efficiently. We should expect to see Ford use the rest of his term as Chair of the Council of the Federation to advocate on these issues. 
2. Critical Mineral Development – The Ring of Fire is recognized as the frontline in Canada’s battle against economic coercion. The plan for streamlined approvals and legislate the power to create regional economic zones, marking a significant policy commitment that prioritizes speed, and signals common sense changes to the environmental assessment process. 
3. Energy and Infrastructure – With electricity demand projected to rise 75% over 25 years, the speech affirms major investments in nuclear energy and generation. By positioning Ontario as a “clean energy superpower,” the government aims to turn energy policy into an economic driver.
    

Protect Ontario by Building 

Reinforcing its commitment to infrastructure-led growth, the government emphasized over $200 billion in planned investments — the largest infrastructure investment in Canadian history. This spending will serve as economic stimulus and a response to gridlock, which costs Ontario over $56 billion annually. Key highlights include familiar projects like the proposed Highway 401 tunnel, public transit expansion, and GO 2.0 expansion, along with support for municipalities that lower local development charges, with special shout outs to Vaughan and Mississauga. 

Protecting Ontario by Staying the Course 

Across education, affordability, public safety, and healthcare, the Throne Speech underscores a government leaning heavily on its existing playbook — reinforcing policies already in motion rather than charting a dramatically new course. With a focus on outcomes, the government reaffirmed its commitment to skills training, core curriculum reform, cost containment, and law-and-order priorities. Major healthcare investments continue, framed as the right thing to do and a pillar of economic resilience. In every area, the message was clear: the groundwork is laid, the strategy is working, and the province will double down on what it’s already doing to protect Ontario through uncertain times.