Tariffs and Trump loom large in Ontario's agenda-setting throne speech

“For decades, Ontario and Canada have relied on free trade with the United States to deliver unprecedented economic growth and prosperity,” the government said in its speech.

“The last few months, however, have taught us that we can no longer assume the benefits of our economic partnership with the United States. The strength of Ontario’s economy and the social programs it funds can no longer depend on a partner that has proven itself to be fundamentally unreliable. Instead, your government will build an economy that is more competitive, more resilient and more self-reliant.”

The speech touted the importance of new railways, highways, airports and seaports, as well as new pipelines, promised an investment of “unprecedented amounts in new energy production,” hinted at health-care changes, and signalled upcoming legislation in trade and mining.

It also included Ford’s intention to get a tunnel built under Highway 401 to tackle gridlock in the Greater Toronto Area, a plan not yet costed out, but to which the premier appears fully committed.

The government’s first bill is expected to be on interprovincial trade, as Ford has touted the benefits of breaking down internal barriers in order to bolster the economy against the external economic threats.

“Goods produced and services provided in other provinces and territories will be treated the same in Ontario, provided other provinces and territories do the same,” the government said in the speech.

“Hard-earned credentials from other provinces and territories will be recognized automatically, ensuring highly skilled workers from elsewhere in Canada can get on the job faster, fill key gaps in Ontario’s labour force and help grow our economy.”

The government’s second order of business, the speech said, will be to table a bill that would give the government authority to designate regions where multiple critical mineral deposits are present, including the Ring of Fire region, as regions of “strategic importance.”

“Within the boundaries of these regions, proponents that meet high operating, safety and environmental standards will benefit from significantly streamlined permitting and approvals, alongside an uninterrupted commitment to meeting duty to consult requirements,” the government said in its speech.

Sol Mamakwa, the New Democrat who represents the riding of Kiiwetinoong where the Ring of Fire is located, said properly engaging Indigenous communities involves acknowledging the treaties they have with the Crown.

“We’re supposed to share the benefits of the resources that are there and this government has failed miserably over the last seven years,” he said.

“You cannot use a tariff war…with the United States of America to override the rights of the First Nations people that live in these lands. That’s not right. If they continue to do that approach, they’re going to get some pushback. The people are ready to fight within the courts. The people are ready to fight on the land.”

The speech also suggested some impending health-care announcements, promising to prioritize patients’ health over “a dogmatic ideology that seeks to protect and preserve an outdated status quo.”

”(The government) will bring the principles of Lean methodologies to deliver care in emergency departments and surgical centres more efficiently, saving you precious time and further shortening wait lists,” the speech said.

NDP Leader Marit Stiles said she believes it means the government wants to introduce more private delivery, though the speech noted an ongoing commitment to ensuring patients don’t have to pay out of pocket.

The government is also indicating it will spend more on housing-enabling infrastructure, work with municipalities to lower development charges, and standardize the cost and timelines of building homes, but one key housing promise is notably absent.

The speech said the government will work to “unlock new homes,” but without a mention of the goal of 1.5 million homes that the government used to frequently tout.

Ontario has not yet met any of its annual targets toward that goal, though it came very close in 2023 after it started counting long-term care beds. Data published Tuesday by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation showed that housing starts in Ontario in March were down 46 per cent, year over year, for communities with 10,000 or more people.

Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack, appointed to the role a few weeks ago, acknowledged there are challenges.

“Obviously, we’ve come to a grind,” he said. “Why? We’ve got headwinds – Donald Trump and the tariffs, higher taxes, etc. It’s tough out there, but there’s going to be swings here. We’ve got lots of time.”

He said building 1.5 million homes by 2031 is still possible.

“Sure it is,” he said.

Municipalities will also get more help to end homeless encampments, the speech said. The government intends to re-introduce legislation it tabled at the end of the last session, but did not pass, toward achieving that goal.

“Your government stands firm in its commitment to do whatever is necessary, and to use whatever legal tools might be required, to help municipalities get the job done,” the speech said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 15, 2025.