Ontario's new Progressive Conservative government is pledging to cut taxes, provide long-term funding for the health-care system and slash government waste in a throne speech that emphasizes promises made by Premier Doug Ford during the spring election campaign.
The speech, written by the premier's office and read by Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Dowdeswell at the Ontario legislature, sets out a road map for the new Progressive Conservative government's term.
It does not introduce new promises but highlights key pledges from Ford to pull out of the cap-and-trade system and fight what his government calls ``oppressive'' taxes, including the imposition of a federal carbon price.
The speech also promises the government will take action to reduce taxes for parents, small businesses and the working poor, and promises reductions in electricity bills.
It further says the government will provide stable health-care funding, including a $3.8 billion investment in mental health, addictions and supportive housing.
The speech also promises to restore faith in public institutions and highlights a Tory pledge to complete a line-by-line audit of all government spending to identify waste.