Province Législature Session Type de discours Date du discours Locuteur Fonction du locuteur Parti politique Ontario 29e 2e Discours du Trône 29 février 1972 William Ross MacDonald Lieutenant Governor Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario Mr. Speaker and members of the legislative assembly, on this occasion of the opening of the second session of the 29th Parliament of Ontario, I extend warmest greetings to you. The people of Ontario, having been recently consulted as to their wishes with respect to their representation in this Legislature, have assigned to each of you the most solemn duty and charge which I know you will serve steadfastly and well, whatever your place and part in our democratic process. On behalf of our Sovereign, I convey my best wishes to the Premier (Mr. Davis) and to his ministers in their several new responsibilities, and to all members of the legislative assembly. Laissez-moi vous exprimer mes voeux les plus chaleureux en ce jour d'ouverture de la deuxième session de la vingt-neuvième Législature de l'Ontario. La population de notre province ayant été récemment consultée quant au choix de ses représentants au sein de cette Législature, a confié à chacun de vous un mandat et des responsabilités d'une importance on ne peut plus capitale. Je demeure persuadé que, quelles que soient vos positions respectives et votre rôle individuel dans le processus démocratique qui est le nôtre, vous accomplirez tous votre tâche avec constance et efficacité. Je transmets, au nom de notre Souveraine, mes meilleurs voeux de réussite à notre Premier Ministre et à ses ministres, ainsi qu'à tous les membres de l'assemblée législative, dans les nombreuses et nouvelles responsabilités qui sont les leurs. My government wishes to outline to the Legislature the various proposals it intends to submit to your scrutiny and consideration during this session. These, and other measures to be placed before you in due course will be designed to carry forward the major purposes of the government in response to present conditions of our society and its more urgent requirements at this time in our history. My ministers believe that as a result of their recent mandate, they have a renewed responsibility to make the growing complexity and scope of government services more efficient and productive while, at the same time, bringing government closer to the people, so that it may be more responsive to the continuing needs for change and reform. My ministers are aware of the widespread concern over the condition of the national economy of which Ontario's industry and commerce are such a vital part. To maintain public confidence in the basic strength and vigour of our own economy requires the government to use fiscal prudence and restraint in the areas of its responsibility and to encourage individual incentive, endeavour and entrepreneurship in the private sector. My ministers believe it is their duty to give leadership and provide purposeful means by which our people may continue to enjoy the natural beauty and serenity of our Ontario landscape and a daily life in a healthy and wholesome environment. As well, my ministers believe it is their duty to maintain a standard of life for all citizens, the quality of which will reflect the compassionate and generous spirit of our people. My government will also seek new ways to encourage the achievement of excellence in the many fields of citizen endeavour from which all of Ontario's people may draw inspiration and example. It is expected that our province will continue to enjoy a substantial expansion of its economy in 1972, with a real growth rate in excess of six per cent. Such an achievement will represent a significant improvement over the past year. Despite such growth, my government considers the present and projected unemployment levels to be unacceptable. It is therefore the primary objective of my government's economic, social and fiscal policy to attain the highest possible rate of employment. Budgetary and fiscal strategy will be designed to maintain a rate of expansion in all areas of economic policy in order to effect substantial improvements in the employment rate. While much has been done, and more will be done, to achieve this objective, the speed with which it can be achieved depends in large measure on the improved co-ordination of federal and provincial policies and programmes. My government will continue to make constructive proposals to the federal government in order to improve intergovernmental co-operation in such specific areas of current concern as fiscal and monetary policy, and in areas relating to competition and foreign trade, including the vital consideration of the auto pact between Canada and the United States. My government has proposed to the federal government that effective means of dealing with longer-term economic issues be created through regular meetings of Ministers of Finance, which would be constituted as a joint economic committee. My government is convinced of the need for both federal and provincial action in order to sustain and develop an internationally competitive secondary manufacturing sector, a matter of critical importance to Ontario. The government is also committed to the pursuit of policies which will encourage more economic activity and greater participation by Canadians in the development of their own resources and in the utilization of their own skills. Further action in this regard will follow the report of the select committee of this Legislature on economic and cultural nationalism. My ministers will continue to devote their attention to the many important economic, fiscal and trade matters in which Ontario, the government of Canada and our sister provinces have a common interest and responsibility, and in which the co-operation of all is essential. In particular, my government is eager to achieve federal-provincial agreement in the following areas: 1. Tax sharing, so that the basic imbalance in our federal system between revenue sources and expenditure responsibilities can be corrected; 2. Constitutional reform, and particularly the distribution of powers, a matter closely related to tax sharing, so that government responsibilities and institutions are more in accord with the contemporary needs of Canadians; and, 3. Shared-cost reform, so that the provinces can assume full financial responsibility for existing shared-cost programmes if they so desire. In a broader, but no less significant area of inter-governmental affairs, Ontario intends to make strong representations to the federal government, emphasizing the need for full provincial consultation and participation in formulating national policies of vital concern to the provinces, including future considerations of national policy relating to agriculture, communications, energy, foreign investment, international trade and urban affairs, with particular emphasis on urban renewal and housing. To this end, my government proposes to offer to host a tri-level conference this year in Ontario, in which federal, provincial and municipal governments will be represented. Such a conference will advance the important work begun last year, which my government has supported and helped to sustain. In the major reorganization which follows the study undertaken by the Committee on Government Productivity, a new Ministry of Treasury, Economics and Inter-Governmental Affairs will be established, with special responsibility for urban and regional planning, provincial-municipal relations and finance, and federal-provincial relations. The implementation of these activities will be integrated in the annual fiscal plan through the provincial budget. The ministry recognizes the need for stronger and more independent local governments and, in preparing future urban and regional plans, my government will be able to avoid a fragmented approach and piecemeal planning by achieving a closer partnership with municipal representatives. Proposals will be made to the Legislature on many specific urban and regional matters and a series of Design for Development reports will be made available, which will indicate the potential pattern of development in all regions of the province. Plans will be introduced to create regional governments in Sudbury, and Kitchener-Waterloo. Action will be taken to further the implementation of the Toronto-centred region plan and the Design for Development of northwestern Ontario. As a result of the study by the committee on local election law, the government will introduce a bill designed to reform election procedures, which will include the abolition of property qualifications for voters in municipal elections. My government, recognizing the significant role of the Ontario Municipal Board and believing it now appropriate to examine relationships of this board with the municipalities, will conduct a review of the functions, responsibilities and practices of the board, including consideration of appeals and petitions from its decisions. Municipalities, municipal organizations and the general public will be invited to participate in this review. My government will continue in the summer months the employment for youth programme and will increase the scope of this programme by providing additional funds for its activities. The summer employment for youth programme, which provides jobs for students and also funds alternative volunteer activities, is designed to complement the Opportunities for Youth programme of the federal government. The success of the various provincial programmes including the retardation student volunteer programme, project SWEEP, and the summer volunteer programme of the Department of Social and Family Services, all initiated last year, is a tribute to the energy, enthusiasm and diligence of the young people of Ontario who were involved. New activities will be added to the existing programme, among them a correctional rehabilitation programme involving student participation, as well as the project Youth and the Law, which has been designed to involve young people in an appreciation of law enforcement and the administration of justice. In the present year, the substantial and practical task of reconstructing the organization and processes of administration will be pressed forward as the government implements the major recommendations of the Committee on Government Productivity. My ministers are convinced of the need for such a reorganization in order to improve overall effectiveness and to develop new and better processes by which future policy ,may be considered and created, and existing policy can be reviewed and reformed. To this end, new legislation will be introduced in order to provide for the implementation of these far-reaching recommendations. This legislation will be incorporated in an omnibus bill and hon. members will have the opportunity to debate its provisions, both in principle and specific detail. The publication of other reports arising out of the continued work of the Cronyn Committee on Government Productivity will be forthcoming in the near future, including studies and recommendations on automatic data processing, communications and information, and on human resource utilization. My government will propose to hon. members that a commission be appointed to review the functions and processes of the Legislature and means by which these might be improved to give elected members better opportunities to serve their constituents and to enhance the role of the private member in this Legislature. My government will introduce legislation to prohibit the holding of more than one elected public office by any individual. Legislation will be introduced allowing for reforms in the Ontario school record system, and providing greater safeguards to ensure the confidentiality of student records. This will establish the right of students and parents to have access to these records, based on the principle that such information is the private property of the individual concerned. Legislation will be introduced that will enable school boards and municipal authorities to share in the development of various facilities for both school and community use. Through such arrangements the use of school buildings should be considerably enhanced and the concept of the school as a community resource will come closer to being a reality. My government intends to extend bilingual services, as required, through the municipal level and in court proceedings. The report of the ministerial commission on French language secondary education is expected in the near future and the government will consider its recommendations and consult the Legislature as to appropriate action. A senior position will be created in the Department of Education with specific responsibilities for integrating and co-ordinating the various existing programmes and activities which the department provides in support of the French language instructional programmes in the elementary and secondary schools of Ontario. As part of a general review of overall economic policy, my government considers it urgent that there be a re-evaluation of its role and responsibility with regard to the Ontario housing industry, and will seek further means by which housing construction can be encouraged so that more homes are available to more people at the lowest possible cost. My government will continue to give close attention to the needs of the agricultural industry, with increasing emphasis on the business aspects of farming, particularly farm management. Further initiatives will be taken to increase and diversify the use and sale of Ontario-grown agricultural and food products in domestic and export markets. The Farm Products Marketing Act and the Ontario Milk Act will be amended to reflect the principles of recommendations contained in the recent report of the royal commission inquiry into civil rights. Amendments to the Edible Oil Products Act to permit the blending of certain dairy products with edible oil products will be proposed. In the field of health services, the recommendations of the Grange report on hospital privileges will be implemented by legislation which will provide an appeal mechanism for physicians who may be refused courtesy privileges in a hospital. Legislation will be introduced providing insured services in nursing homes and homes for the aged, allowing the province the necessary authority to expand its health care insurance programme to cover needed medical care in this area. My government will take steps to improve the availability of essential dental and medical services to people in more isolated parts of the province. My government, in considering the observations and recommendations of the Williston report, will accelerate its efforts to provide improved treatment and facilities for the mentally ill, and expand the scope and availability of training programmes for the retarded within their home communities. My government shares fully the concerns of the people of Ontario in respect to the protection and enhancement of our natural environment. The Ontario Water Resources Commission has maintained constant liaison with officials of the federal government, and has been involved in the discussions with the government of the United States on cooperative measures to clean up the Great Lakes. The government of Ontario will continue to press for the signing and implementation of an international agreement with respect to the control of pollution on the Great Lakes system. My government has completed a study on the many and increasing problems of waste and litter. A proposal to eliminate various unsightly conditions in our environment will be placed before you. A programme will be implemented to remove the blight of abandoned automobile hulks and automobile graveyards from our landscape. Substantial programme expansion in outdoor recreation is planned over the next five years to include the development of parks and land acquisition for both public open space and for environmental protection. A select committee of the Legislature will be asked to consider proposals with regard to public safety and convenience in relation to motorized snow vehicles and all-terrain vehicles. Experiments will be undertaken to test promising new systems and equipment in the field of urban transit, in the anticipation that Ontario may achieve technological leadership which can become the basis for new types of industries. The government will be proceeding with proposals to develop the lignite deposits at Onakawana in northeastern Ontario, which are capable of supporting a l,000-megawatt power plant to help meet Ontario's continuing need for increased power. Such a development would create a much needed focus of industry and employment and provide a stimulus for the whole James Bay area. Further exploration and testing will be carried out as a joint undertaking by the new Minister of Natural Resources, the Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario, and a Canadian-owned corporation. It is the intention of my government to extend its programme of annual achievement awards which has existed for some years in the field of sport. The expanded programme will cover other areas of citizen endeavour and recognize the contribution of the individual to our society. In the field of the rats, such awards will be coupled with scholarships to permit further studies and to encourage further achievement in this important area of our daily lives. The government believes greater recognition must be given to the fact that many of our cultural organizations are resources to be enjoyed by the whole province, and means will be provided to make them more accessible to people throughout Ontario. To facilitate these and other programmes, the various forms of provincial government support to individuals and cultural organizations will be reviewed and integrated. My government proposes to establish a community programmes division within the Department of Correctional Services. This year regional detention centres are to be completed at Ottawa and Niagara construction will begin at London, and new centres in the Toronto and Hamilton areas an being planned. Group homes for juveniles will be established in a number of communities in the coming year sponsored by community-based organizations, in keeping with the policy of my government to increase its involvement in support of community programmes. New clinical facilities are being provided to expand on the present treatment programmes for prisoners with drug abuse and other problems. These new facilities will ensure that treatment in a modem clinical setting is available to all such offenders. My government will continue the mineral exploration assistance programme initiated last year as a means of encouraging mining exploration in northern Ontario. The government's resources transportation programme in the north of our province will include the construction of major roads in a northwesterly direction from Pickle Crow and Red Lake. The board of directors of the Ontario Development Corporation and the Northern Ontario Development Corporation will be enlarged and their membership further diversified. New policies concerning investments and loans, giving preference to Canadian-owned enterprises, will be introduced, and loans under the venture capital fund for businesses employing new technologies and for assistance in the growth of smaller enterprises will be broadened. My government is aware of the current changes in world trading patterns and their possible effect on Ontario. Particular attention will be given to the changes affecting our exports to Great Britain, the European Common Market and to the United States. To facilitate the gathering and dissemination of information for our business community, additional trade offices will be opened in new locations, as warranted by our export interests, including the establishment of an office in Washington, D.C. It is my government's intention to expand its activities in the fields of industrial research and development, metric conversion and international standards and specifications, and to take all effective and practical steps to decrease Ontario's reliance on imported technology. The Legislature will be asked to consider further amendments to the Ontario Paperback and Periodical Distributors Act, designed to encourage the distribution and sale of our own national or provincial publications. The government will have ready its proposals for a system of oft-track betting facilities to be administered by a provincial government board with representatives from various areas of the racing industry, as soon as the Criminal Code of Canada is amended to permit this. The government's belief is that this province, and any other province that desires to do so, should be given the exclusive jurisdiction, by federal enactment, to control and administer this activity. My government believes, as do the people of Ontario, that our political system has been well served by municipal representatives, many of whom have accepted public office and responsibility at some personal sacrifice. A few of these elected officials from time to time have found themselves, inadvertently or otherwise, in a conflict-of-interest position between their public responsibilities and their private interests. Due to the wide area of public concern in this matter, studies have been circulated to a number of municipalities and organizations, seeking their reactions. These are presently under consideration and it is my government's intention to introduce legislation during the current session to clarify any ambiguities that presently exist. The programmes outlined on this occasion have been the object of intensive scrutiny and thought on the part of the government, as being in the best interests of the people of Ontario. We look forward with confidence to a fresh and revitalized approach to many complex problems of our society, and to the purposeful deliberations of the hon. members of this House. May Divine Providence guide you in this task. God bless the Queen and Canada.