OTTAWA: Doug Kia took the pledge of office to get a second term since the premier of Canada’s most populous state on Friday (Jun 24) with a guarantee to build highways and homes, and repair Ontario’s economy.
Ford’s right-leaning Progressive Conservatives came back to power with a sweeping victory in a provincial election upon Jun 2, winning 83 seats within the 124-seat legislature.
He unveiled a bigger 30-member Cabinet, moving former solicitor common Sylvia Jones to role of minister of health and deputy premier, while keeping Peter Bethlenfalvy in post as the debt-laden province’s finance minister.
Ford said he had an “ambitious plan” for his second stint, because his government experienced challenges posed by inflation rates striking a nearly 40-year high in Canada.
“That plan begins with rebuilding Ontario’s economy, ” Ford said at his swearing-in ceremony.
He reiterated promises made in the lead-up to the election, which includes new spending on roads, transit and the auto sector.
“We’re investing to connect every part of our auto supply chain… the cars for the future will be built here, Ontario, from begin to finish, ” Ford said.
Ontario, home to just under 40 per cent of Canada’s 38. two million people, can be Canada’s manufacturing heartland. It is also one of the planet’s largest sub-sovereign debtors, with publicly held debt in excess of C$400 billion (US$309. 6 billion).
Ford also pledged to address soaring home costs in the province by building more affordable housing.
Canada’s national housing agency projects Ontario to be one of the most severe affected by a housing shortage over the next decade. Provincial capital Toronto is already one of the most expensive cities to reside in globally.
“Too many families are frozen out of the housing market… we need to develop more attainable homes, ” Ford said.
Read more on: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/ontario-premier-ford-vows-rebuild-economy-unveils-new-cabinet-2769846
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