QUEENS PARK – Premier Doug Ford addressed the Economic Club of Canada to reaffirm his Government for the People’s commitment to respecting the taxpayer and making government even more efficient.”Ontario inherited a $15 billion deficit. If we allow this deficit to continue to fester and grow, it will end up imperilling our hospitals, schools and other public services. We cannot allow this to happen,” said Ford. “I’m proud to say we have made good progress in restoring fiscal discipline to Ontario, but there’s still a lot of hard work ahead of us.”

The government will focus on three priorities in the year ahead:

Create a Pro-Jobs Environment: The government will build on its actions to connect more workers to good, local jobs while encouraging job creation, investment and trade both inside and outside of Canada.

Balance the Budget Responsibly: The government will continue to find efficiencies and streamline services by making sure all programs and services are relevant and effective. This is necessary to help achieve fiscal balance and restore public confidence in Ontario’s finances.

Build the Health Care System of the Future: The government will look for new ways to use technology more effectively, and commit to new models of collaboration and patient care. It will make historic investments in long-term care for seniors and improved mental health and addiction supports for families.

“We will make Ontario one of the best places in the world to invest and create or grow a bu siness,” said Ford. “But Open for Business must also mean Open for Everybody. Every economic policy we pursue has as its first priority creating and protecting jobs for the people of Ontario.”