Ontario Premier Discusses The Stakes In Upcoming Election

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

 The following is a statement from Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, Delivered this May 2^nd, 2014

Good Afternoon.

I have just met with the Lieutenant Governor and he has agreed to dissolve the 40th Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

On June 12, the people of our province will have a choice – a choice between the balanced approach of a Liberal government that will create jobs and nurture our economic recovery… 

And the opposition parties, who would put that recovery in jeopardy with reckless schemes and irresponsible choices.

They’ll have a choice between safe hands and risky tactics. I want the people of Ontario to know exactly what a vote for Kathleen Wynne means. I’m working to create opportunity for all. I’m working to create jobs. I’m working to create growth.

 I have the strongest team. As a province, we’ve gone through some tough times together.

 The global recession hit us hard. But our recovery is taking hold. Steadily. Persistently. Companies are hiring again. Confidence is on the rise.

 We’re finding our footing. We’re on our way back. But we can’t put that at risk.We need to move forward with a steady, balanced approach, rather than risk veering off to the left or right.

 My government has a clear plan to help create more good, well-paying jobs in  Ontario – and to help young people find that important first job. We have a clear plan to invest in infrastructure and transit so our province  becomes an even better place to live, work and raise a family.

We have a clear plan to invest in our people with skills development and training – to help them find work, keep work and get ahead at work. We have a clear plan to help Ontarians save for their retirement – so that the reward for a lifetime of hard work is a secure retirement, not a struggle for survival.

 I have been Premier for only a year now. I’m still a new face to many Ontarians.I want you to know this about me: I believe there is only one good reason to get into politics – you do it to help people. And you do that by making government a force for good in people’s lives.

 A progressive force. A positive force.

 Helping to create jobs. Helping our kids to get the best education. Putting in place the conditions to help people and businesses thrive.

 We talk a lot about the economy, but to me it goes beyond numbers. It goes beyond statistics and forecasts.It gets to the heart of who we are. It’s about the well-being of the people of Ontario – our families, our friends, our neighbours.

 Here’s the reality: the decisions made by the next government of this province will make a difference in people’s lives.

These decisions will change Ontario.

And that change can be for the better – keeping us on the path to opportunity and security. Or it can be for the worse. And those decisions, that change, will matter to you. 

To you and your family. If Ontario’s future is entrusted government to the NDP, that will make a difference in people’s lives.

 We will be burdened with reckless financial decisions – and a hostile attitude toward business, at a time when Ontario needs growth and jobs. The NDP has no coherent plan. They make pie-in-the-sky promises, but won’t say how they’ll pay for them.

Now is not the time for pipe dreams. Declare war on labour, as Tim Hudak and the Conservatives would choose to do – and that too will make a difference in people’s lives.

It will roll back the clock. It will hurt Ontario families. Their cuts will devastate crucial public services, like health and education, and  take us along a path toward a low-wage, low-growth economy.

Now is not the time for cutbacks.

Le NPD n’a pas de plan cohérent. Ils font des promesses sans fondements, mais  ne disent pas comment ils vont payer. Ce n’est pas le temps pour des chimères. Déclarer la guerre sur le travail, comme Tim Hudak et les Conservateurs  choisissent de faire – cela aussi fera une différence dans la vie des gens. Cela va nous faire rebrousser chemin. Cela nuira aux familles de l’Ontario. I would add one other important note.

On a number of important issues, the interests of the people of Ontario are at odds with the policies of Stephen Harper’s government.

 Ontario workers want improved pensions for a more secure retirement. Stephen

Harper won’t act.

 Ontario contributes $11 billion more than it gets back from Ottawa, an important fiscal gap that needs to be addressed – but Stephen Harper won’t act. Ontario wants to develop its resource potential in the north.

The federal government pours billions into the oil sands, but when it comes to the Ring of Fire, Stephen Harper won’t act. On these and other issues, we need a Premier who is willing to stand up to Stephen Harper. And stand against him if that’s what’s needed to promote and advance Ontario’s interests. That’s what I pledge to do.

 Tim Hudak shares Stephen Harper’s values, his ideals and his approach.With so much in common, how can he be trusted to take on Stephen Harper and get results for the people of Ontario?

 The opposition parties have different priorities. They hold different values. As Liberals, we have a clear vision, a sense of purpose and a comprehensive plan.

 We will balance the budget by growing the economy. We’re already doing it. We will work to ensure that all parts of our province share in the economic recovery. We’re already doing it. We will keep Ontario on track toward a success we can sustain. We’re already doing it.Over the past year, I have visited every corner of our great province.

 I’ve met with CEOs and small business owners. I’ve heard the stories of families and the hopes of students.We live in a province with a great history of accomplishment – and yet what inspires me are the possibilities that remain, and the potential that is still untapped.

 There is more we can achieve together if we stay on track. In the coming weeks, I look forward to meeting many of you.Across Ontario today, there is so much to be optimistic about. But we must also be vigilant.

We can’t take anything for granted. In a tough and turbulent world, we need to maintain the footing we’ve found.

 Liberals are committed to helping the people of Ontario move forward. We believe our province’s best days lie straight ahead.

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