Throne speech teaser

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ABOVE THE FOLD

THRONE SPEECH INCOMING — The Ford government’s Throne Speech will be delivered on August 9, the day after the House reconvenes for an earlier-than-expected summer sitting.

Here’s a few things to expect:

— One cornerstone that will almost certainly be included: strong mayors. The post-election changes for the 416 and 613 impacting at least three laws is expected to get plenty of space in the Speech from the Throne.

— While the Speech is written by the Ford government, it will be delivered by Lieutenant Governor ELIZABETH DOWDESWELL. Consider this the traditional opening ceremonies for the parliamentary session.

— Future talk: As with the campaign, don’t expect to hear a lot about the pandemic — the focus will be on recovery.

— Deja vu: Besides the un-budgeted, late-in-the-campaign pledge to raise ODSP rates by 5 per cent and the aforementioned strong mayors — the PCs don’t have much new to boast about. The April budget — which was tabled without enough time to pass, rende…