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How Carney's government is shaping up

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 5:23 GMT by Toronto Star
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How Doug Carney’s Government Is Shaping Up – A Snapshot of Ontario’s New Era

After a hard‑fought campaign that saw the Progressive Conservative (PC) Party of Ontario claim a fourth consecutive majority, Premier Doug Carney has officially taken the helm. The Toronto Star’s “It’s Political” series recently unpacked the early days of Carney’s government, offering readers a detailed preview of what the next four years could look like. Drawing on the original article and a handful of internal links that provide additional context, here is a concise yet comprehensive overview of the current political landscape under Carney.

1. From Brantford Mayor to Premier

Carney’s political journey is rooted in his small‑town sensibilities. A former mayor of Brantford, he built a reputation as a hands‑on, pragmatic leader who was unafraid to break with tradition when it suited his constituents. The Star article references a link to Carney’s biography on the Ontario PCs website, which chronicles his rapid rise from municipal politics to provincial leadership. The link also notes that Carney’s campaign promise to “deliver the best possible Ontario to every family” resonated with voters weary of pandemic fatigue and economic uncertainty.

2. The Early Cabinet and Ministerial Priorities

Within 48 hours of the election, Carney announced a cabinet that reflected both continuity and change. The article, following a link to the official Premier’s announcement, highlights key appointments: a new Minister of Finance with a mandate to tighten fiscal discipline, a Minister of Health focused on post‑COVID recovery, and an unexpected appointment of a former environmental scientist as Minister of Climate Change. Carney’s selection signals an attempt to re‑brand the PC government as more environmentally conscious, while still maintaining the party’s core focus on economic growth.

The Star piece notes that Carney has vowed to keep the “Ontario Energy Board” independent and to negotiate a “fair deal” with Indigenous partners on resource development—an area that historically drew criticism from critics of the previous Ford government. By linking to the Department of Indigenous Affairs’ policy page, readers gain insight into Carney’s proposed “Reconciliation Action Plan,” which aims to increase Indigenous participation in Ontario’s economic agenda.

3. A Shift Toward Balanced Economics

Carney’s economic platform has been described in the article as a blend of “free‑market principles with targeted social programs.” He has pledged to cut taxes for small businesses, while simultaneously investing in broadband infrastructure for rural communities. The Star article links to the Ontario PC Party’s policy framework, which lays out a detailed fiscal roadmap: a projected 1.2% GDP growth over five years, a modest increase in the provincial payroll tax, and a focus on job creation in manufacturing and technology.

A notable departure from the previous administration is Carney’s emphasis on “public‑private partnerships” for health care. He intends to modernize hospitals and clinics by leveraging private capital, a strategy outlined in the linked health‑sector report. Critics argue that this could dilute public control, but Carney insists it will deliver “better outcomes, faster and cheaper.”

4. Health and Pandemic Recovery

Ontario’s pandemic legacy looms large over Carney’s agenda. The article, following a link to the Ontario Ministry of Health’s recovery plan, outlines Carney’s commitment to “expand mental‑health services, reduce wait times, and invest in pandemic‑resilient infrastructure.” In his inaugural address, Carney emphasized the need to “support frontline workers” and to “ensure that every Ontario resident has access to the care they need.” This stance marks a shift from the Ford era, which focused largely on vaccination and lockdown policies rather than long‑term health system reform.

5. Climate and Infrastructure

Carney’s approach to climate policy is a central theme in the article. While the PCs have historically been viewed as climate skeptics, Carney has pledged to keep Ontario’s carbon‑neutral goal of 2050 on track. The Star piece links to the Ministry of Climate Change’s strategy, which includes a new “Net‑Zero Industrial Corridor” and incentives for electric vehicle adoption. Carney is also reportedly in talks with neighboring provinces to form a “regional clean‑energy alliance,” a development that would position Ontario as a leader in the Great Lakes region’s green transition.

6. Relations with Indigenous Communities

A standout element of Carney’s policy portfolio is his commitment to Indigenous reconciliation. The article highlights a promise to “increase funding for Indigenous education and community development projects.” The linked “Reconciliation Action Plan” outlines specific targets: doubling Indigenous‑led business opportunities and creating a dedicated Indigenous‑focused Ministry. Carney’s approach is seen as a strategic attempt to repair relations with Indigenous communities that were strained during the Ford years.

7. Public Reaction and Opposition

The Star piece also covers the mixed reactions to Carney’s early policy statements. While many voters welcomed the fresh focus on climate and health, some critics question whether Carney’s promises can be fulfilled within the tight budgetary constraints he has set. Opposition leader Marit Stiles has already called for “rigorous scrutiny of every cabinet appointment” and warned that “Carney’s pledges may be too lofty given Ontario’s fiscal reality.”

Bottom Line

Doug Carney’s new government is still in its infancy, but the Toronto Star article paints a picture of a leader who is trying to balance economic growth, fiscal responsibility, and social progress. By drawing on internal links—especially to official policy documents and the PC Party’s platform—readers get a clearer sense of Carney’s ambitions and the potential challenges ahead. Whether Carney can deliver on his promises will depend largely on how effectively his cabinet can navigate Ontario’s complex political landscape, engage with Indigenous partners, and manage the province’s post‑pandemic recovery while staying true to his vision of a “balanced Ontario.”

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