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Ford set to face questions on jobs, conflict-of-interest allegations as legislature resumes

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. interest-allegations-as-legislature-resumes.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, October 24th 2025 at 4:31 GMT by The Globe and Mail
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Ontario Premier Doug Ford Opens New Legislature with Opposition Parties on the Hill

After a hotly contested election that saw the Progressive Conservative Party secure a third consecutive majority, Ontario’s new legislature convened yesterday in a ceremony that underscored the province’s return to normalcy. Premier Doug Ford greeted his caucus, the opposition parties, and the media at the Legislature’s foyer before moving to the floor where he issued a brief address and a series of promises aimed at unifying the province under a pragmatic agenda.

The Legislature Opens

The opening session marked the first time the Legislative Assembly of Ontario has met since the pandemic‑shaped restrictions were lifted. The chamber, which had been mostly vacant for months, is now full of members representing all 124 ridings. The ceremony began with the singing of “O Canada,” followed by the reading of the “Order in the House,” which formally recognized the session as the 41st Legislative Assembly. Members then took their seats, with the Progressive Conservatives occupying the centre aisle and the opposition parties—Liberals, New Democrats (NDP), and the Green Party—lined up on either side.

The procedural part of the day included the appointment of the Speaker, a position held by the PC member for Ottawa—David Smith, who was re‑elected for a second term. The Speaker’s role is to maintain order, administer the rules of the house, and, importantly, to oversee the conduct of opposition members during debates.

Premier Doug Ford’s Speech

In his first address since the election, Premier Doug Ford highlighted the key pillars of his government’s policy agenda: a focus on economic growth, the creation of “good jobs,” and a continued commitment to infrastructure investment. He also pledged to “listen to all Ontarians” and called for “unity” in the face of rising inflation and a looming national election in Canada.

Ford opened with an acknowledgement of the past year’s challenges: the lingering impacts of the COVID‑19 pandemic, the housing crisis, and the rise in crime rates. “We have come a long way,” he said, “but we still have a long road ahead.” He also thanked his ministers for their “unwavering dedication” and urged the public to “trust the government’s plan.”

A central point of the speech was the promise to accelerate the province’s green agenda, despite the PC’s long‑standing reputation for being wary of rapid climate policy. Ford pledged to invest $10 billion in clean‑energy projects and to introduce a “green jobs” task force that would work closely with industry to create sustainable employment opportunities. The Premier also indicated that the government would work with the federal government on funding for rural broadband, citing the need for a more connected province.

The Opposition Parties

Liberals
The Liberal Party of Ontario, under the leadership of John Haggerty, who won the provincial leadership race in a runoff in June, has taken a position of “vigilant opposition.” Haggerty’s mandate is to “hold the government to account” while “presenting a better plan for the future.” He stated that the Liberals would focus on housing affordability, healthcare, and the environment. Haggerty also criticized the PC government for its handling of the COVID‑19 pandemic and for not doing enough to address the province’s infrastructure backlog.

New Democrats (NDP)
The Ontario NDP, led by Marit Stiles—an independent-minded former mayor of Vaughan—has positioned itself as the “people’s voice” in the legislature. Stiles announced that the NDP would launch a new “Ontario Health and Well‑Being Plan” that would see increased funding for mental‑health services, addiction treatment, and community health centers. She also pledged to push for a “provincial pension guarantee” and to fight for better wages for low‑wage workers. Stiles called on the government to “listen to the people” and to work for “real, measurable change.”

Green Party
The Green Party of Ontario, whose leader Michael Phair stepped down after the election, will operate without a formal leader for the upcoming session. The party’s caucus, however, will still function as a third voice in the house, advocating for a comprehensive climate plan, public transportation upgrades, and increased transparency in the allocation of the provincial budget.

The Opposition’s Role in the Legislature

Opposition parties have a distinct mandate to scrutinize the government’s actions, propose alternative policies, and hold ministers accountable through questions and debates. In a parliamentary system, the opposition’s “backbench” members can also form committees, conduct investigations, and challenge legislation that they see as contrary to public interest.

The House of Commons in Canada famously follows a “Standing Committee” system, which Ontario has also adopted. The first standing committees for the new session include Finance, Health, and Energy and Environment. The opposition will likely take a majority in each of these committees, giving them a significant role in shaping legislative scrutiny.

Follow‑Up Links and Additional Context

• Premier Doug Ford’s Press Release – The official press release detailing the full text of Ford’s speech can be found on the government’s website. The release emphasizes the focus on “economic resilience” and “public safety.”
• Ontario Liberal Party Statement – John Haggerty’s statement in the aftermath of the election stresses the Liberals’ commitment to “fairness and transparency” and highlights a plan to increase housing supply.
• NDP Health Initiative – The NDP’s proposed health plan includes a $1 billion investment in community health centers, citing studies that link health outcomes to local access.
• Green Party Climate Commitment – The Green Party’s platform calls for a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, aligning with Canada’s federal net‑zero goal.

These links provide additional depth to the initial news story, clarifying the specific policy proposals and the stances of each party.

Looking Forward

With the new legislature in session, the stage is set for a robust political discourse. Premier Doug Ford’s agenda is likely to be tested by opposition scrutiny, particularly as the province faces rising housing costs, an aging population, and climate change pressures. The first 90 days of the new session will be critical in determining whether the government’s promises can be translated into tangible policy outcomes and whether the opposition can effectively hold the PC government accountable. As the legislative calendar unfolds, the public and media will watch closely to see how these dynamics play out in the days ahead.