Ontario throne speech sets out economic recovery from COVID-19 as priority

Avoiding future lockdowns is Ontario's "ultimate goal," as laid out Monday in a throne speech emphasizing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic as it enters a new phase.

Lt.-Gov. Elizabeth Dowdeswell delivered Premier Doug Ford's throne speech, marking the start of a new legislative session and the opportunity to present a renewed agenda eight months ahead of the next provincial election.

It focused largely on what the government has done to support the health-care and long-term care systems during the pandemic, highlighting the need for more action but with few specifics, though it mentions already-promised legislation to set long-term care standards.

Thanks to Ontario's high vaccination rates - more than 86 per cent of eligible residents have received at least one dose - the province is entering a "new phase" of the pandemic, and while cases may rise as people head indoors it won't be cause for panic, the speech said.

"If additional public health measures are needed, they will be localized and targeted," Dowdeswell said.