One Year at Queen's Park

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty reflects on his work and on broken promises

One year ago, Ontario voters chose change and elected Liberal leader Dalton McGuinty as Premier. That election ended a decade of Conservative rule, characterized by reforms that not everybody appreciated and that raised deep divisions in public opinion.
The Liberals promised to reduce tension and address any problems with energy but also keeping an eye on social needs and repercussions. We met McGuinty in his Queen's Park study; the last time we were there, Ernie Eves was sitting behind this desk. Toronto just emerged from its second big crisis: the 2003 blackout.
Eves had not called the election yet, but during our interview he clearly hinted at his intention to do so and his trust in the results.
This is a prestigious room, even though its occupants feel like a passenger in a taxi: their ride can be over at any minute.
Premier McGuinty, how do you feel after leading the Province of Ontario for one year, sitting behind that desk?
"I'm very proud of the accomplishments we have been able to make so far. Ontario is getting better. We not only stopped the slide in the public service, but we have measurable improvements."
Such as...?
"Well, since September, 1,300 schools have smaller classes and more teachers."
But bigger problems seem to be in healthcare.
"We've put in place funding for 2,400 more nurses. Over the course of the next three years we will vaccinate over two million children, a save of over $600 per child; we have a plan in place and more funding to reduce the wait times for cancer care, cardiac care, MRIs, CAT scans, hips, knees, and more. On the other hand of things, we are entering into a mature, constructive relationship with communities, in particular with the City of Toronto. We understand that Toronto is different from any other city in this country."
Let's return to Medicare. Everybody's aware of more money being spent for it. Are we sure that they will be spent in the best way?
"While we are investing more money in healthcare, we have to make sure that results will be measurable, otherwise people will have the impression that the money got into a kind of black hole. That's why we have said, that there are going to be 3,600 more cardiac procedures every year, 9,000 more cataracts, 2,300 hip replacements, 100,000 seniors will get home care, 2,000 more people working in nursing homes and more."
Let's not forget public employees. Some contracts will need renewals.
"The appeal I'm making to my partners in the public sector is based on a simple fact: we can invest heavily in hefty compensation packages, or we can have smaller classes and shorter waits, but we cannot have both. What we have to do for Ontarians is to convince them that the government can work for them. We lead by example. All members of the government have had their pay cut by 25 percent, and the MPPs have had their salaries frozen."
Are accounting surprises over?
"Everything that was supposed to be discovered, we hope, has been discovered at this time. The lesson we have learned from that is that it is important to eliminate surprises. We are passing a new law in Ontario, the first of its kind: the Fiscal Transparency and Accountability Act. It requires that the provincial auditor make public the state of the finances before an election, so that people will know exactly what the situation will be."
One year is up; how are you going to celebrate it?
"We have an ambitious agenda. One year is up and we are proud of what we have accomplished so far, especially in healthcare, education, environment and safety legislation. But there is a lot more to be done. There is not much time for celebrations."
Were you given a possibility to go back, what would you change?
"Nothing."
Which was the best moment in the past 12 months?
"The highlight is the possibility to work with our Federal colleagues and secure a new agreement for health are for all Canadians."
And the lowlight?
"Breaking a promise. Yes, breaking a promise and asking Ontarians to invest in the healthcare system. Both the highlight and the lowlight are related to the healthcare system."
What are the implications for you of John Tory's election to lead the Tories?
"For me, nothing is going to change. The opposition has a job to do, I know that, and that is the strength of our democracy. In government, it is important to stay focused on the interests of the citizens."
The interview over, his phone rings. We hoped to witness some interesting conversation, maybe a scoop. The premier listened briefly, then replied, "Sorry, wrong number."
No scoop today. However, like our Premier, we feel hopeful for the future.

Publication Date: 2004-10-10
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=4499