Doug Ford names himself chair of Provincial-Federal Relations council

The Ontario government has announced the creation of the Council on Provincial-Federal Relations, which will be chaired by Premier Doug Ford.

The Ontario government has announced the creation of the Council on Provincial-Federal Relations, which will be chaired by Premier Doug Ford. The Council’s purpose is to act as a conduit between the provincial and federal governments as a means to deliver provincial priorities, including infrastructure, health care, and economic growth.

“What’s good for Ontario is good for Canada, and what’s good for Canada is good for Ontario,” Ford said in a news release.

“Through the Council on Provincial-Federal Relations, my ministers and I are ready to roll up our sleeves and deliver results for the people of Ontario and the people of Canada,” he continued.

Additionally, the Council will reportedly collaborate with the Canadian government regarding important projects and shared priorities, the most important of which include building critical infrastructure, from transit to broadband.

The Ford government hopes by improving its relationship with Ottawa, it can accelerate approvals for projects submitted through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, as well as ensure the federal government funds their fair share of Ontario’s historic transit plan.

“Our government has a Plan to Build Ontario Together, and that plan includes working with the federal government,” Ford said.

“We are ready to work with the new federal Cabinet to get shovels in the ground quickly on important projects, increase health care funding and create an environment where businesses and job creators can thrive,” he added.

Further, the Council will work towards ending hallway health care by ensuring the federal government provides increased funding through the Canada Health Transfer that can facilitate health care services the province needs.

Premiers across the country have urged the federal government to increase the Canada Health Transfer to 5.2 per cent annually.

Other members of the Council include: Christine Elliott, Minister of Health; Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation and Minister of Francophone Affairs; Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance; Peter Bethlenfalvy, President of the Treasury Board; Laurie Scott, Minister of Infrastructure; and Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.