December 30, 2016

Mr. Ted McMeekin
Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier
Room 6522, Whitney Block
99 Wellesley Street West
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 1A1

Dear Mr. McMeekin:

I am honoured to have you as my parliamentary assistant, and thank you for the valuable support that you will provide me in this crucial role. I look forward to working closely with you to ensure that overall government objectives are achieved.

At this mid-point of our mandate — and after having achieved two years of real and tangible progress — we are redoubling our efforts to deliver on our top priority — economic growth and good jobs. Our balanced plan to build Ontario up for everyone will deliver real benefits and more inclusive growth that will help people in their everyday lives. We will do this by continuing to invest in better infrastructure, more affordable and accessible postsecondary education, a competitive, low-carbon economy and improved retirement security.

Responsible fiscal management remains an overarching priority for our government, and, thanks to our disciplined approach, we are on track to balance the budget next year, in 2017-18.

In your capacity as parliamentary assistant, I am asking that you:

  • Work with government partners and stakeholders, communities, and people with lived experience to prepare a report on rural poverty in Ontario. Your report will highlight the unique factors contributing to poverty in rural communities, and make policy recommendations that will inform our poverty reduction efforts.

A tremendous opportunity lies before us — to ensure that our government’s mandate is fully and effectively implemented, to continue to build Ontario up and to deliver real benefits to all Ontarians.

Sincerely,

Original signed by

The Honourable Kathleen Wynne
Premier of Ontario