Some of the world’s top scientists are refuting claims by Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne that attempts to clean up mercury contamination upstream of the Grassy Narrows First Nation, north of Kenora, could make the situation worse.   

 “This fear is needless,” said Dr. David Schindler in a letter co-signed by scientist David Suzuki and sent to Premier Kathleen Wynne Tuesday, the Toronto Star reported.  “If the river system remains in its current state, we anticipate a continued degradation of the health and social fabric of the Grassy Narrows community.” 

Today's throne speech was cast as an opportunity for the Ontario government to press the reset button.

Instead it pretty much stays the course, while attempting to neutralize public anger and opposition heat over hydro costs by relying on good old-fashioned pocketbook politics.

It confirms the province will achieve its zero deficit goal in the next fiscal year and it re-affirms its focus on infrastructure investments and pension reform.

It enhances access to child care with the announcement of 100,000 new spaces. In doing so, it is acting on the recommendations of the gender pay equity task force.