The premier struck a more optimistic tone than last year, when the challenges of the COVID pandemic’s new Omicron variant were front and centre
“As we turn over the calendar to begin a new year, it’s important to take a moment and reflect on just how far we’ve all come over the past 12 months,” Ford said, adding “I’m particularly proud of the progress our government has made implementing our plan to build Ontario.”
He said his government “passed new legislation that will help achieve our goal of building 1.5 million homes over 10 years. This next step in our plan will ensure cities, towns and rural communities grow with the mix of housing types they need, so that more families can realize the dream of home ownership.
Last Jan. 1, Ford said 2021 has been “an incredibly trying year for Ontarians ... the Ontario spirit remains on full display in communities across this great province.” As the province began 2022, “in the midst of our ongoing battle against the new Omicron variant ... it’s not lost on me how much each of you have had to sacrifice .”
On social media, interim Liberal Leader John Fraser wished everyone a Happy New Year and said, “I hope that with this new chapter, we are able to reflect on the lessons learned from last year and move forward in a positive direction. No matter what a new year means to you, I wish you health, happiness and prosperity.”