Premier Kathleen Wynne appeared to be reaching out to the opposition parties during Ontario's Speech from the Throne Feb. 19.

In order for her minority Liberal government to survive, she must receive support from either the New Democrats or the Progressive Conservatives.

The speech, penned by Wynne but read in the legislature by Lieutenant-Governor David Onley, said the government sees a province that “brings together disparate elements and bonds together as one.”

“For the benefit of the entire province, your government intends to work with opposition parties, in a spirit of renewed co-operation, to get the people's business done,” the speech said.

“It does not believe that we are irreparably divided, or that the challenges we face cannot be overcome.”

Highlights of the budget include:

-Eliminating the deficit by 2017-18
-After the deficit is eliminated, holding expenditure increases to one per cent below GDP growth until the province's debt-to-GDP ratio returns to the same level as before the recession.
-Addressing the special transportation needs of Ontario's north and endeavour to improve access to the Ring of Fire.
-Addressing the need for improvement to rural roads and bridges.
-Working with Aboriginal communities to ensure that the benefits of resource development are shared and opportunities for education, training and employment are established.
-Allowing welfare recipients to retain more of their cheque after they return to work.
-Helping disabled people enter the workforce by moving the Accessibility Directorate to the Ministry of Economic Development.
-Showing “respect for teachers, support staff, principals and school boards.”
-Promising to sit down with public sector workers “to build a sustainable model for wage negotiation,” and treating them “fairly and with respect.”
-Working to end coal-fired energy generation.
-More consultation on the location of wind turbines.
-Expanding access to home care, mental health care, and moving forward with the Seniors' Strategy.
-Continuing with the expansion of full-day kindergarten
-Continuing to offer the 30 per cent off tuition grant for post-secondary students.