Toronto

Ontario premier muses on Liberal majority

Premier Dalton McGuinty is making a pitch for a majority government ahead of two potentially game-changing Ontario byelections on Thursday.

Premier Dalton McGuinty is making a pitch for a majority government ahead of two potentially game-changing Ontario byelections on Thursday.

McGuinty says he's focused on his mandate to reduce the deficit and policies like the anti-strike legislation for teachers.

He says it would be easier to do those things with a majority government, but he has faith that voters will make the right choice.

If the Liberals win byelections in Vaughan and Kitchener-Waterloo, they'd be able to form a majority.

But McGuinty wouldn't say whether his appeal for a majority government would be bolstered if the sovereigntist Parti Quebecois wins the election in Quebec today.

He says he'll work hard as premier of Ontario to extend a hand of friendship to the new Quebec leadership, including the pro-independence PQ.

McGuinty says families in Quebec want the same thing as those in Ontario — good schools, great health care, a safe and clean environment and a strong economy.