Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said the government is doubling down on efforts to protect workers and communities by unleashing "Ontario's full economic potential."

The government projected earlier this year in its first quarter finances that the province would have a $14.6-billion deficit this year.

The Ontario government introduced a motion that would limit the time for debate and public hearings on three pieces of legislation Wednesday, including the controversial Bill 60 and Bill 33.

In late October, Environment Minister Todd McCarthy and newly appointed Chief Conservation Officer Hassan Basit announced legislation that would merge Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities into larger regional jurisdictions.