Ontario on track to eliminate deficit next year, Wynne says

First quarter results for 2016 show the Ontario economygrowing at an annualized rate of three per cent, the highest inCanada and all G7 countries.

Premier Kathleen Wynne says the province's real gross domesticproduct grew by 0.8 per cent in January to March, following similargrowth in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Wynne says the first quarter gains were driven by higher exportsand household spending, and predicts Ontario's economy will remainone of the fastest growing in Canada over the next two years.

She also says the Liberal government is confident the growingeconomy will allow it to eliminate a $5.7-billion deficit next yearas promised.

The premier says she's very encouraged by the momentum ofOntario's growth, especially with so many uncertainties in theglobal economy.

Wynne says stronger than expected economic growth means morejobs, and points out Ontario's unemployment rate fell to 6.4 percent in June, the lowest since 2008.