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May 4, 2015

41st Parliament, 1st Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcripts 2015-May-04 (PDF)

L078 - Mon 4 May 2015 / Lun 4 mai 2015

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Monday 4 May 2015 Lundi 4 mai 2015

Introduction of Visitors

Member’s anniversary

Wearing of ribbons

Oral Questions

Winter highway maintenance

Winter highway maintenance

Privatization of public assets

Infrastructure program funding

Social Assistance Management System

Privatization of public assets

Public safety

Privatization of public assets

Government advertising

Mental health and addictions strategy

Privatization of public assets

Teachers’ labour disputes

Cancer prevention

Teachers’ labour disputes

Automotive industry

Correction of record

Visitor

Members’ Statements

United Way

Steps for Life walk

Seniors’ issues

Energy sector

Moose tags

2nd Battalion, Irish Regiment of Canada

Bob Huskinson

Canadian Music Week

Star Wars Day

Reports by Committees

Standing Committee on Justice Policy / Comité permanent de la justice

Introduction of Bills

Special Interest Groups Election Advertising Transparency Act, 2015 / Loi de 2015 sur la transparence de la publicité électorale des groupes d’intérêt particulier

Petitions

Alzheimer’s disease

Special-needs children

Use of digital technologies

Winter road maintenance

Ontario Northland Transportation Commission

Water fluoridation

Taxation

Alzheimer’s disease

Use of digital technologies

Off-road vehicles

Use of digital technologies

Orders of the Day

Building Ontario Up Act (Budget Measures), 2015 / Loi de 2015 pour favoriser l’essor de l’Ontario (mesures budgétaires)

The House met at 1030.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Good morning. Please join me in prayer.

Prayers.

Introduction of Visitors

Mr. Randy Pettapiece: I’d like to introduce Sue Christensen, who is here from my riding of Perth–Wellington.

Mr. Grant Crack: It’s a great honour and a privilege for me to have my parents with us today, as well as my sister and brother-in-law and my niece, Allison. I’d like to welcome Wayne Crack, Sylvia Crack, Shelley Todd, Bob Todd and Allison Todd to the Legislature today.

Mr. Paul Miller: I’d just like to welcome my wife to the Legislature again. It just happens to be our 25th anniversary. One of her friends said she’s putting her in for the Order of Canada. Anyways, welcome.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): I’m sure there are several one-liners that came to people’s minds.

Mr. Paul Miller: Speaker, I’m sorry, I forgot to mention her name—it might help—Carole Paikin-Miller.

Hon. Eric Hoskins: We have several members from the Canadian Mental Health Association and the CEO of the Central LHIN here with us today in the gallery for the mental health bus launch taking place right outside Queen’s Park after question period. I want to take this opportunity to invite all members for a photo op in front of the mental health bus, acknowledging that this is Mental Health Week.

I want to introduce Camille Quenneville, Rebecca Shields, Dr. Pamela Wilansky, Alexandra Trottier, Arthur Gallant and Kim Baker.

Mr. Rick Nicholls: Today’s page captain Luca Riccio-Durocher hails from the great riding of Chatham–Kent–Essex. His family is here today to support him: his parents, Yves Durocher and Dina Riccio, as well his sister, Ella Riccio-Durocher, and his grandparents, Tino and Judy Riccio. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Member’s anniversary

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): On May 2, 1985, the 33rd Parliament was elected. I’d like to bring to your attention that Saturday was the anniversary of the 31st year for the member from York Centre, Monte Kwinter. Congratulations.

Not quite a record this time, because the member from St. Catharines has been serving a little longer.

Mr. John Yakabuski: Monte holds his own record.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Monte has a record of his own. Thank you.

Wearing of ribbons

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The Minister of Children and Youth Services, on a point of order.

Hon. Tracy MacCharles: I believe you will find that we have unanimous consent that all members be permitted to wear ribbons in recognition of Children’s Mental Health Week.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The Minister of Children and Youth Services is seeking unanimous consent to wear the ribbons, which I’m told are available for all members on both sides. Do we agree? Agreed.

Oral Questions

Winter highway maintenance

Mr. Jim Wilson: My question is for the Premier. Mr. Speaker, when the Liberal Party formed government in 2003, they were handed a model for winter road maintenance. That model kept Ontario roads safe and was cost-effective.

Then Minister of Transportation Jim Bradley—and, subsequently, Minister Wynne—abandoned that model. As the Auditor General noted, the Premier, as transportation minister, chose contractors “on the basis of the lowest-priced bid.”

Premier, you made the decision to put Ontarians’ lives at risk to save a few bucks. Will you now take responsibility for the dangerous winter roads created under your watch and apologize to the people of Ontario?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I know the Minister of Transportation is going to want to comment on the details, but let me just say that I—

Mr. John Yakabuski: Don’t tell us we’ve got the safest roads, because they could be safer.

Ms. Lisa MacLeod: A lot safer.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke, come to order. The member from Nepean–Carleton, come to order.

I didn’t quite get the one on this side. Thank you.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I would just say to the member opposite that we’re very grateful to the Auditor General for her recommendations. In fact, internal review had already begun, and there were already changes that were in the works. Following the internal review, the Ministry of Transportation and its maintenance contractors have been working together to improve the quality.

I will say that, as far back as when I was the Minister of Transportation, I was asking questions about the standards. I was asking questions about the adequacy of the contracts, and we were looking at whether there were changes that needed to be made. Those changes are being made, and we accept the Auditor General’s recommendations.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Jim Wilson: Again to the Premier: Mr. Speaker, the companies the Premier picked to clear the roads used less equipment, less material, patrolled less often and were unable to meet even the minimum requirements.

When the opposition brought this important issue to the government’s attention, the entire Liberal caucus shrugged it off. Minister Murray blamed the traffic accidents on snow-covered highways as

an act of God. Minister Bentley said, “It’s the weather.”

But now we know that ministry staff brought their serious concerns to the Premier’s attention, serious concerns which the Premier ignored and put people’s lives in danger.

Premier, how many people’s lives were you willing to risk to save a few bucks in the winter months?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Minister of Transportation.

Hon. Steven Del Duca: As the Premier mentioned in the response to the first question, prior to the public accounts committee asking for the auditor to go in and conduct her review—back in 2013, the Ministry of Transportation undertook an internal review. I mentioned this last week when I responded to questions on this very subject.

As a result of the internal review—and I want to stress that this occurred before the auditor was even asked to go and do her work—combined, we brought 105 new pieces of equipment to both northern and southern Ontario. We appointed a director of maintenance, five area engineers and 20 area inspectors. We expanded our winter safe driving campaign. Also, we reached out to the area maintenance contractors to make sure that they understood exactly what the contractual obligations were.

We thank the auditor for her report. We’ll move forward with all eight of her recommendations.

I look forward to having a chance to respond to additional questions.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Final supplementary.

Mr. Jim Wilson: Again to the Premier: When questioned about the Liberal government’s road maintenance contracts, minister after minister ignored the problem.

Minister Murray told this House that “we get good value for tax dollars....”

Minister Chiarelli said, “Our contractors are required to meet ministry standards. We monitor their work....”

The Auditor General made it clear that this government made our roads less safe.

The Liberal government has had five Ministers of Transportation since 2010, and I have yet to hear one of them apologize to the families who lost loved ones on Ontario highways in accidents that could have been prevented if this government had been doing its job.

Premier, why won’t you take responsibility and apologize for your government’s dismal record and putting Ontarians’ lives at risk?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Be seated, please. Thank you.

Minister?

Hon. Steven Del Duca: I thank the leader for that question. In addition to what I said in the initial question, as a result of some of the other steps we’ve taken, for the next winter season, 28 more roadside cameras will be in place to monitor road conditions. We’ll provide dedicated funding to increase the use of de-icing liquids as appropriate.

Interjections.

Mr. Gilles Bisson: What website do I go to?

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Timmins–James Bay will come to order.

Carry on.

Hon. Steven Del Duca: Subject to approvals, because these are measures that were brought forward in budget 2015, we’ll have new equipment in place—

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): We’re going to do it again. Member from Essex.

Carry on.

Hon. Steven Del Duca: We will also work with our contractors to add dedicated spreaders for sand and salt, both in selected areas of northern Ontario as needed and also in congested urban areas.

I’d also point out that, in fact, it was my immediate predecessor, the member from Toronto Centre, the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, who actually asked for the internal review in 2013 before the—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you.

New question.

Winter highway maintenance

Mr. Michael Harris: My question is to the Premier. Last week’s auditor’s report on winter road maintenance points directly at the continued lack of accountability being shown by your government and, more specifically, by you yourself.

For five years, your government knowingly risked the lives of Ontario motorists to save a few bucks. For five years, continued lax standards meant uncleared roads that were the direct result of your government’s flawed cost-cutting contracts.

Premier, you were Minister of Transportation for two of those five years. Admit it. You knew about it and you did nothing about it. Can you tell those families forever impacted by your government’s lack of oversight when you, as transportation minister, first knew about the impacts and why you failed to act?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: You know, Mr. Speaker, the premise of the member’s question is absolutely not accurate.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Lanark—

Premier Wynne: The fact is, Mr. Speaker—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Lanark, come to order; the member from Stormont, come to order; and the member from Oxford, come to order.

Carry on.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Just to put this in perspective, when I first became Minister of Transportation, one of the things I did was, I visited area offices. I asked questions about the contracts and, quite frankly, I asked questions of our staff to make sure that the standards that had been in place before the Conservative government put their new model in place were the same standards as we were using after the contracts were put in place. That was a fundamental question that I asked repeatedly.

There were concerns that were raised, and the reason there was a review that was begun in 2013 was that we had started to ask questions about whether there needed to be changes made to make sure the system that had been put in place by them was actually working.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you.

Supplementary?

Mr. Michael Harris: Oh, now, Premier, you changed the standards. You watered them down to the point where you put Ontarians’ lives at risk. You did that. You asked the questions, but you failed to actually listen to the people, and I’ll tell you why. What’s most concerning is that, in fact, your government did know. The auditor’s report uncovers the fact that ministry staff were sounding the warning bells, but government failed to listen. You failed to listen.

Page 26 of the report provides a list of some of the concerns from ministry staff. Here are three:

The equipment complement does not appear to be adequate.

There is insufficient equipment to service all lanes.

The route may have insufficient equipment to plow all lanes and shoulders on the 401.

How many of these concerns were raised to then-Transportation Minister Kathleen Wynne, and why did you fail to act?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Mr. Speaker, I know the Minister of Transportation is going to want to speak to some specifics, but the member opposite will recognize that the very reason we were buying more equipment and we were putting more inspectors in place was because we wanted to make sure that our record of having the safest roads in North America—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Lanark: second time.

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Timmins–James Bay: second time.

Carry on, please.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: The very reason, Mr. Speaker, that more equipment was bought and that there was an internal review begun was to make sure that we retained our record of having the safest roads in North America, because we knew that we were capable of having that standard in place. That’s the standard that we will retain.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Final supplementary.

Mr. Michael Harris: Premier, you’re five years way too late.

We’re talking about the safety of Ontario motorists. We’re talking about preventable fatalities that government failed to guard against.

On November 3, 2010, you boasted in this House, “We obviously work with the regional offices to make sure that the oversight of those contracts is in place.” So why weren’t you listening when those same regional offices told you they just weren’t working?

Again, you stood in the House and told us, “We wouldn’t be doing this if safety were at question. We wouldn’t be doing it if quality was going to go down.” Well, last week the auditor made it very clear: Quality did go down, and the safety of Ontario motorists was in fact put at risk.

Premier, I’ll give you one more chance. Come clean today. What did you know, and why did you fail to act?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Minister of Transportation.

Hon. Steven Del Duca: I thank the member for that question. In addition to what I said earlier in response to his leader, with respect to the internal review from 2013 which led to the 105 additional pieces of equipment and all those other positive steps that we took—which, by the way, were acknowledged in the auditor’s report last week with respect to showing progress—last week I announced that within 60 days, I will report back on additional findings from an internal review that we’re conducting.

Secondly, Speaker, in order to make sure that we drive accountability on this, because it is an important issue, I have asked the auditor to come back within one year, at the end of winter 2015-16, and provide an update so as to gauge all of our progress.

Privatization of public assets

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My question is for the Premier. The Premier and her government have hit a new level of arrogance in this province. Debate on the sale of Hydro One has just begun, there has not been a minute of committee hearing and the Premier hasn’t asked a single Ontarian what they think about her plan, and yet the Premier has handed out the first tranche of shares already.

Listen up on those back benches, because she has told every one of your constituents that she doesn’t care what they think, because the deal is already done.

Will the Premier explain how it is that she has already begun the sale of Hydro One, without any concern of what happens in this House or for what Ontarians have to say?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Again, let me just say to the leader of the third party that she knows full well that there will be consultations on the budget document and that she knows full well that there will be standard committee hearings and there will be a discussion about what is in the budget around the province.

She also knows full well, Mr. Speaker, that there has been a very robust discussion about the need for investment in infrastructure in this province. That’s what underpins our decision. It underpinned our decision to review the assets of this province. It underpins our decision to broaden the ownership in Hydro One, so that we can invest in the roads and the bridges and the transit that are needed around this province. We know that if we’re going to thrive economically, we need that infrastructure to bring business to Ontario so that businesses can move their goods and so that people can get home and spend time with their families. That’s the underpinning of our decision.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: It’s no wonder the Premier wants to ram the budget through committee. The Premier has no intention of listening to anything that is actually said there, no interest in anything that any Ontarian thinks about this deal.

New Democrats have been asking Ontarians what they think. More than 20,000 Ontarians have sent the Premier a message that they don’t want to pay the price for this bad decision.

In fact, Cory Campbell, vice-president of the Huron–Bruce Liberal riding association, has an online petition of his own, with 30,000 signatures calling to keep Hydro One public.

Will the Premier commit to hearing from all Ontarians, take the committee hearings outside of this city and abandon her plan to ram her Harper-style omnibus budget through the committee?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Mr. Speaker, let’s just look at the facts here. People have to have an opportunity to speak to the budget. That’s why there has been a proposal to both opposition House leaders that we would increase the standard committee consideration to six days.

But what I really want to do is I want to talk about what has happened in the past. In 2002, under the PC government, there were zero days of consideration for the budget. In 2000, there were two days. In 1997, there were two days. In 1996, there were two days—all of those under the PCs. Under the NDP, in both 1991 and 1992, there was one day of committee consideration.

We’re proposing six days more than the norm, so we want to hear from the people of the province.

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Not specific, but I did hear something unparliamentary, and I’d like the member to stand and withdraw; if not, you’ve got my message.

Carry on.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Speaker, for someone who promised to be open and transparent, inclusive and consultative, this Premier ought to be ashamed of herself. This level of arrogance and contempt for Ontarians is unprecedented in this province.

The Premier has said she will exhaustively study where she can sell a 12 of Bud Light. Should it be the LCBO? Should it be Walmart? How many bottles should be in the case? Where on the shelf should that case be situated? I can see how these are very weighty questions that must keep the Premier up every single night. But will the Premier commit to take the same amount of time, the same due diligence, to study and consult with the people across this province before she sells off their Hydro One?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Just on top of what I said about the need to hear from people in committee hearings on the budget, which we are doing in a much more complete way than the previous parties have done, we also ran on a plan. It was in our platform; it was in our budget. We said that we need to build infrastructure in this province. We took that to the people of the province, and we said, “Do you think you need new roads and bridges and transit?” We asked that question for—how long was our campaign?

Interjection.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: For 42 days. We talked about those issues across the province, and we said, “In order to do that, we have to review the assets of this province. We have to leverage them in order to make sure we have the money.” We asked that question to the people of Ontario. They said, “Yes, we need infrastructure.” They said, “Yes, go ahead and make those decisions, because without that infrastructure, this province is not going to thrive.”

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Be seated, please. Thank you.

Final supplementary.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: No; I’m sorry. This is my second question, Speaker.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you.

Infrastructure program funding

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My next question is for the Premier as well. The Liberals have been claiming for months now—in fact, the Premier just did it again a moment ago—that all the money from the privatization of hydro will go to build infrastructure and transit. Yet the first shares are out the door and not one of them—none of that money—is going to go towards the construction of a single kilometre of road or a single subway tunnel.

The Premier didn’t need that money from the sale of Hydro One to build transit, and she knows that she doesn’t have to sell off any of Hydro One to build infrastructure. So will she stop the charade, stop the spin and stop the wrong-headed sale of Hydro One once and for all?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Mr. Speaker, I would ask the leader of the third party, then, to enlighten us on how we would go ahead with the projects that we’ve laid out in our budget. How exactly would she suggest that we electrify the GO Transit system and that we increase service to full-time two-way GO? How exactly would she suggest that we fund and execute the Hamilton LRT? How exactly would she suggest that we get started on extending natural gas access for people in our rural communities?

The fact is, the money that we are going to be able to leverage by going over our assets and making the very difficult decisions that we have made, whether it’s the selling of GM shares, whether it’s the selling of real estate or whether it’s the broadening of the ownership of Hydro One—that money is going into those infrastructure builds. I’d like to know what her plan is.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Be seated, please. Thank you.

I’ve made it clear that when I stand, it does get quiet. And when we get quiet, we allow the person to put the question. So I’m going to tell the member from Beaches–East York to come to order.

Carry on.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: The fact is that there’s nothing in the Premier’s budget bill to guarantee that the money from the sale of Hydro One goes into transit and infrastructure.

The Premier has said, “Don’t worry. Just trust me. You have my word.” In fact, I would recommend the backbenchers actually read the budget bill, because it does not guarantee that that money goes into transit and infrastructure.

While she’s standing there making that very promise, her ministers are off handing out shares to settle a collective agreement.

Why is the Premier claiming that she’s selling Hydro One to build transit and infrastructure when we can see that that’s not what’s happening?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Actually, Mr. Speaker, what you can see is the projects that are being built around this province right now. You can see that the Union-Pearson line is going to open on June 6. You can see the digging that’s happening across Eglinton as the Crosstown gets built. You can see the buses running in Brampton—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Essex, the member from Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke and the member from Lanark. The member from Lanark, you’re warned. The member from Renfrew has two. The member from Essex has two.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: You can see the 407, Mr. Speaker, that’s going into its second phase, that’s going to go out to 35/115. I can tell you that when I was in Peterborough last week, the people in Peterborough were very, very happy about that road being built.

I would suggest that the leader of the third party has no plan in order to complete those projects.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Be seated, please. Thank you.

Final supplementary.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: When I was in Kingston and the Islands, the people there had no idea that their MPP was running on the sell-off of Hydro One. That’s what I can tell you.

This is not about transit, and it isn’t about infrastructure.

The actions of this government make it clear that they don’t need the 3% the sale of Hydro One would contribute to that 10-year, $130-billion promise that they’ve made. She doesn’t even have the money yet—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Please continue.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: She doesn’t even have the money yet, Speaker, and the Premier is already spending it on things other than transit and infrastructure.

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The Minister of Economic Development is warned.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Selling Hydro One will mean higher bills for families and businesses. It doesn’t improve reliability. It’s going to cost the province billions in lost revenues.

Families don’t like this plan. Even Liberal Party activists oppose this plan.

The Premier is showing by her actions that this isn’t about transit and infrastructure. Will she pull the plug before it’s too late?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Be seated, please.

Before I move to the Premier, just in case he didn’t hear it, the Minister of Economic Development is warned.

Carry on.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Mr. Speaker, let’s just be clear. The leader of the third party, when she talks about pulling the plug, is saying, “Pull the plug on building infrastructure around this province.” That’s what she’s saying.

The fact is that she ran on the plan that we ran on. She ran on a plan to review assets in order to have the money to reinvest in the assets that we need for the 21st century.

It would be the easiest thing in the world for a party in opposition to just say, “Don’t do that. Just stop. Don’t do anything.” That’s not what government does. The responsibility of government is to move this province forward, to make the tough decisions that are not always popular. I get that.

If we don’t build infrastructure now, if we don’t work with Hamilton and build that LRT, make sure that we get that infrastructure in place, then the boom that’s happening in Hamilton can’t continue. I’m not going to stand by and let that happen. We’re going to make those investments.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Be seated, please.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): We’ll put a stop to that quickly, too.

New question.

Social Assistance Management System

Mr. Bill Walker: My question is to the Minister of Community and Social Services. After six months of flip-flopping on SAMS, your mismanagement continues to negatively impact the lives of 900,000 vulnerable Ontarians. The SAMS implementation, which you and your Premier assured everybody was “pretty seamless” and a “small glitch,” and which you likened to rebooting your BlackBerry, also continues to snowball into a costlier mess by the day.

From Windsor, London, Hamilton and Waterloo to Ottawa, municipalities everywhere are racking up millions of dollars in extra costs because you failed to successfully implement SAMS, but we have yet to hear you commit to fully reimbursing municipalities for the day-to-day operating fiascos of your new social assistance program. Minister, will you issue reimbursements to municipalities—yes or no?

Hon. Helena Jaczek: I’m pleased to have the opportunity to discuss the PricewaterhouseCoopers report that we received late last week and its 19 recommendations, which our ministry will be adopting. In fact, I’m meeting with PwC later today.

Certainly in that report they made it quite clear that, in fact, SAMS is functioning in a way that we have been able to produce some four million payments to vulnerable Ontarians over the last five months. It is functioning in a way that is a basis for our reform of social assistance going forward.

Of course, we did have some completely obsolete technology previously: the SDMT system, which was reviewed by the Auditor General many, many times. I think the House might be interested to hear that, in fact, the Conservative government introduced that computer system in 2001, at a cost of $400 million.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Bill Walker: Back to the minister: Sadly, Minister, recommendations don’t put food on the table or pay the exorbitant hydro bills of our most vulnerable. Let me remind you: a pretty seamless rollout, a small glitch, an all-inclusive $240-million cost. With all due respect, the key facts you told us and the Ontario public to date about the SAMS implementation have been untrue.

So far, you’ve dumped an additional—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member will withdraw.

Mr. Bill Walker: Withdraw.

So far, you’ve dumped an additional $30 million into the system to cover up your failures. Minister, Ontario families can’t afford to keep bailing you and your Liberal government out for your mistakes. Will you set the record straight here and now? What is the total cost of this failed effort going to cost the taxpayer, where is the money going to come from and what cuts will have to take place to make up for it?

Hon. Helena Jaczek: I’m sure the member does know that we’ve reimbursed municipalities to the tune of some $15 million to date.

In terms of the way forward, which is what this is all about, we have been given a very clear road map by PwC. We will be taking their recommendations very seriously on the governance issue, the structure of the project through the transition as we move towards business as usual.

We’re putting together a new communication plan for our front-line workers. I want to thank them again; I know they’ve had some difficulty in terms of the technology and some of the communication tools and training tools that we use, but we intend, going forward, to make the system far more user-friendly for them, and we’re on the path towards that, as PwC has confirmed.

Privatization of public assets

Mr. Peter Tabuns: My question is to the Premier. Speaker, this government is planning a fire sale of Hydro One. Six months after this budget is passed, Hydro One will be stripped of oversight from the Auditor General, the Integrity Commissioner and the Ombudsman. Ontarians will also be stripped of their right to request information from Hydro One under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

It’s clear that this government wants to leave Ontarians in the dark. Will the Premier admit that she has no interest in being accountable and transparent to Ontarians?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: The member opposite understands that a publicly created company has different mechanisms for oversight. He understands that. We’ve made it very clear that Hydro One will remain regulated. We’ve made it very clear that the way prices are set now by the Ontario Energy Board is the way prices will be set after this broadening of the ownership. He also knows that Hydro One will continue to be regulated by the Ontario Business Corporations Act and the Ontario Securities Act, so he knows all that.

But the fact is that this party that is supposed to support the environment, is supposed to support public transportation, is basically saying, “Don’t build infrastructure.” They’re saying, “Don’t make the decisions that are necessary to be able to build transit in the greater Toronto and Hamilton area.” They’re saying, “Stop all that,” which I think would be a big mistake for this province.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Peter Tabuns: It’s clear to Ontarians that this Liberal government has embarked on a campaign to undermine and discredit the officers of the House. We’ve heard this story before and we know how it ends. It’s bad enough that she’s selling our public assets without any mandate to do so.

Speaker, why is this government more interested in covering its tracks than in ensuring accountability and oversight?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Well, Mr. Speaker, again I would say to the third party, why are they not interested in building new tracks? Why are they not interested in investing in the infrastructure that they know full well is needed by their constituents and the businesses that reside in their ridings? Why are they not interested in making the investments that will bring business to this province, will update our infrastructure, will modernize our infrastructure and will invest in the assets that are needed for the 21st century?

Why are they not interested in doing that, especially when they ran on the same plan, our same fiscal framework that said we were going to review the assets of this province and make sure that we were investing in the new assets that are needed for the 21st century? That’s the question I think we have to pose to them.

Public safety

Mr. Glenn Thibeault: My question is for the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

Many of my constituents in Sudbury have expressed significant concerns about the news that the OPP has decided to move its search and rescue helicopter in Sudbury to Orillia. They’re concerned about what this means for safety for our community and that of communities across northern Ontario. Front-line police officers, search and rescue officers, doctors and nurses, city officials, along with average citizens, are all saying the same thing: that the OPP’s decision to move this helicopter to Orillia will have significant impacts on the health and safety of northerners.

Mr. Speaker, would the minister provide to this House more information as to how the OPP reached this decision?

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: I want to thank the member from Sudbury for advocating for the safety and security of his community.

Speaker, I’m glad to have the opportunity to stand in the Legislature and discuss this very important issue. The safety and security of every Ontarian is the number one priority of the ministry and the government. It’s also the most important consideration for the Ontario Provincial Police.

Given the questions being raised about this locally, I have sought more information about how Sudbury and the north are served by aircraft in search and rescue operations. The OPP are mandated to provide certain police services across the province, including aviation support. The OPP have the responsibility to communicate their decisions effectively so that all communities in Ontario get the information they need to feel and be safe. Therefore, we encourage the OPP to continue to communicate with the people of Sudbury so that they and all northerners can be assured that public safety and aviation support in the north is maintained.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Glenn Thibeault: Minister, while I realize the OPP make their own operational decisions, I and many constituents still have significant concerns about what this means for public safety. For example, we have an aging population in northern Ontario, and if one of our seniors goes missing, time is of the essence. Adding an additional hour of flight time to get to Sudbury, let alone any other northern community, is very concerning.

Mr. Speaker, we understand that this is an OPP decision, so can the minister outline what this government is going to do in order to protect the safety of the public in Sudbury and right across northern Ontario?

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: Speaker, I thank the member from Sudbury. I have full confidence in the OPP to make the necessary decisions to keep all Ontarians safe. As I previously mentioned, I’ve requested more information from my Deputy Minister of Community Safety about this decision to better understand how it will continue to best serve the people of northern Ontario. My most important priority is ensuring the safety and security of every Ontarian.

I know the OPP, using their own aircraft, work with other ministries, local police forces and the military to support search and rescue operations across Ontario. For example, the OPP has a 40-year history of working closely with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, which offers planes and helicopters, primarily in the north, including Dryden, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, Sudbury, Thunder Bay and Muskoka. This practice has been used effectively in the northwest and throughout northern parts of the province.

Speaker, the OPP, like all police services in Ontario, have a responsibility to make decisions in the best—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you.

New question.

Privatization of public assets

Mr. John Yakabuski: My question is for the Premier. Premier, despite growing public opposition to your plan to sell Hydro One, you seem unwilling to change your tactics and provide Ontarians with information.

As in the past, Liberals say one thing and do another. In 2002, then-Liberal energy critic Sean Conway said that the provincial government “has no mandate to sell off the grid.... It is unbelievable that it is being sold without any discussion or debate.” But now that you have a majority government, you seem perfectly fine to do just that.

Premier, will you open up the backrooms, put any deal for Hydro One in front of the Auditor General and the Financial Accountability Officer and subject it to a value-for-money audit so Ontarians can see whether or not they’re getting a fair deal?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: As the member opposite knows, the whole reason that we undertook a review of our assets was to invest in infrastructure. The fact is that the party opposite doesn’t support that, so it’s understandable that they are going to work to undermine any investments in infrastructure that we would make.

However, I think the member opposite knows full well that, for example, reinstating the Connecting Links program, which will help rural and small towns across this province to maintain roads that they have not been able to maintain, that they have not been able to upgrade—I think that member knows that investment is important. I think the member knows that the four-laning of Highway 11/17 across the north is a very important thing to do. We’re not going to be able to do that unless we have the resources to do it.

I think the member opposite also knows that investing in infrastructure and transit in our urban centres so that our economy can grow is also important, and that’s the investment we’re going to make.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you.

Supplementary?

Mr. John Yakabuski: Premier, the reason that so many Ontarians are opposed to your plan to sell off Hydro One is because of answers like that. Ratepayers deserve openness, transparency and accountability, because if you mess up this sale, they will be the ones who pay for it through higher hydro bills.

Over a decade ago, Dalton McGuinty said this: “The Tories don’t have a mandate to go ahead with the sale.... These people have never had their say on this, not in an election, not even in public hearings.”

Premier, is this not just another case of Liberal “do as I say, not as I do” behaviour, and won’t the ratepayers of Ontario be the ones to suffer for your crass political hypocrisy?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): I want it on record. Will the member withdraw, please.

Mr. John Yakabuski: Withdraw.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Carry on.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: The answer to the question is no, Mr. Speaker, because one of the starting points that we had for this discussion of assets was, let’s look at how the 407 was dealt with. Let’s look at how the party opposite made a decision, when they were in government, to sell a public asset completely, to not continue to regulate that asset, to get rid of all of the revenue to make sure there was no future benefit to the people of the province.

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Nepean–Carleton, second time.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: We looked at that as a model, and we said that we’re going to do the opposite. We’re going to make sure we retain ownership, we’re going to make sure that there is a future benefit to the people of the province and we’re going to ensure that we have an efficient, well-run company that will continue to return a dividend to the people of the province—all things that the party opposite did not do.

Government advertising

Ms. Catherine Fife: My question is to the Premier. Using public dollars for partisan advertising is wrong. It’s wrong when it’s Stephen Harper; it’s wrong when it’s the Liberal Premier of Ontario. In fact, even the Liberal leader in Ottawa seems to think it’s wrong to run partisan ads on the public dime. But the Liberal leader at Queen’s Park is gutting the rules so she can run partisan ads on the public dime. Can the Premier explain why she’s taking a page from Stephen Harper so she can run partisan ads on public dollars in the province of Ontario?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Well, let me say to the member opposite, just consider that we’re the first and the only jurisdiction in Canada that has such legislation, and we will continue to have legislation that will ban partisan advertising. That legislation will stay in place. In fact, we’re broadening that; we’re proposing that we broaden that legislation to make sure that in the digital realm, the same rules apply.

The fact is that we agree that we should strengthen this legislation. We also agree that it would be an important part of this legislation, this initiative, to look at third-party advertising and see if there are some limits that we need to put on third-party advertising. I suggest that those are things that the third party might want to support.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Catherine Fife: Selling Hydro One is the wrong decision. People don’t like it, and it’s going to be the people of Ontario who are paying the price for that decision.

The auditor says that by gutting the rules about partisan advertising, “The government could flood the province with self-congratulatory and self-promotional advertising....” It’s clear that the people oppose the sell-off of Hydro One. Even Liberal activists oppose the sell-off. The plan is good for consultants and it’s good for bankers, but it’s bad for families and businesses in this province. Is the Premier gutting the rules about partisan advertising so that she can run ads to try and sell the sell-off of Hydro One?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Typically, the third party is using language that really doesn’t apply to what we’re doing. We’re changing the legislation; we are proposing changes to the legislation. Let’s talk about the changes that we’re proposing.

We’re proposing that we give the Auditor General oversight of digital advertising, as well as transit and movie theatre ads. The Auditor General has called for this; we’re proposing that we do that.

The legislation would also be amended to provide a clear definition of partisan advertising, require the government to submit a preliminary version of the ad to the AG for review and reinforce rules around government advertising during general elections.

Yes, we are proposing changes, but the legislation banning partisan advertising would remain in place and would, in fact, be strengthened and clarified.

Mental health and addictions strategy

Mrs. Marie-France Lalonde: Ma question est pour le ministre de la Santé et des Soins de longue durée.

The minister announced in November 2014 that there was an important expansion of our mental health strategy that will help us improve access to services, reduce wait times and close the gaps in our system.

The residents of my riding of Ottawa–Orléans have been asking me about the new Mental Health and Addictions Leadership Advisory Council and its plan to advise government on how to provide better access, better quality and better value. I informed my constituents that the council is chaired by Susan Pigott, and the members of the council represent diverse sectors that work on mental health and addictions issues. I know that the council will provide expert advice on the strategy’s investments, promote collaboration across sectors and report annually on the strategy’s progress.

Through you, Mr. Speaker, to the minister, what are the priorities of this council?

Hon. Eric Hoskins: Thank you to the member. We actually have two council members in our gallery today: Camille Quenneville and Arthur Gallant. They’ll be joining me after question period on the steps of the Legislature for the launch of the mental health bus. It’s a mobile program for youth across this province. I invite all members of this House to join us for a group photo in support of Mental Health Week. The council members will be providing important advice as we move forward with phase 2 of our mental health strategy.

The priorities of that strategy include expanding programs in schools and the workplace; ensuring early identification and intervention for those with mental illness and addictions; expanding housing, employment supports and initiatives to reduce contact with the criminal justice system; improving that transition from child to youth mental health services; and establishing a new funding model that will be linked to population need, quality improvement and service integration.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mrs. Marie-France Lalonde: Thank you, Minister, for that response. I will make sure to let my constituents know about the priorities of the mental health council as they work in collaboration with sector partners to accomplish the full goals set forward in phase 2 of the mental health strategy. I know my constituents and Ontarians want access to mental health care outside of a clinical hospital setting. They want services that are in the community and closer to home.

I was at a bowl-a-thon fundraiser yesterday for James Osborne, who committed suicide at 18. The third annual James Strikes Back bowl-a-thon for youth mental health funds initiatives and services for those youth who are facing challenges. I had the great pleasure at this event to share that our government will be investing $138 million over the next three years to expand and support needed community health services, but I know that, to deliver on our bold plan, more work needs to be done.

Can the minister tell this House how his mental health leadership advisory council plans to deliver on these initiatives?

Hon. Eric Hoskins: This $138 million of new funding is an important investment. It’s the role of the mental health advisory council to guide our implementation, ensuring that we’re using those dollars most effectively and efficiently.

The council has established five different working groups. They include the promotion, prevention and early intervention working group, to provide expert advice on promoting mental health well-being, prevention of mental illness or addiction and early intervention for Ontarians who are experiencing mental illness. We have a youth addictions working group, as well, providing advice on delivering services and supports to youth with addictions.

We have a community mental health and addictions funding reform working group that will provide us with advice as we look to implement a new funding formula, a strategic alignment and capacity working group providing advice on a range of system-level issues, and a supportive housing working group that will provide us with advice as we develop our strategy to create a thousand new supportive housing units as part of the Poverty Reduction Strategy.

Privatization of public assets

Ms. Lisa MacLeod: My question is for the Premier. Even the Toronto Star agrees with the Ontario PC caucus that your scheme to give away Hydro One stocks to power workers—including those who work at OPG, an entirely different corporate entity altogether—is, as they say, “puzzling.”

Not only have details been scarce, but the optics are horrible: a fire sale of a public asset; a promise to fund more infrastructure when new money isn’t even included in the budget, not to mention your LRT musings today; a rich pension plan that gives employees a 4-to-1 benefit of taxpayer dollars to personal investment; and this government’s delusions of what net-zero budgeting really means.

I think it’s time that the Premier came clean with Ontario families on what this fire sale of Hydro One for infrastructure really is. Will she admit today it’s just a ruse in order for her to pay off public sector pensions?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Mr. Speaker, there are a number of issues that the member opposite has wound into that question.

We’re very pleased that there’s a tentative net-zero agreement that has been reached between the Power Workers’ Union and employers. That agreement has not been ratified yet, so we’re not going to talk about the specifics. We’re going to be respectful to the process of ratification.

I’m pleased that the leadership of the power workers expressed support for the Hydro One proposal, because they understand that this can be a strong company. I think they also understand that the need to invest in infrastructure is critical to the health of the province. So we have made that commitment. We are going to continue along that road, Mr. Speaker, because we know those investments are—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you.

Supplementary?

Ms. Lisa MacLeod: Back to the Premier: This is ridiculous. You’ve spent that money from the Hydro One sale, which hasn’t even occurred, at least three times.

If the government believes they can pay off their debt, build infrastructure—including a new Hamilton LRT, as you said in question period today—and provide valuable stock options to the Power Workers’ Union, you have not been forthcoming with the details. It makes the rest of us wonder what you’re hiding. It’s precisely the back-of-the-napkin planning that got this government into trouble with the $1-billion Oakville and Mississauga power plants. This is getting out of hand.

The Premier assigned the Treasury Board president to scale back spending, maximize assets and bring sanity back to public sector wages and pensions, yet it’s this type of sleight of hand that continues to build up our debt and our deficit and erode our infrastructure in the province.

My colleague from Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke asked you earlier: Will you put this before the Auditor General, and will you put this sale of assets before the Parliamentary Budget Officer, so that the people of this province will know what you’re wasting their—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Be seated, please. Stop the clock. Thank you.

Premier.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Minister of Finance.

Hon. Charles Sousa: We’re doing much more than that in terms of making this accessible, accountable and transparent to the people of Ontario. We brought it forward in the 2014 budget, we brought it forward in the economic statement, we brought it forward in our platform, and we did it again in 2015. We even had a lock-up specifically around this issue, and we’re going to continue moving forward.

This deal that the opposition is making reference to is a net-zero deal with the Power Workers’ Union, and we’re going to be respectful of its ratification process so that we get the details understood by their membership.

Let me quote Don MacKinnon, the president of the Power Workers’ Union, who said this: “The Power Workers’ Union welcomes and supports the decision by government to keep Hydro One whole in an IPO process that would, in partnership with government, broaden the ownership structure in Hydro One. This will position the company to grow and provide further high-skill quality jobs for Ontarians.”

The idea is to grow the company, increase our dividends and support the workers.

Teachers’ labour disputes

M me France Gélinas: Ma question est pour la première ministre.

Early this morning, we learned that secondary teachers in Peel have joined their colleagues at the Rainbow board in my riding, as well as educators in Durham, and are now on strike. Speaker, 42,000 students are unable to attend classes in Peel. A total of 67,000 students are out across the province. Meanwhile, the Premier and her government refuse to take responsibility for this Mike Harris 2.0 labour unrest. Considering that negotiations at the central table have also broken down, we know that these are not simply local issues.

Will the Premier finally admit that her austerity agenda is forcing students and families to pay the price?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Minister of Education.

Hon. Liz Sandals: In fact, what I would like to report to people is that people were working very hard over the weekend. I know that when they finished up last night, it was well after midnight. So what I would say is that all three parties—the school boards, the unions and the government—are continuing to work.

Yes, people stepped away from the table at some time after midnight last night. But we continue to be determined to go back and to get that negotiated agreement, because we know that the only way we’re going to end all of the strikes and get all of our students back to the table is in fact to negotiate and to reach an agreement that all three parties—the unions, the boards and the government—can agree on.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Speaker, why are students and families being forced to pay the price for Liberal flip-flopping on class sizes and mismanagement of our education sector?

Hon. Liz Sandals: I think it’s important to note that we actually have been working with our colleges and universities; we’ve been working with our school boards. We know that students are concerned. In fact, I spent some time on the phone this morning with representatives of the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association, talking about the situation with them.

What we do know is that in every board in the province, including Durham, Rainbow and Peel, all the interim marks have been submitted to the colleges and universities, and the college and university admission process is unfolding as it would normally.

We’ve been working with the boards in all three of the areas where there are strikes to make sure that there are online materials. We’ve been working very closely with them. One of the beauties of modern—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you.

New question.

Cancer prevention

Mr. Arthur Potts: My question is for the Associate Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. Last Thursday, the Canadian Cancer Society held its MPP Education Day at Queen’s Park. I was proud that day, as were all members, to wear the daffodil pin to show our support for Canadians living with cancer and to help raise awareness of cancer-related issues.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has concluded that excessive tanning bed use increases the risk of the deadliest form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, and that risk is 75% higher if tanning bed use begins before the age of 35.

Now that we are heading into the intense sun season—and in Beaches–East York, we have many beaches to enjoy the sun—I wish to remind the House that just last Friday was the first-year anniversary of our tanning bed legislation coming into force. This is a good time to remind everyone of the risks associated with excessive use of tanning beds.

Speaker, will the minister remind the House of the details of this important piece of legislation?

Hon. Dipika Damerla: I’d like to begin by thanking the member from Beaches–East York for this very important question.

Speaker, cancer in any form can take a terrible toll on individuals and families, and I dare say that every single one of us in this House has or can relate to a story of cancer.

The Canadian Cancer Society’s daffodil pin is a symbol of strength and courage in the fight against cancer. I was proud to wear the pin and meet with volunteers and representatives of the society on Thursday.

The dangers associated with exposure to artificial ultraviolet radiation at a young age have been well documented. The WHO has classified tanning beds in its highest-risk category, along with tobacco. The WHO reports that the risk of skin cancer increases by 75% when tanning beds are used prior to the age of 35.

That is why our government took strong action to protect Ontario teens from the dangers associated with tanning bed use. I’m proud that our government passed legislation to restrict—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you.

Supplementary?

Mr. Arthur Potts: Thank you to the minister for the excellent work she’s doing to protect the youth of Ontario. I, too, am very proud that our government has taken strong action on this file.

In her answer to my first question, the minister referenced the World Health Organization’s classification of tanning beds as one of the highest cancer risk categories, along with tobacco. I know that the associate minister in charge of wellness is hard at work protecting our youth and promoting healthy lifestyles for our children.

I think we all agree that prevention is the strongest protection for our youth against the dangers of tobacco. Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable disease and premature death in Ontario, and kills upwards of 13,000 people a year.

Our government’s Bill 45 seeks to further protect our youth from the dangers of smoking, and I know that the parents in my riding of Beaches–East York are hoping that Bill 45 will quickly pass.

Speaker, through you, will the minister please update the House on the status of Bill 45, the Making Healthier Choices Act?

Hon. Dipika Damerla: Thanks again to the member for Beaches–East York, who does such a wonderful job representing his constituents.

Speaker, we know that flavoured tobacco products have proved to be a gateway to tobacco use and addiction for our youth. We know that one in four high school students who report smoking have smoked menthol cigarettes in the last 30 days. We also know that electronic cigarettes are new products and that we will not know the full health impact of this new technology for some time. That is why we have proposed Bill 45, which, if passed, will ban the sale of all flavoured tobacco, including menthol, and regulate electronic cigarettes.

Bill 45 is now back in the House, and I look forward to its speedy passage, because after that begins the real work of writing regulations. That’s where the rubber hits the road. We want to ensure that we listen to our stakeholders and write our regulations in a way that makes sense and is fair to all.

Teachers’ labour disputes

Mr. Garfield Dunlop: My question today is for the Minister of Education. Durham school board has 24,000 students not in school today, now their 11th day. Rainbow school board has 5,000 students not in school today, and that’s their sixth day. And now 42,000 students at the Peel board are not in school today—in fact, we have about seven young people from the Peel school board who are with us today to watch your answer. That’s almost 72,000 students not in our schools today.

Your Bill 122, the two-tiered collective bargaining act, is failing students and their families.

Minister, what steps are you taking to assure parents and students that their school year is not in jeopardy? Please answer for these young people who are in the audience here today.

Hon. Liz Sandals: As I said in my previous answer, I’m obviously disappointed that we didn’t conclude an agreement yesterday.

I do want people to know that the negotiators at the central table, the school board associations, the government, the unions, were working all weekend till sometime this morning, trying to reach a resolution. In terms of the local talks, I know that both the board and the union in Peel were there all weekend trying to reach agreements.

We all understand, locally at Peel and at Rainbow and Durham, that the thing we need to do, both centrally and locally, is to reach collective agreements, because it is only through reaching agreement that we can get all the strikes to end and get the young people back in class. We want them back in class.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Garfield Dunlop: I don’t think these young people were very impressed with that answer, okay, because I’m certainly not.

Minister, you have huge problems with Bill 122 and you have to contend with them. It is very clear that following a dozen years of Liberal mismanagement, your Bill 122’s two-tiered collective bargaining is failing students and their families.

Next Monday, there’s a strong possibility that 817,000 elementary students will be impacted in a very, very negative way. You’ve been quoted: “I am not waiting until September. As long as I am in this seat, I will try and expedite it as” quickly “as possible.”

Minister, exactly what are you doing to ensure that school proms, class trips and, above all, graduations are not impacted by your current Liberal mismanagement?

Hon. Liz Sandals: As I just said, we know that the college and university application process is ongoing. My ministry officials are in constant touch with all of the boards that have been affected by strikes or that may be affected by strikes. We are in constant contact with the colleges and universities. I am confident that young people will be graduating this spring.

But I do have to point out that the way that they were going to handle this was actually to get rid of 22,700 teachers and education workers. I would suggest to you that firing people and laying them off and cutting them is not the way to get labour peace.

Automotive industry

Ms. Jennifer K. French: My question is for the Premier. After years of warning, last week it was announced that GM’s Camaro line in Oshawa would be shipped to the US, and with it, 1,000 jobs in the plant and nearly 10 times that in supply-chain industries in our community.

Today we see reports that the province plans to appoint an auto industry adviser, but that’s after $1.1 billion invested and a week too late. I know you shouldn’t put the cart before the horse, but this government just let the cart get shipped out of town.

Will the Premier please explain to the 1,000 workers about to lose their jobs and to the 10,000 others whose livelihoods depend on them why she waited until the week after the announcement to make this appointment when she has known it was coming for years?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure.

Hon. Brad Duguid: This decision was made two and a half years ago. We were disappointed then; we remain disappointed today. Our thoughts are always with the workers who are impacted, and that’s why we’re relentlessly working with GM, Unifor and the federal government to ensure that there is a mandate that’s landed in Oshawa after 2016.

I can tell you what the member opposite can do: She’s the member for Oshawa. Her leader wants to bring in a party that would jack up corporate tax rates. She says she’s going to jack up corporate tax rates to pay off the deficit. That would be a 12% increase. That would kill any opportunity for us to get investment anywhere in this province.

Talk your leader down from her irresponsible position to jack up corporate tax rates. Work with us to ensure we have a competitive environment to land this investment in Oshawa. It’s our single, number one priority as a government—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. The time for question period is over.

Correction of record

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: In one of my answers, I referenced the Hamilton LRT when I was talking about projects. I conflated two lines that are in the budget. I should have said either the Huron-Main LRT or Hamilton rapid transit. I just wanted to correct my record.

Visitor

Mr. Wayne Gates: On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: The page captain’s mother, Leona Corr, is here today. I’d just like to welcome her.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): There are no deferred votes. This House stands recessed until 1 p.m. this afternoon.

The House recessed from 1139 to 1300.

Members’ Statements

United Way

Mr. Randy Pettapiece: Speaker, last Thursday I was pleased to attend the United Way Perth-Huron’s Spirit of Community celebration. This event celebrated our local volunteers who contribute so much to our communities. Thursday’s event was also host to a very special announcement: The United Way Perth-Huron raised over $1.15 million during this year’s campaign. It’s the most they have ever raised in one campaign.

I would like to recognize the campaign co-chairs, police chief John Bates and Wayne Smith. They did outstanding work.

I would also like to offer a special thank you to the residents of Perth and Huron counties. Your outstanding generosity funds the United Way’s important community initiatives. We’re fortunate to be part of a community that supports local needs and is so willing to give back.

To Ryan Erb and the United Way team, thank you for everything you contribute our communities. Your leadership means a great deal to so many great causes.

Steps for Life walk

Ms. Peggy Sattler: This past weekend 15 communities across Ontario, including my own community of London, participated in the Steps for Life walk. The walk raises money for Threads of Life, a national organization that supports families grieving in the aftermath of workplace fatality, serious injury or occupational disease.

The London walk was opened by Dave and Barb Gerber, who spoke from the heart about the loss of their 25-year-old son, Kyle, who died after a workplace injury in 2008. The Gerbers’ story—and the stories of thousands of injured workers that were shared on April 29 at the National Day of Mourning—is a powerful reminder to all MPPs about our obligation to do everything possible to make Ontario workplaces safe. We need to ensure proper training and oversight; we need to hold employers to account when they fail to protect workers; and we need to provide workers who are injured on the job with the support and respect they deserve from WSIB.

Speaker, as NDP critic for post-secondary education, I once again call on the government to address the lack of workplace protection for one particular group of young people; that is, post-secondary students who are doing a voluntary unpaid work placement as part of their program of study. These students currently fall through the cracks of the Employment Standards Act and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act. If they are injured or killed during their work placement, they are not covered by WSIB.

With Ontario’s high rates of youth unemployment, unpaid voluntary work placements provide many post-secondary students with their only opportunity to gain work experience. We cannot fail these students.

Seniors’ issues

Mr. Yvan Baker: Earlier today, I had the privilege of hosting a seniors’ advisory group meeting in my riding of Etobicoke Centre. Once a month, I host seniors from my riding at the Eatonville library to discuss important issues impacting our community and residents of all ages. Over the course of this past year, we’ve welcomed knowledgeable guests from the community and beyond, and have covered a range of topics particularly relevant to seniors.

I’d like to thank those guests who come to speak at my seniors’ advisory group meetings. In November, we had Bobbi Greenberg from the Mississauga Halton CCAC speaking. In January, we had Lisa Thompson from MTO talking about safe winter driving. In February, we had Denise Harris from the Etobicoke Historical Society talking about Etobicoke’s history. In March, we had Michael Burgess from 22 Division talking about frauds and scams. In April, we had Graham Webb from the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly talking about elderly abuse. And today, we had Ted Rouse, a retired financial planner, talking about planning for seniors.

These meetings, Mr. Speaker, provide important information to the seniors who attend them and invaluable feedback to me as their representative here at Queen’s Park and in our community. Today’s meeting was our last before the summer. I want to thank everyone who has participated in the last few months and convey how deeply appreciative I am of their time and the feedback they’ve shared with me. Their insights have made an enormous difference in my first year and have made me a better MPP.

Of course, we will all have a chance to catch up again at my annual seniors’ tea, which is taking place in June, during Seniors’ Month. Ontario’s theme this year for Seniors’ Month is “Vibrant Seniors, Vibrant Communities.” I can’t think of a group that theme describes more accurately than the seniors that I meet every day in Etobicoke Centre. I’d like to thank all Etobicoke seniors for all you do to keep our community vibrant.

Energy sector

Mr. Robert Bailey: I rise today to inform the House of a very important event taking place in Sarnia–Lambton. On May 5 and 6, the Sarnia-Lambton Research Park Bowman Centre will be hosting the Big Debate, a high-energy discussion of what to do with our nation’s wealth of petroleum resources: refine it or sell it?

The program for this two-day event brings together compelling issues of a proposed refinery investment in Sarnia–Lambton, adding value to oil sands bitumen, national and provincial economic impacts, and the evolving manufacturing potentials based upon the energy sector.

The moderator will be Jeffrey Simpson of the Globe and Mail. Participants Dr. Jim Stanford, CAW, and Professor Andrew Leach of the University of Alberta, will debate the following resolution: “Be it resolved that provincial and federal governments in Canada should take proactive measures to encourage greater refining and processing of Canada’s petroleum resources within Canada than would occur through private market decisions alone.”

Mr. Speaker, Sarnia–Lambton has a long and storied history as the hub of energy procurement in the province of Ontario and the industrious Great Lakes region, and is a perfect setting for a detailed discussion of the importance of the oil industry to Ontario and Canada’s future. I look forward to attending this very important event and hope that this government will soon commit its support to the SABER petrochemical project in Sarnia–Lambton.

Moose tags

Mr. John Vanthof: Often members’ statements are used to talk about culture, and I’d like to talk about part of the culture of northern Ontario. One of the things that’s very important to our culture is the moose hunt. People come together over generations, and it’s one of the most pivotal parts of our culture.

Sadly, it’s a part of our culture that might die, and not because of a lack of interest but because of the management of our moose harvest. As you know, it’s done by a lottery for moose tags, and in some of our units, tags have dropped by 90%. No one is more concerned about the number of moose and the long-term health of the moose population than hunters. Hunters want to work with the MNR to ensure that the moose population is stable and growing.

But in the budget, I again see that there has been a cut of $50 million to the Natural Resources Management Program. So they’re going to focus on their core. Do you realize, Speaker, that in my area, there are 50 townships, and there are only two conservation officers? It’s impossible for two conservation officers to manage 50 townships. Also, they’re supposed to do aerial surveys every three years to be scientifically credible. The most hunting pressure in the province is in unit 29—they did it five years.

Again, I urge the government to actually work with northerners to ensure the future of the moose hunt.

2nd Battalion, Irish Regiment of Canada

Mr. Glenn Thibeault: I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the 2nd Battalion, Irish Regiment of Canada, and to congratulate them on receiving the freedom of the city from the city of Greater Sudbury.

The freedom of the city is an ancient privilege. It’s granted by a city for a specific military unit to march through the city with bayonets fixed, colours flying and drums beating. The Irish Regiment of Canada, based out of my riding of Sudbury, was granted freedom of the city on October 15, 2005. They will be holding their parade in Sudbury on Saturday May 9, in Tom Davies Square, with a reception and a dinner to follow.

The regiment formed on October 15, 1915, and its members have served in a number of campaigns including World War II, the former Yugoslavia and peacekeeping missions in the Middle East and Afghanistan. I think it’s very important that I also acknowledge Warrant Officer Gaétan Roberge, who made the ultimate sacrifice and was killed in the line of duty in October 2008.

Since they moved to Sudbury in 1965, the 2nd Battalion, Irish Regiment of Canada has been an integral part of the community. They’ve been helpful in the food bank; they pick up all of the food for our food bank campaign during Christmas. They participate in festivals. They’re involved in many other aspects of our community that are so important.

There are 80 to 100 reservists based out of Sudbury, and many veterans of the Irish Regiment call Sudbury home. We’d like to congratulate them again on their 100th anniversary.

Bob Huskinson

Mr. Steve Clark: It’s with great sadness that I rise today to pay tribute to a long-time friend of mine, Bob Huskinson. Bob passed away last night, and I join everyone in mourning this outstanding gentleman, one of the city of Brockville’s great citizens.

Bob was a former mayor and a former member of council. He was actually a giant on council. He was larger than life. His passion was unrivalled. His dedication to the citizens of Brockville spanned an incredible 26 years, the longest public service record that anyone had in the history of the great city of Brockville.

It was an honour for me to serve with Bob Huskinson for three terms—nine years. He was one of the first people, actually, whom I went to see as a 21-year-old who wanted to seek the office of mayor of Brockville.

I can remember going to his kitchen with his son, who was a long-time friend of mine. I was wearing my high school football jacket. He asked me if I owned a sports jacket or a suit. I said that I actually owned both. He told me that I should hang the football jacket up and make sure that I wore my suit or my sports jacket and was presentable when I knocked on doors. He gave me some incredible advice during that first campaign that I had as a young person.

Knowing Bob would be in his seat at a council meeting, ready to serve and ready to tackle the issues—he was one of the most well-prepared politicians that I ever met. Everyone I’ve ever served with on city council for those years, and even those after, said that he was always so prepared. He also did his homework.

He taught me the understanding of looking at both sides and trying to seek a compromise, but always making sure that I felt in my heart it was the right thing to do. Because if he didn’t think it was the right thing to do, there was no way you were ever going to sway Bob Huskinson from the view he had.

I was proud to call him a friend. I was proud to spend many summers at his cottage on Charleston Lake as a young person with his family; proud to know his family and his extended family. I just want to take this opportunity to extend to his wife Janice and his sons Craig, Rick and Rob and their families and their extended families my deepest sympathies. Bob was a great man and we’re going to miss him.

Canadian Music Week

Mr. Mike Colle: This week is the beginning of music week. More than 4,500 musicians and 160,000 music fans are coming to Toronto to participate in Canada’s largest new music festival, with more than 900 performances taking place in 60 venues throughout Toronto.

The start of music week is called Music Monday. It’s the world’s largest single event dedicated to raising awareness for music education. Each year, hundreds of thousands of students and educators and music-makers participate in the simultaneous nationwide concert performance of an original song written by a Canadian artist.

This year’s title song, We Are One, was written by 16-year-old Connor Ross, a student at Mayfield Secondary School in Dufferin–Caledon. Connor’s song was the successful choice from 200 songs that were submitted across Canada.

Music Monday is a great example of how music programs shape young lives and the fun that young people can have in making music. I congratulate all the young Ontarians who have been taking

part in this year’s Music Monday and for being part of music week right across the province, including in Brantford and Eastview.

Star Wars Day

Ms. Daiene Vernile: Today is a very important occasion. It’s an unofficial holiday known as Star Wars Day. May 4 is celebrated by thousands of Star Wars fans around the globe. Although it is a nod to the classic sci-fi movies from the 1970s, there’s actually a political connection to the first time that that reference was ever made.

It was on May 4, 1979, the day after Margaret Thatcher become Britain’s first female Prime Minister, that her party decided to celebrate the victory by taking out a half-page advertisement in the London Evening News which said, “May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie. Congratulations.”

Today, the Internet allows Star Wars fans around the globe to connect with each other, as May 4 has become a great grassroots tradition. In 2011, the very first organized celebration of Star Wars Day took place right here in Toronto at the Toronto Underground Cinema. This Friday, in my community of Kitchener-Waterloo at the Centre in the Square, John Morris Russell will conduct the K-W symphony orchestra in a program titled The Final Frontier: From Star Wars to Star Trek and Beyond. I’m told that the concert is going to be out of this world.

So whether you spend the day anticipating the newest Star Wars movie that’s going to be out later this year or channelling positive forces to combat evil in the world, however you choose to celebrate, may the force be with you.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): I thank all members for their statements.

Reports by Committees

Standing Committee on Justice Policy / Comité permanent de la justice

M. Shafiq Qaadri: Monsieur le Président, je demande la permission de déposer un rapport du Comité permanent de la justice et je propose son adoption.

I beg leave to present a report from the Standing Committee on Justice Policy and move its adoption.

The Clerk-at-the-Table (Ms. Tonia Grannum): Your committee begs to report the following bill, as amended:

Bill 49,

An Act with respect to immigration to Ontario and a related amendment to the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 / Projet de loi 49, Loi portant sur l’immigration en Ontario et apportant une modification connexe à la Loi de 1991 sur les professions de la santé réglementées.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Shall the report be received and adopted? Agreed? Carried.

Report adopted.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The bill is therefore ordered for third reading.

Introduction of Bills

Special Interest Groups Election Advertising Transparency Act, 2015 / Loi de 2015 sur la transparence de la publicité électorale des groupes d’intérêt particulier

Mr. Walker moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 96,

An Act to amend the Election Finances Act with respect to third party election advertising / Projet de loi 96, Loi modifiant la

Loi sur le financement des élections à l’égard de la publicité électorale de tiers.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member for a short statement.

Mr. Bill Walker: The bill amends the Election Finances Act to expand the definition of third-party election advertising to include issue advertising, which is defined as advertising with the purpose of taking a position on any issue within the legislative competence of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. The bill imposes the following limits on third-party election advertising expenses: $150,000 in relation to a general election and $3,000 in relation to a given electoral district in a general election or by-election.

The penalty for the offence is a fine equal to five times the full amount of the expenses incurred, not just the amount in excess of the applicable limit, and if a third party is convicted of an offence of exceeding the limits applicable to an election period, the registration of the third party with the Chief Electoral Officer ceases to be valid and the third party is prohibited from applying for registration until after the polling day for the general election next, following the end of that election period.

At present,

section 38 of the act limits the campaign expenses that a registered political party, a registered candidate, a constituency association endorsing the candidate, or a person or body acting on their behalf is allowed to incur during a campaign period and

section 42 requires each political party to file a financial statement of those expenses with the Chief Electoral Officer. The bill expands those expenses to cover expenses that a person or body acting with the express or implied knowledge and consent of the party, candidate or constituency association incurs during a campaign period in relation to producing an election advertisement in support of the party or acquiring the means of transmitting such an election advertisement to the public.

Petitions

Alzheimer’s disease

Mr. Bill Walker: “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are progressive, degenerative diseases of the brain that cause thinking, memory and physical functioning to become seriously impaired;

“Whereas there is no known cause or cure for this devastating illness; and

“Whereas Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias also take their toll on hundreds of thousands of families and care partners; and

“Whereas Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias affect more than 200,000 Ontarians today, with an annual total economic burden rising to $15.7 billion by 2020; and

“Whereas the cost related to the health care system is in the billions and only going to increase, at a time when our health care system is already facing enormous financial challenges; and

“Whereas there is work under way to address the need, but no coordinated or comprehensive approach to tackling the issues; and

“Whereas there is an urgent need to plan and raise awareness and understanding about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias for the sake of improving the quality of life of the people it touches;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

“To approve the development of a comprehensive Ontario dementia plan that would include the development of strategies in primary health care, in health promotion and prevention of illness, in community development, in building community capacity and care partner engagement, in caregiver support and investments in research.”

I fully support it, and will give it to page Misha to bring to the Clerks’ table.

Special-needs children

Mr. Taras Natyshak: I’m pleased to introduce a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario that reads:

“Whereas the John McGivney Children’s Centre annually helps about 2,500 children with physical, neurological and developmental challenges;

“Whereas the John McGivney Children’s Centre preschool program is an exceptional program administered by expert faculty and staff that offers youth and their families a transformative experience that they would not receive in a less specialized setting;

“Whereas the John McGivney Children’s Centre preschool program faces a shortfall in provincial funding;

“Whereas families raising children with special needs incur increased costs for care which the income test does not properly reflect;

“Whereas compliance with the provincial requirements means that the John McGivney Children’s Centre preschool program is unable to be sustained;

“Whereas the John McGivney Children’s Centre preschool program closure will mean a loss of a valued skill set of expertise from teachers and support staff in our community that will leave some of the area’s most vulnerable children and families without proper child care;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

“To make up any funding shortfalls that result from transitioning to a fee subsidy model so that the John McGivney Children’s Centre preschool program can remain operational and consider changes to the income test to better reflect the increased costs families raising children with special needs incur.”

I fully support this petition, will affix my name and send it to the Clerks’ table through page Jae Min.

Use of digital technologies

Mr. Shafiq Qaadri: I have a petition addressed to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

“Whereas virtually all Legislatures in Canada have fully embraced digital technologies;

“Whereas digital communications are now essential for members of Parliament to conduct their business, correspond with constituents, respond to stakeholders, stay in touch with staff, store data and information securely, keep ahead of the news cycle, and to remain current;

“Whereas the Legislative Assembly has concluded its mobile device pilot project, which is now being considered by the Board of Internal Economy, chaired by the Speaker;

“Whereas progressive record-keeping relies on cloud technology, remote access, real-time updates, multiple-point data entry and broadband, wireless and satellite technologies;

“Whereas the Legislative Assembly of Ontario has been considering the value, utility and usage of digital devices within the legislative precinct and within the chamber of Parliament itself for years;

“Whereas the Legislative Assembly has for years maintained a BlackBerry-only policy in a valiant effort to buy Canadian, but this approach is handicapping, retarding and penalizing MPPs, their staff and indeed all members of the legislative community;

“We, the undersigned, respectfully request all various decision-makers of the assembly and government to fully embrace digital technologies, be platform-independent, empower members, acquire the optimal Android and Apple devices of varying sizes, maximize the many technology offerings, and orchestrate a much-needed modernization of the conduct of parliamentary business for the eventual benefit of the people of Ontario.”

I certainly support this and send it to you via page Ashton.

Winter road maintenance

Mr. Norm Miller: I have a petition in support of improved winter roads maintenance. It reads:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the area maintenance contract system has failed Ontario drivers the past two winters;

“Whereas unsafe conditions led to the maintenance contractor being fined in the winter of 2013-14, as well as leading to a special investigation by the provincial Auditor General;

“Whereas the managed outsourcing system for winter roads maintenance, where the private contractor is responsible for maintenance, but MTO patrols the region and directs the contractor on the deployment of vehicles, sand and salt, has a proven track record for removing snow and ensuring that Ontario’s highways are safe for travellers;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

“That the Ontario Ministry of Transportation take immediate action to improve the maintenance of winter roads based on the positive benefits of the previous delivery model, where MTO plays more of a role in directing the private contractor.”

I support this and give it to Madison.

Ontario Northland Transportation Commission

Mr. John Vanthof: Speaker, I have a petition sent to me by Dianne Lacarte from Englehart.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas northern Ontario communities are connected across long distances by bus service; and

“Whereas the ONTC bus service is the only form of public transportation available to many northern Ontario residents; and

“Whereas reduction of customer service and the closure of stations will cause deterioration of the overall system of public transportation of passengers and goods in northeastern Ontario; and

“Whereas the government of Ontario committed to providing enhanced bus service to alleviate the loss of the ONTC passenger rail service;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

I wholeheartedly agree. I affix my signature and give it to page Colton.

Water fluoridation

Mr. Bob Delaney: I have a petition addressed to the Ontario Legislative Assembly. It’s entitled “Fluoridate All Ontario Drinking Water,” and it reads as follows:

“Whereas fluoride is a mineral that exists naturally in virtually all water supplies, even the ocean; and

“Whereas scientific studies conducted during the past 70 years have consistently shown that the fluoridation of community water supplies is a safe and effective means of preventing dental decay, and is a public health measure endorsed by more than 90 national and international health organizations; and

“Whereas dental decay is the second-most frequent condition suffered by children, and is one of the leading causes of absences from school; and

“Whereas Health Canada has determined that the optimal concentration of fluoride in municipal drinking water for dental health is 0.7 mg/L, providing optimal dental health benefits, and well below the maximum acceptable concentrations; and

“Whereas the decision to add fluoride to municipal drinking water is a patchwork of individual choices across Ontario, with municipal councils often vulnerable to the influence of misinformation, and studies of questionable or no scientific merit;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

“That the ministries of the government of Ontario adopt the number one recommendation made by the Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health in a 2012 report on oral health in Ontario, and amend all applicable legislation and regulations to make the fluoridation of municipal drinking water mandatory in all municipal water systems across the province of Ontario.”

I’m pleased to sign and support this petition and to send it down with page Thomas.

Taxation

Mr. Bill Walker: “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Liberal government has indicated they plan on introducing a new carbon tax in 2015; and

“Whereas Ontario taxpayers have already been burdened with a health tax of $300 to $900 per person that doesn’t necessarily go into health care, a $2-billion smart meter program that failed to conserve energy, and households are paying almost $700 more annually for unaffordable subsidies under the Green Energy Act; and

“Whereas a carbon tax scheme would increase the cost of everyday goods including gasoline and home heating; and

“Whereas the government continues to run unaffordable deficits without a plan to reduce spending while collecting $30 billion more annually in tax revenues than 11 years ago; and

“Whereas the aforementioned points lead to the conclusion that the government is seeking justification to raise taxes to pay for their excessive spending, without accomplishing any concrete targets;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

“To abandon the idea of introducing yet another unaffordable and ineffective tax on Ontario families and businesses.”

I fully support it and will send it with the great page from Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound, Cailyn Perry.

Alzheimer’s disease

Ms. Peggy Sattler: This is a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are progressive, degenerative diseases of the brain that cause thinking, memory and physical functioning to become seriously impaired;

“Whereas there is no known cause or cure for this devastating illness; and

“Whereas Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias also take their toll on hundreds of thousands of families and care partners; and

“Whereas Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias affect more than 200,000 Ontarians today, with an annual total economic burden rising to $15.7 billion by 2020; and

“Whereas the cost related to the health care system is in the billions and only going to increase, at a time when our health care system is already facing enormous financial challenges; and

“Whereas there is work under way to address the need, but no coordinated or comprehensive approach to tackling the issues; and

“Whereas there is an urgent need to plan and raise awareness and understanding about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias for the sake of improving the quality of life of the people it touches;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

“To approve the development of a comprehensive Ontario dementia plan that would include the development of strategies in primary health care, in health promotion and prevention of illness, in community development, in building community capacity and care partner engagement, in caregiver support and investments in research.”

I affix my name to this petition, fully support it and will give it to page Madison to take to the table.

Use of digital technologies

Mr. Shafiq Qaadri: I have a petition addressed to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

“Whereas virtually all Legislatures in Canada have fully embraced digital technologies;

“Whereas digital communications are now essential for members of Parliament to conduct their business, correspond with constituents, respond to stakeholders, stay in touch with staff, store data and information securely, keep ahead of the news cycle, and to remain current;

“Whereas the Legislative Assembly has concluded its mobile device pilot project, which is now being considered by the Board of Internal Economy, chaired by the Speaker;

“Whereas progressive record-keeping relies on cloud technology, remote access, real-time updates, multiple-point data entry and broadband, wireless and satellite technologies;

“Whereas the Legislative Assembly of Ontario has been considering the value, utility and usage of digital devices within the legislative precinct and within the chamber of Parliament itself for years;

“Whereas the Legislative Assembly has for years maintained a BlackBerry-only policy in a valiant effort to buy Canadian, but this approach is handicapping, retarding and penalizing MPPs, their staff and indeed all members of the legislative community;

“We, the undersigned, respectfully request all various decision-makers of the assembly and government to fully embrace digital technologies, be platform-independent, empower members, acquire the optimal Android and Apple devices of varying sizes, maximize the many technology offerings, and orchestrate a much-needed modernization of the conduct of parliamentary business for the eventual benefit of the people of Ontario.

“In agreement whereof, we affix our signatures”—mine included, and send it to you, once again via page Ashton.

Off-road vehicles

Mr. Bill Walker: “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas it has been over a decade since regulation 316/03 of the Highway Traffic Act has been updated to recognize new classes of off-road vehicles and a motion to do so passed on November 7, 2013, with unanimous support of the provincial Legislature;

“Whereas owners of two-up ATVs and side-by-side UTVs deserve clarity in knowing which roadways and trails are legal for use of these off-road vehicles; and

“Whereas owners should be able to legally use their vehicles to access woodlots, trails and hunting and fishing destinations;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

“That private member’s Bill 58, which seeks to update the Highway Traffic Act to include new classes of all-terrain and utility task vehicles, receive swift passage through the Legislature.”

I fully support this, Mr. Speaker, will affix my name and send it with page Thomas.

Use of digital technologies

Mr. Shafiq Qaadri: I have a petition addressed to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

“Whereas virtually all Legislatures in Canada have fully embraced digital technologies;

“Whereas digital communications are now essential for members of Parliament to conduct their business, correspond with constituents, respond to stakeholders, stay in touch with staff, store data and information securely, keep ahead of the news cycle, and to remain current;

“Whereas the Legislative Assembly has concluded its mobile device pilot project, which is now being considered by the Board of Internal Economy, chaired by the Speaker;

“Whereas progressive record-keeping relies on cloud technology, remote access, real-time updates, multiple-point data entry and broadband, wireless and satellite technologies;

“Whereas the Legislative Assembly of Ontario has been considering the value, utility and usage of digital devices within the legislative precinct and within the chamber of Parliament itself for years;

“Whereas the Legislative Assembly has for years maintained a BlackBerry-only policy in a valiant effort to buy Canadian, but this approach is handicapping, retarding and penalizing MPPs, their staff and indeed all members of the legislative community;

“We, the undersigned, respectfully request all various decision-makers of the assembly and government to fully embrace digital technologies, be platform-independent, empower members, acquire the optimal Android and Apple devices of varying sizes, maximize the many technology offerings, and orchestrate a much-needed modernization of the conduct of parliamentary business for the eventual benefit of the people of Ontario.”

I, too, agree, sign it and send it to you by page Jae Min.

Orders of the Day

Building Ontario Up Act (Budget Measures), 2015 / Loi de 2015 pour favoriser l’essor de l’Ontario (mesures budgétaires)

Resuming the debate adjourned on April 30, 2015, on the motion for second reading of the following bill:

Bill 91,

An Act to implement Budget measures and to enact and amend various Acts / Projet de loi 91, Loi visant à mettre en oeuvre les mesures budgétaires et à édicter et à modifier diverses lois.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): When we last debated this particular bill at second reading, I understand that the member for Nipissing had the floor. I recognize the member for Nipissing.

Mr. Victor Fedeli: Thank you very much, Speaker. I encourage you to settle in and get yourself a glass of water. It’s going to be a wonderful hour when you get to hear all the pearls. I’ll keep you awake. I promise I’ll keep you awake.

I am going to speak very frankly about the budget document and some of the contents in it, and I’ll get my shameless plug in very early: I am going to be speaking—in fact, I’m going to read to the Liberals—chapters of Focus on Finance 2: A Look Into Ontario’s Finances. If you want to read along, you can go to my legislative website, fedeli.com, and download a copy of the 106-page book. It is a shameless plug, but it’s “must” reading for young and old. The web address is fedeli.com, in case you missed it.

Minister, did you enjoy it? Is it top financial advice to you?

Last week’s budget, when presented—we could have seen the right thing done by the Liberals. They could have changed the path that Ontario is on. Over the last several weeks, our caucus certainly has stood here, sharing stories about the pain that’s being inflicted by the Liberal government on families throughout Ontario. We also heard from the rating agencies, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, but we especially heard from the Auditor General. They all warned us about the same thing: Our economy, and this government, is headed in the wrong direction.

Actually, it started back with Don Drummond, who said, when he rang the bell very clearly, that you’re going the wrong way; you need to drastically change the direction we’re headed. The Auditor General told us that if you don’t change the direction, you’re going to start seeing the very services we enjoy in Ontario being, in her words, crowded out. That means there’s no room left for them because we’re busy paying interest.

What does this government do instead, Speaker? More of the same: more spending, even more debt and yet another deficit. We are certainly one of the very few sub-nationals left in the world, especially one with an annual deficit of this size. This is a massive deficit. Speaker, this government continues to use the province’s credit card instead of using their debit card.

The budget, if you look carefully at it as we did, merely announces more of the same. In many instances it’s a direct re-announcement—a cut-and-paste, if you will—from what we saw last year. A great example of that is the $130-billion announcement on infrastructure. If you look in the 2014 budget, it was already there, word for word. In fact, in the discussion of the $130-billion infrastructure budget, they took exactly the same words, plunked them in there and pretended it was some kind of new announcement. They’re out there trumpeting this great news, which is old news.

The only thing that really makes you wonder what the game is that’s afoot is: In last year’s budget, if you look carefully, Speaker—I’ll even tell you the page. Page 45 of the 2015 budget talks about last year’s budget, the 2014 budget. Asset optimization: That’s the nice way of saying, “We’re going to have a fire sale of our assets.” If you look very carefully, last year they needed to sell, over four years, a total of $3.1 billion in assets to make it work. That’s $1.1 billion this year, $1 billion the next, only half a billion the further year, and half a billion the year after that.

So their dedicated funds were $3.1 billion. But now, all of a sudden, in addition to the sale of GM shares, the sale of the LCBO headquarters and the sale of the OPG building, they need a $9-billion sale of hydro to make it work. In last year’s budget, they only needed $3.1 billion, but now, in addition to that, they need the $9-billion fire sale of Hydro One.

They’re selling public assets to pay for what was already budgeted. This is a shell game, Speaker. They’re really using the money from the sale of Hydro One to pay off their mortgage. That’s exactly what they’re doing. It’s a shell game. It’s a little bit of a switcheroo.

In the budget last year—this $130 billion that was announced—they needed $3.1 billion. Now that we have this new money coming in, they’ll take the money, put it into transit, but then take the money that already was in transit and haul that away. That’s exactly what’s about to happen here because they don’t know how to balance their deficit; they don’t know how to balance a budget. This money will be the money that will be used to get them down to the $8.5 billion. I almost want to choke over that amount. It’s still $8.5 billion. They’ll crow over how great that is—$8.5 billion; they still plan on spending more than they plan on taking in.

Without that hydro revenue, Speaker—they’re going to take 100% of our hydro, hive off 60%, sell it for $9 billion, and then change the law that says you must use the revenue from the sale of hydro assets, and put it against the $27-billion mortgage that is held on hydro. Instead of doing that, they’re going to change the law. It’s in the bill already to change the law—that does not force them to follow the law and put the money where it’s destined. They’re going to use it to bail out their own deficit.

So, Speaker, they’re going to take the $9 billion, put $5 billion against the mortgage, and $4 billion they’re going to use ostensibly for transit—but in reality, take the transit money that was already there and back it out and put it towards the fact that they don’t know how to balance a budget if their life depended on it.

What’s going to happen now is, you’ve got $9 billion out of the system and you’ve got only 40% of that asset left to generate the revenue to pay off the mortgage, so they won’t have the revenue—right now, 100% of that revenue is available to pay off the mortgage. They’re not going to have that any longer. So how are we going to pay the hydro mortgage? Well, we know darn well they’re going to put their hands deeper and deeper into our ratepayers’ pockets and try to dig out even more cash to pay off the bill because they took that money and put it elsewhere. That’s exactly what’s going to happen.

On Friday of last week, at 11 o’clock on Friday morning, May 1, the peak hydro rate went up exactly 15%. It went from 14 cents to 16.1 cents. I know they’re not good at math; I understand that. We’ve seen that in the budget. It went up 15%, a number they continue to deny. But it’s a fact: 14 cents to 16.1 cents; a 15% increase in hydro rates.

On November 1, hydro rates will go up again, according to them, only another 10%. On January 1, when they take the consumer benefit away, hydro rates will go up yet again, another 10%. So 15%, 10%, 10%—all within eight months. That’s the reality of the hydro realm that these people have created. I don’t know why they continue to use our hydro to cover up the mistakes that they’ve made.

Our team was very busy stripping away the numbers and getting to the real numbers. While we were doing that, they were busy stripping away all the transparency that is currently in the hydro sector.

Speaker, let me tell you a story about what is happening with Hydro One. The moment a single share is sold, Hydro One will no longer be deemed a public asset. That’s in their bill. That’s what’s happening. What does that mean to the people of Ontario? Well, first of all, it strips the Auditor General of powers: no more value-for-money audits from the Auditor General. “Let’s not have that pesky Auditor General involved in Hydro One any longer.” They’ve seen to that. It’s in the bill. They removed the right of the Auditor General to look into Hydro One’s books. That’s gone, day one.

They cut out the Financial Accountability Officer after six months. They can no longer begin new audits. It’s over: no more financial accountability of Hydro One. That’s in their bill. The Financial Administration Act is amended to limit our ability to obtain any information on Hydro One—gone. We’re stripped of that as well.

What’s happening here is a wholesale stripping of any access to any information whatsoever about an asset that the people of Ontario own. There’s nothing open and transparent about that.

Now, it’s very clear that the government doesn’t want us to know what they’re up to. We had to scrounge our files through the gas plant hearing documents, only to find that many were deleted. Speaker, they’ve gone ahead with this Hydro One sale and taken care of that. There’s no sense scrounging for anything anymore; none of the agencies have any authority over Hydro One any longer. Freedom of information is no longer available for Hydro One. We don’t get to know a thing—nothing, no freedom of information.

Schedule 38 removes Hydro from the sunshine list. We don’t even get to see any of the details about their employees. This is one way to stop the flow of information: cut access; cut it all. This is their idea of being open and transparent: no more Auditor General, no more freedom of information, no more sunshine list disclosures—nothing, Speaker. We get nothing.

Let’s take it a little further. Lobbyists don’t have to register any longer for Hydro One. My gosh, Speaker, what are they hiding from us? What are they attempting to hide?

Schedule 23 excludes Hydro from oversight of the Management Board of Cabinet. They don’t even want to know what’s going on—just let it be.

Hydro One is also taken out of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. One of the biggest complaints we have in our MPP offices, and I’m quite certain over on the government side as well—they just don’t want to tell you about it—are all the complaints we get in our offices on Hydro One, the help that isn’t coming. Thankfully, it fell under the oversight of the Ombudsman, who had a scathing report and a revelation which helped families. Finally, families found some relief when this terrible activity at Hydro One was disclosed. Well, they have an answer for that, Speaker.

The Ombudsman is no longer available to investigate Hydro One once the first share—one share—is sold. They saw to that in the bill. That is written into their bill.

Speaker, if you could imagine the next one: the Integrity Commissioner gone from oversight over Hydro One. No integrity, Speaker; no integrity commission. But, as I said earlier, considering there’s no integrity left in the system, you won’t need any of those officers.

At what point does shame kick in? It’s shameful that they have taken this most important public asset and hidden from us all of these oversight agencies, every single one of them. They didn’t miss a trick. No Auditor General, no Financial Accountability Officer, no Ombudsman, no Integrity Commissioner—no integrity, Speaker. No more freedom of information. It’s the last time that we are able to find out they spent almost $7 million—

Interjection.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): The member for Northumberland–Quinte West will withdraw that comment.

Mr. Lou Rinaldi: Withdraw, Speaker.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): The member for Nipissing has the floor.

Mr. Victor Fedeli: No more freedom of information. This is the last time that we are able to find out that $7 million was spent on consultants for the sale of Hydro One, including $24,000 for the speech writer to smooth it over in the public. No more sunshine list. This is the last time we see Sandra Pupatello’s six-figure salary.

Interjection.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): I would ask the member for Davenport to come to order. Yes, you. Thank you.

The member for Nipissing has the floor.

Mr. Victor Fedeli: Thank you, Speaker. This is the last time we’ll see Sandra Pupatello’s six-figure salary or know that Carmine Marcello made $728,000 at Hydro. All this now will be done behind closed doors, just the way the Liberal government likes it. I have to ask them, what are you guys trying to hide this time?

The reviews on the budget are not pretty, not pretty at all. Moody’s offered two words: “considerable risk.” Others are claiming a “deteriorating fiscal position.” Another said, “The budget document is lacking in detail.” Of course, we’ve been saying that for years, because the mid-term numbers and the long-term numbers never were in existence. So for a leading financial institution to suggest that the budget is lacking in detail is certainly not an overstatement whatsoever.

The worst thing I found, though, is on the budget’s page 199. This is my favourite one. I’ve talked about this many times in the Legislature over the last few years. If you remember, Speaker—and I’m just going to refer to Focus on Finance, because it has the actual wording of what we saw in that chart.

Interjections.

Mr. Victor Fedeli: Speaker, they can make all the jokes they want. I’m going to read you what was no joke. It was the Ministry of Finance’s document that we uncovered during the gas plant scandal that went to their cabinet, to their finance minister and to Kathleen Wynne. It talked about this chart that they dared use yet again, on page 199 of the budget, the one that has the fake $24.7-billion deficit number.

Here’s what they have to say:

“The Ministry of Finance admits the benchmark of progress,” an estimated $24.7 billion, is complete fiction—this is their own quote now, Speaker—“‘was never a real expectation’ and”—I’m quoting from the Ministry of Finance, the secret document we obtained in the gas plant scandal hearing—“‘was a deliberate policy’ to project ‘a worst-case outcome.’” It was deliberately misleading. They also admit that “the path to balance”—

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): I have to ask the member to withdraw that unparliamentary remark.

Mr. Victor Fedeli: Withdraw. I’ll try to parse out the unparliamentary language that was used in the confidential advice to the Premier: “The path to balance was then drawn from there, assuming a straight-line trajectory of declining deficits.” So what they did is they had this number at the bottom, that they themselves call not a real expectation and a deliberate policy, and they need to get to zero. So they drew a straight line, and then filled all these in. That’s exactly what they did, and they admit it here.

They say, “It was assumed that spending would be constrained to whatever it takes to hit these targets.” Somebody laid a ruler across, drew a straight line, and then filled it in and said, “Those are our budget deficit numbers. Now figure out how to make it happen.”

But they also divulged, “Over the medium term, we have notional targets by sector that add up to the deficit numbers, but not yet full plans to deliver on them. For the extended outlook, neither sector targets nor plans yet exist.” Then they conclude with, “In order to hit the deficit targets, spending growth going forward has to decrease dramatically.” Well, we all know what happened after that—nothing. It did not flatline. It didn’t decrease dramatically. We saw it go up. In fact, spending is up $2.4 billion again this year.

So they used that same chart, the one that we disclosed here in the Legislature. They used that chart again—the nerve. It’s quite funny; I guess they ran out of charts. They used the same chart again that we outed as a chart that they said was a complete fabrication. That’s what they decided to do. Again, they couldn’t even make a new fake chart, they had to use the existing chart that they had, which leads us to ask the question: Why do they continue to make life so expensive for Ontario families?

The warning bells were ringing all around the minister, all around the Premier, all around the government that you need to do a drastic turnaround, a dramatic change. All of these outside financial organizations have said the same thing. They should have realized when Fitch downgraded Ontario’s long-term debt to AA- that maybe something is wrong, maybe the way we’re going about things here on the other side—maybe you should start to listen. They had to downgrade Ontario. Standard and Poor’s has a negative outlook on the province’s long-term debt—not a very admirable position to be in.

Moody’s lowered their outlook from stable to negative. Again, after reading your budget, the two words that they came out with were “considerable risk.” Not their proudest moment.

The fastest-growing expense item is interest on debt. It’s going to increase 7% over the next three years. They’re taking money that should be going into front-line health care, and they’re using that money now to pay the interest on their debt. They’re taking money out of health care and education, and using those funds to pay off interest on their overspending. It’s their financial mismanagement alone that’s doing that. It’s not the tsunami, as the former finance minister used to say, of the recession. The recession ended for everybody else but us, apparently. They continue to make it harder for Ontarians to pay their bills.

Let’s look at some of the specific quotes from Moody’s. They acknowledge the fact that they’ve shown no progress whatsoever in decreasing debt. Moody’s told us that they continue to “see risks” in the province’s budget. They said that our “deficits have shown little progress in the past few years, and in fact”—now this was interesting, Speaker—“have increased from 8.1% of revenues ... to 9.2%” of revenue. It’s an interesting statistic from Moody’s that tells you where we really are headed. Worst of all, they say that “provincial economic forecasts have tended to overestimate growth.”

They fluffed the last budget numbers, and only after four months. They presented the budget in July. Four months later, they had to come out and restate that their revenue was off by $500 million. In four months, their budget was wrong by half a billion dollars. Now we know why they’re selling assets, why they’re increasing taxes and why they’re raising hydro bills. It’s all about asking seniors and families to pay for their 12 years of financial mismanagement.

Last week I asked a question of the Premier when she said, “We don’t believe right now that taking more money out of people’s pockets would be responsible.” Speaker, I was in the budget lock-up for seven hours, so I don’t know if the Premier has actually read her own budget if she thinks it isn’t filled with schemes to take money out of people’s pockets.

There’s the new payroll tax, which was passed at 11:45 last Wednesday morning, going for royal assent tomorrow. The payroll tax is going to put a tax on businesses. I’ll talk about that a little bit more.

A cap-and-trade tax: That’s a tax on everything. If I thought the payroll tax was the mother of all taxes, well, cap and trade, that’s going to be the mother of all taxes.

They now have, of course, the beer tax. They have another instalment on the aviation fuel tax. Increased user fees, increased hydro rates—all of those are taking money out of people’s pockets. I don’t know which of those the Premier thinks is not taking money out of people’s pockets.

Over the last few weeks, our caucus had five budget asks that were designed to make life better for those living in Ontario. We said to them, “Stop the madness. Do what all the other financial institutions, the rating agencies and everybody involved in caring about Ontario are saying: Stop putting a burden on people.”

The first thing we said was “Stop your payroll tax.” Instead of stopping this payroll tax—which is going to be a huge increase in payroll taxes; we already have the highest payroll taxes in Canada, so this is going to put us into a new stratosphere—they rammed it through. Only days later, last Wednesday at 11:45 in the morning, our party stood here to put a halt to it. The Liberal government has passed that and, sadly, on January 1, 2017, taxes will go up for businesses. Businesses will lose employees. By the government’s own admission, it could be anywhere between 18,000 and 54,000 people who lose their jobs.

We also suggested to them in one of our five asks that they cancel this foolish cap-and-trade