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October 15, 2018

42nd Parliament, 1st Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcript 2018-Oct-15 (PDF)

L034 - Mon 15 Oct 2018 / Lun 15 oct 2018

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Monday 15 October 2018 Lundi 15 octobre 2018

Introduction of Visitors

Steven Fobister Sr.

Oral Questions

Employment standards

Hospital funding

Hospital funding

Taxation

Anti-racism activities

Public safety

Firefighters

Climate change

Cannabis regulation

Automobile insurance

Public safety

Addiction services

Small business

Horse racing industry

Public safety

Horse racing industry

Visitors

Annual report, Chief Electoral Officer

Visitors

Introduction of Visitors

Members’ Statements

Grandview Children’s Centre

Waste diversion

Flooding in Algoma–Manitoulin

Neil Tweedale

Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month

Opioid abuse / Abus d’opioïdes

Armenian community

Mental health services

Saint Charbel Maronite Catholic church

Volunteer firefighters

Introduction of Bills

Ending Discrimination in Automobile Insurance Act, 2018 / Loi de 2018 mettant fin à la discrimination en matière d’assurance-automobile

Petitions

School facilities

Poet laureate

Injured workers

Curriculum

Employment standards

Employment standards

Injured workers

Northern health services

Curriculum

Orders of the Day

Green Energy Repeal Act, 2018 / Loi de 2018 abrogeant la

Loi sur l’énergie verte

The House met at 1030.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Let us pray.

Prayers.

Introduction of Visitors

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): We have with us in the Speaker’s gallery today students from the public leadership of change course at McMaster University in Hamilton. With them is a very special guest: our former Speaker, Dave Levac, MPP for Brant from the 37th to the 41st provincial Parliament. Welcome, Mr. Speaker. Our former colleague is currently a distinguished visiting professor at McMaster University and has brought his class for an impressive experience here at Queen’s Park. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

In the Speaker’s gallery today as well we have Patty and Rick Sinnamon of Mount Forest and Rev. Marksen Wafula Masinde and his wife, Frida Masinde. Rev. Masinde and his wife are visiting from Kitale, Kenya. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Would the members also please join me in welcoming a visitor to the table today: Visiting from the Legislative Assembly of Alberta is Philip Massolin, manager of committee services. Welcome to the Ontario Legislature. We’re pleased to have you here.

Further introduction of guests?

Ms. Teresa J. Armstrong: Speaker, I would like to introduce:

Remarks in Portuguese.

As well, the president of the parish of Matriz, Hernani Costa.

Bem-vindo à Legislatura do Ontário.

Mr. Norman Miller: I’d like to welcome Andy Mahut from Stelco, Serge Laflamme from Rayonier Advanced Materials and Doug Yates from General Motors, who are with the Association of Major Power Consumers. They’re here visiting Queen’s Park today.

Ms. Jennifer K. French: I am pleased to welcome my new legislative assistant, Danika Goshulak, here at Queen’s Park to check out question period. Welcome.

Mr. Billy Pang: I would like to introduce my legislative assistant, Jesse Toma.

Mrs. Lisa Gretzky: It is my pleasure to welcome a page from Windsor West, Albert Douglas. Today he is joined by his mom, Mel Douglas, and sister Lenore Douglas. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Mr. Rudy Cuzzetto: I would like to welcome one of my staff members from my constituency office, Kanza Mirza.

Ms. Bhutila Karpoche: I’m pleased to introduce and welcome Dorjee Wangchuk, a campaign volunteer and constituent from Parkdale–High Park.

I also see in the Speaker’s gallery former OLIP intern, and my friend, Kristen Stewart. Hey, Kristen.

Mr. Will Bouma: It’s my pleasure to welcome to the members’ gallery today Marty Verhey who is HR director for Walters Group. And if you want to see their handiwork, just look at the ROM. I’m welcoming him here, speaking for the Ontario colleges.

Hon. Monte McNaughton: I’d like to welcome the people from Capital Power today who are at Queen’s Park: Mark Zimmerman, Kate Chisholm, Jerry Bellikka, Anthony Zlahtic, Kelly Lail and Daniel Jurijew. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Ms. Goldie Ghamari: It’s my pleasure to introduce Hudson Manning, my new legislative intern. I’m very pleased and excited, and look forward to working with him in the next few months.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): And, of course, we would like to welcome everyone else who’s here with us today who hasn’t been introduced.

Steven Fobister Sr.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I recognize the member for Kiiwetinoong.

Mr. Sol Mamakwa: I believe we have unanimous consent for both myself and Minister Rickford to say a few words about Chief Steven Fobister Sr.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Is there unanimous consent? Agreed.

Once again, I recognize the member for Kiiwetinoong.

Mr. Sol Mamakwa: I rise in this House to honour the life of Steven Fobister Sr. of Grassy Narrows, who has passed on. Steve was a former Grassy Narrows chief and also a former grand chief of Anishinaabe Nation, Treaty 3. He was a tireless advocate and a fighter for Grassy Narrows and the Anishinaabe people, and a teacher of younger generations.

Some in this place will recall that in 2014, he came here, ready to sacrifice his life through a hunger strike, in order to finally get some justice for the suffering his people have faced since the mercury was released into the river 60 years ago, and which destroyed their way of life—fishing and hunting—and destroyed their health. A commitment was made to him then.

On behalf of my people in the Kiiwetinoong riding and the NDP caucus, I want to extend my condolences to Steven’s family and to the people of Grassy Narrows. Meegwetch.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I recognize the minister of northern affairs.

Hon. Greg Rickford: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just to add to my friend and colleague across the way, perhaps on a more personal note, I sat across the table from Steve Fobister 15 or 20 years ago as a young lawyer taking his instructions. If he was unwell, you’d never know it. He was a testament not only to his community, Treaty 3 and the Anishnawbe people of northern Ontario; he set a standard for leadership, one I think that we should all be clear on.

It was the basis recently for a visit by myself and my colleague and friend Rod Phillips, the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, to Grassy Narrows. Much of the work that we reaffirmed and that we announced is a testament to governments previous and present that remain committed to closing a dark

chapter of Grassy Narrows history.

I think it’s pretty safe to say, in perhaps one of those pure non-partisan moments, that we all have an investment in Grassy Narrows and their well-being, and that we’ve all had in some way—some more direct than others—an opportunity to meet and experience this incredible man’s life, his leadership and his legacy. I thank him for his contributions. We’re thinking of his people and the community today. Thank you.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you very much.

It is now time for oral questions.

Oral Questions

Employment standards

Ms. Sara Singh: Good morning, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Premier.

Kalpesh Parmar is a 46-year-old father of two. He has worked as a security guard for the last six years. Kalpesh says, “Before the new decent work laws ... when I had back pain I couldn’t afford to get treatment. We didn’t have bargaining protection. Now we do, and [the] quality of life is better.”

Speaker, now that the Premier has said he will scrap the rules that provide these protections for workers across our province, what does the Premier have to say to workers like Kalpesh?

Hon. Doug Ford: Through you, Mr. Speaker, to the member for Brampton Centre, what I have to say to your friend there who came up to you is that they can expect to hold on to their job instead of losing their job. TD Economics came out and said there are going to be 80,000 to 90,000 people who are going to lose their jobs. I’m guessing 60,000 people have already lost their jobs.

What you can tell your friend in Brampton Centre is that their gas prices just dropped down five cents per litre because of the cap-and-trade.

You can tell your friend he’s actually going to save $850 because he won’t be on the tax roll anymore. They’ll have zero tax.

You can tell your friend that when he goes to pay his hydro bill, it’s going to be down $280. We’ve saved $750 million a year. You know something, Mr. Speaker? My daughter sent over—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you. Supplementary?

Ms. Sara Singh: I can appreciate the comments that the Premier is making, but let’s hear a little bit more from Kalpesh. “Before the minimum wage increase it was very hard to survive. When buying anything ... I had to think, ‘Is it necessary for me?’ I can’t think of the last time I bought myself even a new T-shirt.”

Since the Premier has never once spoken with anyone about his plans to tear up the new rules—especially people who would actually benefit from a higher minimum wage or paid sick days or emergency leave—what does the Premier say to Kalpesh and the 1.7 million workers just like him?

Hon. Doug Ford: Through you, Mr. Speaker, what the member from Brampton Centre didn’t have an opportunity to do, but we did and their leader did, is to go around the province and talk to small-business owners that laid people off, talk to restaurants, talk to the little Home Hardware that laid people off. In thousands and thousands of businesses across this province, people lost their jobs.

I know the opposition doesn’t understand economics, but you can’t automatically in one year increase salaries by 22% and then increase them 32%. Just imagine if everyone’s costs increased by 32%. It’s not realistic.

We’re going to create good-paying jobs. We’re going to make sure that the part-time person gets treated very well. But you have to keep in mind the person that’s been working there 15 years. You can’t treat a part-timer the same way you treat someone that’s been—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you. Final supplementary?

Ms. Sara Singh: Mr. Premier, Kalpesh is one of a million Ontario workers who move this province forward every single day. He doesn’t get invited to your consultations, but he works hard and plays by the rules. Is it too much to ask that he be allowed to take a sick day without worrying about lost pay and how he’s going to cover his bills at the end of the month; or an emergency day during a family crisis; or that he earn a $15 minimum wage? Premier, is that too much to ask for workers across this province?

Hon. Doug Ford: Through you, Mr. Speaker, we’re going to protect Kalpesh. We’re going to protect people like that by, again, lowering their taxes, saving on that green energy scam, the millions and millions of dollars that the province wasted—$750 million on the hydro alone.

We’re going to create good-paying jobs so Kalpesh doesn’t have to stay on minimum wage. He can work his way up the ladder. He can be a manager. I’ve seen it over and over again in business: Someone might start at a lower level, work their way up to middle manager, manager, and then they could be running the show. That’s what democracy is about, that’s what free enterprise is about: giving everyone an opportunity to grow. We live in the greatest country and the greatest province in the world.

Hospital funding

Ms. Sandy Shaw: My question is for the Premier. In the city of Hamilton, a code zero is issued when there’s only one ambulance available, or in fact none at all. Can the Premier please tell us how many code zeros were issued last week in the city of Hamilton?

Hon. Doug Ford: Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: Thank you for the question. We take public safety as a paramount concern in the province. One of the things that we do is ensure that we provide the resources to our front-line officers and the people that provide front-line services to ensure that they have the ability to do their jobs. That’s something that we’ve done and will continue to do. We will continue to provide those services and that support to make sure that all of our front-line responders have the ability to complete and do their work.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Ms. Sandy Shaw: Well, I appreciate the attempt at an answer, but this is about health care, not about safety and security. The city of Hamilton, in fact, experienced five code zero events last week. Thursday’s code zero lasted more than two hours. Hamilton’s chief paramedic says that it’s an issue of hospital flow: Patients are stuck waiting on stretchers for more than two hours while hospitals scramble to find space.

Premier, we know this isn’t new. Where is the plan to deal with this ongoing crisis?

Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: Mr. Speaker, I’m going to refer the matter to the Minister of Tourism.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: Clearly, we cannot have code zeros happening in our hospitals throughout the province. We understand that. We also understand that the city of Hamilton is actually responsible for their ambulance services. We will work with those partners. We will ensure that they get the resources they need.

But let’s be clear: This is not a new problem. This has not just happened this weekend. This is a 15-year problem that’s going to take some time. We’re going to get it right, and we’re going to make sure that we provide the services the city of Hamilton needs.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order.

Start the clock. Final supplementary?

Ms. Sandy Shaw: This is clearly not an issue for tourism, but I would suggest that maybe this government might want to take a tour of some of the hospitals in Ontario, because this isn’t just a Hamilton problem. The Ottawa Hospital, for example, was at 104% capacity on Thursday. Thunder Bay’s hospital just reported that they were operating over capacity 94% of the time. These hospitals are saying that repackaging the same old Liberal announcements won’t get people out of hospital hallways.

When are we going to see a plan?

Hon. Sylvia Jones: I would not presuppose to try to figure out how the opposite party organizes themselves, but I can assure you that a Doug Ford government works as a team. We are a strong caucus, a strong cabinet. We work together to solve these issues. As I said, we will work with our municipal partners, including the city of Hamilton, to ensure they have the resources they need.

But to be clear: This is not a new problem. Fifteen years of inaction, 15 years of lack of any kind of focus, and this is what you’re dealt. If you would like to ask why the Liberals ignored it for 15 years, go right ahead. But in our first 100 days, we are dealing with the issues that the people of Ontario expect us to deal with, including hallway medicine.

Hospital funding

M me France Gélinas: Ma question est pour le premier ministre.

Hamilton’s mayor noted that his community still doesn’t know whether they’re going to get any of the $90-million surge capacity hospital funding announcement. It’s a concern that I’ve heard over and over, from Thunder Bay to Ottawa to Hamilton and every community in between.

Can the Premier provide any details as to where the $90 million in surge capacity for our hospitals that he announced—where is this money going to be spent?

Hon. Doug Ford: Minister of Tourism.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: When we announced the surge funding, we did it with the co-operation and feedback from the local LHINs, because we need to make sure that that surge funding is going to the communities that are most in need.

I’m actually very proud of the fact that I spent last week in my constituency talking to the people of my riding, and they said, “Good on you for finally actually doing something before the flu season becomes a problem and people continue to be treated in hallways.”

We are proactively trying to deal with that. We’ve chosen certain areas throughout the province where we already see, through the work of the LHINs, that there are going to be problems. Historically there have been problems, and that’s why we’ve chosen the communities that we have. It’s only a first step, but it’s an important first step. It sends the message that we are on the job and we want to protect this stuff before the flu season is upon us.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

M me France Gélinas: Back to the Premier: The Premier’s $90-million commitment won’t stretch very far. Last year, Kathleen Wynne’s flu season funding didn’t make a dent in hallway medicine. The Premier’s plan is $10 million less than last year, while more of our hospitals—over half of them, actually—are now operating on over-capacity status every single night. And that’s before you consider the impact of health care cuts.

Does the Premier really think that $90 million to cover the surge linked to the flu season will end hallway medicine or will improve the situation in our overcrowded hospitals?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I wish to remind all members that we refer to other members not by their given names but by their riding names or their ministry title.

Response? Minister.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: Respectfully, Speaker, I must correct the member opposite. This is new money. This is very specifically for the upcoming flu season. We are proactively getting the resources in place so that hospitals like Bridgepoint, North Bay Regional Health Centre, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Pine Villa, the Cooksville Care Centre and Humber River Hospital can prepare appropriately for the flu season, and so that we can stop treating our parents and our grandparents in hallways and in closets. It’s inappropriate. It shouldn’t be happening. Last week’s announcement was the first step toward that change.

Taxation

Mr. Mike Harris: My question is to the Minister of Finance. Our government is committed to putting more money back into people’s pockets. For the last 15 years, the previous Liberal government took every opportunity to tax the hard-working people of Ontario. The pattern was clear: The Liberals would tax and the Liberals would spend, and the people of Ontario would lose.

I’m both happy and relieved our government is putting an end to the Liberals’ reckless tax-and-spend policies. For example, last week, our government announced our intention to halt the beer tax increase. Could the minister please explain his intention to stop the cost of beer from going up and how this will save the people of Ontario more money?

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Thank you to the member from Kitchener–Conestoga for the question. Every year for the past three years, the Liberals have increased the beer tax on November 1. They took every opportunity to squeeze more money out of the hard-working people across our province, all in an effort to keep up with their reckless spending.

Last week, our government announced our intention to put an end to yet another Liberal cash grab. Our plan proposes to stop the three-cents-per-litre tax hike on beer on November 1. Instead, we’re letting the people of Ontario hold on to more of their hard-earned money.

The days of the tax-and-spend Liberals are over. We’re respecting the taxpayer, we’re lowering taxes and we’re putting more money in people’s pockets every single chance we get.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock. Order.

Restart the clock. Supplementary?

Mr. Mike Harris: Thank you to the minister for his response. I’m thrilled to be part of a government that is putting the people first.

An annual beer tax hike is nothing more than an opportunity for the Liberals to finance their reckless spending and failed policies. It’s about time the people of Ontario get the relief they deserve. For too long, taxpayers’ pockets were treated like a piggy bank. The Liberals were taking whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted. I’m proud our government is doing things differently. I’m proud our government is respecting the taxpayer.

The beer tax hike was just another example of the Liberals making life more unaffordable for Ontario families. Could the minister further explain why the plan to stop the beer tax increase is necessary?

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Our proposed plan to stop the beer tax hike is part of our commitment to putting more money in people’s pockets. We’re bringing relief to the people of Ontario every single chance we get. We’ve introduced legislation to scrap cap-and-trade which, if passed, would bring further relief at the pump and in families’ wallets. We’ve rolled back increases for driver’s licence renewal fees. We’ve cancelled expensive wind and solar projects in order to bring down hydro rates.

Every single decision we make and every single dollar we spend is for the people. The beer tax is no different. We will continue to provide relief in every way we can and let the hard-working people of Ontario keep more money in their pockets.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock. Order.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order. Order on the government benches. Order.

Next question. Start the clock.

Anti-racism activities

Mr. Taras Natyshak: My question is to the Premier. Speaker, as the Premier knows, Faith Goldy is a neo-Nazi sympathizer who the Premier posed for photos with at an event several weeks ago. Now that photo is being used on campaign advertising to promote Faith Goldy’s campaign as Toronto mayor.

Speaker, the people of Ontario want to know: Did the Premier give permission for his image to be used in Faith Goldy’s campaign advertising?

Hon. Doug Ford: Through you, Mr. Speaker: I can tell you, I’m not going down that alley again. I’ll tell you where I’m going. I look forward to working with the next mayor of Toronto. I look forward to working with a reduced size of council—a dysfunctional council before. Now they’re going to be able to work with the province to get transit built, to get housing built, to actually save the taxpayers some money. Believe me, I know that game at city hall like the back of my hand, Mr. Speaker. Hopefully, they’re going to get things done once and for all.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Mr. Taras Natyshak: The advertisement in question is in Chinese, and that’s especially concerning, given that, among other hateful things, Faith Goldy has recently stated, “Toronto shouldn’t be a suburb of Beijing.” She’s implying that she has the endorsement of this Premier. The Premier now, again, has a chance to clear the air. It shouldn’t be this hard, Speaker. It can’t be this hard.

Will the Premier unequivocally denounce Faith Goldy and apologize for appearing in a photo that is now being used as a de facto endorsement of her campaign by the Premier of this province?

Hon. Doug Ford: Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: I’d like to point out to the member opposite that this Premier has disavowed that individual no less than 20 times in this assembly. I reject the premise where that government is trying to say that this party is anti-immigration. Look around these benches on that side and on this side. This party is full of diversity. This party welcomes diversity. This party is standing up for immigration and refugees in the province of Ontario. That member should watch what he says, watch what he implies, and he should apologize to the Premier of Ontario for suggesting that right-wing extremism exists in this government, when it certainly doesn’t.

I can tell you, I’m proud of the new members we have in this Legislature who are from Egypt, who are from India. They can come from New Delhi, New Glasgow or North Bay. I’m going to tell you, we’re here for the people—all of the people—in this province.

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock. The member for Essex will come to order.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The members will come to order.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Member for Flamborough–Glanbrook, please come to order. The Premier will come to order. Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, come to order. Member for Hamilton East–Stoney Creek, come to order.

Start the clock. The member for Simcoe North.

Public safety

Ms. Jill Dunlop: My question today is for the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services. Minister, our brave, dedicated and hard-working front-line officers and emergency responders have faced incredible pressure due to constant failures associated with their communications network known as the Public Safety Radio Network. Our dedicated front-line officers and emergency responders deserve to know that our government is listening to them and remains committed to providing them with the tools they need to perform their duties safely and effectively.

Ontarians also deserve to know their government is able to provide them with the level of public safety they expect us to provide them with.

To the minister: Can you please update the members of this Legislature on the current state of Ontario’s Public Safety Radio Network?

Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: Thank you to the member for Simcoe North for the question. The Ontario Public Safety Radio Network has been left in a terrible state of disrepair. The last time the network was replaced was back in 1998. The project is long overdue.

We’re taking real action to ensure that our government can provide the people of this great province with the level of public safety they expect us to provide them with. Due to the current state of the PSRN, any delay in modernizing the system increases the risk to public safety as a result of radio failure, so it’s critical that we move forward with this project as soon as possible.

The safety of Ontarians will always be our first priority. A mitigation strategy has now been put in place to ensure that the current radio network can still be used until the new system is phased in in 2021. Public safety is a top priority of this government, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that the radio network is up and running and working for all Ontarians.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Ms. Jill Dunlop: I want to thank the minister for his response and for working to keep our front-line officers and communities safe. It is unacceptable to hear that the previous Liberal government ignored such important communications infrastructure for so long.

It is very reassuring to hear that our government for the people has moved so quickly to ensure that our front-line officers and emergency personnel are able to better communicate and respond to emergency situations. I’m also pleased to learn that a mitigation strategy has been put in place while the network is being modernized to ensure the safety of families and communities across Ontario.

To the minister: Could you please tell the members of this Legislature how long it will take to modernize the Public Safety Radio Network?

Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: Thank you for that follow-up question. Our government for the people acted as quickly as possible to ensure that the province’s Public Safety Radio Network could be replaced and modernized to keep Ontario’s communities safe.

This project is a massive undertaking. The technology that provides essential public safety radio coverage across the province will be rebuilt by this government. The new network will be a 15-year service agreement to ensure that our network remains up to date and in good repair. In addition, funding has been set aside to improve the existing legacy system during the transition to the new system.

Mr. Speaker, our front-line and emergency responders do some of the most dangerous work in the province. They need to have the tools and resources in place to do their jobs. Our government for the people is making sure that they have the necessary tools to be able to do their jobs safely.

Firefighters

Mrs. Marie-France Lalonde: Ma question est pour le ministre de la Sécurité communautaire et des Services correctionnels. The minister and the Premier’s comments about the cancellation of certification requirements for firefighters make absolutely no sense. In response to several tragic incidents and recommendations from coroners’ inquests, and the requests of firefighters, mandatory training requirements were put in place.

Mandatory training is not just red tape, as the Conservatives like to refer to it. It keeps firefighters and the community safe as they serve. In fact, Rob Hyndman, the president of the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association, said that these regulations were necessary to save lives.

Mr. Speaker, we have seen what happens when rules to keep people safe are called red tape by the Conservatives. Does the minister believe that his government’s insistence on cutting so-called red tape is worth the lives of Ontario’s firefighters?

Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: Listening to the question begs me to ask the question back: What exactly is it that they are trying to do? What we are trying to do as a government is to be responsible and ensure that our firefighters are safe. What that means is that we will look at certification, but what we are also doing is listening to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. At their annual conference, we heard from them and from other stakeholders, including fire chiefs, that the certification regulation would create significant challenges for fire services and municipalities, particularly small, rural and northern municipalities with volunteer firefighters.

Firefighters and municipalities have expressed concern with the resources and supports that were required to be compliant with the certification requirements and with the potential longer-term—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you. Supplementary?

Mrs. Marie-France Lalonde: Actually, I’m happy about the answer that the minister gave, because we, the former government that was here, confirmed with AMO and every single individual who was consulted for the past 18 months on this at an expert fire table—AMO was there, the volunteer firefighters were there and the fire chiefs were there. Every single individual was sitting at this table, and we came to the table saying that we were going to help our most vulnerable, rural and faraway communities.

Again to the minister: What’s the cost of not helping firefighters? I want to remind everyone in Ontario, when you go to the barber or to your hairdresser, they actually have a minimum requirement of standards. Again to the minister: What are you going to do to help firefighters in this province and to keep them safe?

Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: Our government is a responsible government and will work with the firefighters and the municipalities to ensure that they’re safe.

I find it rich that I’m listening to the former Liberal caucus talk about the fact that they were going to spend all this money. Let me remind you about the $354-billion debt. Let me also remind you of the $15-billion deficit that we operate with.

The reality of the situation is we are listening to the stakeholders and we are listening to the fire chiefs. I’ve had numerous discussions where they’ve told me and have congratulated our government for taking the lid off a boiling pot. We are working with the firefighters, and we will give them real results.

Climate change

Mr. Peter Tabuns: My question is for the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. Last week, the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released its latest report. Ninety scientists reviewed over 6,000 climate studies to compile the world’s most comprehensive understanding of the risks we face from climate change. Its conclusion: We need to keep the rise in global temperatures to 1.5 degrees if we’re to avoid the most catastrophic impacts.

Ontario once had a plan to mitigate climate change. Then, the Premier ripped up the plan and replaced it with nothing. Did the minister read the conclusions reached by the IPCC, and, if so, how is it acceptable that Ontario no longer has a climate plan?

Hon. Rod Phillips: Mr. Speaker, through you to the member, I thank him for the question. As the member knows, this is a 700-page study. It is a study that’s being reviewed now by the ministry team and, like all other information, will be integrated into our planning, our planning for a plan that works—not the cap-and-trade carbon-tax plan that was rejected by the people of Ontario, but a plan that works.

Mr. Speaker, I’ll tell you what is really shocking: The previous government, supported 97% by the NDP, did not prepare a comprehensive climate review in terms of the impacts on the province of Ontario. I was shocked to find that, with all of the attention paid to it—supported 97% of the time by the NDP—there’s no comprehensive review of how we’re going to deal with these impacts. Climate change is real. Our plan will deal with the impacts, unlike the previous government’s.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary.

Mr. Peter Tabuns: Back to the minister: The NDP supports climate action that is fair, effective and transparent. The minister doesn’t seem to support climate action at all. Ontario’s Environmental Commissioner said, “Ontario has gutted most of its climate change programs.”

When so much is at stake, why is the minister gutting Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan without putting forward an alternative plan?

Hon. Rod Phillips: Mr. Speaker, through you to the member: Climate change is real and we are addressing it, but we are addressing it with an effective made-in-Ontario plan.

There are two things that are clear: First, we need to build resilience. We need to understand the impacts of climate change, because it’s happening. Second, we need to deal with reductions in greenhouse gases, but reductions that provide a balance, a balance between a healthy economy and a healthy environment.

Our made-in-Ontario plan will bring forward those changes, and we look forward to the member’s comments when the plan is released.

Cannabis regulation

Mr. Stan Cho: My question is for the wonderful and talented Attorney General. We know that the Trudeau government has mandated that recreational cannabis be legal across Canada on October 17. I know that our government has been hard at work developing a plan that ensures our province is ready for legalization this Wednesday, a plan that will protect our children, keep our roads and communities safe, and combat the illegal market.

But I also know that many parents and young people in my riding of Willowdale still have questions about what the federal Liberal government’s legalization of this drug means and what it will mean for families and their communities. I know our government has made many announcements on this topic, which have been helpful, but I’m wondering if the Attorney General can highlight any further places that people may be able to learn more about the government’s plan.

Hon. Caroline Mulroney: I would like to thank the member from Willowdale for his question. With the federal government’s legalization of cannabis only two short days away on October 17, I would like to start by reassuring this chamber and all Ontarians that this province will be ready.

I understand that parents and young people have questions about the federal government’s legalization policy. As a mother of four children myself, I have thought about how this policy will affect my family, and so I know that, like so many others, I’d like to have as much information as possible about how to navigate these waters.

That is why I’m happy to share with the House that we have launched a public awareness campaign aimed at informing Ontarians, especially parents and young people, about the new legal framework for the purchase and consumption of recreational cannabis, about the dangers associated with drug-impaired driving, and highlighting the health risks to consumers. Over the coming months, we will be rolling out more and more ads that will be accessible and apparent for people where they live and commute.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Mr. Stan Cho: Thank you to the minister. I know that the parents in my riding will be relieved to know the government is providing resources they can turn to when they have questions. These are certainly uncharted waters. It’s reassuring to know that we have a government that takes this matter and the protection of our young people very seriously.

Mr. Speaker, the minister mentioned that the purpose of the public awareness campaign was to highlight the rules around recreational cannabis use in Ontario. Can the minister outline how the new plan will better inform families and commuters on how to be safer in our communities and on our roads?

Hon. Caroline Mulroney: I’d be happy to provide the member from Willowdale with more information. These ads will focus on social responsibility, including the serious health and addiction risks of short- and long-term cannabis use. They will not promote cannabis use. Our message will remain simple and clear: We will plainly tell Ontarians how our children, our communities and our roads will be protected and how we will work to combat the illegal market.

The deterring effects of our zero-tolerance policies will also be amplified through these ads, which will work to educate people about the dangers of driving impaired and the stiff penalties. No matter where or how you hear about our government’s plans, our commitment to protecting youth, keeping our communities and our roads safe, and fighting the illegal market will always be paramount. I cannot stress this enough, Mr. Speaker: Ontario is ready for the federal government’s legalization of recreational cannabis.

Automobile insurance

Mr. Gurratan Singh: My question is to the Minister of Finance. Ontarians living in areas like Brampton, Scarborough, Humber River–Black Creek and York South–Weston pay disproportionately higher auto insurance premiums than drivers in any other neighbourhood in the GTA. This is simply not okay. Ontario families already pay enough. We must stop auto insurance companies from gouging families merely based on the neighbourhood they live in. Climbing daily expenses, from auto insurance to hydro to housing, are pushing families past the breaking point. We have to do better.

This is why I will be introducing my private member’s bill to end postal code discrimination in auto insurance premiums. Will the government support my private member’s bill, or will they side with auto insurance companies over Ontario drivers?

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Thank you to the member from Brampton East for the question. It’s clear that the Liberal-NDP system of failed stretch goals on auto insurance is broken. We congratulate our PC member from Milton for his work on this file. He will be introducing legislation that, if passed, will eliminate the unfair practice of postal code discrimination with respect to auto insurance rates. His proposed initiative is a great way to combat discrimination in our auto insurance system. Once the member’s legislation is tabled, we look forward to working with him and industry stakeholders to ensure our auto insurance system meets the needs of Ontario’s 10 million drivers.

Speaker, he has done this right. He consulted with stakeholders right across the province and put forward a great private member’s bill.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you. Supplementary.

Mr. Gurratan Singh: Ontario has one of the lowest levels of auto accidents in Canada yet the most expensive auto insurance premiums. While the government should be working hard to fix the situation, the Premier has, instead, continued with the Liberals’ policy, which has failed drivers for too long and paved the way for a 9% increase in average premiums paid by drivers. We need to be moving forward, not backwards. Will the government support my private member’s bill and stop allowing premiums to be based on where you live?

Hon. Victor Fedeli: The previous Liberal government, backed by the NDP, failed to deliver anything but stretch goals when it came to auto insurance rates. Our member from Milton’s bill, if passed, will end the unfair practice of discriminating against drivers simply based on where they live.

Our government for the people is committed to putting more money in people’s pockets, and this bill is another step towards doing that. We congratulate the member from Milton.

Public safety

Ms. Goldie Ghamari: My question is for the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services. With the recent tornadoes that affected many families throughout the Ottawa region, we’ve heard of the many difficulties faced by our dedicated emergency responders during their response efforts. The communications infrastructure that our hard-working, front-line officers and emergency personnel rely upon to respond to emergency situations is in a terrible state of disrepair.

Speaker, through you, could the minister please explain to all members of this Legislature what he’s doing to ensure that Ontario’s emergency communications infrastructure is improved?

Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the member from Carleton for the question. As you’ve heard today, our government has taken real action to address Ontario’s crumbling Public Safety Radio Network, a system relied upon by many of the province’s front-line officers and emergency responders. Replacing this outdated and ineffective radio network is critical to all emergency services throughout the province.

When Ottawa was shaken by the tragic tornadoes, our hard-working and dedicated front-line officers and emergency responders were obstructed from performing their duties safely and effectively due to the frequent outages that affected the PSRN on a daily basis. In an emergency situation, regardless of where it is in the province, communication between our front-line emergency responders is a key component to ensuring public safety and also keeping our emergency responders safe.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Ms. Goldie Ghamari: Mr. Speaker, I thank the minister for his response. It’s reassuring to know that our government for the people, under Premier Ford’s leadership, is taking the necessary steps to ensure that public safety is enhanced and restored throughout the province. Our hard-working and dedicated front-line officers and emergency personnel deserve to have the tools they need to keep all of Ontario’s communities safe.

Minister, as you know, front-line officers and emergency personnel throughout the province rely upon Ontario’s Public Safety Radio Network. There has been constant concern over smaller, rural and northern communities, like Richmond, Metcalfe and Osgoode, when it comes to having the necessary tools and resources to perform their duties safely and effectively.

To the minister: Could you please explain how modernizing the Public Safety Radio Network will help those living in smaller, rural and northern communities, in my riding of Carleton and across this great province?

Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: Thank you for that very good question. Let me start off by saying that the Ontario Public Safety Radio Network is relied upon by more than 38,000 emergency responders throughout the province. It is the largest, most complex net in all of North America, but it’s one of the last ones that has been left to comply with the P25 standard in North America.

This modernization project will ensure that our more than 38,000 front-line officers and first responders, including OPP officers, paramedics, hospital staff, fire services, provincial highway maintenance staff and even the province’s conservation officers, can count on the communications infrastructure, network and equipment they need when they respond to emergencies.

This project will assist our hard-working front-line officers and emergency responders throughout the province to become better equipped to keep our communities, families and businesses safe.

Addiction services

Ms. Bhutila Karpoche: My question is to the Premier. A fully equipped medical trailer for overdose prevention in my riding of Parkdale–High Park sits unused. As the weather worsens, volunteers who maintained the overdose prevention site decided last week that they had to close in order to keep the community safe. Some 189 people and counting have died in the 10 weeks since the government started its unnecessary review, given that the evidence is already very clear.

Speaker, with no sign of a decision, will the Premier finally tell the people of Parkdale–High Park if the previously approved permanent site can operate safely and openly—yes or no?

Hon. Doug Ford: Minister of Tourism.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: The member opposite understands that we requested an extension from the federal government to study the problem and make sure we got it right. As the Speaker knows, we received that extension from the federal government. We’re going to study it. We’re going to get it right.

I think it’s very important for people to understand that any discussion about mental health and addictions must include a conversation about the opioid crisis.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary.

Ms. Bhutila Karpoche: Back to the Premier: People are dying while this government dithers. Three people a day die from preventable overdoses. Regardless of whether the Premier is “dead set” against these sites, it is a proven harm reduction tool that saves lives.

I ask again: Will the Premier allow health professionals already doing the work of saving lives to do it safely from community health clinics—yes or no?

Hon. Sylvia Jones: Frankly, I think the member opposite is just reinforcing the point that we need to get this right. This is not a knee-jerk reaction. This is not, “Let’s throw money at it.” I know it’s always the NDPs solution, but, frankly, there are better ways.

We need to make sure that the treatment is in place. We will study this and we will get it right and we will not be rushed because you want to make a snap decision.

Small business

Mr. David Piccini: My question is for the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. Today marks the beginning of Small Business Week. After 15 years of red tape, overregulation and excessive taxation, I know I speak on behalf of all the small businesses in my community when I say how special this Small Business Week is.

We know that businesses are the backbone of Ontario’s economy. Small business owners are hard-working people; they get up early, they work late, they take great risks and they create jobs in communities across our great province.

Our government is committed to helping small businesses succeed, creating the right conditions and helping them thrive. When small businesses prosper, Ontario prospers.

Could the minister please inform the Legislature how our government for the people is helping small business owners after 15 years of hardship under the previous Liberal government?

Hon. Jim Wilson: I thank my honourable colleague for this very important question. Yes, this is Small Business Week in Ontario. We celebrate the jobs, the food that’s put on the table by our small businesses, the families that have great lives and those who come off welfare, work for business and make their way up, as the Premier said. While this week is Small Business Week officially, every week is a small business week for this government. In fact, every day is small business day with this government.

We have over 400,000 small businesses in the province of Ontario and they account for about 90% of the actual businesses in our province. Ontario’s small businesses employ nearly two million people, and our government is making sure every day that they’re able to thrive, prosper and employ more Ontarians.

We’re doing that by scrapping cap-and-trade, if passed. The Green Energy Act is being scrapped, if passed. We removed the carbon tax from the price of natural gas, lowered the gas tax by 4.3 cents with more to come, committed to lowering corporate—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you. Supplementary.

Mr. David Piccini: Thank you to the minister for his response. Our number one priority in this government is ensuring that Ontario is open for business. We are making it easier in this province to grow a business by cutting red tape and regulatory burdens. In fact, the PA was just in my riding and held an excellent round table with small businesses on this very thing.

We’ve heard from businesses across this province that they need relief. Business resources should be spent on improving and innovating, not clearing regulatory hurdles. Far too many provincial regulations are inflexible, inefficient and, quite frankly, duplicative or simply out of date, misaligned with so many jurisdictions across this country. We’re paying higher bills for this.

Could the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade please inform this Legislature of how our government for the people is—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you. Minister?

Hon. Jim Wilson: Thank you again to my colleague for the question. Our government is taking serious action to reduce the burden of red tape and to send a message that Ontario is indeed open for business. My parliamentary assistants, Donna Skelly and Mike Parsa—Donna has been doing free trade: What’s the effect of free trade and the NAFTA negotiations on our small businesses and all our businesses? And PA Mike Parsa has been doing an excellent job, as was mentioned in the question, of listening to businesses so we can cut red tape.

We’re not just having these meetings for the sake of meetings; that’s what other governments do. We’re having these meetings so that we will cut red tape—not down the centre, like 50%, like so many cut it in half; we’re going to cut it right off in this province. We’re going to create more jobs. The Premier has appointed a special deputy minister to do exactly that, to look at the regulatory burden in the province. Historically, we’ve saved small businesses and all businesses—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you. Next question.

Horse racing industry

Mr. Percy Hatfield: My question is to the environment minister, the former head of the OLG. Good morning, Minister.

The minister tweeted last week that he’s cut a deal in his riding to keep 500 slot machines at Ajax Downs, even though a new mega casino is opening up just 10 minutes away in Pickering. So what’s the deal? Has the government reintroduced the Slots at Racetracks Program right across the province or just in ridings held by cabinet ministers?

Hon. Rod Phillips: To the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Thank you very much for the question. Our government has kept its commitment to bolster the horse racing industry and repair the damage done by the previous Liberal government, with the support of the NDP.

Agreements in principle have now been reached to keep slots operating in Kawartha Downs and Ajax Downs and to provide additional funding to continue horse racing in Fort Erie and Dresden. Discussions continue with other racetracks in Ontario. This commitment will directly support the horse racing industry and rural Ontario. This is certainly another promise made, promise kept.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Mr. Percy Hatfield: Speaker, there’s great confusion at Kawartha Downs. Employees were locked out this morning. The Premier said on Friday the slots would stay at Kawartha Downs even though a new casino is opening up in Peterborough tonight, but there seems to be a communications breakdown. Racetrack management has told the union that if all of the slots aren’t open by tomorrow, layoff notices will be issued. The OLG and Great Canadian Gaming apparently aren’t doing what the Premier said they were going to do.

Who is calling the shots in this province: the government or private casino operators?

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Our government made a generous offer to all of the racetracks, including offering the return of slots to Fort Erie and Dresden. The racetracks in those areas made a business decision to take further enhanced funding as opposed to opening their slots.

We’re committed to supporting horse racing in Ontario, and we’re listening to the needs of the industry stakeholders, something that the member across the aisle should well do. You know, Speaker, it’s difficult when you deal with the NDP. They deal in chaos; we deal in confidence. They deal in resistance; we deal in results.

Public safety

Mr. Paul Calandra: My question today is for the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services. Minister, I know the members for Simcoe North and Carleton have already asked this question, but given how important the public safety network is to our front-line officers and our emergency service workers, I think it bears asking again. The system is in a terrible state of disrepair. We know how important this is for our front-line workers, how important it is to keeping our communities across this province safe.

I wonder if the minister could once again share with us what his ministry is doing to address this critical problem, this critical lack of infrastructure that is so important for the people of Ontario.

Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: Thank you to the member for that question.

Last week, as many of you know, I was proud to stand alongside the Premier of the province and the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade to announce our government’s plans to replace Ontario’s crumbling Public Safety Radio Network. As I stated, there hasn’t been an update to this network for over 20 years. Our network is crumbling, to the extent that our emergency responders are scouring Kijiji just to find parts to keep their radios in working order. This is simply unacceptable.

Our government is taking action to ensure that more than 38,000 of our front-line workers can count on the communications infrastructure, networks and equipment they need when responding to emergencies. During the election campaign, we committed to providing our front-line officers with the tools and resources they require to perform their duties safely and effectively. Promises made, promises kept.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Mr. Paul Calandra: Thank you, Minister, for the answer.

It’s shocking, really, that Liberals, both federally and provincially, seem to take the safety and security of our province and country so lightly, whether it was a decade of darkness for our Canadian Armed Forces that the federal Liberals gave us or 15 years to repair a public safety network and make investments in public safety. That is completely unacceptable and part of the reason why the people of Ontario elected Progressive Conservatives on this side of the House and on that side of the House to make these important changes.

It is absolutely disheartening to hear that our front-line officers and workers have to go out and buy spare parts to keep their radios working. That’s not what the people of Ontario expect. I’m very proud to be part of a government for the people that is making investments like this.

I wonder if the minister could share, for the House and for the people of Ontario, just why this is such an important investment to make in order to keep our communities safe.

Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: To the Minister of Municipal Affairs.

Hon. Steve Clark: I want to thank the member for the question. I also want to thank our Premier and the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services for their commitment to taking the necessary steps to modernize the province’s Public Safety Radio Network. I want to thank them for that. These updates are urgently needed, as was seen during the recent tornadoes that affected numerous families in the Ottawa region. The PSRN is a vital tool used by our emergency responders. It assists with protecting the life safety of the general public and also the workers themselves.

That’s why our government is now taking the necessary steps to modernize and to upgrade the province’s Public Safety Radio Network so that we can prevent any further challenges faced by emergency responders and our municipal partners. Again, I want to thank the Premier and the minister for—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you.

Next question.

Horse racing industry

Mr. Wayne Gates: My question is to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. Mr. Speaker, for five years I have stood in this House and said clearly that any long-term future for the Fort Erie Race Track must include the return of slots. The community and the town have said the same thing, yet on Friday night, after 5 o’clock, this Conservative government quietly put out a press release that said, in a closed-door deal, that the government would not be returning slots to Fort Erie. Instead, they’re going to give cash or a buyout.

Mr. Speaker, my question is simple: When did the minister or the Premier consult either an elected representative or the people of the town of Fort Erie on this deal?

Hon. Rod Phillips: Minister of Finance.

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Thank you very much for the question. We are pleased that the member opposite finally recognizes the importance of the horse racing industry after the Liberal government took it apart, only thanks to the support of the NDP. However, the member may want to take time to acknowledge the industry’s real needs.

We made a generous offer to return slots to Fort Erie, but the racetrack themselves made a business decision to accept enhanced funding instead. We are committed to supporting the horse racing industry in Ontario. The member opposite would be wise to listen to his own riding.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Mr. Wayne Gates: Mr. Speaker, let me say very clearly: I do not have to take any lessons from that member on what to do in the racetrack in Fort Erie. I’ve been fighting for that track for five years, to make sure we get the slots back. That’s what I’ve done and you know that. As a member, you know that.

Mr. Speaker, back to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks: For five years, I have been clear. The future of the Fort Erie Race Track must include slots and the jobs. That would mean much-needed revenue but also hundreds of new jobs for the town of Fort Erie, jobs that the residents can raise their families on. Instead, this closed-door deal has resulted in the trade of dollars instead of slots. The mayor, the councillors and my office didn’t agree to this, and, most importantly, the residents of Fort Erie were not even told about this.

So the people of Fort Erie can know: Will the minister re-examine his deal and ensure that the slots can return to Fort Erie Race Track, just like the Premier promised?

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Thank you—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Opposition benches, come to order.

Minister, response.

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Thank you very much. Once again our government has kept its commitment to bolster the horse racing industry and repair the damage done by the previous Liberal government, only due to the support of the NDP.

We made a generous offer to return slots to Fort Erie but the racetrack made a business decision to accept the enhanced funding instead. This commitment will directly support the horse racing industry and rural communities. Our government made a generous offer to all of these racetracks including offering the return of slots to Fort Erie and Dresden.

Speaker, I’m going to say it again: The NDP deals in chaos. We deliver confidence. The NDP deals in resistance. We will deliver results.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Question period has expired.

Visitors

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Point of order: the member for Don Valley East.

Mr. Michael Coteau: I just want to take a moment to recognize the students from Don Mills Collegiate who are in the assembly today.

Annual report, Chief Electoral Officer

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I beg to inform the House that the following document has been tabled: the 2016-17 annual report of the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer of Ontario.

Visitors

Mr. Stephen Lecce: Point of order.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Point of order: the member for King–Vaughan.

Mr. Stephen Lecce: I also want to recognize students from St. Raphael the Archangel from Vaughan, who were with us earlier today.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you. There being no deferred votes, this House is recessed until 1 p.m. this afternoon.

The House recessed from 1146 to 1300.

Introduction of Visitors

Mr. Norman Miller: I’m pleased to introduce, in the members’ east gallery, Sarah Litchfield, a Seneca post-graduate government relations program student volunteering in my office, and also Braelyn Guppy, an Ontario legislative intern program participant, who just started a couple of days ago. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Mr. Aris Babikian: It is my pleasure to introduce two of my Queen’s Park staff—first of all, Patil Imasdounian. She is a fourth-year Ryerson University political science student and part-time staff in my office here. I wish her welcome—and Fadi Dawood, who is my Queen’s Park legislative assistant. Thank you and welcome.

Members’ Statements

Grandview Children’s Centre

Ms. Jennifer K. French: In my riding, we have a very special place that does wonderful work with some of our most fantastic children. Grandview Children’s Centre works with children with special needs and gives them the best chance to reach their full potential. They started humbly 65 years ago with a small number of families requesting services, and have grown to serve 10,000 families with kids who depend on Grandview’s services and supports.

Every day across Grandview’s six locations throughout Durham region, over 330 families arrive for appointments: 65,000 appointments for urgently needed pediatric rehabilitation, physio, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, specialist medical care and clinics, audiology, therapeutic recreation, and family support services. Kids with physical, communication and developmental needs depend on Grandview being there as the only pediatric rehabilitation centre in Durham. Grandview is also the regional provider for autism services.

Grandview helps so many families, but has an ever-increasing wait-list of over 3,000 kids and has outgrown the facility that is in my riding of Oshawa. I was excited to recently join Grandview and supporters to launch their Believe Campaign. The province has committed $31 million, and the Grandview Children’s Foundation is currently raising $20 million through the campaign to be able to build and move to their new home in Ajax.

The Grandview Children’s Foundation has launched the Believe Campaign. I met eight-year-old Teagan and many of the special children who are Grandview’s ambassadors—and they and all children deserve the world. I encourage everyone to believe and be a part of making dreams come true and empowering our children to realize their full potential.

Get involved. Visit grandviewkidsbelieve.ca. We believe, and we believe in a new Grandview.

Waste diversion

Mr. Norman Miller: In honour of Waste Reduction Week, I would like to share a new program that has been implemented in Parry Sound–Muskoka to help reduce waste going to landfill. I’m proud that the district of Muskoka has partnered with Ontario Mattress Recycling in Barrie to help provide residents with an environmentally conscious way to dispose of used mattresses.

Mattresses take up an enormous amount of space in landfills but, properly sorted and disassembled, 95% of discarded mattresses can be transformed into new products.

The project began as a three-month pilot project to provide services from the Barrie-based company to Muskoka residents. Since the project was launched, approximately 600 mattresses have been repurposed instead of ending up in Muskoka’s only remaining landfill.

I commend Muskoka councillors for making this program permanent starting in 2019. This should divert 10,000 to 12,000 mattresses annually and extend the life of the Rosewarne landfill by more than three years. The district projects the program will break even financially, with residents paying a tipping fee of $26 per mattress to help to cover the cost of increased staff time and the $16 per mattress the district pays to Ontario Mattress Recycling.

This program is an example of Muskoka’s dedication to environmental conservation and sustainability. The program will continue to increase the municipality’s waste-diversion rate and provide more value for taxpayers on the existing landfill.

Flooding in Algoma–Manitoulin

Mr. Michael Mantha: Speaker, do you know what the communities of Chapleau, Thessalon, Wharncliffe, Manitouwadge, Wawa, Goulais River, Searchmont and the residents of Downey Creek and Harmony Beach have in common? They have just felt the wrath of Mother Nature. Mother Nature decided to pour and rain and release waters over an excessive period of time, which resulted in road closures and flooding.

I was out in Goulais River over my constituency week looking at individuals—and a shout-out to the crews of the search-and-rescue team, who went out and rescued these people out of their homes, which had roughly about three to four feet of water through them. It is gut-wrenching seeing the struggles of those individuals and it is disheartening seeing them losing their homes.

However, what I am really frustrated about is when some of these incidents are preventable. On Highway 614 into Manitouwadge, there was a culvert that had been identified as faulty over the course of the summer. There was a dip in the culvert. The decision-makers of the day decided to put a log through it to clear the passage and put some cold patch over top it. But guess what? The heavy rains washed in, brought in debris, blocked it and we have a washed-out road. This is something that is completely preventable.

It’s not just an isolated event; it has happened year after year in northern Ontario. We’re not asking for anything more in northern Ontario, but we sure as hell won’t accept anything less. We want our roads to be a priority as well.

Neil Tweedale

Mr. Jeremy Roberts: Last Friday evening, I attended an event in my riding at which 500 revellers were gathered sharing a beer and a few laughs. But this was not a normal party. It wasn’t a wedding or a fundraiser; it was a funeral. All of these people were gathered to celebrate the life of Neil Tweedale, who passed away suddenly last week at the age of 57.

The day Neil died happened to be the 20th anniversary of the business that he and his brothers had built, Tweedale Sewer & Water. Neil was immensely proud of the company. They employed 20 to 25 workers across Ottawa every year. He was particularly proud that in 2007 his team was brought on for the emergency replacement of a water main that had burst on Parliament Hill. Within the industry, the Tweedale name has become synonymous with reliability, quality and hard work.

Neil loved his family above all else. His children, Lana, Caleum and Brittany, have each grown into impressive young men and women. I was awed by the speeches that Lana and Caleum delivered on Friday. Instead of despair, they showed through their courage and thoughtful words that Neil’s legacy would continue to be celebrated for years to come.

On a personal note, Mr. Speaker, Neil’s passing is a tremendous loss for my family. Neil was one of my father’s best friends from the day they first met in kindergarten at City View public school. I will always remember Neil coming in and out of my campaign office with an armful of lawn signs and stakes. His efforts helped put me here today.

Neil, I know that your memory will continue to bring a smile to many for many years to come. Thank you for all you did.

Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month

Miss Monique Taylor: October is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, a time to reflect and commit to the work that ensures that families and individuals living with autism have the support and services they need not only to reach their full potential but, for some, to merely survive.

Stephen Francella is 35 years old. He has very limited verbal skills and lives at home with his parents, Frank and Maureen. For five years, Stephen did live in a group home, but they weren’t able to manage his needs, so he returned home 10 years ago.

Stephen is usually very calm, happy, loving and easy to get along with, but he has occasional bouts of violence and self-injury, and they have increased dramatically over the past year.

Mom now has PTSD and is not able to manage Stephen, and is fearful of his uncontrollable outbursts.

He has been in the West 5th emergency mental health unit since mid-September, in a locked ward, and receives 24-hour care. But that overnight care for Stephen is about to be cut. That means there will be no one there with him during the evening hours. His parents are extremely concerned and worried about Stephen’s future. The family is no longer able to care for him and ensure that his needs are met. He is on wait-lists for behaviour intervention and housing.

These are the things that we should be providing to people in our communities. People in our communities need help to ensure that they can live fulfilling lives and that they can care for their loved ones. Hopefully this government will step up to the plate.

Opioid abuse / Abus d’opioïdes

M me Nathalie Des Rosiers: I rise in this House to discuss the opioid crisis. Since 2003, the number of opioid-related deaths has increased 246% in Ontario. In 2017, more than 1,200 Ontarians died from opioid-related causes. In Ottawa, the rate of opioid-related deaths is 4.1 per 100,000 people.

Every death is a tragedy. I had the occasion of attending a very moving memorial service for all the people who died from opioid-related deaths in my riding, and I have to say that I was quite moved by the way in which everybody was getting together and trying to support each other.

The evidence is in on safe injection sites and it is unacceptable to delay any further. I had the occasion to visit the sites in the riding of Ottawa–Vanier. They work well. People are getting the services that they need. It’s a pathway to getting services.

Il est temps d’agir, monsieur le Président. Il faut agir avant qu’il y a d’autres décès qui affectent Ottawa–Vanier ait et toute la province de l’Ontario. Ce gouvernement est en poste depuis quatre mois. C’est le temps d’agir et d’arrêter de tergiverser. J’ai eu l’occasion de voir de mes propres yeux combien ça marche et comment ça peut soutenir des vies. Il est important de ne pas abandonner notre devoir à l’égard de toutes ces personnes dont la vie est en danger.

Armenian community

Mr. Aris Babikian: Last week, leaders from around the world gathered in Yerevan, Armenia, for the 2018 la Francophonie summit. This was the first international gathering of Francophonie leaders, allowing them to experience Armenian hospitality.

On that same note, on September 21, around the world and in Canada, Armenians celebrated the 27th anniversary of the inception of the third republic.

Canada has had a long and historic relationship with Armenia and Armenians. Canada was one of the first countries around the world to recognize this important day and provided immediate assistance to the newly established republic to overcome the challenges left behind by 70 years of Soviet rule.

The first Armenian students, merchants and agriculturists started arriving in Ontario 150 years ago. In 1920, Ontario and Canada were pioneers in initiating the first worldwide humanitarian mission to save some of the orphan survivors of the Armenian genocide. They provided shelter and safe haven to over 100 boys and gave them a new lease on life. At the time, this mission was called Canada’s noble experiment.

Many Ontario Armenians became trailblazers in elevating and enhancing Canada’s image around the world. Movie director Atom Egoyan, photographer Yousuf Karsh and former Ontario Information and Privacy Commissioner Ann Cavoukian are among many who have made great contributions to Ontario.

I am confident that under the leadership of our Premier, Doug Ford, the relationship between Canada and America will become even more intertwined.

I believe that an economic free trade agreement between Ontario and Armenia will further strengthen the bonds between our two countries.

Mental health services

Mr. Peter Tabuns: On July 22 of this year, there was a terrible and tragic shooting on the Danforth in my riding. Two people were killed and 13 were injured. In the aftermath, people across Ontario, people across Toronto reached out to my community and gave them support and condolences, and that is deeply appreciated.

At the time, I had the opportunity in this House to rise and speak to my community, speak to Ontario, about that tragedy and offer condolences and support. Some of my constituents recently contacted me to say that the family of the shooter was also deeply, deeply affected. They had nothing to do with what happened, yet their lives were totally disrupted. Unfortunately, at the time that I spoke in the House previously, I didn’t speak about their plight, their difficulties, and I wish to acknowledge today that they went through tremendous pain and deserve the support and care of the community.

Speaker, many families struggle with a member who has severe problems with mental illness. Families tell me about the huge difficulties they go through trying to access care and support, which is part of the reason we’ve been very worried, very upset about cuts to promised investment in mental health care. We know that families face these impossible situations. For the sake of those families and to prevent future tragedies, we need to invest in mental health care, we need to look after the people of this province.

Saint Charbel Maronite Catholic church

Mr. Sheref Sabawy: Today I would like to draw our attention to the parish of Saint Charbel Maronite Catholic church in the great city of Mississauga.

Led by Father Charbel, the Maronite Catholics came together and built a new home for their community.

This past Sunday, with the patriarch of their church, His Eminence Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, in attendance, the new church hosted its first mass and the community blessed their altar. I had the pleasure of attending. Although it’s not my first time celebrating with the community, I’m always impressed by the love and care they have for each other. Be it at the Saint Charbel Lebanese Heritage Festival in July or the festival of St. Mary in September, or the elevation of the cross just a few weeks ago, Saint Charbel parish welcomes the broader Mississauga community and all Ontarians to celebrate their faith and their culture.

The new Saint Charbel Church is the physical example of love, and like their love, it will stand the test of time.

Volunteer firefighters

Ms. Jane McKenna: On Friday, I had the honour of attending the 38th annual volunteer firefighters recognition and appreciation awards. It was truly an extraordinary occasion, and I was honoured to play a small part by bringing greetings from the government of Ontario and sitting with our extraordinary fire chief, Dave Lazenby.

We all recognize that volunteers have a long and venerable history as the foundation of strong communities. We know that to be true. From health care navigators and hospital volunteers to food banks, from community outreach volunteers and Big Brothers to Girl Guides and on and on, every single volunteer contributes to making the world a better place one person at a time.

I am so happy that volunteerism today is very much in style. But in the world of firefighting, volunteering has long been a way of life. Today and every day, for well over a hundred years, the volunteer firefighters in Burlington and across rural and small-town Ontario have given their all to help others in desperate need. Volunteers are the only protection and source of security against the devastation of fire in so many parts of our province.

On Friday, October 12, we celebrated the bravest, the strongest, the gentlest and the most relied upon of volunteers. The men and women we honoured, the volunteers who have been firefighting for 10, 25 and even 40 years, have been a literal lifeline for victims, for survivors, when their world was on the brink of destruction or worse.

For five years of service, we recognize Matthew Fedele, Zahari Ganichev, Jim Patterson and Brian Yott. For 10 years, we congratulate Peter Cairns, and for 15 years, Peter Oleskiw. For 20 years, we recognize John Robertson. For 25 years, we honour Lynn Powell and Kevin Rutty. And for 40 years of commitment, we congratulate Jeff Swance.

Thankfully, most people will never need volunteer fire services, but we are all grateful beyond words to know that should there be a need, they will be there for us.

I know that all members in this House share with me in congratulating these courageous men and women on their commitment and years of selfless dedication to volunteer firefighting in Burlington. They have contributed greatly to making the world a better place.

Introduction of Bills

Ending Discrimination in Automobile Insurance Act, 2018 / Loi de 2018 mettant fin à la discrimination en matière d’assurance-automobile

Mr. Gill moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 42,

An Act to amend the Automobile Insurance Rate Stabilization Act, 2003 and the Insurance Act with respect to ending discrimination in automobile insurance / Projet de loi 42, Loi modifiant la Loi de 2003 sur la stabilisation des taux d’assurance-automobile et la

Loi sur les assurances en ce qui concerne l’élimination de la discrimination en matière d’assurance-automobile.

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

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Does the member for Milton care to explain his bill?

Mr. Parm Gill: Absolutely. Mr. Speaker, the purpose of my bill is to enhance the marketplace and to encourage more consumer choice in the area of automobile insurance. The bill amends the Automobile Insurance Rate Stabilization Act, 2003, to require the Superintendent of Financial Services to rescind bulletin A-01/05, which sets out factors to be included in a risk classification system of an insurer under that act.

The bill also amends the Insurance Act to require the Lieutenant Governor in Council to amend regulation 664 (Automobile Insurance) of the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990, made under this act so that a risk classification system prohibits insurers from using factors primarily related to the postal code or telephone area code for the residence of a person who would be an insured person under a contract. It also requires the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario to make a rule to the same effect.

Petitions

School facilities

Miss Monique Taylor: I would like to thank one of the residents in my riding, Jayoti Edington, for gathering all of these signatures and for putting the petition together, named “Classroom Climate Control Petition.”

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas

section 265(1)(

j) of the Education Act requires principals ‘to give assiduous attention to the health and comfort of the pupils, to the cleanliness, temperature and ventilation of the school, to the care of all teaching materials and other school property, and to the condition and appearance of the school buildings and grounds’; and

“Whereas funding for the deferred maintenance in schools has been inadequate to keep up with the costs of our aging infrastructure; and

“Whereas students and education workers go to school every year in sweltering and freezing conditions not conducive to learning or working;

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

“That funding be immediately provided to allow principals of schools across Ontario the ability to achieve their legally required duty under

section 26(1)(j); and

“That an amendment be made to the Occupational Health and Safety Act to allow education sector workers the right of work refusal with a heat index above 32 degrees Celsius; and

“That the Education Act reflect the rights of students to have a climate-controlled learning environment that should reflect the tolerances allowed for workers under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.”

I agree with this petition. I’m going to affix my name to it and give it to page Albert to bring to the Clerk.

Poet laureate

Mr. Percy Hatfield: I would like to thank my friends Kim Kristy and Pat Jeflyn for signing this petition and sending it along.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas poets laureate have been officially recognized at all levels of Canadian government and in at least 15 countries around the world; and

“Whereas the establishment of our own poet laureate for the province of Ontario would promote literacy and celebrate Ontario culture and heritage, along with raising public awareness of poetry and of the spoken word; and

“Whereas Gord Downie was a poet, a singer and advocate for indigenous issues, and designating the poet laureate in his memory will serve to honour him and continue his legacy; and

“Whereas Bill 6,

An Act to establish the Poet Laureate of Ontario in memory of Gord Downie, will establish the Office of Poet Laureate for the province of Ontario as a non-partisan attempt to promote literacy, to focus attention on our iconic poets and to give new focus to the arts community in Ontario;

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

“To support the establishment of the Office of Poet Laureate as an officer of the Ontario Legislature and that private member’s Bill 6,

An Act to establish the Poet Laureate of Ontario in memory of Gord Downie, receive swift passage through the legislative process.”

I fully agree. I will sign it and give it to Harry to bring down to the desk.

Injured workers

Mr. Kevin Yarde: This petition is entitled “Workers’ Comp is a Right.”

“Whereas about 200,000 to 300,000 people in Ontario are injured on the job every year;

“Whereas over a century ago, workers in Ontario who were injured on the job gave up the right to sue their employers, in exchange for a system that would provide them with just compensation;

“Whereas decades of cost-cutting have pushed injured workers into poverty and onto publicly funded social assistance programs, and have gradually curtailed the rights of injured workers;

“Whereas injured workers have the right to quality and timely medical care, compensation for lost wages, and protection from discrimination;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to change the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act to accomplish the following for injured workers in Ontario:

“Eliminate the practice of ‘deeming’ or ‘determining,’ which bases compensation on phantom jobs that injured workers do not actually have;

“Ensure that the WSIB prioritizes and respects the medical opinions of the health care providers who treat the injured worker directly;

“Prevent compensation from being reduced or denied based on ‘pre-existing conditions’ that never affected the worker’s ability to function prior to the work injury.”

I completely agree with this petition and I’ll give it to page Taya.

Curriculum

Mr. Toby Barrett: Speaker, I have received a large number of petitions from Tanya Granic Allen and Parents as First Educators, addressed to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

“Whereas the Liberal government of Kathleen Wynne, in 2015, imposed on Ontario parents, without proper consultation, an ideological sex ed curriculum that, in many places, was age-inappropriate and had the effect of sexualizing children; and

“Whereas the Wynne sex ed curriculum has, since 2015, forced Ontario teachers to promote ideology over facts, including the controversial and unscientific ‘gender identity theory’;

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

“

(1) That the Minister of Education immediately repeal the 2015 changes to the sex ed component of the health and physical education curriculum; that she restore, for the 2018-19 school year, the previous sex ed component; that she immediately instruct Ontario school boards and teachers that none of the controversial aspects of the Wynne sex ed—especially the unscientific ‘gender identity theory’—be taught in Ontario schools, neither to the classroom nor in private instruction to individual students; that she conduct a broad and exhaustive consultation with all Ontario parents; and, subject to those consultations, that she replace previous versions of the sex ed component with something that is both age-appropriate and that avoids the sexualization of Ontario children;

“

(2) And that, starting in September 2018, the Minister of Education instruct every Ontario school board to ensure that every Ontario parent receives sufficient notice of any sex ed instruction provided in the jurisdiction of that school board, and in such a manner that all parents can easily exercise their right to ‘opt out’ of any particular sex ed class by removing their child from that class.”

I will affix my signature to these petitions.

Employment standards

Mr. Faisal Hassan: I have a petition from residents of York South–Weston entitled, “Don’t Take Away Our $15 Minimum Wage and Fairer Labour Laws.”

“Whereas the vast majority of Ontarians support a $15 minimum wage and better laws to protect workers; and

“Whereas last year, in response to overwhelming popular demand by the people of Ontario, the provincial government brought in legislation and regulations that:

“Deliver 10 personal emergency leave days for all workers, the first two of which are paid;

“Make it illegal to pay part-time, temporary, casual or contract workers less than their full-time or directly hired co-workers, including equal public holiday pay and vacation pay;

“Raised the adult general minimum wage to $14 per hour and further raises it to a $15 minimum wage on January 1, 2019, with annual adjustments by Ontario’s consumer price index;

“Make it easier to join unions, especially for workers in the temporary help, home care, community services and building services sectors;

“Make client companies responsible for workplace health and safety for temporary agency employees;

“Provide strong enforcement through the hiring of an additional 175 employment standards officers;

“Will ensure workers have modest improvements in the scheduling of their hours, including:

“—three hours’ pay when workers are expected to be on call all day, but are not called into work;

“—three hours’ pay for any employee whose shift is cancelled with less than two days’ notice; and

“—the right to refuse shifts without penalty if the shift is scheduled with fewer than four days’ notice;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to honour these commitments, including the $15 minimum wage and fairer scheduling rules set to take effect on January 1, 2019. We further call on the assembly to take all necessary steps to enforce these laws and extend them to ensure no worker is left without protection.”

I support this petition, add my signature and give it to page Sophie.

Employment standards

Ms. Sara Singh: I have a petition here. I would like to thank my friends at Fight for $15 and Fairness and at the Workers’ Action Centre, and Susmita Rai from Brampton, for bringing this petition to us today.

“Petition to the Ontario Legislative Assembly:

“Don’t Take Away Our $15 Minimum Wage and Fairer Labour Laws.

“Whereas the vast majority of Ontarians support a $15 minimum wage and better laws to protect workers; and

“Whereas last year, in response to overwhelming popular demand by the people of Ontario, the provincial government brought in legislation and regulations that:

“Deliver 10 personal emergency leave days for all workers, the first two of which are paid;

“Make it illegal to pay part-time, temporary, casual or contract workers less than their full-time or directly hired co-workers, including equal public holiday pay and vacation pay;

“Raised the adult general minimum wage to $14 per hour and further raises it to ... $15” per hour “on January 1, 2019, with annual adjustments by Ontario’s consumer price index;

“Make it easier to join unions, especially for workers in the temporary help, home care, community services and building services sectors;

“Make client companies responsible for workplace health and safety for temporary agency employees...;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to honour these commitments, including the $15 minimum wage and fairer scheduling rules set to take effect on January 1, 2019. We further call on the assembly to take all necessary steps to enforce these laws and extend them to ensure no worker is left without protection.”

I fully endorse this petition, and I will affix my name and send it off with page Andrei.

Injured workers

Mrs. Jennifer (Jennie) Stevens: “Whereas about 200,000 to 300,000 people in Ontario are injured on the job every year;

“Whereas over a century ago, workers in Ontario who were injured on the job gave up the right to sue their employers, in exchange for a system that would provide them with just compensation;

“Whereas decades of cost-cutting have pushed injured workers into poverty and onto publicly funded social assistance programs, and have gradually curtailed the rights of injured workers;

“Whereas injured workers have the right to quality and timely medical care, compensation for lost wages, and protection from discrimination;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to change the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act to accomplish the following for injured workers in Ontario:

“Eliminate the practice of ‘deeming’ or ‘determining,’ which bases compensation on phantom jobs that injured workers do not actually have;

“Ensure that the WSIB prioritizes and respects the medical opinions of the health care providers who treat the injured worker directly;

“Prevent compensation from being reduced or denied based on ‘pre-existing conditions’ that never affected the worker’s ability to function prior to the work injury.”

I will affix my name to this and I will hand it to page Harry.

Northern health services

M me France Gélinas: I would like to thank Anne Marie Higgs from Hanmer in my riding for collecting hundreds and hundreds of names on the following petition. It reads as follows:

“Save the Breast Screening and Assessment Service.

“Whereas Premier Doug Ford promised that there would not be cuts to nurses’ positions; and

“Whereas in Sudbury we have already lost 70 nurses, and Health Sciences North is closing part of the Breast Screening and Assessment Service; and

“Whereas cuts to the Sudbury Breast Screening and Assessment Service will result in longer wait times, which is very stressful for women diagnosed with breast cancer; and

“Whereas cuts to the Sudbury Breast Screening and Assessment Service will only take us backwards”;

They petition the Legislative Assembly as follows:

“Provide adequate funding to Health Sciences North to ensure northerners have equitable access to life-saving programs such as the Breast Screening and Assessment Service.”

I fully support this petition and will affix my name to it and ask my new page, Sophia, to bring it to the Clerk.

Curriculum

Miss Monique Taylor: I would like to thank Clara McIntosh, who is a student at Cawthra Park Secondary School, who gathered 298 signatures on this petition.

“Protecting Children: Forward, Not Backward, on Sex Ed.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the health and physical education curriculum empowers young people to make informed decisions about relationships and their bodies;

“Whereas gender-based violence, gender inequality, unintended pregnancies, ‘sexting,’ and HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose serious risks to the safety and well-being of young people;

“Whereas one in three women and one in six men experience sexual violence in Canada, and a lack of age-appropriate education about sexual health and healthy relationships leaves children and youth vulnerable to exploitation;

“Whereas one in five parents reported their own child being a victim of cyberbullying; and

“Whereas” the Premier “and the Conservative government is dragging Ontario backward, requiring students to learn an outdated sex ed curriculum that excludes information about consent, sexual orientation, gender identity, sexting, cyberbullying and safe and healthy relationships;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to direct the Ministry of Education to continue the use of the 2015 health and physical education curriculum in schools and move Ontario forward, not backward.”

I fully support this petition. I will affix my name to it and give it to page Armita to bring to the Clerk.

Orders of the Day

Green Energy Repeal Act, 2018 / Loi de 2018 abrogeant la

Loi sur l’énergie verte

Mr. Rickford moved second reading of the following bill:

Bill 34,

An Act to repeal the Green Energy Act, 2009 and to amend the Electricity Act, 1998, the Environmental Protection Act, the Planning Act and various other statutes / Projet de loi 34, Loi abrogeant la Loi de 2009 sur l’énergie verte et modifiant la Loi de 1998 sur l’électricité, la

Loi sur la protection de l’environnement, la

Loi sur l’aménagement du territoire et diverses autres lois.

The Acting Speaker (Mrs. Lisa Gretzky): To the minister.

Hon. Greg Rickford: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I’m pleased to be here today to speak about another promise our government for the people is delivering on. Here to help me celebrate is my parliamentary assistant, the member for Markham–Stouffville, who will be sharing time with me today. I appreciate his participation and his support in our important work about Bill 34.

When our government came to power, we were given a very clear mandate by the people of Ontario. We promised them a government that puts the needs of everyday, hard-working people, families and small businesses first. Imagine that concept. We promised to respect their hard-earned money and to make hydro and various other costs to them more affordable, putting and keeping more money in their pockets, where it belongs, at least long enough to decide how and when they want to spend that money on their priorities, not the government’s.

Madam Speaker, we promised to bring transparency back to Queen’s Park, to be accountable to people who pay their bills day in and day out, month in and month out, to drive efficiencies in the electricity system, and to push energy costs down. Most importantly, we promised to restore the public’s faith in our electricity system. We’ve been working very hard at this over the past 100 days and we boast a number of successes to speak of. Since day one, my colleagues and I have been working day and night to keep the promises we made. We’ve heard it before—“Promise made, promise kept”—over and over again.

We’re delivering on what we said we would do. We listened to people from across the province. We heard stories from families and small businesses who were forced to make tough decisions because of a bad energy policy. Large manufacturing employers deserted this province in favour of competing jurisdictions south of the border. We saw small businesses, mom-and-pop shops closing down and other legislation forcing them to lay people off.

I just had a birthday a couple of weeks ago—

Interjections.

Hon. Greg Rickford: Yes, they’re coming too fast and frequently now.

I grew up in a province that had a distinct advantage. It had an energy advantage. In the south here, we had manufacturing. My dad was in charge of quality control at a foundry, pouring grey and ductile iron. My grandpa and my uncle were working at Massey Ferguson. Forestry mills and mines were operating at full steam. But then, something happened. Just a little over a generation ago—say, 15 years—we started to lose that advantage. The priorities of the previous government and their backroom, elite friends started to take the agenda over. Slowly but surely, Madam Speaker, we lost our edge.

We lost our ability to be competitive with Ohio, with Michigan, with Manitoba and with Quebec. No disrespect—I spent a number of years in Quebec, a beautiful province; well-educated there. But on the mining and forestry mill front and on hydro, Ontario was placing second to them, a province often touted for its regulatory burdens. Ontario was now way more expensive and way more difficult to do business in.

We want to change that, Madam Speaker. It doesn’t make any sense to me that Kenora Forest Products sat idle while a mill owned by the same family, right across the border in Manitoba—again, coming from northwestern Ontario, we kind of consider ourselves Mantarians of a sort because we’re so far away from Toronto here. But that forestry mill sat idle. It sat idle, Madam Speaker, while the other mill of its likeness, not too far away but inside the Manitoba border, was running at full production. What was the difference? Energy. That was the difference. Some of my colleagues across the way know full well that that was going on as well.

It was hampering the decisions of major mining developments.

So while we know there’s more work to be done, Madam Speaker, immediate action had to be taken. That’s why we’re here today. In Bill 34, the Green Energy Repeal Act, 2018, we’re taking another significant step toward fulfilling our pledge to make life more affordable for the people of Ontario and for the businesses of Ontario.

As I’ve said before, Madam Speaker, it occurred to me, in reviewing the legislation and all the policy options around it, that the only thing green about the Green Energy Act was the green that lined the pockets of Liberal insiders who helped to support this legislation. Insiders got rich. Hydro got expensive. Projects were put in places where people didn’t want them and Ontario’s grid system didn’t need them. So while people from all over Ontario were struggling to pay their hydro bills, those families and businesses getting increasingly fed up with rising electricity prices entrusted our government to clean up this hydro mess.

They had every right to be fed up, and that’s why our government is moving quickly to keep our promises and bring them the kind of relief that they need and that they deserve. For many people in Ontario, Madam Speaker, the Green Energy Act has become a symbol of an inefficient and burdensome energy economy. It represents the doling out of massive energy contracts that our energy system doesn’t need and, as I said before, many communities didn’t want. These contracts, rather oddly, guaranteed above-market prices for renewable energy companies for power our system never needed.

More importantly, it wasn’t addressing solutions for communities all across this province that would have benefited from another form of energy had they had the option. We’re learning that now, when we find out about communities who are looking for natural gas expansion. We’re learning that now with mining companies that are looking for alternatives for energy to meet needs at their sites.

I can say to them, Madam Speaker—I can say to families and businesses alike—that our government is committed to making sure our system runs efficiently and effectively. That’s why we had to eliminate more than 758 renewable energy projects. Repealing the Green Energy Act will protect people from paying hydro bills in the future to cover the costs of senseless renewable projects. Repealing the Green Energy Act is about taking another important step towards our goal of creating a more efficient and competitive energy marketplace in Ontario.

Through you, Madam Speaker, to my colleagues on both sides of the floor and our friends in our own party over there, the Ontario energy advantage—doesn’t that sound good? Don’t we conjure up images of a booming Ontario economy circa Bill Davis days, when bills were paid, taxpayers’ dollars were respected, and our industries and small businesses were running at full throttle?

Well, the good news is, we’re working to reduce the bills for residential, business and industrial customers in Ontario to provide relief for families and an incentive for employers―“job creators” I prefer to call them―to come back to our province.

That’s why we’re putting signs at the border: “Ontario is open for business.” My responsibility and my very capable parliamentary assistant’s responsibility is to modernize our energy system here in Ontario, make us affordable and make us competitive—imagine that. Along with repealing the Green Energy Act, there are a few other pieces to this legislation in terms of amending several other existing acts to help us get there. They include the Planning Act and the Environmental Protection Act.

For too long, municipalities were forced to watch while needless green energy projects were constructed in their communities without their approval.

The critical amendments we’re introducing would give municipalities back their voice―power to the municipalities, Madam Speaker―so they can make decisions about the location of renewable energy projects in their communities, so that they can have a dialogue with our talented Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing as to the kinds of infrastructure projects for energy they need and require, and so that our very capable Minister of Infrastructure and I can work together to ensure those communities get what they need for more affordable energy bills that are competitive, not just for their families in their day-to-day lives but for the industries that are there and, most importantly, the ones that could be there.

By restoring municipal authority for the location of renewable energy facilities we’re ensuring that any future projects have the support and buy-in―wait for it―of local communities.

Now, for those of us out in the far-reaching areas of northern Ontario, northwestern Ontario, eastern Ontario and deep into southwestern Ontario, the smaller municipalities, this means a lot to us because we want solutions that work for us. No disrespect to this great city and its hockey team, which I love very much, but we want solutions for Kenora; we want solutions for southwestern Ontario and the far-reaching corners—Bay of Quinte out there in eastern Ontario. Name the place, name the space, they need a government who’s listening to them, who can provide solutions and opportunities for them to thrive.

Municipalities have and continue to tell us time and time again that they felt ignored when the wasteful green energy projects were forced into their backyards. No more, Madam Speaker: Our government recognizes and respects the rights of all municipalities. The municipal decision-making authority is a key pillar of this legislation that puts the people of Ontario and their communities first. We’re giving municipalities across Ontario their voices back.

Local governments have their fingers closest to the pulse of the people they represent. It makes perfect sense that they would be in the best position, through engagement with their community members and their businesses, to decide what real energy solutions work for them.

That’s why we’re working hard to make sure their interests are never trampled by ideological crusades like the ones waged by the previous government. By doing this, we’re ensuring that in the future projects will not be built without the expressed support of local communities. This can be done without hardship.

We have some experience with that up in Kenora. The great Kenora riding, when I was presiding over it federally―we had a mine up in Red Lake and the electrification was just insufficient for the overall efficient and effective functioning of Red Lake, now in the provincial riding of Kiiwetinoong. We worked with Union Gas at the time to supplement the energy, but really to give them solutions—extended the pipeline from Ear Falls up to Red Lake; everyone got on board. Goldcorp signed on by supporting folks in a conversion program to go to natural gas, and Goldcorp had an alternative form of energy.

Everyone benefited. FedNor, that institution that it was by the time our government was finished with its modernization and revamp, was responding to communities’ energy needs, to their solutions, to their requests as viable options that met the threshold, the test and the expectations of large employers, small businesses and families living in that beautiful part of the country.

This amendment, Madam Speaker, is about respecting local government so that they can accommodate renewable energy proposals as willing partners. We’re ensuring that new projects meet the local planning objectives of municipalities. I hope we see a trend here, colleagues: They can now make decisions that reflect the needs of the people who live in their communities.

Amending the Planning Act is about making the right decisions for the people because it would restore authority to municipalities across Ontario. It means more power in the hands of the people and the communities, where it belongs. This is going to bring about positive change, change that is much needed. Frankly, from everything I’ve heard—and I’m not speaking for my colleagues surrounding me here today, but is it pretty fair to say through you, Madam Speaker, that this is a much-needed breath of fresh air across Ontario?

This is the right decision for the people of Ontario because the Green Energy Act has led to incredibly poor outcomes that have been a real burden for Ontario families and for Ontario businesses. Families have struggled to pay their bills. Many small businesses have been forced to close their doors for extended periods of time in many instances, and some permanently because of the previous government’s energy policy.

We’re not going to stand for that, Madam Speaker. We want those job creators to be able to employ more people. We want families to not have to cut back on how many sports their kids are enrolled in or make choices between heating and eating, particularly for some of our more vulnerable. It’s not just an expression that has had some political importance. I know of real situations out in northwestern Ontario where vulnerable people have had to make those choices. We’re proposing other positive changes to the renewable energy regulatory system to safeguard against these dramatic consequences.

We’re also making amendments to the Environmental Protection Act. Our government’s proposed legislation will give us the authority to freeze environmental approvals for proposed energy projects where the need for electricity has not been demonstrated. This would allow us to put the brakes on unnecessary additional projects that would add costs to electricity bills that the people of Ontario simply cannot afford. This would allow our government to continue to make responsible choices that respect energy customers and keep their bills from skyrocketing again in the future.

We’ve used this word for a while, “ratepayers,” and we sometimes forget what that really means. That is that bill at the end of the month that that family gets and that small business gets. It determines, to a certain extent and in some instances to a great extent, the quality of their life and the ability of their business to compete locally, provincially, in Canada and across the borders.

Madam Speaker, this would allow our government to continue to make the responsible choices that respect energy rates, most importantly, from skyrocketing in the future.

Our government for the people is restoring power back to municipalities by giving them back their decision-making authority. We’re eliminating the burden that needless renewable energy projects have created in our electricity system. We are making sure that new energy projects are only being built where the supply is needed. It’s all part of our plan to lower hydro bills and bring relief to families and businesses of all sizes. The people of Ontario voted for relief on June 7. Today, on October—is it the 14th?

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: The 15th.

Hon. Greg Rickford: Okay.

Help is here. This is just one example of a promise made and a promise kept. And I can assure this place, Madam Speaker, that we will continue to work each and every day to break down those barriers, to level the playing field, so that Ontario can have that energy advantage again. When great cities like Kenora and Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury, Timmins, moving to southern Ontario—

Mr. Rick Nicholls: Chatham.

Hon. Greg Rickford: Chatham—I’m getting whispers in my ear—

Hon. Todd Smith: Belleville.

Hon. Greg Rickford: —Belleville—that will be a distinct advantage. We’ll be able to boast that not only are our energy bills affordable for us as families and as individuals, whether we rent or own our homes, but small businesses will be competitive and able to grow, and our large employers, our job creators, will be competitive once again.

I want to thank this place for the opportunity to speak on this important piece of legislation. I’d now like to yield and share my time with my colleague.

The Acting Speaker (Mrs. Lisa Gretzky): The member for Markham–Stouffville.

Mr. Paul Calandra: Just let me thank and congratulate the minister. What is obvious from the minister’s discourse is that this is actually a time for us to be excited. It’s a time for all Ontarians to be excited that change is coming to Ontario. It’s coming to Ontario and it’s long overdue.

I will just say this, Madam Speaker. I, of course, had the good fortune to work with the minister in Ottawa. He was the Minister of Natural Resources, in charge of energy, and prior to that the parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Affairs. He comes to this portfolio with a knowledge and an understanding that I guess few of us have. I think that’s what also gives us a unique opportunity to really make changes.

I will also say this. One thing I’ve seen from all of the members who come from the north—not just the members on this side of the House but members opposite as well: All share a passion for making things better in the north. They all see the potential that there is in the north, and many have remained frustrated that that potential hasn’t always been met. More often than not, bad decisions of governments have frustrated that progress.

The Green Energy Repeal Act is just one way that we’re taking Ontario back. We’re moving it forward and we are unleashing the potential not only of southern Ontario, but of northern Ontario and all parts of this great province. The Green Energy Repeal Act is another step in our agenda to make life more affordable for all Ontariansb—ecause we all heard it during the election. I know all of my colleagues worked just as hard as I did knocking on doors, talking to people, talking to small, medium and large job creators.

They all heard the frustration that many of them felt with respect to how costly it had become to live and to work in Ontario. Many were lamenting the inability to make investments in the province that would fulfill their needs and their families’ needs in the future. The Green Energy Repeal Act is but another step on the road to improving conditions for all Ontarians—families and individuals; small, medium and large job creators.

It’s an exciting time, but, as I said, much of what we’re doing is a fulsome agenda to unleash that potential that has really been frustrated over the last number of years.

One of the things that the minister touched on, and I wanted to speak a little bit further on this, is that the Green Energy Act, parts of it—the bill that we brought forward, Bill 34, does touch on a number of different things. There are some positive aspects we’re going to be retaining from the Green Energy Act. We’re going to continue to talk about energy conservation. We’re going to continue to talk about collection of data. But what we are going to aggressively attack and eliminate are these contracts, first and foremost, that have cost Ontarians hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars, and not just in the cost of power.

One of the first acts we brought here was the elimination of some 750 contracts and the elimination or the cancellation of the White Pines project. I know the member for Prince Edward, the government House leader, had been a vociferous champion on this, to try and get the government before we were here to stop this, to listen to the community. That had not been done by the previous government.

When you look at the green energy contracts, it’s not, as the minister talked about, just that the cost of energy was so much more expensive than other forms of energy. It’s the opportunity cost as well.

I come from a riding just north of Toronto, Markham–Stouffville, where manufacturing was and is important. Farming is important to the rural part of my community. Both sectors, over the last number of years, have suffered dramatically because of the decisions that government made that made it less profitable for them to operate, that really reduced their ability to compete not only with other jurisdictions in Canada but, of course, with our neighbours to the south.

I just want to take a moment, if I can, to talk about some of the results of these decisions, how they impacted communities across Ontario. There is a number of reports, Madam Speaker; I don’t intend to highlight all of them, but there was a number of reports that were specific with respect to how the Green Energy Act impacted manufacturing and job creation in the province of Ontario, in particular between 2005 and 2016.

Now, obviously, Madam Speaker, it would be wrong if I didn’t highlight the fact that of course there was a recession in that time period, but much of what we’re talking about also compares Ontario and how it came out of the recession in comparison to other jurisdictions. What many of these reports find is that Ontario was slower. It took them longer. The results were less than would have been expected in the past.

And many of them highlight the fact that it was the policies of the previous Liberal government, in particular the Green Energy Act, that caused Ontario to lose hundreds of thousands of jobs, hundreds of billions of dollars in economic investment. That frustrated our ability to grow. What was once the engine of the Canadian economy was a have-not province. There are a number of reports that highlight that.

One report from the Fraser Institute talks about how Ontario’s electricity costs are among the fastest-growing. “Between 2010 and 2016, electricity costs for small industrial consumers in Ottawa increased by 50% and in Toronto, 48%, while the average rate of increase in the rest of Canada was only 15%.” Madam Speaker, I can’t begin to tell you the impact that type of an increase would have had on small, medium and large job creators. In my hometown of Stouffville, we saw the loss of one of our larger manufacturers. It closed down and consolidated its operations in the United States.

It wasn’t just about the cost of high energy; it was about all of the other policies that were in place that made it almost impossible for them to compete with other jurisdictions and with plants that they had in the United States.

When we talk about the cost of energy and why it has such an impact, it’s not only on the ratepayers—it’s not only when we go home and open up our hydro bill and see the costs have increased. It’s also the opportunity cost. It’s the jobs that aren’t created. It’s the investments that aren’t made because of the policies that were put in place, which cost Ontarians so much money.

To think that we had a province, as the minister said, that had the economic advantage, that had an advantage over the rest of the country by virtue of the fact that we had a clean, reliable source of energy. I would submit to you, Madam Speaker, that that energy advantage that we had, obviously, as the minister said, we lost. But we can get that back.

When trying to explain to people over the last little bit why the Green Energy Act was created as it was—I know many, if not all, members of the House, or at least the vast majority of the members of the House, were at the International Plowing Match, and for many members it was probably their first opportunity to see a windmill, to see the size of a windmill. I know that many of the members had the same questions as I did when they saw the windmill not turning for the couple of days that we were there.

Many of the farmers who we met with and talked with were insistent—one in particular insisted and said, “Just go stand below one of these windmills. Go take a look at one of these windmills,” and we did that. We went out, we stood under it, we took a look at it, just the sheer scale and enormity of just one of these windmills, Madam Speaker. Then you look across the landscape and see many, many, many of these windmills across class A agricultural land.

You hear the stories of the farmers who were frustrated and angry that they didn’t have an opportunity to have a say in what was happening in their community. You heard from two different sets of people, the fighting and the arguments that were happening in communities, the frustration of our elected municipal partners who wanted to represent their community but had the ability to do that taken away from them by the previous Liberal government.

Mr. Gilles Bisson: Just like the city of Toronto.

Mr. Paul Calandra: The member opposite shouts out, “Just like the city of Toronto.” Not to sidetrack too far, but as a member of Parliament from Markham–Stouffville who has felt the devastation of indecision from the city of Toronto for a number of years and has felt the deep impact of their inability to make transit decisions has had on my community—their inability to make decisions on roads and transportation, which causes people and members of provincial Parliament like me to take three hours to get into work—I think the member can appreciate that a streamlined decision-making process that represents the people is the best way to go.

But in talking about the city of Toronto, he highlights what it is this government wants to do. We want to unleash the potential of the entire province. You can’t have a strong province if you don’t have a strong city of Toronto. The city of Toronto is the economic engine of our province. When it doesn’t succeed, nor do the rest of our municipalities succeed. When the city of Toronto doesn’t succeed, we don’t have the money for health care, we don’t have the money for all of the things that the people of Ontario deem important. So when the member talks about the city of Toronto, I