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March 20, 2007

38th Parliament, 2nd Session

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Hansard Transcripts

vol. A

Hansard Transcripts

vol. B

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcript 2007-Mar-20 vol. A (PDF)

L143A - Tue 20 Mar 2007 / Mar 20 mar 2007

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Tuesday 20 March 2007 Mardi 20 mars 2007

Supplementary estimates

MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

Women’s representation in provincial Parliament

Minimum wage

Canadian Eco-Rubber

Access to Health Care

Brampton hospital

Nowruz

Education funding

Access to health care

Forest industry

Visitors

Legislative pages

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Endangered Species Act, 2007 Loi de 2007 sur les espèces en voie de disparition

MOTIONS

House sittings

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY AND RESPONSES

Endangered Species espèces menacées

Federal-provincial fiscal policies Politiques fiscales fédérales-provinciales

la francophonie

Amateur sport sport amateur

Endangered species

Federal-provincial fiscal policies

la francophonie

Federal-provincial fiscal policies

ORAL QUESTIONS

Native land Dispute

Visitors

Minimum wage

Post-secondary education

Access to health care

Social assistance

Manufacturing jobs

Access to health care

Education Funding

Driver licences

Anti-Bullying initiatives

Paper mill

Produits agricoles ontariens Ontario produce

Greenbelt foundation

PETITIONS

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Affordable housing

Regulation of zoos

Long-term care

Regulation of zoos

Ontario disability support program

Gravesites of former premiers

Natural resources program funding

Road safety

Long-term care

Affordable housing

ORDERS OF THE DAY

Health System Improvements Act, 2007 Loi de 2007 sur l’amélioration du système de santé

ADJOURNMENT DEBATE

Fish and wildlife management

Class size

The House met at 1330.

Prayers.

Supplementary estimates

Hon. David Caplan (Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal, Deputy Government House Leader): I have a message from His Honour the Lieutenant Governor signed by his own hand.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): The Lieutenant Governor transmits supplementary estimates of certain sums required for the services of the province for the year ending 31 March 2007 and recommends them to the Legislative Assembly.

MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

Women’s representation in provincial Parliament

Ms. Lisa MacLeod (Nepean–Carleton): Yesterday was an historic day in this Legislature. For the first time in our history, this Legislature was composed of 25% women, thanks to my colleague from Burlington, Joyce Savoline, as well as the other female members of this Legislature. That is something we can all be proud of on all sides of this Legislature. In particular, as a Progressive Conservative MPP I’m pleased that this is yet another first for Ontario women.

The PC Party of Ontario had the first female Deputy Premier in Bette Stephenson, and we had the first female finance minister in Janet Ecker. There is still a long way to go until we really, truly reach a reflective gender balance in this Legislature, but we are making progress. As a young mom, I was proud to be able to run for John Tory, and I am pleased to now be in a position to help other young women in this province run for office, particularly for this Legislature. It is time that we all in this Legislature become proactive.

We need to make the necessary changes to this institution to make it more family friendly and more appealing to women. We should strive to ensure that Joyce Savoline’s historic feat in becoming the first female to break the 25% glass ceiling in Ontario politics is just the start in balancing the gender gap.

The time for rhetoric has passed, and the time for action is now to make sure this Legislature is more attractive to members of all kinds. Male, female, young and old, I implore my colleagues on all sides to take Joyce’s experiences and the experiences of all members to heart in order to make this institution truly reflective of the Ontarians we represent.

Minimum wage

Ms. Cheri DiNovo (Parkdale–High Park): Last fall my bill, the living wage bill, passed second reading demanding a $10 minimum wage for the poorest of our working families. This government refused to allow me committee time or to bring the bill back for third reading. Unlike their own pay raise, which passed in eight days, Ontario’s poorest families are told to wait yet again.

Since then, fuelled by the 74% of Canadians who demand action, we have held forums and travelled the province and won a by-election, all fuelled by the huge movement to alleviate the plight of the working poor. Thousands of e-mails pour into Queen’s Park, the Toronto Star has come out twice in favour of my bill and the theme of the International Women’s Day march was the $10 minimum wage.

Over 90 economists, as well as TABIA, the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas, across Canada have denounced the fear tactics of this government, claiming a $10 minimum wage would help small business, help the economy and not lead to a loss of jobs. Toronto and York Region Labour Council as well as the CLC all have supported this.

We don’t want this in four years, we don’t want this in three years, we don’t want this in two years, we need this now. The chant was this: “What do we want?” “Ten dollars.” “When do we want it?” “An hour.”

Canadian Eco-Rubber

Mr. Kuldip Kular (Bramalea–Gore–Malton–Springdale): It’s an honour to rise today at the start of a new session of government to acknowledge yet another outstanding group in my riding of Bramalea–Gore–Malton–Springdale.

During the break, I had the privilege to visit and tour the Canadian Eco-Rubber facility in my riding, along with fellow Oakville member Kevin Flynn. The team at Canadian Eco-Rubber works hard to provide an environmentally friendly service by recycling tires by converting them into crumb rubber. This is a great example of one of many companies within my riding of Bramalea–Gore–Malton–Springdale that stand out and contribute to the community.

Crumb rubber can be used for many purposes, such as artificial grass, asphalt and industrial applications. This facility has the capacity to convert about 1.5 million waste tires per year into usable crumb rubber and potentially bring this material back to the community as consumer products.

The Canadian Eco-Rubber plant exemplifies innovation in Ontario. Facilities such as this one that work hard to do a good service for Ontario’s environment need to be recognized for their efforts and contributions. I’m proud of the service that they’re providing Ontarians right here in my own riding.

Having had the opportunity to personally visit their plant, I can honestly say their contributions and efforts help our environment, not only by recycling tires into crumb rubber but also by turning them into usable consumer products. Both my riding and Ontario are better because of them. I’d like to thank them again for their hard work.

Access to Health Care

Mrs. Christine Elliott (Whitby–Ajax): Yesterday, in response to a question from my colleague regarding recent directives issued to cut vital services at Lakeridge Health, I was shocked to hear that the minister’s response included a self-congratulatory endorsement of his government’s record with respect to health care funding in Durham region. I can assure the minister that on this file the last thing his government deserves is congratulations.

During my by-election less than one year ago, the primary concern I heard from community residents was that they felt ignored by this government with respect to health care. That’s why I introduced a private member’s resolution that would have seen funding for Durham region immediately increased to the provincial average. Because your government defeated my resolution, however, the funding gap that exists between Durham region and the rest of Ontario has grown and stands at a whopping $339 million for the 2007-08 fiscal year.

On top of that, you’ve decided to make these devastating cuts.

Tonight, I will be attending a town hall meeting along with other Durham MPPs to discuss your government’s recent decision to cut children’s mental health, addiction and crisis intervention services at Lakeridge Health. The minister sees no problem with transferring current services to local community agencies; however, these agencies are already working hard each and every day to treat the line-up of patients already at their doorsteps.

Moreover, the fact of the matter is that certain services exist at Lakeridge that are not available elsewhere. Vital services such as treatment up to the age of 19, acute care facilities and immediate access to a psychiatrist make Lakeridge unique among partners. I would strongly urge the minister to reconsider this disastrous decision.

Brampton hospital

Mrs. Linda Jeffrey (Brampton Centre): I rise today in the House to applaud the generosity of Doug Munro, his wife, Barbara, and his mother, Carole, for their generous donation of $1 million towards the new Brampton Civic Hospital. This donation was made through the Graham Munro Charitable Foundation. It is the single largest donation by the foundation and is another example of how the Munro family and Maritime-Ontario Freight Lines Ltd. answer the call of my community time and time again.

As a leader in the trucking and transportation industry, the corporation donates a remarkable 20% of its annual profits to the foundation in support of local charities such as Brampton Safe City and other charitable causes across this province. The Munro family’s level of commitment and generosity to Brampton epitomizes the finest qualities of philanthropy.

Hospitals are the cornerstones of our community, and Brampton is in the middle of a transformation. I’d take this opportunity to recognize Anne Randall and the William Osler Health Centre Foundation for their unwavering commitment to the “Here for you ... caring for you” campaign, which is the largest fundraising initiative of any community hospital currently being undertaken. Staff and volunteers have assisted in organizing countless dinners, car washes, radiothons, charity concerts and even a 24-hour soccer game.

When the new Brampton Civic Hospital opens its doors later this year, revealing a world-class hospital, it will be in no small measure due to the generosity of the Munros. I’d like to thank the Munro family for their generosity and leadership.

Nowruz

Mr. Mario G. Racco (Thornhill): I rise in the House today to wish a very happy new year to all Persians in Ontario, as well as in the rest of Canada, on this special day of Nowruz. Nowruz, meaning “new day,” is a festival celebrated with friends and family who together pray for good luck in the new year. It is celebrated worldwide by countries that were at one time either territories of or influenced by the Persian empire, such as Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and many others.

Preparations for Nowruz begin in the last month of winter in the Persian solar calendar with a large spring cleaning of homes, the purchase of new clothes to wear for the new year and the purchase of flowers. Persians, irrespective of religion or ethnic affiliation, have been celebrating Nowruz for at least 2,500 years. Nowruz is not only the celebration of a new year but it’s also a celebration of rebirth, renewal and hope.

Nearly 150,000 Persians have come to live in our province and enjoy new beginnings. I encourage the members of this Legislature to join me in wishing a happy new year to all of those who are celebrating Nowruz, the celebration of new beginnings.

I also want to let you know that there are many members of the Persian community here today in the House, as you can see, who have come to celebrate because Minister Colle has organized a formal event. I want to say thank you to them for coming here to see us today and celebrate. Again, happy new year. Happy Nowruz.

Education funding

Mr. Frank Klees (Oak Ridges): I rise to recognize the Minister of Education as she takes her rightful place in the renowned Dalton McGuinty Liberal promise-breakers club. The club is open to those who are unable to keep their stated promises to the people of Ontario.

During the last election campaign, Dalton McGuinty said that the hard cap on class sizes was “the single most important plank” in his policy platform. Yesterday, in the face of growing class sizes across the province, with many classrooms with up to three grades per room, the education minister simply abandoned the plank altogether.

Other examples of how the Dalton McGuinty Liberals keep their education promises McGuinty-style include: fixing the funding formula by slashing school budgets and raiding special education funding to balance their books; failing to keep their own deadline on standardized tests and then moving it into the next decade; honouring their moratorium on school closures by closing 150 schools; keeping children safe at schools with increasingly dangerous levels of lack of supervision, as the Ontario Principals’ Council itself recently noted.

I could go on, but rest assured the education minister has already more than earned her rightful place at the head of the class in the Dalton McGuinty Liberal promise-breakers club. On behalf of the Ontario PC caucus, I convey to the minister her well-earned designation as the newest member of the Dalton McGuinty promise-breakers club—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Thank you. Order.

Access to health care

Mr. John Wilkinson (Perth–Middlesex): In the business world that both I and the Leader of the Opposition come from, the rules are very simple: If you disclose only some of the facts of a business transaction, you get sued; and if, heaven forbid, you get sued and end up in court, the law says you must swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

I want to share with the transitory member for Dufferin–Peel–Wellington–Grey the whole truth. Yesterday, I contacted Andrew Williams, the CEO of the Huron-Perth Healthcare Alliance. I raised with him John Tory’s statement that the wait time for knee replacement surgery at Stratford General Hospital was 525 days.

I cannot adequately share with you how deeply disappointed the wonderful and caring health care professionals in my hometown were to hear that once again the Leader of the Opposition did not take the time to state all of the facts in this matter.

Andrew Williams has advised me that, based on the latest available numbers for the period August 2005 to January 2007, median wait times are down 135 days—37%; average wait times are down 163 days—41%; and finally, the 90th percentile wait times, which he cherry-picked yesterday, are down 250 days—32%.

I say to the member, this is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. If you come to Stratford and you repeat the allegations, the doctors, nurses and health care workers you insulted yesterday will run you out of town. If you would just be square with the people of Ontario and tell us how you plan to gut $2.5 billion a year from health care—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Order. Member for Nepean–Carleton.

Forest industry

Mr. Michael Gravelle (Thunder Bay–Superior North): Since the Legislature last met this past December, the forestry sector has continued to face enormous challenges in northwestern Ontario. Most notably, the people of Nipigon lost 120 jobs overnight when their newly revitalized Multiply Forest Products mill burned down in a devastating fire on February 6.

Despite this tragedy, the community and the local mill ownership are determined to rebuild the mill and, while the costs have not yet been determined, I’m extremely grateful to Premier McGuinty and Minister Ramsay, the natural resources minister, for both speaking and meeting with Nipigon Mayor Richard Harvey and confirming that our government will provide whatever assistance it can to see this operation truly rise from the ashes.

If any good can come from such a dire circumstance, it will likely centre around the need for Multiply to maintain its production line, which, as a result, could help bring about the reopening of Longlac Wood Industries in Greenstone. Much work and some financial assistance will be required to make this happen, so I will use this opportunity today to publicly call on our government to continue to work closely with LWI to see that happen.

On a more sombre note, the Norampac mill in Red Rock remains indefinitely shut down. While the community is moving aggressively forward with new and diversified economic plans, which will be discussed at a public meeting tomorrow, I still believe we must do everything we can to help get the operation reopened. Government incentives must be part of any revival, but it will also take a commitment from the ownership, the community and other forestry operations in the northwest to see this happen.

I will do everything I can to bring this about as a member of the government as we continue to aggressively tackle the forestry crisis in northwestern Ontario.

Visitors

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne (Minister of Education): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: I beg the indulgence of the House to introduce three generations of my family, who join me here today: my niece, Elizabeth Hodgson; my sister, Marie Hodgson; my daughter, Maggie Cowperthwaite; and my father, who practised medicine in Richmond Hill for 40 years, John Wynne, who turns 81 today.

Mr. Bob Delaney (Mississauga West): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: I’d like members to join me in welcoming my special guest, Ellen Anderson, the mayor of the beautiful town of Blue Mountain in gorgeous Grey county.

Hon. Steve Peters (Minister of Labour): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: I’d like the House to welcome Dianne Vanhie and her daughter Karlee, as they’re here to observe their daughter and sister, Jenalle Vanhie, who is a page in this session. Also, Dianne is the proud mother of another page who served previously with us, Danielle Vanhie. Let’s welcome them here today.

Mr. Michael Prue (Beaches–East York): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: I rise today to introduce Tracy Nesbitt, who is a constituent in Beaches–East York, and Susan Preston. Both of these women are social workers from the Ontario Association of Social Workers, and they are here to watch the debate on Bill 171, the Health System Improvements Act.

Hon. Jim Watson (Minister of Health Promotion): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: In the gallery across the way, I’m delighted to recognize a good friend, the former deputy mayor and former mayor of the city of Ottawa, who served with me on council for six years: Allan Higdon from the great riding of Ottawa South. Welcome.

Hon. Monte Kwinter (Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: I would like to welcome to the Legislature the students of St. Jerome School, their vice-principal and their teachers. They’re all sitting up here. I just want to welcome them to the Legislature.

Legislative pages

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): I beg the indulgence of the House to permit the pages to assemble for introduction. We have with us to this session:

Emma Ash from Perth–Middlesex; Alex Don from Oakville; Cody Fisher from Mississauga South; Craig Gilchrist from Eglinton–Lawrence; Ryan Goralczyk from Leeds–Grenville; Sarah Hampton from Nickel Belt; Ashley Heath from Peterborough; Thomas Hitchens from London–Fanshawe; Jordan Lee from St.

Paul’s; Hayley Levine from Ancaster–Dundas–Flamborough–Aldershot; Katrina Malinski from Sudbury; Alistair Murray from Markham; Alanna Newman from Scarborough Southwest; David Patterson from Brampton West–Mississauga; Carolyn Peralta from Pickering–Ajax–Uxbridge; Calla Pfrimmer from Parry Sound–Muskoka; Jacob Pitre from Windsor–St. Clair; Alex Simakov from Thornhill; Alyssa Surani from Oak Ridges; and Jenalle Vanhie from Elgin–Middlesex–London.

Applause.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Endangered Species Act, 2007 Loi de 2007 sur les espèces en voie de disparition

Mr. Ramsay moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 184,

An Act to protect species at risk and to make related changes to other Acts / Projet de loi 184, Loi visant à protéger les espèces en péril et à apporter des modifications connexes à d’autres lois.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

The minister may wish to make a brief statement?

Hon. David Ramsay (Minister of Natural Resources, minister responsible for aboriginal affairs): I will reserve my remarks for ministers’ statements.

MOTIONS

House sittings

Hon. James J. Bradley (Minister of Tourism, minister responsible for seniors, Government House Leader): I know members of the House have been waiting for this with anticipation, especially the member for Niagara Centre.

I move that, pursuant to standing order 9(c)(i), the House shall meet from 6:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, for the purpose of considering government business, despite the fact that the New Jersey Devils are playing the Leafs tonight.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry?

All those in favour will say “aye.”

All those opposed will say “nay.”

In my opinion, the ayes have it.

Call in the members. This will be a five-minute bell.

The division bells rang from 1356 to 1401.

The Speaker: All those in favour will please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

Ayes

Balkissoon, Bas

Bentley, Christopher

Bountrogianni, Marie

Bradley, James J.

Broten, Laurel C.

Brownell, Jim

Bryant, Michael

Cansfield, Donna H.

Caplan, David

Chambers, Mary Anne V.

Chan, Michael

Colle, Mike

Crozier, Bruce

Delaney, Bob

Dhillon, Vic

Di Cocco, Caroline

Dombrowsky, Leona

Duguid, Brad

Duncan, Dwight

Flynn, Kevin Daniel

Fonseca, Peter

Gravelle, Michael

Jeffrey, Linda

Kular, Kuldip

Kwinter, Monte

Leal, Jeff

Levac, Dave

Marsales, Judy

McNeely, Phil

Meilleur, Madeleine

Milloy, John

Mitchell, Carol

Orazietti, David

Patten, Richard

Peters, Steve

Peterson, Tim

Pupatello, Sandra

Racco, Mario G.

Ramsay, David

Ruprecht, Tony

Sergio, Mario

Smith, Monique

Smitherman, George

Van Bommel, Maria

Watson, Jim

Wilkinson, John

Wynne, Kathleen O.

Zimmer, David

The Speaker: All those opposed will please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

Nays

Arnott, Ted

Bisson, Gilles

DiNovo, Cheri

Elliott, Christine

Ferreira, Paul

Hardeman, Ernie

Horwath, Andrea

Hudak, Tim

Klees, Frank

Kormos, Peter

MacLeod, Lisa

Marchese, Rosario

Martel, Shelley

Martiniuk, Gerry

Miller, Norm

Munro, Julia

O’Toole, John

Ouellette, Jerry J.

Prue, Michael

Runciman, Robert W.

Savoline, Joyce

Sterling, Norman W.

Tabuns, Peter

Tascona, Joseph N.

Tory, John

Wilson, Jim

Yakabuski, John

The Acting Clerk of the Assembly (Ms. Deborah Deller): The ayes are 48; the nays are 27.

The Speaker: I declare the motion carried.

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY AND RESPONSES

Endangered Species espèces menacées

Hon. David Ramsay (Minister of Natural Resources, minister responsible for aboriginal affairs): In May 2006, this government launched an extensive public review of the province’s Endangered Species Act with the goal of updating and strengthening the legislation that protects Ontario’s native species at risk and their habitats.

I’m pleased to rise in the House today to introduce new legislation that would, if passed, not only achieve that goal, but would make Ontario a North American leader in species protection and recovery.

Compared to an existing act, the new Endangered Species Act, 2007, that I’m introducing today would provide significantly broader and more effective provisions for protecting species at risk and their habitats. The proposed legislation also includes a stronger commitment to species recovery, more support for groups and individuals who voluntarily participate in stewardship activities to protect essential habitat and green space and stronger enforcement provisions.

From the boreal to the Carolinian forests, from tundra to wetland to tall grass prairie, Ontario is blessed with a tremendous variety of natural habitats. These habitats, in turn, support more than 30,000 species of equal variety.

The people of Ontario deserve the benefits that come from conserving this unique natural heritage and rich biodiversity. Les habitants de l’Ontario méritent que l’on conserve ce patrimoine naturel unique qui renferme une biodiversité si grande.

Right now, there are more than 175 species identified on the Species at Risk in Ontario list. We estimate that this may grow, on average, by six new species per year.

If passed, the Endangered Species Act, 2007, would provide an important tool to help reverse the rate of species decline and ensure that future Ontarians enjoy the benefits of a healthy, diverse natural environment.

It is important to note that the legislation I’m introducing today is the result of extensive public consultation. Il est important de noter que ce projet de loi est le fruit d’une vaste consultation publique.

This was the first time since the Endangered Species Act was passed in 1971 that our laws protecting species at risk have undergone a thought review. I’m pleased to report that the individuals, organizations, partners, stakeholders and aboriginal communities we heard from during the consultation strongly supported improved species at risk legislation. I’d like to take this opportunity to publicly thank everyone who participated.

We considered all comments in drafting the new legislation and will provide a further opportunity for review and comment upon introduction. A wide range of stakeholders, including land developers, environmentalists, rural communities, fish and wildlife enthusiasts, municipalities and resource industry sectors also met with ministry staff to discuss ideas to propose legislative changes. A separate process involving consultation with aboriginal communities and organizations is ongoing at this time. Une procédure de consultation séparée auprès des collectivités et des organisations autochtones est en cours en ce moment.

I also want to publicly acknowledge and thank the members of the Endangered Species Act Review Advisory Panel. This panel was made up of individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds with experience and expertise related to species at risk and recovery planning. Their input and assistance was most valuable. I believe we have succeeded in developing legislation that will offer optimum protection for Ontario species at risk while at the same time supporting the overall social and economic well-being of the province. Je crois que nous avons réussi à élaborer une loi qui protégera les espèces en péril, tout en appuyant le bien-être économique et social de la province.

We know that broader legislation on its own is not enough to achieve our goals. The proposed legislation is just one component of the ministry’s comprehensive three-part approach to species protection and recovery. The other two components are programs and policies to fully implement the legislation and enhance stewardship programs. We propose to back up our commitment to enhance stewardship with the funding of $18 million over four years to support public stewardship efforts protecting essential habitat and green space.

Many of the species that need protection are found on private land, making voluntary stewardship activities essential to achieving any kind of success in reversing the rate of species in decline that is now happening in Ontario.

Much has changed in our province since the Endangered Species Act was introduced 36 years ago. As in the rest of the world, climate change, population growth and urbanization have taken a toll on our natural environment. In response to these ongoing challenges, we all share a commitment to future generations to work harder to improve our air and water quality, to protect important natural features and habitats and to sustain Ontario’s amazing wealth of biodiversity.

The proposed legislation we are introducing today is one more way this government is working with the people of Ontario to meet that commitment.

Federal-provincial fiscal policies Politiques fiscales fédérales-provinciales

Hon. Marie Bountrogianni (Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, minister responsible for democratic renewal): I’m honoured to rise in this House today and speak about an important issue: fairness—fairness for all Canadians, including those in Ontario.

I remind my colleagues that in June 2006, members of this House voted unanimously in support of a resolution calling on the federal government to treat all Canadians fairly. And for more than two years, the Premier, my colleagues and I have been leading Ontario’s campaign for fairness, highlighting unfair federal funding practices in key areas such as post-secondary education, health care, infrastructure and job training.

Under the leadership of Premier McGuinty, we have called on the federal government to provide Ontario’s fair share of funding for the services Ontarians value most. People from across the province have supported our campaign and spoken out in support of fairness. The Premier and I appreciate the efforts of business, labour, non-profit, public sector and municipal leaders who have supported our efforts with the federal government. We appreciate the resolutions of support from organizations and municipalities across the province.

And most of all, we appreciate the support of individual Ontarians from across the province who spoke out, learned about the issue and sent letters of support to their federal MPs.

Nous avons vu hier que la campagne de l’Ontario en matière d’équité a entraîné des résultats concrets pour la population de l’Ontario. Le budget fédéral d’hier est un grand pas en avant pour la campagne de l’équité que mène le premier ministre McGuinty pour la population de l’Ontario.

We welcome the proposed federal working income tax benefit, which will support people with low incomes, and we are pleased to see Ottawa’s proposal on the capital cost allowance as a way of helping hard-hit manufacturers. I’m also pleased to say that we can put the Canada-Ontario agreement behind us and move forward in a positive manner.

Il est particulièrement encourageant de constater que le gouvernement fédéral s’engage à verser les transferts selon un montant égal par habitant dans l’avenir. Le gouvernement fédéral a également adopté des mesures immédiates pour rétablir l’équité dans les paiements du transfert canadien en matière de programmes sociaux ainsi que d’autres transferts fédéraux. Il s’agit de la principale revendication de la campagne du premier ministre McGuinty pour l’équité.

Ces étapes importantes vers l’équité sont de véritables victoires pour la population de l’Ontario. Elles se sont concrétisées parce que le premier ministre McGuinty n’a pas craint de défendre les intérêts de l’Ontario et parce que notre campagne a bénéficié d’un grand appui de la part des Ontariennes et Ontariens.

However, I feel it is my duty to highlight the fact that some of Ontario’s key fairness concerns remain outstanding. Although the federal government has committed to treating Ontario fairly in the Canada health transfer, that fairness will not be introduced immediately. The federal government expects Ontarians to wait seven more years for our fair share of health care funding while the federal government shortchanges Ontarians by about $700 million each year in this important transfer. This means less federal money for hospitals and the important health services that keep Ontarians healthy.

We were also hoping for a clear commitment on federal funding for infrastructure. Although the commitment to funding for the Windsor border crossing is a good step forward, we will need to see more details on how infrastructure spending will be distributed before we can know for certain what this will mean for Ontario.

This is why the Premier, my colleagues and I will continue to speak out for fairness when necessary. Yesterday’s federal budget represents an important step toward fairness, but more needs to be done. We have made real progress. We will continue to defend Ontario’s interests in the federation. That is the only way to secure a strong and prosperous Ontario and a strong and prosperous Canada.

la francophonie

L’hon. Madeleine Meilleur (ministre des Services sociaux et communautaires, ministre déléguée aux Affaires francophones): Je voudrais souhaiter à tous les Ontariens et les Ontariennes une excellente Journée internationale de la francophonie. Cette année, le thème de cette journée hautement symbolique pour les francophones est Vivre ensemble, différents. Ce thème reflète avec justesse la réalité canadienne, cette mosaïque où de nombreuses cultures et deux langues officielles cohabitent en harmonie.

If we can rise in this House and proclaim our commitment to the francophonie in Ontario, it is because our government has taken concrete measures to support it. Since taking office, the McGuinty government has shown strong support for the growth and development of the French language, not only as a language through which government services can be accessed, but also as a source of social, economic and cultural vitality.

The year 2006 marked the 20th anniversary of the French Language Services Act. To mark this occasion, we put in place a government-wide celebration program. The highlight of this program was the presentation of the first-ever Ontario Francophone Awards on November 20, by Premier McGuinty himself.

Dans le domaine de la santé, le gouvernement McGuinty consacre 185 $ millions à l’agrandissement de l’Hôpital Montfort à Ottawa.

Nous avons aussi investi plusieurs millions de dollars en prévention de et en lutte contre la violence familiale et la violence faite aux femmes.

Et que dire de TFO, ce joyau de l’univers télévisuel franco-ontarien auquel le gouvernement McGuinty a décidé d’accorder la pleine gouvernance ?

Je suis convaincue que les Ontariens et les Ontariennes savent que l’engagement de notre gouvernement à l’égard de la francophonie ontarienne est fondamental.

En Ontario, la francophonie met l’accent sur l’avenir grâce aux Ontariens et aux Ontariennes francophones d’ici et d’ailleurs qui lui donnent vie.

And every day, the francophonie reinvents itself in the context of diversity. It forges its own unique identity, reflective of both Ontario and Canada, a blending of French Canada and the francophone world.

Elle se construit sur une histoire quatre fois centenaire et une culture bien vivante qui s’enrichit de l’apport de nouveaux arrivants francophones des cinq continents. Nos passés différents se rejoignent pour forger notre avenir commun ici en Ontario.

Je vous souhaite une Journée internationale de la francophonie à la hauteur de vos aspirations personnelles et collectives. Bonne Journée de la francophonie.

Amateur sport sport amateur

Hon. Jim Watson (Minister of Health Promotion): I want to take a moment to commend the efforts of the Team Ontario athletes who represented us so proudly at the just-completed Canada Winter Games in Whitehorse. They are excellent role models and an inspiration to us all.

I’m proud to report that for the eighth time in history and the first time in eight years, Team Ontario brought home the Canada Winter Games flag after amassing 310 points to win the top spot in the games. In total, Ontario won 112 medals, including gold in men’s and women’s hockey and ringette.

These games provided the opportunity to witness first-hand Ontario athleticism at its finest. The calibre of Ontario’s athletes is second to none, and they are among the best in the world. Every Team Ontario athlete at the games represented the province with pride, and they were an inspiration to us all. I was very proud to represent Ontario at the opening ceremonies and see the hundreds of young athletes from our province walk in with their Ontario flags.

Speaking about inspiration, I’d like to draw the attention of this Legislative Assembly to the Sinclair family from Manotick. There are five members in the Sinclair family, and each one played a vital role in representing Ontario at the games. Jamie, 14, played lead on the women’s curling team and won a gold medal. Neil, 16, was the skip of the boy’s curling team and took home silver. Alex, 18, was selected to be part of the national arts program. Dad, Graham, was a coach for Neil’s curling team; and mom, Suzanne, was one of the invaluable volunteers at the games.

Graham said it all for Ontario when, prior to leaving for Whitehorse, he expressed that he was “the proudest father in the world” and that “there’s no greater satisfaction than to see your children achieve their dreams.”

We in the McGuinty government, like all Ontarians, experience the same sense of pride for our athletes, who are valuable role models for healthy, active living.

Voilà pourquoi l’appui accordé à nos athlètes demeurera une priorité pour le gouvernement de l’Ontario. Nos athlètes ont besoin de soutien à tous les niveaux—des entraîneurs, des bénévoles et des commanditaires—en bref, de tous ceux qui les aident à atteindre leurs buts. Le soutien de l’équipe de mission et des bénévoles a contribué pour beaucoup aux brillantes prestations couronnées de succès de l’équipe de l’Ontario aux Jeux d’hiver du Canada.

I’d like to congratulate Team Ontario’s chef de mission, Blair McIntosh, and deputy chef de mission, Anita Comella, who are here today along with several others from the Sport Alliance of Ontario. These are the men and women who are representing us so well to make sure that the team performs at its peak. Let’s give them and all of the chef’s staff a round of applause. Congratulations to you, and we will be having a ceremony for all of the athletes in the near future.

Also in the Legislature, I should point out, we have the very proud father of a medallist in alpine skiing. Tim Peterson’s daughter Krystyn won a gold, a silver and a bronze in alpine skiing. Congratulations.

I’d also like to highlight the performance of another young athlete, Josh Cameron, a 17-year-old boxer from Windsor who overcame serious injuries from a car crash to win gold. And we have brother and sister squash champions Brian and Carly Hong of Toronto. Each won a gold medal and said that the games had the feel of a mini Olympics.

J’aimerais également mentionner le skieur nordique Jesse Winter, de North Bay, qui a éclipsé ses rivaux lors de la dernière tranche de la course à relais 4 x 5 km hommes des épreuves de ski de fond pour aller rafler l’or pour son équipe.

One of the priorities of the Ministry of Health Promotion is to increase support for our high-performance athletes. In fact, this is one component of the McGuinty government’s Active 2010 strategy for sport and physical activity. We want to build a healthier, stronger Ontario to give all Ontarians a chance to become more active and to achieve excellence, whether recreationally or competitively.

The Ontario government, through our ministry, is committed to amateur athletes. One example is our $10-million Quest for Gold program that this year provides direct financial assistance to athletes from revenue generated from the Quest for Gold lottery.

Ontario’s athletes have demonstrated their potential, their determination and their ability to perform under the pressure of intense competition. It is our responsibility to ensure that all athletes have the resources and the support they need to reach their full potential. We must work together, within our communities and at the provincial level, to develop our athletes starting in the playground and all the way up to the podium.

We are committed to supporting all of our athletes in their quest for excellence, and I want to congratulate all of them. I was extremely proud, as the minister responsible for sport and recreation, to be in Whitehorse to see the pride and the commitment of these young athletes, and I wish them the very best as they excel at the national and international level.

While I have the floor, on a personal note, I just want to also pass along my sincere thanks and congratulations to my alma mater’s basketball team, the Carleton University Ravens, who for the fifth year in a row won the CIAU championship in Halifax. We welcome all the country’s best basketball teams coming to Ottawa for the next three years. Congratulations to the Ravens and congratulations to our young athletes who did us so proud in Whitehorse, Yukon.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Responses?

Endangered species

Mr. Norm Miller (Parry Sound–Muskoka): It’s my pleasure to respond to the Minister of Natural Resources in his statement on the Endangered Species Act, 2007. I’d like to remind the House that it was in 1971 that a Progressive Conservative government, under the leadership of Bill Davis, introduced the first Endangered Species Act in Ontario and led the country with that state-of-the-art act. The minister at the time was René Brunelle, the lands and forests minister. That was actually the first year my father, Frank Miller, was elected to the Ontario Legislature.

The PC Party under the leadership of John Tory wants to see the act updated. But we do have some concerns. Recently I was in northwestern Ontario—that was just within the last month—and I met with municipal representatives and representatives of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association. I know the minister has talked a lot about consultation.

Well, I can tell you that group were very concerned about the fact that they didn’t know what was going on with the Endangered Species Act, and their message to us was that they want to see lots of consultation, not only in Toronto but right across northwestern and northeastern Ontario. So, to the minister, I think it’s very important that there be lots of consultation on this bill.

The other point I’d like to make in the brief two minutes I have is that there needs to be adequate funding to implement this bill. Last week, I attended the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters conference and there I sat through a presentation from the past director of the Ministry of Natural Resources fish and wildlife program.

He went through in detail how the fish and wildlife program needs some $35 million extra to fulfill the Liberals’ promise they made in the last election to properly fund the fish and wildlife program, just to do the sort of background work and inventory work that’s necessary to know what’s going on out there. I know the minister has talked about $4.5 million a year as part of this program. Well, I would say that is not enough. So the two points I want to raise are: You need to consult—I know Dalton McGuinty wants to see something in a glossy election brochure that makes it look like he’s doing something.

I would say, take the time and get this right. Consult, and properly fund this new bill.

Federal-provincial fiscal policies

Mr. Tim Hudak (Erie–Lincoln): I’m pleased to respond to the statement by the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. Certainly I think all parties in this Legislature are pleased to see in this federal budget progress towards restoring fiscal fairness to Ontario and to Confederation. I do want to say too that it’s absolutely amazing what can happen when a government keeps its campaign promises. Commendations to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and others for following through on their commitment to address the fiscal imbalance.

I do say that I suspect that a significant part of this has to do with the federal Conservative government keeping its campaign promises—and an election in Quebec—but I am very pleased that all three parties, including our own led by John Tory, came together as part of a resolution here in the Legislature, joining together to push Ontario’s strong case in Ottawa with success.

I want to note that more work does need to be done. A number of the transfers remain on a per jurisdiction as opposed to per capita basis, including the CHT and other transfers like infrastructure. But, nonetheless, we do recognize that the federal Conservative government has made significant steps forward. As I said, I am cautious. Giving more money to Dalton McGuinty is like giving keys to the liquor cabinet to teenagers and going away for the weekend. But, nonetheless, we’ll keep an eye to make sure these funds are prudently invested.

la francophonie

M. John Tory (Chef de l’opposition): C’est avec plaisir que je parle à cette Assemblée durant cette occasion très spéciale. Le 20 mars, c’est la journée mondiale de la francophonie. Cette journée commémore la signature du traité de Niamey en 1970. Ce traité a créé l’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.

L’Ontario est enrichi aussi par notre population francophone. L’Ontario compte plus de 550 000 Franco-Ontariens et Franco-Ontariennes qui sont en fête aujourd’hui.

Je soutiens la francophonie. Je soutiens une langue et une communauté francophone forte et durable ici, et j’invite tous mes collègues à me joindre pour les féliciter.

M. Gilles Bisson (Timmins–Baie James): Moi aussi, comme membre du Nouveau Parti démocratique, et notre parti voulons célébrer cette Journée internationale de la francophonie. On sait que la francophonie est une communauté qui est forte, vive, et qui est toujours là pour être capable de travailler autour des drapeaux canadiens et ontariens, mais en le faisant comme francophones et en reconnaissant que l’on est un peuple dans ce pays qui reconnaît que les atouts et les dossiers sont importants.

Federal-provincial fiscal policies

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora–Rainy River): I want to respond to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. I note from the minister’s speech that she says that the federal budget yesterday delivers “real results for the people of Ontario.” The Toronto Star says that the federal budget delivered $1.1 billion of new money for Ontario. The minister also says that yesterday’s federal budget, with $1.1 billion of new federal money for Ontario, represents an important step forward.

Now what are Ontarians to make of this? Because it was just two years ago that the Premier rose in the Legislature, on May 9, 2005, and said, “I rise to inform this House and the people of Ontario ... a $23-billion gap.” What was $23 billion two years ago under the McGuinty government has suddenly become something in the nature of $1 billion. What are people across Ontario to think?

It wasn’t just on May 9, but in October 2005 the Premier in this House said that the gap was $23 billion. Suddenly, two years later, it’s only in the nature of $1.1 billion. My, what are people across Ontario to think?

But it’s more interesting that that. The Premier is the MPP for Ottawa South. He says this is an important step forward. Someone named David McGuinty is the MP for Ottawa South. He says Ontario is getting hosed and every Liberal MP in Ontario is going to vote against this. Is this doublespeak? No, no, this is Newspeak. This is Liberal Newspeak.

I don’t know what the people of Ontario are to do with this: $23 billion one year, $1 billion the next. The Premier says it’s wonderful. The Premier’s brother, who happens to share the same constituency, says Ontario is getting hosed. I think what it says is this: Liberals will say one thing one day, something else another day, depending on what you have to say to get some votes.

But I will take the McGuinty government at their word. I will take them at their word that they’ve gotten $1.1 billion of new federal money. I guess this means that the McGuinty government has run out of excuses for continuing to claw back from the lowest-income children in this province $250 million a year. I guess this means, or it should mean, that the McGuinty government has run out of excuses for taking federal money intended to build housing for low-income people and using that money for something else.

I guess this means, or it should mean, that the McGuinty government has run out of excuses for promising to be a friend of autistic children and then spending millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money fighting autistic children and their parents. I hope that this means—and it should mean—that the McGuinty government has run out of excuses for not shutting down the largest polluter, the largest generator of greenhouse gas in Ontario, the Nanticoke coal plant. After all, the McGuinty government has received $573 million of new federal money to do just that.

So I congratulate the McGuinty government on this latest episode of doublespeak and Newspeak. Now let’s see some action.

ORAL QUESTIONS

Native land Dispute

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): My question is for the Premier. Yesterday the Dalton McGuinty government offered the grand total of $430,000 in compensation to Caledonia residents. In trying to deflect attention away from that completely inadequate offer, the Premier says the residents should call or write to the federal government for more help. He is suggesting that now because his own government didn’t bother to discuss it with Ottawa before they put out this meagre offer to the residents.

Do you think this offer is adequate? And if you think that the federal government should be part of making an offer to the Caledonia residents, why didn’t you bother to ask them before you made this inadequate offer yesterday?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): When it comes to interaction with the federal government on the subject of the community of Caledonia, I can advise this House that I have met with the Prime Minister on at least two occasions. I’ve also spoken with him over the telephone on at least another two separate occasions and we discussed at length some of the challenges that the community members there are having to grapple with.

What I think the members of the community of Caledonia would be interested in learning is, how many times has Mr. Tory picked up the phone and spoken with Prime Minister Harper, or how many times have members in his caucus picked up the phone or written letters? We’d be delighted to have copies of any correspondence that he might have sent to the Prime Minister or to the appropriate minister or to the member of the government who represents that particular riding. How many times have they acted in any way to intervene on behalf of the people of Caledonia with the federal government?

Mr. Tory: The fact is that it is a man by the name of Dalton McGuinty who is the Premier of Ontario, who has the responsibility to act on behalf of people who live in this province. The fact is, in every one of those meetings and every one of those phone calls, you, who now say the federal government should be part of your pathetic compensation offer, didn’t even bother to ask them to take

part in this compensation.

The reaction to the compensation has been swift and it has been negative, and rightly so. In the e-mails we get, people say, “I don’t even believe this will come close to compensating the families most impacted.” “The compensation ... is nowhere near what we all deserve.” It’s $5.22 a day for the time these people have been affected while you’ve been doing nothing, and it’s down to $5.21 today. By two weeks from now it will be down to $5 a day and by Canada Day, under the Dalton McGuinty style of leadership, it will still be going on and it will be $4.11 a day.

Do you think that kind of an offer of compensation for what these people have been through is adequate? Yes or no? Is it adequate, $4.11 a day by Canada Day?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: I know the leader of the official opposition would not want to do an injustice to the issue itself, and he would want to account for all of the other various areas of support which we have provided to the community, whether it’s in taking over the property in question, acquiring title to that land, whether it’s providing supports to the business community, whether it’s paying for signage or anything of that effect.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Thank you. Final supplementary.

Mr. Tory: Dalton McGuinty is the one who was just telling us he’s had meetings with the Prime Minister. When it comes to one other thing you could have done, if you really feel they should participate in the compensation, you could have asked them, and you didn’t do a thing.

When it comes to compensation, let’s look at some of the other arrangements you have been prepared to enter into. We’ve got Tom Parkinson, the former CEO of Hydro One, who quit under a cloud. He quit his job and you paid him $5 million to quit—$5 million. We’ve got Jane Stewart, who maybe very ably represented the province of Ontario, but you managed to pay her $330,000, almost as much as you’re paying all of the residents of Caledonia who have been through all kinds of anguish on this.

I ask you again: If you’ve got the money to spend on that and to pay lawyers to go and fight the parents of autistic children, why can’t you do better than five bucks a day for the people in Caledonia who, on your watch, have suffered?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: It’s interesting to observe the vigour and the vitality put on display here when it comes to addressing me on these issues. But if you were to speak to the Six Nations community, if you were to speak to the people of Caledonia, they would tell you that this is an outstanding dispute between the Six Nations community and the federal government.

I also want to advise the House that on December 21, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing did in fact write to Ministers Prentice and Finley: “I strongly urge you to work with Ontario on a financial assistance package to local residents. I’m therefore asking that the federal government commit to matching Ontario’s financial offer for residential assistance and provide a representative to help support the Caledonia community committee.”

The Speaker: New question? The Leader of the Opposition.

Mr. Tory: My question is for the Premier. The real question is, when are you as the Premier of Ontario going to stand up for the people of Ontario, for the rule of law in Ontario, for the fact that there is one set of laws that applies to everybody in this province, and for the fact that these people here deserve better than what your government has done?

The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, in the letter sent to these people yesterday in Caledonia, says that the compensation is to cover “only distress and the anxiety and pain and suffering that these families have gone through.” That’s a quote from the minister yesterday.

I would submit to you, and I know that the residents of Caledonia would agree, that $2,000 doesn’t come close to be adequate for pain and suffering. I don’t know how you would know, because you haven’t been there. When I spent a night there a few weeks ago, I listened to the parents telling me about taking their children to school past the barricades and the barbed wire. I had them telling me personally about not being able to use their backyards in the summer. I had a man tell me on the phone this morning about having to move his young son out of their family home because of fears for his safety because of your inaction.

What concerns me is that there’s nothing here at all for lost property values. Why won’t you—

The Speaker: Thank you. Premier?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: The leader of the official opposition, as part of a comfortable rant of his, accuses us on a regular basis of spending too much money. And yet yesterday he asked us to spend more money on health care, he asked us to spend more money on education, he asked us to spend more money on children affected by autism, and they’re now asking us to spend more money on Caledonia. He’s going to do all of this, and yet he’s going to take $2.5 billion out of health care and he’s going to fund private schools in Ontario.

I think what Ontarians want is a reasonable, realistic and responsible approach to dealing with these kinds of issues. In particular, I am comfortable with the understanding that Ontarians expect that at some point in time, Prime Minister Harper and the federal government are going to come to the table, assume their appropriate responsibility and address this issue in a responsible way. And that—

The Speaker: Thank you. Supplementary?

Mr. Tory: Let’s just have a look at how the Dalton McGuinty style of spending and compensation applies: $5.22 a day for people who have been hurt in Caledonia who have suffered unbelievable emotional turmoil in their lives and those of their children; $5 million for a guy who quit his job, supposedly, at Hydro. That sums up your approach right there.

We’ve got Mr. Dancey, a 91-year-old World War II veteran, who’s been trying to sell his house for the last several months with no luck. He wants to move to North Bay to be close to his family. He believes he’s going to be lucky to get $150,000 for a quarter-of-a-million-dollar home. So he’s going to lose $100,000 on that.

I’ll ask you again, do you have any plans? Would you give any thought beyond your $5.22 a day to compensating these people for the loss in value of their homes that has happened on your watch and by your inaction?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: I would remind the member opposite, the honourable leader of the official opposition, of the matter of Ipperwash. That happened some 12 years ago. That land remains occupied. There are no negotiations of any kind ongoing with respect to the reclamation of that land. That is the approach brought by that government to deal with these kinds of issues.

What have we done? We’ve acquired title to this land. We’ve set up a negotiating table. We’ve invited the federal government to be there on an ongoing basis. We’ve provided support where that was necessary. We’ve offered just recently more support for homeowners who are directly affected.

Mr. Tory: This business of standing up for the people of Caledonia: The people of Caledonia are going to find that very amusing coming from this Premier who has done nothing whatsoever to stand up for them—nothing. Of course today, on top of that, he offers $5.22 a day to these people, $5 million for the hydro CEO, $330,000 for his negotiator and millions for his lawyers to fight the parents of autistic children. We have an e-mail from an individual who had his house appraised at $394,000 days before this occupation began. Now he’s being forced to accept a price tens of thousands of dollars less than that because of this occupation that you’ve allowed to go on.

This compensation package from your government does nothing for this person and your whole compensation package does nothing for the toll this has taken on people, on their lives and on their families. Why won’t you compensate these people for lost property values, and why won’t you step up and do something proper and adequate for these people who have suffered so much in Caledonia? Why won’t you stand up for them for a change and stand up at the same time for the rule of law?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: Again, Mr. Tory would, given the opportunity, specifically direct the police to pursue some kind of police action when it comes to the individuals who are occupying the land in question. If he would not do that, then he should just stand up and say that.

Visitors

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Stop the clock, please.

We have with us in the Speaker’s gallery a delegation from the People’s Republic of China. Please join me in warmly welcoming our guests.

Minimum wage

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora–Rainy River): A question for the Premier: Yesterday’s federal budget failed to close the prosperity gap for working families. In our view, yesterday’s federal budget was written more for those in the boardroom rather than those in the family room. My question is this: Do you share the NDP’s view that no worker in this province is worth less than $10 an hour and that Ontario needs a $10-an-hour minimum wage today?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): My honourable friend raises the issue of yesterday’s federal budget. I want to take this opportunity to thank the people of Ontario, to thank them for their ongoing support in our pursuit of fairness on their behalf. I want to thank them for standing resolute, and I want to congratulate them for the progress we have made.

We have made three important steps forward with yesterday’s federal budget. First of all, for the first time in a long time, we are actually going to receive, as Ontarians, the same amount of money for our education and social services as Canadians do in the other provinces and territories. Secondly, the agreement that I negotiated with Prime Minister Martin, the Canada-Ontario agreement, will now be well and truly honoured by Prime Minister Harper. Finally, the equalization formula has now been amended to provide that no receiving province can have a fiscal capacity greater than ours. That is only fair.

Again, I congratulate the people of Ontario for their success in our campaign for fairness.

Mr. Hampton: Unfortunately, all of that will do nothing for the 1.2 million Ontario workers who work for less than $10 an hour and who struggle every day to make ends meet for their family, because those people need a $10-an-hour minimum wage now.

Premier, someone earning your minimum wage of $8 an hour would have to work 40 hours a week for two and a half years to receive the $40,000 pay raise you gave yourself just before Christmas. Why are you telling 1.2 million hard-working families in Ontario who work for the minimum wage that you can’t afford to give them a raise, that they don’t deserve a raise, when you gave yourself a $40,000 pay raise all in one fell swoop?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: This approach would be unfamiliar to my friend opposite, but we believe that we should be careful, responsible custodians of the Ontario economy. We brought forward a thoughtful, responsible plan for providing additional investments in areas that are vital to the people of Ontario—their education, their health care, their infrastructure—and supports for a cleaner and safer environment and a stronger economy overall. Part of our successful plan for the economy included gradual but steady increases to the minimum wage. We’ve raised it four times; we’ve raised it by 17%.

The result of our approach to the economy has been 327,000 net new jobs. Under the NDP, they lost about 1,000 jobs every week. That’s their approach, and that’s their result.

I say again that we will be moving ahead with increases to the minimum wage. I understand their desire to learn more about that. I ask them to wait just a few more days. But again, we’ll reflect a balanced, responsible, thoughtful approach.

Mr. Hampton: The Premier wants the people of Ontario to believe that he was being careful, thoughtful and responsible when he suddenly gave himself a $40,000 pay increase at Christmastime. Meanwhile, the Premier says to those minimum wage families who are living in poverty that they’re not worth $10 an hour. Premier, you are dragging your feet while kids go hungry. Children in low-income families deserve a chance to succeed, but they can’t succeed as long as the McGuinty government says that they’re not worth $10 an hour in terms of the minimum wage.

Premier, it’s time for fairness. It’s time for some leadership on this issue. It’s time to put an end to what is a provincial disgrace. Will you raise the minimum wage in Ontario to $10 an hour today?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: The short answer to that is no. Just as it would be irresponsible to hold the minimum wage at $8 an hour indefinitely, it would also be just as irresponsible to raise it to $10 an hour overnight. The leader of the NDP and I just happen to see things differently in this regard.

But I would compare our record when it comes to management of the economy against their record. They lost about 1,000 jobs every week on their watch. As a result of putting our plan in place, we have acquired 327,000 net new jobs. Again, we will be moving towards a higher minimum wage, but we will be doing it the way we’ve already done it: in a thoughtful, balanced and responsible way.

Post-secondary education

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora–Rainy River): To the Premier: This is interesting. The Premier’s logic is that it’s okay to raise his own pay by $40,000 a year overnight, but it’s not okay to raise the wages of the lowest-paid workers to $10 an hour so they can have a living wage.

Premier, you had a lot to say about the federal budget. The federal budget says that next year the Canada social transfer will give $340 million more to your government for post-secondary education. Now, your government, unfortunately, has a history of taking federal money that was intended for child care, intended for child poverty or intended for housing and using it and spending it somewhere else entirely.

My question is this, Premier: Will you do the right thing and take that $340 million of new federal money for post-secondary education and use it to freeze tuition fees and increase access for hard-working Ontario families so they can go to university or college?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): The short answer is no, we will not do that. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made on the post-secondary education front, proud of the fact that we have some 86,000 more young people enrolled in our colleges and universities today than we had some two and a half years ago and proud of the fact, in particular, that we have brought back grants that had been eliminated by the NDP when they were in government.

They just didn’t consider the needs of our most needy young people when it came to meeting their tuition costs, so we brought back those grants, and 120,000 young people today in Ontario are the beneficiaries of our grant program.

I’m always open to reasonable and thoughtful advice when it comes to making further improvements to post-secondary education, because we understand it is so vital to ensuring our bright future as an economy and as a society. But, no, we will not be freezing tuition.

Mr. Hampton: I thought the question was reasonably straightforward and clear: Are you going to take this money and use it to freeze tuition fees?

Premier, working families are more concerned than ever about the cost of securing a good education for their kids. Under the McGuinty government, Ontario students are now paying some of the highest university tuition fees in the country. Four out of five Ontarians now say they’re worried that young people won’t be able to attend university or college because of the high tuition fees.

The McGuinty government has received $340 million of new federal money to be used for post-secondary education. My question again: Will you use that $340 million to freeze tuition fees so students can afford to go to college and university, or are you going to continue to drive tuition fees through the roof?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: I’d recommend to my honourable friend that he take a look at the facts, because students are voting with their feet. He would portray our $6.2-billion investment in post-secondary education, an investment that is without precedent in the history of this province, as impeding access to college and university, but 86,000 more young people are now enrolled in Ontario colleges and universities. We’re supporting that in part through our generous doubling of student assistance, including bringing into being in the province of Ontario student grants.

Again I say, students are voting with their feet. That’s why they’re going on to college and university in unprecedented numbers in Ontario.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): New question?

Mr. Hampton: The fact is that students in Ontario are racking up higher and higher debts all the time.

Premier, during the 2003 election you promised you were going to end the clawback of the national child benefit, you promised you were going to increase education spending and you promised you were going to freeze tuition. Well, you failed to end the clawback of the national child benefit, you failed to fix the education funding formula for our schools and your tuition freeze lasted for only two years, and now you’re driving tuition fees higher than ever.

We hear your promises, but if you’re not prepared to at least freeze tuition fees so people can afford to go to university and college, how do you expect anyone across Ontario to believe anything you say about post-secondary funding?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: There’s a really good story to be told in Ontario when it comes to education, particularly post-secondary education. The leader of the NDP just doesn’t want to hear it and he certainly will never tell it: a $6.2-billion new investment in our plan. We froze tuition for two years. That was the first tuition freeze in Ontario history. Eighty-six thousand more young people are now enrolled in our colleges and universities. One hundred and twenty thousand young people are now the beneficiaries of student grants, which were eliminated by the NDP government. We’re now building 14,000 more graduate school spaces in our universities in the province of Ontario.

We understand much more so than the NDP, for whom this is a favourite political football, that our future hangs in the balance when it comes to ensuring that every capable young person who’s got the desire and the marks has a space available in our colleges and universities so they can achieve their potential and help Ontario thereby achieve its potential. That’s what we’re doing in Ontario: We’re standing behind our students and making sure they’ve got the spaces available.

Access to health care

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): My question is for the Premier. I want to follow up on an issue I raised with the Premier yesterday which the Premier didn’t deal with at that time. He and his minister have made a big point of principle that the Don Mills Surgical Unit will not under any circumstances be allowed to perform 1,500 knee surgeries paid for by OHIP, with the OHIP card of the people involved, in order to reduce wait times for people in the province who are waiting in many cases in pain and in many other cases for upwards of two years for this surgery which the Dalton McGuinty government claims is a priority.

This very same Dalton McGuinty government is providing public funding to the very same hospital to perform cataract removals under the very same wait times program. So my question is this: Why is it okay for this hospital, with public funds, to perform cataract surgery for people on the wait-list, but it’s not okay for them to perform knee replacement surgery for people who are waiting months and months in pain to have that surgery? Why is one okay and not the other?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): To the Minister of Health.

Hon. George Smitherman (Deputy Premier, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): When the House was sitting in the fall, the Conservative leader had but one policy with respect to health care: It was a $2.5-billion cut. Then, a couple of months later, he’s come up with his next policy, and that is to privatize health care. We know one more conversation with Mike Harris and they’ll have his whole health care platform put to bed.

With respect, we believe in results. The front-line health care workers in the province of Ontario have been working hard to produce results by reducing wait times for knee surgery by more than 30%. We believe fundamentally that the reforms and the innovation that are possible must occur in the context of the public health care system. This is where the action is, and we want to make sure that the public health care system continues to be under influence of innovation to provide even better results for the people of the province of Ontario.

We believe in this case that the not-for-profit model moving forward in the context of our public health care system is the way to produce continuing results for the people of the province of Ontario.

Mr. Tory: I think the people will have a lot of trouble understanding your contradiction on this, where you think it’s going to damage the public health system to have knee replacements done at this hospital, which would save time and suffering—and they might even find an innovative way to do it—but you think it’s okay to have people have their cataract operation there. What the Ottawa Citizen says today is that Dalton McGuinty and George Smitherman are saying to people waiting in pain that they should “take a shot of whiskey and bite down on a steel bar while they wait” 641 days for knee surgery in Ottawa.

You refuse to look at an option that could innovatively and quickly and efficiently, at public expense, paid for with the OHIP card, do exactly the same as you’re doing with the cataracts. Why will you not even consider this option that would see this care provided on a timely basis, publicly paid for with the OHIP card? Why won’t you even explore this proposal by the Don Mills Surgical Unit?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: Wait times for knee surgery in the province of Ontario are down by 30% as a result of this Premier’s dedication to the issue. The system in our province that we inherited, if you can call it that, from the Harris people that preceded us, who are now the advisers to this Conservative leader, could not even measure what the wait time was. In short time we’ve not only created the capacity to measure it, but we have demonstrated results in reducing it.

Accordingly, the capacity to further reduce wait times for knee surgery in Ontario is there in the context of the public health care system, because the leaders in the public health care system, the nurses and the doctors on the front line, have worked hard to produce it.

We are a government that stands in favour of results for health care. We are a government that has produced lower wait times for procedures in health care, and we are a government that will continue to move forward in the context of our public health care system to produce even more impressive results for—

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): New question.

Social assistance

Mr. Michael Prue (Beaches–East York): My question is to the Premier. Last week, members of our caucus brought forward the case of Cheryl Patterson. You will remember that case. Your government was clawing back her disabled children’s orphan benefits after their father passed away last June. Your government was clawing back the money from one child with a diagnosed mental illness and from another child with a brain tumour, and you left them with $17 per month from Ontario Works. You are forcing more tragedy on these young lives.

My question is a simple one: Will you reinstate the benefits that you clawed back from them retroactive to January when you began this heinous practice?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): To the Minister of Community and Social Services.

Hon. Madeleine Meilleur (Minister of Community and Social Services, minister responsible for francophone affairs): As the member opposite knows, I cannot talk about this specific case. He must know that by now.

We realize how hard some people are struggling on low-income work to improve their circumstances, and we’re doing our best to support them. Social assistance is a program of last resort paid for by the taxpayers of Ontario. Recipients are assessed based on their financial need, which is updated as circumstances change. We are committed to treating people with fairness and dignity and making sure that support is directed to those who need it most.

I must add also that this is the practice across the country. So this CPP is added to the income. As I said, this is a program of last resort, and it’s the same practice all across the country.

Mr. Prue: I cannot believe the answer from the honourable minister here. I cannot believe that you’re giving this answer about two orphaned children, one with a brain tumour and the other who suffers from a mental illness. You are saying that because other governments claw back the money, it’s okay for you to do the same thing. This is a heinous practice. This is something you should be ashamed of, not standing on your feet to say that it’s just like everybody else. You should be showing leadership. You should be stopping the program. You should stop being a “Harris lite,” because that’s all this government is when it comes to poor and disabled children who have been orphaned.

You should be reinstating the money to Cheryl Patterson and you should be ending this disgraceful clawback. Will you reconsider your words? Will you do what is right, not what is written on that piece of paper?

Hon. Mrs. Meilleur: Again, I just want to reiterate that this program is a program of last resort. All the provinces across Canada treat this type of benefit as income for the purpose of social assistance.

And let me add something: This practice has been in place since the beginning. This party sat as the government for five years. What did they do? Nothing. The practice continues, and now, because they’re not in power, they’re saying to us, “Change it.” They were there for five years and did nothing about it.

Manufacturing jobs

Mr. Dave Levac (Brant): My question is for the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. As you’re aware, last week an automotive parts manufacturer in the United States filed their application for bankruptcy protection, affecting the GenFast facility in my riding. They also announced at the time that the company’s plans are to close the plant in Brantford by the end of May. As a result of this closure, 235 people will be out of work and are understandably concerned about their futures and the impact on their families.

GenFast is a fixture in the community. It has been in Brantford since the first part of the 20th century, and known by many other names. Many people who will be out of work have spent their entire careers at GenFast. Some of these hard-working individuals may require assistance in navigating the job market and searching for new jobs, or they may need retraining and upgrading their skills to re-enter the workforce.

Minister, what advice, options and assistance can you offer to my constituents during this very difficult and stressful time?

Hon. Christopher Bentley (Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities): We’re very sorry to hear about the proposed closing, the intended closing of the plant, and very sorry for the workers and their families. Our obligation as a government is to get in as quickly as possible and provide the support that’s necessary. That’s why we’ve instituted, under Employment Ontario, our employment and training network, a rapid re-employment strategy.

We start with immediately contacting all of those involved—municipal officials, the union, the company—and advise them that we’re going to have an action team on the ground immediately. Within 30 days, there’s an action plan for the community which will tie the community into the services that are available in the community; for example, through Job Connect. Whether it’s counselling, support, job retraining, apprenticeship location or additional training that’s required, we identify what we have and connect the workers up. Secondly, we identify any gaps and bring in new and additional support.

Third, we’ll develop individual action plans for the workers affected within 15 days so they get the specialized support that they need. The goal is to connect every worker up with the next job opportunity.

Mr. Levac: Thank you, Minister. I have to say to you that I appreciate the work that you and your office have done for my riding. Unfortunately, it’s happened a couple of other times, and I will indeed confess to the fact that your rapid deployment works very well and that it has worked in my community, and I appreciate that very much. I appreciate the work that you’re doing, along with my municipal partners, who have worked with the ministry in the past, who have already passed a resolution to act and asked us to work together so that we can save and help those people who are affected by these layoffs.

For example, I know that Employment Ontario’s Job Connect has helped many of the people in the riding—helped them update their resumés, their job searches, and match skills to job opportunities that are starting to be created in my riding. They also are a reliable source that I can call on when a constituent is faced with job hunting.

GenFast employees must start to feel some reassurance to hear that we’re moving quickly, effectively and efficiently. I’m sure that many of the employees will find various types of assistance available through our government and the municipality. But Minister, how does this program fit in with our government’s economic plans and start to apply the skills that these workers have to get them into jobs that are now present in my riding?

Hon. Mr. Bentley: I refer that to the Minister of Economic Development and Trade.

Hon. Sandra Pupatello (Minister of Economic Development and Trade, minister responsible for women’s issues): I’m very pleased to stand and suggest that there are so many good things happening in the Brantford area. The local MPP is providing tremendous leadership in bringing companies to us when it’s appropriate that we can partner with them. A great example, frankly, is a great Italian company, Ferrero, which recently opened a plant in the area, bringing 1,200 jobs by 2009.

The next announcement that I was at myself was for Koolatron—another firm that worked with our advanced manufacturing investment strategy, maintaining those jobs—which uses NASA-equipped innovation and bringing it right home to Brantford, Ontario.

We have tremendous opportunities with our ministry. In fact, Koolatron, this company that we just had the pleasure of visiting, is now entering the Home Depot supply chain, thanks to a supply fair where our ministry brought Home Depot Canada to Ontario suppliers. Koolatron is a beneficiary of that.

There are many good things happening in Brantford, and we are very happy to be a part of that.

Access to health care

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): I have a question for the Premier.

Notwithstanding, as we’ve been discussing, that there are people waiting literally years in pain and suffering to have their knee replacements done and that you refuse to give them any consideration or to consider any innovative option at all for those people, I would ask you this question: Given that any involvement at all by this Don Mills Surgical Unit seems to be, as your minister says and as you’ve said, a threat to the public health care system—the ministry even suggested that it is a threat to Canadian values—when can we expect your office to be issuing a letter instructing the Minister of Health to stop funding the cataract and arthroscopic knee procedures being done there now, which are funded by OHIP?

If this is a threat to Canadian health care as we know it, I want to know when you’re going to issue the letter saying that they should no longer be performing cataract operations and arthroscopic knee surgery, if you’re being consistent with how you’re treating these people who are suffering while waiting for a knee replacement. When will the instruction—

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): The question’s been asked. Premier?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): The Minister of Health never said that, nor did he imply that the services being provided at present represent a threat. The issue, from our perspective, is, where do we move on a go-forward basis?

I think it represents intellectual laziness to say that we cannot bring about innovation within the public health care system. We think that working with our doctors, our nurses, our technicians and everybody who is committed and devoted to public health care in Ontario, we can bring about real, meaningful and measurable progress when it comes to wait times. And the facts bear that out. We keep reducing wait times.

The leader of the official opposition comes from a party that wouldn’t even measure wait times. Not only have we measured them and made those public, thirdly, we’ve put in place a plan which is actually getting wait times down for the first time in Ontario. What I would ask the leader of the official opposition to do is to stand up and support all those people who dedicate themselves to reducing wait times inside the public health care system.

Mr. Tory: I’m delighted to get up and say I support and commend all of those people. That’s not the question. They are trying to do their best, but the fact of the matter is that people are still waiting 600 days, 500 days, 700 days, 641 days in your own home community of Ottawa, in pain and suffering to get a knee replacement. And you refuse, speaking of innovation—you see, that’s part of the problem. You think every bit of innovation has to come from a government employee. We actually disagree.

We think there are great innovators out there who may not be on the public payroll directly but who could provide publicly paid-for health procedures with the OHIP card. Why is it okay to have the cataracts done by this clinic, paid for by your government and by the taxpayers, and not okay to have the knee replacements done? And if it’s not okay generally, when are you going to stop the cataracts and the arthroscopic knee surgeries from being done? When are you going to stop this threat to public health care as we know it? When are you going to stop this assault on Canadian values which is such complete—

The Speaker: Premier?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: The leader of the official opposition may be interested to learn that in Don Mills, that private, for-profit operation is doing about 0.2% of our cataracts throughout the province of Ontario.

I think it was Toe Blake who said, “You never break up a winning combination.” Working with public health care in Ontario, we have brought angiographies down by 50%—that’s down 28 days—angioplasties are down 11 days, cataract surgeries down 128 days, hip replacements down 94 days, knee replacements down 133 days, MRIs down 15 days, CT scans down 19 days, cancer surgeries down 13 days and bypass surgeries down one day.

Are we making progress? Absolutely. Is there more work to be done? Of course there is, but we have found that the way to get this work done is by working with our nurses, our doctors, our technicians, our Ontarians who are devoted to improving the quality of their public health care system.

Education Funding

Mr. Rosario Marchese (Trinity–Spadina): A question to the Minister of Education: Minister, yesterday you made another frozen molasses funding announcement for public education, but 20 school boards could not get frozen molasses to sweeten the bitter news you gave them. They’re all receiving less real dollars today than they did two years ago.

Some of these boards are Algoma, CSD catholique des Grandes Rivières, DSB Ontario North East, Huron-Superior Catholic DSB, Keewatin-Patricia DSB, Lakehead DSB, Near North DSB, Northeastern Catholic DSB, Northwest Catholic DSB, Rainy River DSB, Superior North Catholic DSB, Superior-Greenstone DSB and others. Other than you starving them for funds, can you tell me what other thing these school boards have in common?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne (Minister of Education): I think the remarkable thing about the investments we’re making in education is that we’re making those investments in spite of the fact that across this province enrolment is declining. Money is going up. There are more teachers in the schools, there are more resources in the schools, more students are graduating from school and at the same time there are fewer students in our schools. So we are protecting boards. There is no board in this province that is getting less money this year than they got last year, and 63 of the 72 boards are going to have fewer students than they had last year.

We acknowledge that we need to increase funding and to keep those school boards in good shape for the students who are there. That’s the good news for Ontario. The 781 million new dollars that are going into education are going to improve the education of students in this province regardless of whether they’re in a board where the enrolment is going down.

Mr. Marchese: Minister, you say “declining enrolment” as if you can cash it at the bank. But let me tell you the answer to the question. I will tell you what they all have in common: They are all northern school boards. Northern schools are receiving 11 million real dollars less today than two years ago, less money despite having to pay for the same buses, heat and repair of the same schools. Will you stop ignoring working families in the north and give northern children the education they deserve?

Hon. Ms. Wynne: When I was first appointed to this job, I went to the north and I talked to the directors in the north. What they said to me is, “We need you to acknowledge transportation needs. We need you to look at funding for aboriginal students. We need you to recognize that we’re in declining enrolment but we need support for our schools.”

What have we done? We have done exactly what Mr. Rozanski said we should do. We’ve put in a line for aboriginal students. We are, for the first time in this province, supporting in a structural way funding for aboriginal students, and I can tell you that the boards the member opposite is talking about are very pleased about that. At the same time, we have increased the benchmarks in each area for those boards the same as we have across the province, even though, on average, the decline in the northern boards is around 10% in terms of enrolment. So the funding is up even though the enrolment is down.

Driver licences

Mr. Jim Brownell (Stormont–Dundas–Charlottenburgh): My question is to the Minister of Transportation. The Ontario’s driver’s licence one of the most commonly used pieces of identification among Ontarians. We have all heard recently that the government is now working toward creating a new, more secure driver’s licence. Drivers’ licences contain a considerable amount of personal information, and because of the frequency with which we use them, that information will be exposed to a number of individuals.

Minister, can you tell members of this House how this new driver’s licence will protect the security and privacy of Ontario’s drivers?

Hon. Donna H. Cansfield (Minister of Transportation): I thank the member for the question. First and foremost, the security and the integrity of the card is absolutely paramount to the driver’s licence, and that is also paramount to us as a government. What we’ve done is put in place a new contract—I had the privilege of announcing that contract a couple of weeks ago—for a new card production starting in December 2007, and this is where the integrity of the card cannot be compromised. In fact, what we’ve done is, we’ve actually made it more difficult for that card to be tampered with. We’ve increased the protection of the personal data on the card.

As I indicated, that protection is absolutely paramount. Security features that I can talk to you about include a two debar code, a secondary photo, signature images, ultraviolet features which are really invisible to the naked eye, a fine line background and new colour. That only speaks to those security measures that you can see; there are others you cannot.

Mr. Brownell: The people of my riding of Stormont–Dundas–Charlottenburgh will be pleased to see that a modified licence will protect their identity while also decreasing the possibility for counterfeit licences.

Recently our Premier and his counterparts from other provinces were in Washington to discuss using a driver’s licence as an alternative to the passport for cross-border travel with the United States. In border communities like Cornwall and others in my right riding, the significance of cross-border trade, day trips and vacations cannot be understated. Indeed, the livelihood of many Ontarians depends on their ability to cross easily between our two great countries.

Minister, how will this new driver’s licence help balance this need with the greater security concerns both our countries are facing?

Hon. Mrs. Cansfield: Primarily, the most important thing that we can do is continue to advocate for an option other than just the passport, to really continue to advocate for an alternative ID. We believe that the security measures that are currently embedded in this new production of the card are sufficient to satisfy the homeland security people. All we’d need to add is the Canadian citizenship portion of it.

We know that if we continue to advocate and have those discussions such as the Premier is continuing to have, we have a viable alternative to allow people to move back and forth across the border as they need to on a daily basis. So we will continue to do that. We have the measures with which to do it. We can protect. When we get to the point of the discussions, we will obviously include the privacy commissioner to ensure that all the information that we put on there is the information that is required, nothing more and nothing less.

We know that we have a card, in fact, that can do the service of being an alternative to the passport, and we will continue to be a strong advocate in that direction.

Anti-Bullying initiatives

Mr. Gerry Martiniuk (Cambridge): My question is to the Minister of Education. A young girl of 16 in the Waterloo school system was a victim of bullying in the school. A year later, that same child was a witness to the assault of another child by the same bullies. The vice-principal of the school told the child to write out what she had observed, but not to sign the memorandum, to preserve her secrecy. The child’s name was then inserted by the school administration in the memorandum, and the memorandum delivered to the police. A child is now a public police witness in criminal charges laid against the bullies.

My question is, does a person in authority, having care and control of a child in a school, have the right to obtain a written statement for the purpose of a criminal investigation without the permission of her parents and without providing the child with a clear understanding of the consequences?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne (Minister of Education): Thank you for the question. I’m not going to comment on a specific case where I do not know the specifics. It would not be appropriate for me to pass judgment on a case when I have no idea exactly what the circumstances were. But I would say to the member opposite that if he has concerns, if he has a specific question, he could get in touch with my office—this is the first I’ve heard of this case—and I’d be happy to follow up with him.

Mr. Martiniuk: As a result of the fear of retaliation, this child quit school, and though the parents have objected to the school board, no action was taken. My letter to you, Madam Minister, of February 28, 2007, has the facts as I’ve related them, and your staff has already told me that you’re not going to do anything about it.

Minister, who will protect the children in our schools if even a minister of the crown refuses protection? You, by your inaction, have put children in schools across this province in harm’s way. They look to you for protection, and as minister responsible, you have let them down. Will you not stop this invasion of our children’s privacy in our schools?

Hon. Ms. Wynne: I want to thank the member opposite for bringing this issue to my attention. As I said, I would be happy to follow up with him. If he gets in touch with my office, I’d be happy to do everything I can to get information back to him.

Paper mill

Mr. Gilles Bisson (Timmins–James Bay): My question is to the Minister of Natural Resources. Both myself and Charlie Angus, the federal member of Parliament for Timmins–James Bay, were in Iroquois Falls last week at the Ontario Municipal Board hearings that are dealing with the request by Abitibi to sever the power dams from the paper mill in Iroquois Falls. We learned at that hearing that your ministry approved the transfer on the water rights in August 2006. Now, imagine the surprise of Mr.

Roger Hardy, who was at that hearing and is the president of the local union that represents the workers, who got a letter from you dated March 5 that says, “It is not yet clear if the restructuring will result in a transfer requirement at all. Accordingly, there has been no request made for my consent.”

Who are we to believe—the Ontario Municipal Board evidence or the Minister of Natural Resources’ letter—as to whether those water rights were actually transferred?

Hon. David Ramsay (Minister of Natural Resources, minister responsible for aboriginal affairs): I stand by the letter that I sent to Roger Hardy about 10 days ago.

Mr. Bisson: Well, I’ll tell you, people in Iroquois Falls are hopping mad, and it would probably be a good idea if you went there and visited them. They sat there at that hearing and were flabbergasted to hear—they had been told by you on numerous occasions that those water rights have not been transferred, and they heard at the OMB hearings that in fact they have. People are beside themselves. I say again, are you standing by this letter and are you saying here in the Legislature today that in fact the water rights have not been transferred on those power dams?

Hon. Mr. Ramsay: I stand by the letter that I sent to Roger Hardy, the president of the local union there at the Abitibi mill. I met with the union executive about two months ago in Iroquois Falls and have been up to the community since then to also talk to council about the issue. I stand by that letter. We had a meeting within our legal branch the other day to get that clear, and that’s the legal

interpretation from MNR.

Produits agricoles ontariens Ontario produce

M me Monique M. Smith (Nipissing): Ma question est pour le ministre de la Promotion de la santé. Monsieur le ministre, il a toujours été difficile pour nos communautés du nord d’avoir accès aux fruits et légumes nutritifs du sud de l’Ontario. Pouvez-vous me dire ce que votre ministère met en place afin de mieux approvisionner nos communautés du nord avec les fruits et légumes du sud de l’Ontario?

L’hon. Jim Watson (ministre de la Promotion de la santé): Je remercie la députée de Nipissing pour sa question. J’ai eu le plaisir de lancer un programme pilote pour les fruits et les légumes dans le nord de l’Ontario qui coûte 500 000 $. J’ai visité la communauté d’Iroquois Falls avec mon collègue, M. le ministre Ramsay, et c’est un projet pilote avec la coopération du ministère de l’Agriculture, de l’Association des fruiticulteurs, du Bureau de santé de Porcupine, et des écoles et conseils scolaires locaux.

This pilot program provides about 25 schools in the Porcupine district with fresh fruit and vegetable snacks three times a week. As the chair of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association, Brenda Lammens, said, it’s a win-win situation. We’re providing an opportunity for local farmers to provide the fruit and vegetables, and the kids up north are getting a fresh fruit and vegetable snack three times a week. Je suis très fier de ce programme.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Supplementary?

Mr. Bruce Crozier (Essex): I have a question as well with regard to Ontario’s fruits and vegetables, but I would like the Minister of Agriculture to answer it. My question is, at this year’s summit, the Premier hinted that our government will be unveiling a new branding and marketing strategy for Ontario produce. Minister, could you please explain to my constituents, particularly those who produce vegetables and fruit, how this new branding and marketing strategy will benefit farmers in the Essex riding?

Hon. Mr. Watson: I refer the question to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Hon. Leona Dombrowsky (Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs): I’m very, very happy to have the opportunity to talk about a marketing and branding initiative that the Premier talked about at the Premier’s summit about a week ago. Actually, I’m delighted to say that a year ago I had asked agriculture stakeholders to bring advice to the government around how we can better support the agriculture industry. They brought back to me recommendations.

A very significant part of that document, the Minister’s Strategic Advisory Committee report, did identify that it would be important for Ontario to embark on a marketing and branding strategy. That very day, our Premier acted and indicated that indeed our government is going to be moving on a marketing and branding strategy. This strategy will educate the people of Ontario that we have the safest and best-quality food; and, number two, this is going to help the agriculture industry as we promote products that are produced right here in Ontario.

Greenbelt foundation

Mr. Tim Hudak (Erie–Lincoln): I have a question for the minister responsible for the greenbelt. Minister, I know you’re a strong supporter of the Niagara Escarpment Commission, which is headquartered in Georgetown. I know the minister is a strong supporter and holds the Niagara Parks Commission in high regard, which is just next door to him in Niagara Falls, to his St. Catharines. I know further that the minister is a supporter of the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation, started by the previous Mike Harris PC government, which is headquartered in King City in the Oak Ridges moraine.

So if the escarpment commission is near the escarpment, the Niagara Parks Commission is in Niagara Falls and the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation is in King City, do you think it’s appropriate that the Greenbelt Foundation is in the most swanky retail area in the city of Toronto, in Yorkville, instead of being in the greenbelt area?

Hon. James J. Bradley (Minister of Tourism, minister responsible for seniors, Government House Leader): I know that the member says that, and when he was asked about it, I know he just didn’t have time to give all the information. That often happens—I understand that very much: You’re asked a question, you’re putting out a release, and you don’t have the full information to give out to people. It’s not that you’re trying to hold anything back at all. But I have to tell the member that the Greenbelt Foundation operates an office in Nobleton, Ontario.

Hon. Leona Dombrowsky (Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs): Is that in the greenbelt?

Hon. Mr. Bradley: As I understand it, that is in the greenbelt. I know he didn’t have time to tell everybody that. But now that everybody knows, it’s great to see that there’s an office in Nobleton, Ontario.

Interjection.

Hon. Mr. Bradley: I agree with him: Nobleton is a great place to have an office.

PETITIONS

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Mr. John O’Toole (Durham): I’d like to present a petition on behalf of my constituents. It reads as follows:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the lung association’s Women and COPD national report 2006 reveals that more than 425,000 Canadian women have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and more than 4,300 will die of the disease this year; and

“Whereas the Women and COPD national report indicates that since 2000, female mortality due to COPD has risen at double the rate of breast cancer”—double the rate; it’s unbelievable;

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

“That the Legislative Assembly of Ontario support a call to action for early diagnosis and optimized management of COPD to reduce illness and suffering;

“That the Legislative Assembly of Ontario support the Ontario Lung Association’s COPD advisory panel report to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care on the prevention and management of COPD in Ontario; and

“That the Legislative Assembly of Ontario endorse a comprehensive strategy to address COPD in this province.”

I am pleased to sign this on behalf of the many families and women in the province of Ontario.

Affordable housing

Mr. Paul Ferreira (York South–Weston): I’m pleased to present this petition signed by more than 500 residents of the greater Toronto area, including a couple of dozen from my riding of York South–Weston. It’s addressed:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas 122,000 households across Ontario are on waiting lists for affordable housing, enduring wait times of five to 10 years;

“Whereas housing affordability problems are worsening in Ontario, with one tenant household in five paying at least 50% of its income on rent and almost 65,000 facing eviction in 2005 because they couldn’t afford to pay their rent;

“Whereas Ontario’s current social housing stock is increasingly rundown, with tenants forced to endure degrading conditions, including mould, cockroaches and mice; and

“Whereas the cost of ignoring the plight of our poorly housed and homeless neighbours affects all citizens of Ontario through increased health costs, emergency shelter costs and other public expenditures;

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

“To ensure there is a major allocation of funding for affordable and supportive housing in Ontario’s 2007 provincial budget, with a commitment to release this funding quickly; and

“To urge the government of Ontario to reassume financial responsibility for the cost and repair of the current social housing stock which was downloaded onto municipalities who cannot afford repair and upkeep costs.”

I proudly affix my name to the petition.

Regulation of zoos

Mr. Dave Levac (Brant): This is a petition to the Ontario Legislative Assembly regarding the regulating of zoos to protect animals and communities.

“Whereas Ontario has the weakest zoo laws in the country; and

“Whereas existing zoo regulations are vague, unenforceable and only apply to native wildlife; and

“Whereas there are no mandatory standards to ensure adequate care and housing for zoo animals or the health and safety of animals, zoo staff, the visiting public or neighbouring communities; and

“Whereas several people have been injured by captive wildlife and zoo escapes are frequent in Ontario; and

“Whereas these same regulatory gaps were affirmed recently by the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario in his annual report;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to support MPP David Zimmer’s bill, the Regulation of Zoos Act.”

I sign this petition and hand it to page Jordan.

Long-term care

Mr. Ted Arnott (Waterloo–Wellington): I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. It reads as follows:

“Whereas Ontario will not meet the needs of its aging population and ensure access to hospital services unless long-term-care homes can provide the care and services that residents need; and

“Whereas staff are now run off their feet trying to keep up and homes are unable to provide the full range of care and programs that residents need or the menu choices that meet their expectations; and

“Whereas dietary, housekeeping and other services that residents and their families value are being put at risk by increasing operating costs; and

“Whereas some 35,000 residents still live in older homes, many with three- and four-bed ward rooms and wheelchair-inaccessible washrooms; and

“Whereas on November 23, 2006, this Legislature unanimously passed a private member’s motion asking the government to introduce a capital renewal program for B and C homes; and

“Whereas such a program is required to support the limited-term licensing provision in the proposed new Long-Term Care Homes Act;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario of Ontario to: increase long-term-care operating funds by $390 million in 2007 and $214 million in 2008 to provide an additional 30 minutes of resident care, enhance programs and meal menus and address other operating cost pressures, and introduce a capital renewal and retrofit program for all B and C homes, beginning with committing to provide $9.5 million this year to renew the first 2,500 beds.”

It’s signed by hundreds of constituents from Waterloo–Wellington.

Ms. Shelley Martel (Nickel Belt): I have a petition that’s been signed by the residents and families of the Elizabeth Centre in my riding. I want to thank them for delivering this to my office. It reads as follows:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas Ontario will not meet the needs of its aging population and ensure access to hospital services unless long-term-care homes can provide the care and services that residents need; and

“Whereas staff are now run off their feet trying to keep up and homes are unable to provide the full range of care and programs that residents need or the menu choices that meet their expectations; and

“Whereas dietary, housekeeping and other services that residents and their families value are being put at risk by increasing operating costs; and

“Whereas some 35,000 residents still live in older homes, many with three- and four-bed ward rooms and wheelchair-inaccessible washrooms; and

“Whereas on November 23, 2006, this Legislature unanimously passed a private member’s motion asking the government to introduce a capital renewal program for B and C homes; and

“Whereas such a program is required to support the limited-term licensing provision in the proposed new Long-Term Care Homes Act;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario of Ontario to: increase long-term-care operating funds by $390 million in 2007 and $214 million in 2008 to provide an additional 30 minutes of resident care, enhance programs and meal menus and address other operating cost pressures, and introduce a capital renewal and retrofit program for all B and C homes, beginning with committing to provide $9.5 million this year to renew the first 2,500 beds.”

I agree with the petitioners. I’ve affixed my signature to this.

Regulation of zoos

Mr. Richard Patten (Ottawa Centre): This is a petition to the Ontario Legislative Assembly.

“Whereas Ontario has the weakest zoo laws in the country; and

“Whereas existing zoo regulations are vague, unenforceable and only apply to native wildlife; and

“Whereas there are no mandatory standards to ensure adequate care and housing for zoo animals or the health and safety of animals, zoo staff, the visiting public or neighbouring communities; and

“Whereas several people have been injured by captive wildlife and zoo escapes are frequent in Ontario; and

“Whereas these same regulatory gaps were affirmed recently by the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario in his annual report;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to support MPP David Zimmer’s bill, the Regulation of Zoos Act.”

This is signed by a couple of hundred high school students.

Ontario disability support program

Mr. Ernie Hardeman (Oxford): I have a petition here to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario presented to me by Mike Crna. He’s a person involved with Community Living Tillsonburg. It’s signed by many people from Community Living Tillsonburg and Community Living around the province.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Ontario disability support program is designed to meet the unique needs of people with disabilities who are in financial need, or who want and are able to work and need support; and

“Whereas the ODSP benefit levels had been frozen for almost 10 years under previous governments; and

“Whereas it is appreciated that the McGuinty government increased the maximum monthly rate for ODSP by 3% in 2004 and a further 2% in 2006;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislature of Ontario to increase the Ontario disability support program payments on an annual basis to ensure it covers the cost-of-living increase incurred by ODSP recipients.”

I affix my signature to this petition, as I agree with it.

Gravesites of former premiers

Mr. Jim Brownell (Stormont–Dundas–Charlottenburgh): I have a petition from some members of the Cornwall Township Historical Society, and it reads as follows:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Premiers of Ontario have made enormous contributions over the years in shaping the Ontario of today; and

“Whereas, as a result, the final resting places of the 18 deceased Premiers are among the most historically significant sites in the province, but have yet to be officially recognized; and

“Whereas, were these gravesites to be properly maintained and marked with a historical plaque and a flag of Ontario, these locations would be a source of pride to the communities where these former Premiers lie buried, and provide potential points of interest for visitors;

“Now therefore, we, the undersigned, petition the Legislature Assembly of Ontario as follows:

“Enact Bill 25,

An Act that will preserve the gravesites of the former Premiers of Ontario.”

As I agree with this petition, I’ll affix my signature and send it with Cody to the Clerk’s table.

Natural resources program funding

Mr. Jerry J. Ouellette (Oshawa): “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) plays a vital role in the conservation and management of the natural resources that belong to all Ontarians; and

“Whereas the MNR budget for 2006-07 is 24% less, in real terms, than it was in 1992-93; and

“Whereas vital programs relating to fish and wildlife, provincial parks, enforcement, forestry, and other MNR activities continue to be cut back; and

“Whereas the ... economic, educational, environmental, recreational and social value of our natural resources far exceeds the cost of protecting and managing them;

“Therefore,

be it resolved that we, the undersigned, respectfully petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

“That funding of the Ministry of Natural Resources be increased to a level that will enable it to stop cutting existing programs and provide full funding to all existing programs as well as any new programs that may be required to ensure the effective protection and management of Ontario’s natural resources.”

As I believe in it, I will affix my name.

Road safety

Ms. Andrea Horwath (Hamilton East): I have quite a significant number of petitions, and they were provided to me from all over the province. They were gathered and inspired by a woman named Adrienne Seggie, who you might know had the terrible tragedy of the loss of her son in a downtown street in Hamilton. So the people who are worried about street racing sent these petitions into the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

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

“Whereas Matthew Power, 21, a pedestrian crossing a Hamilton roadway on a green light, was struck and killed by a street racing motorist on November 4, 2006;

“Whereas street racing shows reckless disregard for the risk it poses to human life, the safety of Ontario roads and highways and the people who travel them; and

“Whereas Matthew Power and his grieving family are among a growing number of Ontarians victimized by street racing;

“Therefore,

be it resolved that the government must change legislation to provide for mandatory prison sentences for convictions of homicide caused by street racing.”

I’m signing this petition and sending it down to the table.

Long-term care

Mr. Ted McMeekin (Ancaster–Dundas–Flamborough–Aldershot): I think I got the shortened version of the long-term-care petition from the good folk at Alexander Place in Flamborough.

It reads, “Petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to increase long-term operating funding by $390 million in 2007 and $214 million in 2008 to provide an additional 30 minutes of resident care, enhance programs and meal menus and address other operating cost pressures, and introduce a capital renewal and retrofit program for all B and C homes, beginning with committing to provide $9.5 million this year to renew the first 2,500 beds.”

I did promise that I would present that petition myself in the House.

Affordable housing

Mr. Frank Klees (Oak Ridges): I’m presenting 831 petitions to the Legislature delivered to me by Mr. Murray MacAdam of the Anglican Diocese of Toronto. It reads as follows:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas 122,000 households across Ontario are on waiting lists for affordable housing, enduring wait times of five to 10 years;

“Whereas housing affordability problems are worsening in Ontario, with one tenant household in five paying at least 50% of its income on rent, and almost 65,000 facing eviction in 2005 because they couldn’t afford to pay their rent;

“Whereas Ontario’s current social housing stock is increasingly run down, with tenants forced to endure degrading conditions, including mould, cockroaches and mice; and

“Whereas the cost of ignoring the plight of our poorly housed and homeless neighbours affects all citizens of Ontario through increased health costs, emergency shelter costs and other public expenditures;

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

“To ensure there is a major allocation of funding for affordable and supportive housing in Ontario’s 2007 provincial budget, with a commitment to release this funding quickly; and

“To urge the government of Ontario to reassume financial responsibility for the cost and repair of the current social housing stock which was downloaded onto municipalities who cannot afford repair and upkeep costs.”

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): The time for petitions, unfortunately, has expired.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

Health System Improvements Act, 2007 Loi de 2007 sur l’amélioration du système de santé

Mr. Smitherman moved second reading of the following bill:

Bill 171,

An Act to improve health systems by amending or repealing various enactments and enacting certain Acts / Projet de loi 171, Loi visant à améliorer les systèmes de santé en modifiant ou en abrogeant divers textes de loi et en édictant certaines lois.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): I assume the minister wishes to lead off debate. I recognize the Minister of Health to lead off the debate on Bill 171.

Hon. George Smitherman (Deputy Premier, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): At the outset, I will be sharing my time with the member for Mississauga East.

It is indeed a tremendous privilege to have the opportunity today to stand and to speak about Bill 171. It is for me a bit of a—

Interjection

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: I hear the heckling has begun from the member from Durham already.

It is a substantial milestone for me. I’m getting to be, for some people at least, long in the tooth as the Minister of Health, and this is the 10th bill that I have been very privileged to bring to the order paper in