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December 13, 2005

38th Parliament, 2nd Session

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Hansard Transcripts

vol. A

Hansard Transcripts

vol. B

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcripts 2005-Dec-13 (PDF)

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L'ONTARIO

Tuesday 13 December 2005 Mardi 13 décembre 2005

ESTIMATES

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

COMMONWEALTH GAMES

BURLINGTON TEEN TOUR BAND

SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

BRAMPTON HOSPITAL

TOBACCO INDUSTRY

HYDRO RATES

HIGH-OCCUPANCY VEHICLE LANES

AGRICULTURAL TRADE

ÉQUIPES DE SANTÉ FAMILIALE /

FAMILY HEALTH TEAMS

VISITORS

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

EDUCATION STATUTE LAW AMENDMENT ACT

(LEARNING TO AGE 18), 2005 /

LOI DE 2005 MODIFIANT DES LOIS

EN CE QUI CONCERNE L'ÉDUCATION (APPRENTISSAGE JUSQU'À L'ÂGE

DE 18 ANS)

MOTIONS

PRIVATE MEMBERS' PUBLIC BUSINESS

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

COMMITTEE SITTINGS

HOUSE SITTINGS

VISITORS

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY AND RESPONSES

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS /

ÉTUDIANTS DU SECONDAIRE

ENTENTE ADDITIONNELLE

À L'ANNEXE DE LA CHARTE

DES GRANDS LACS /

GREAT LAKES

CHARTER ANNEX AGREEMENT

NATIVE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

ACCESSIBILITÉ POUR

LES PERSONNES HANDICAPÉES

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

GREAT LAKES CHARTER

ANNEX AGREEMENT

NATIVE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

NATIVE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

GREAT LAKES CHARTER

ANNEX AGREEMENT

VISITORS

DEFERRED VOTES

ENERGY CONSERVATION RESPONSIBILITY

ACT, 2005 /

LOI DE 2005 SUR LA RESPONSABILITÉ

EN MATIÈRE DE CONSERVATION

DE L'ÉNERGIE

ELECTION STATUTE LAW

AMENDMENT ACT, 2005 /

LOI DE 2005 MODIFIANT DES LOIS

EN CE QUI CONCERNE LES ÉLECTIONS

VISITORS

ORAL QUESTIONS

CRIME PREVENTION

HEALTH SERVICES

NUCLEAR ENERGY

HEALTH SERVICES

SECURITIES INDUSTRY

ONTARIO MUNICIPAL BOARD

TORNADOES

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION

COURT INTERPRETERS

AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY

HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION

NOTICE OF DISSATISFACTION

PETITIONS

FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY

CANCER TREATMENT

FIREARMS SAFETY

SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ONTARIO MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES

RETIREMENT SYSTEM ACT, 2005 /

LOI DE 2005

SUR LE RÉGIME DE RETRAITE

DES EMPLOYÉS MUNICIPAUX

DE L'ONTARIO

ADJOURNMENT DEBATE

WATER QUALITY

ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS

TORNADOES

The House met at 1330.

Prayers.

ESTIMATES

Hon. Sandra Pupatello (Minister of Community and Social Services, minister responsible for women's issues): Mr. Speaker, I have a message from

the Honourable Lieutenant Governor, signed by his own hand.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): The Lieutenant Governor transmits estimates of certain sums required for the services of the province for

the year ending March 31, 2006, and recommends them to the assembly.

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Mr. Frank Klees (Oak Ridges): The York 2014 bid committee hosted the delegation from the Canadian Commonwealth Games yesterday and showcased

what York region has to offer the world as the site for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

I want to congratulate bid chair and former games medalist Bill Crothers and the members of the bid committee for their dedication to this undertaking and for an

outstanding presentation of York region as the preferred Canadian bid and ultimately the host site for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

York region has a bid that can win internationally and, if chosen, I am confident that they can succeed in the final competition with Scotland and Nigeria to

host the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

The 2014 games are much more than a 10-day competition for York region. In addition to hosting our friends and allies in this prestigious athletic competition,

with all the benefits that ensue, they are also a catalyst for a real and better future. In addition to permanent world-class athletic facilities, these games will allow us to move ahead on our

non-sports infrastructure projects, which provide long-term benefit for all York region residents and businesses.

I am very proud of the bid being put forward by York region. When successful as the Canadian site, I look forward to the unanimous consent of this Legislature to

champion in every aspect the international bid to bring the 2014 Commonwealth Games to Canada and to York region.

BURLINGTON TEEN TOUR BAND

Mr. Ted McMeekin (Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Aldershot): Holding fast to the best of our past while moving quickly to embrace the best of our

future, I rise to salute the Burlington Teen Tour Band. Under the direction of Sir William Hughes, Her Majesty's personal musician, and Mr. Rob Bennett, the band manager, the band played earlier on

the steps of the Legislature.

With the support of the city of Burlington and the Burlington Teen Tour Band Boosters, the band has been marching and performing in countless parades, halftime

shows, concerts and movie shoots since their formation in 1947. On two recent occasions, the band traveled to Europe. In June 2004, they stood with our veterans on Juno Beach in celebration of the

60th anniversary of D-Day. Later, in May 2005, they proudly marched with our veterans in Apeldoorn to mark the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands. What an inspiration: our

veterans and our youth standing side by side, together commemorating a significant part of our history.

Special thanks to Minister Colle for today honouring the historic contributions of the Burlington Teen Tour Band. As the minister said, "The province of Ontario

is proud to acknowledge the exceptional service performed by these young Ontarians and the community leaders who support them."

To these young ambassadors, this assembly would say thank you. You have made us very proud. With that, Mr. Speaker, I would like to introduce the finest marching

band in Canada, the Burlington Teen Tour Band.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): This is probably out of order, but I was billeted with the Teen Tour Band in the late 1960s when I was with

another band here in the province.

SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

Mr. Cameron Jackson (Burlington): Community Living Ontario and its associations have been the largest deliverer of essential supports and

services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities for more than 50 years. The Minister of Community and Social Services, however, continues to refuse to recognize and address the

funding crisis being faced by Ontario's community living associations, a funding crisis that threatens to destabilize the province's entire developmental services sector.

The challenges they face are numerous: The salaries paid to community support workers remain about 25% below those of other workers; staff turnover rates average

22%; and pay equity issues and significant wage disparities within the sector remain unaddressed. As such, college training programs for this sector are being cancelled due to a lack of interest

from new recruits. As a result of this funding crisis, the service gap and waiting lists for accommodation services continue to grow.

The minister is mismanaging the deinstitutionalization agenda by destabilizing the very same associations that will be required to provide new and expanded

community-based services for these clients. Rhetoric is the only thing she has increased. In fact, she has slowed down the multi-year capital plans from the previous government.

On behalf of Ontario's community living associations, I call on the McGuinty government to make a strong commitment to support community networks of services

through a fully funded multi-year plan. Issues facing people with disabilities in Ontario are complex and require a focused, coordinated and fully funded response from the minister. The time for

that response is now.

BRAMPTON HOSPITAL

Mrs. Linda Jeffrey (Brampton Centre): On Friday, December 9, I had the pleasure of attending, alongside colleagues, donors and dedicated

hospital staff, a milestone in the construction of the newest hospital in the William Osler Health Centre family: the final concrete pour on the hospital structure at Bovaird Drive and Bramalea

Road in Brampton. Under our government's leadership, construction on the state-of-the-art hospital began back in October 2004. It's one of the first greenfield hospitals to be built in Canada and

is located in one of the most diverse and growing regions in the country.

The new Brampton hospital at Bovaird Drive and Bramalea Road is the country's largest capital health care infrastructure project. It will have 608 beds and will

accommodate 90,000 emergency patient visits, 160,000 ambulatory care visits and 110,000 outpatient visits annually. This new hospital will be an ultramodern facility with advanced medical equipment

and will offer a comprehensive range of health services, including expanded cardiac and cancer programs, regional dialysis and neonatal care. It will be an open, accessible public hospital.

Construction of this new 1.2-million-square-foot hospital is scheduled for completion in July 2007. It is a signature project in my community and exemplifies our

government's dedication to improving health care services and access for all Ontarians.

TOBACCO INDUSTRY

Mr. Toby Barrett (Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant): Ontario's tobacco farmers have had their backs to the wall for several years; they've now read the

writing on the wall. The farmers, through their marketing board, are now on their knees, and they wish to give up growing tobacco. To that end, the tobacco board is requesting the Ontario

government convene a forum of all parties to discuss their future immediately.

Quite simply, in today's environment it's impossible for farmers to continue in business. Stability and profitability are things of the past. Input costs

continue to rise, margins continue to fall, and the pressure to lower the price of leaf is only intensifying. In the meantime, farmers realize that, upon exit, their specialized plant and equipment

will be worthless.

Many countries around the world have included an adjustment program for tobacco farmers that provides a fair and equitable exit. Australia and the United States

come to mind. Last spring, here in Ontario and in Quebec, the federal government put in place the tobacco adjustment assistance program to help a percentage of tobacco farmers leave the industry.

At that time, as they do today, the tobacco board advocated that a more comprehensive and proactive solution was required. The solution is a full exit plan for all Ontario tobacco farmers. There is

no turning back.

As I did in estimates in September, I ask the Minister of Agriculture to convene a forum allowing discussions to begin, a forum that includes both health and

finance representatives. Let's fix this once and for all.

HYDRO RATES

Mr. Gilles Bisson (Timmins-James Bay): The winter season is upon us. We know that in northern Ontario, this very morning, most of our loved ones

woke up to minus-30-degree weather. It reminds us that we're going to have to pay a lot more for energy this winter when it comes to heating our homes with heating oil or buying natural gas or, God

behold, having to pay electricity prices. I just say to this government that it's going to be a tough winter when it comes to the ability to pay energy costs.

This government should do something in order to deal with an energy policy that at the end of the day looks at a couple of very basic issues: number one, why is

the province of Ontario not looking at electricity in the way that it did for some 90 years, from the perspective of it being one of the economic development tools that helps to drive the economy

of Ontario? When paper mills in northern Ontario or residents are able to buy electricity at a rate that is affordable, based on the cost of producing electricity, it means that everybody benefits.

The individual who needs to heat their home is able to get the home heated when it's 30 below zero, or even 40 below zero in February, and industries such as pulp and paper, mining and others are

able to buy electricity at a rate that makes sense for maintaining jobs and building the economy of Ontario.

When this government gets that through its mind, I think this province is going to be in a much better place. I just say: minus 30 in northern Ontario this

morning. I hope that doesn't mean we're going to see more of that, because people can't afford to pay the energy prices this government policy is driving up.

HIGH-OCCUPANCY VEHICLE LANES

Mr. Dave Levac (Brant): I'd like to report to the House today another initiative of the McGuinty government. We live in a hectic society,

rushing here and there, and many of us have long distances to commute just to earn our livings. This lifestyle may contribute to the increasing number of cases of road rage we hear reported, and

the reports of unimaginable, thoughtless driving stories we hear from the OPP on long weekends. This government has taken steps to assist commuters.

Today, the first HOV lanes opened, and I've already received reports about their effectiveness. One report is that up to 10 to 15 minutes were cut off a commute

on the 403 from Hamilton to Mississauga. Cutting time and cutting stress must lead to safer roads.

I want to remind all those listening that all you need to do to use these HOV lanes is to have two people in the car, hop in the left lane and hit cruise

control. The traffic will move, and no one will be cutting in and out. It's easy to do.

What I cannot understand is why, when the 407 was handed over to a private consortium after our tax dollars built it, there was no thought given to putting in an

HOV lane. My understanding was that it was supposed to. I guess the government of the day thought more about trying to remove that deficit and the debt they ran up than making Ontario a better

place to live.

I suggest that we investigate even further, and I want to thank the Minister of Transportation for making our lives a lot easier already.

AGRICULTURAL TRADE

Mr. Phil McNeely (Ottawa-Orléans): Ontario farms produce over 200 commodities and include 3,700 food processing companies. However,

Ontario's agriculture sector is under stress, a direct result of the excesses of foreign agriculture subsidies and the resulting downward pressure on world commodity prices.

The massive overproduction promoted by US support programs has a proven negative impact on the world agricultural economy. That is why Ontario is not prepared to

sacrifice regulated marketing structures used by dairy, poultry and egg producers. It is not simply that these farmers represent a significant contribution to a healthy rural economy and strong

rural communities in Ontario, with 7,100 farms generating $2.5 billion in farm gate receipts. The point is that these farmers, without receiving direct government subsidies, are able to overcome an

uneven playing field and still ensure that Ontario consumers and food manufacturers receive the highest-quality, safest food in the world at affordable and stable prices.

The Ontario Liberal government and all members of this House have urged the federal government to vigorously defend the interests of those sectors depending on

supply management. A successful conclusion to the agricultural negotiations requires real constraints on US and EU support spending, which so brazenly distorts trade in agricultural goods

worldwide, and must include sufficient flexibility to accommodate our supply-managed producers. We can settle for no less.

ÉQUIPES DE SANTÉ FAMILIALE /

FAMILY HEALTH TEAMS

M. Jean-Marc Lalonde (Glengarry-Prescott-Russell): Vendredi dernier, j'ai eu le grand honneur d'annoncer que le gouvernement McGuinty

améliore les soins de santé à Clarence-Rockland grâce à la création d'une nouvelle équipe de santé familiale.

We are changing the way health care is delivered in Clarence-Rockland by making it more responsive to the needs of the residents of Clarence-Rockland. More

residents will now have access to a family doctor and a health team.

L'équipe de santé familiale de Clarence-Rockland fait

partie des 31 nouvelles équipes de santé familiale qui ont été

approuvées par le gouvernement McGuinty. Il y a désormais 100 équipes de santé familiale en Ontario, et notre gouvernement a atteint les deux tiers de son objectif, qui est de

créer 150 équipes d'ici 2007-2008.

Family health teams are designed around the needs of each community. They are made up of a team of health providers that provide comprehensive care around the

clock, seven days a week.

Ces équipes de santé sont importantes dans toutes les communautés, mais jamais aussi importantes que dans les communautés telles que

Clarence-Rockland. Les cityons de cette communauté, comme bien d'autres communautés rurales, n'ont pas accès à un transport en commun comme les citoyens des grandes villes. Pour

eux, avoir une équipe de santé familiale dans leur communauté vient remplir un grand besoin.

VISITORS

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): The member for Davenport.

Applause.

Mr. Tony Ruprecht (Davenport): Thank you very much. I didn't start this.

We have some very distinguished guests in the east gallery. They are Donald Schultz and Ian McIsaac, the executive director and secretary of the Millwright

Regional Council of Ontario.

The Speaker: That's not a point of order, but welcome, gentlemen.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

EDUCATION STATUTE LAW AMENDMENT ACT

(LEARNING TO AGE 18), 2005 /

LOI DE 2005 MODIFIANT DES LOIS

EN CE QUI CONCERNE L'ÉDUCATION (APPRENTISSAGE JUSQU'À L'ÂGE

DE 18 ANS)

Mr. Kennedy moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 52,

An Act to amend the Education Act respecting pupil learning to the age of 18 and equivalent learning and to make complementary amendments to the Highway

Traffic Act / Projet de loi 52, Loi modifiant la

Loi sur l'éducation concernant l'apprentissage des élèves jusqu'à l'âge de 18 ans et l'apprentissage équivalent

et apportant des modifications complémentaires au Code de la route.

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

Does the minister wish to make a statement?

Hon. Gerard Kennedy (Minister of Education): I will make a statement during ministerial statements.

MOTIONS

PRIVATE MEMBERS' PUBLIC BUSINESS

Hon. James J. Bradley (Minister of Tourism, minister responsible for seniors, Government House Leader): Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to

put forward a motion without notice regarding private members' public business.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Mr. Bradley has asked for unanimous consent to put forward a motion regarding private members' public

business. Agreed? Agreed.

Hon. Mr. Bradley: I move that, notwithstanding order 96(g), notice for ballot item 16 be waived.

The Speaker: Mr. Bradley has moved that, notwithstanding standing order 96(g), notice for ballot item 16 be waived.

Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

Hon. James J. Bradley (Minister of Tourism, minister responsible for seniors, Government House Leader): Mr. Speaker, I move that the following

amendments be made to the membership of certain committees: On the standing committee on general government, Ms. Horwath replaces Ms. Churley; on the standing committee on government agencies, Mr.

Bisson replaces Ms. Horwath; and on the standing committee on regulations and private bills, Ms. Horwath replaces Ms. Churley.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Mr. Bradley has moved that the following amendments be made to the membership of certain committees: On

the standing committee on general government, Ms. Horwath replaces Ms. Churley; on the standing committee on government agencies, Mr. Bisson replaces Ms. Horwath; on the standing committee on

regulations and private bills, Ms. Horwath replaces Ms. Churley.

Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

COMMITTEE SITTINGS

Hon. James J. Bradley (Minister of Tourism, minister responsible for seniors, Government House Leader): Mr. Speaker, I move that the following

committees be authorized to meet during the winter adjournment, in accordance with meeting dates as determined by the respective subcommittees, to examine and inquire into the following

matters:

The standing committee on finance and economic affairs to consider matters relating to pre-budget consultations, 2006; the standing committee on general

government to consider Bill 206,

An Act to revise the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System Act, upon its referral from the House; the standing committee on justice policy to consider Bill

21,

An Act to enact the Energy Conservation Leadership Act, 2005 and to amend the Electricity Act, 1998, the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998 and the Conservation Authorities Act, upon its referral

from the House; and the standing committee on social policy to consider Bill 36,

An Act to provide for the integration of the local system for the delivery of health services; and that the

committees be authorized to release their reports during the winter adjournment by depositing a copy of any report with the Clerk of the Assembly, and, upon the resumption of meetings of the House,

the Chairs of such committees shall bring any reports before the House in accordance with the standing orders.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Mr. Bradley has moved that the following committees be authorized to meet during the winter

adjournment.

Interjection.

The Speaker: Dispense? Dispensed. Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

HOUSE SITTINGS

Hon. James J. Bradley (Minister of Tourism, minister responsible for seniors, Government House Leader): Mr. Speaker, a very special motion for

the House --

Mr. Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): Shame, shame, shame on the government.

Hon. Mr. Bradley: The member for Niagara Centre is anticipating, obviously, a motion.

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, December 13, 2005, for the purpose of considering

government business.

The Speaker: Mr. Bradley has moved government notice of motion 53. Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry?

All in favour will say "aye."

All 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 1354 to 1359.

The Speaker: Order. Members take their seats.

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

Ayes

Arnott, Ted

Arthurs, Wayne

Balkissoon, Bas

Barrett, Toby

Bentley, Christopher

Berardinetti, Lorenzo

Bradley, James J.

Broten, Laurel C.

Brownell, Jim

Cansfield, Donna H.

Caplan, David

Chambers, Mary Anne V.

Chudleigh, Ted

Colle, Mike

Craitor, Kim

Delaney, Bob

Dombrowsky, Leona

Duguid, Brad

Flynn, Kevin Daniel

Gerretsen, John

Gravelle, Michael

Hardeman, Ernie

Hoy, Pat

Jeffrey, Linda

Kennedy, Gerard

Klees, Frank

Kular, Kuldip

Kwinter, Monte

Lalonde, Jean-Marc

Leal, Jeff

Levac, Dave

Marsales, Judy

Martiniuk, Gerry

Matthews, Deborah

Mauro, Bill

McMeekin, Ted

McNeely, Phil

Meilleur, Madeleine

Miller, Norm

Milloy, John

Mitchell, Carol

Mossop, Jennifer F.

Munro, Julia

O'Toole, John

Ouellette, Jerry J.

Peters, Steve

Peterson, Tim

Pupatello, Sandra

Qaadri, Shafiq

Racco, Mario G.

Ramsay, David

Rinaldi, Lou

Runciman, Robert W.

Ruprecht, Tony

Sandals, Liz

Scott, Laurie

Sergio, Mario

Smith, Monique

Tascona, Joseph N.

Tory, John

Van Bommel, Maria

Watson, Jim

Wilkinson, John

Witmer, Elizabeth

Wong, Tony C.

Yakabuski, John

Zimmer, David

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

Nays

Bisson, Gilles

Horwath, Andrea

Kormos, Peter

Marchese, Rosario

Murdoch, Bill

Prue, Michael

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Claude L. DesRosiers): The ayes are 67; the nays are 6.

The Speaker: I declare the motion carried.

VISITORS

Hon. Gerard Kennedy (Minister of Education): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize some distinguished guests: Mrs. Billie

Telford and Miss Annette Archibald from Australia, accompanied by Peter Telford, a guest of my office; and Father Edward Kennedy, who is distinguished in his own right, and not more so because he

is my uncle.

Welcome.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): It's not a point of order, but welcome.

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY AND RESPONSES

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS /

ÉTUDIANTS DU SECONDAIRE

Hon. Gerard Kennedy (Minister of Education): I rise in the House today to talk about the government's commitment to all students in this

province.

Through our student success strategy and the $1.3-billion investment supporting it, we are giving our students the educational advantage they need to stay in

school until the age of 18 and build a promising future for themselves and for all of Ontario. The McGuinty government is making up for the ground lost under the last government, which left so many

students behind, and is going beyond to help high school students be offered clear and attractive outcomes.

In 2003, when we assumed office, the graduation rate in Ontario stood at an unacceptable 68%. At that time, I wrote as minister to Ontario high school students

to inform them that help was not just on the way but underway. That year, we implemented the first phase of the student success strategy and helped our principals, teachers and education workers to

raise the graduation rate last year to 71%.

The Premier and I have adopted a target so that Ontario will graduate 85% of its students by 2010. That means 90,000 more graduates in that time period and a

reduction in the dropout rate by half. There is more at stake than ever for students to get a high school education that is high quality, meaningful and prepares them for a variety of

post-secondary destinations.

With the introduction of the student success strategy's third phase today, Ontario students can keep learning to age 18 or graduation through creative

incentives that recognize students' individual potential. In addition, this government will provide unique enforcement to prevent students from dropping out.

Il est plus important que jamais que les élèves suivent des études secondaires qui soient de bonne qualité et intéressantes et qui les

préparent à diverses destinations postsecondaires.

Grâce à l'introduction de la troisième phase de la stratégie visant la réussite des élèves, les élèves de la

province pourront continuer à apprendre jusqu'à l'age de 18 ans et/ou jusqu'à l'obtention de leur diplôme, grâce à ces incitatifs créatifs permettant aux

élèves de réaliser leur potentiel individuel. Par ailleurs, notre gouvernement introduira des mesures d'exécution uniques pour éviter que les élèves ne

décrochent.

Today, I'm pleased to share with my honourable colleagues how our government is helping high school students to succeed.

The McGuinty government respects our students. We believe every student should be able to go as far as his or her potential will take them. To provide a better

learning environment for all students, we are customizing high school to give every student an Ontario education advantage.

If passed, the Learning to 18 legislation would mandate that all school boards make the government's comprehensive student success programs available to

students. The bill would also increase the school leaving age to 18, or until graduation, by keeping students learning either in classrooms or in approved out-of-school programs, including

apprenticeships or co-operative education.

In addition, the proposed legislation would provide enforcement policies with more effective and practical measures tied to students' drivers' licences and

would create hard links between high schools and post-secondary destinations to allow external learning to be recognized for high school credits.

The bill would also propose enforcement measures intended as a backstop to important student success programs and to send a strong signal that we are taking

responsibility for student achievement.

Drivers under the age of 18 who are unable to prove their regular attendance at school or in a recognized learning program could be denied a driver's licence

or, if convicted of habitual absence, may have it suspended.

This proposed Learning to 18 legislation would set the ground rules for the government's student success strategy.

Last Thursday, the Premier and I announced students will be able to acquire a specialist high-skills major as part of a regular high school diploma by

completing courses in specific areas such as arts, business, information technology, construction and manufacturing.

Co-operative education choices are being expanded by building partnerships with business and community organizations. New dual credit programs will be

available to students so they can earn several credits toward their diplomas through co-operation with colleges, apprenticeships and university courses.

There will be a new coordinated effort and formal links with high school education and post-secondary education to make the transition seamless for

students.

These new initiatives reinforce some of the actions already taken by the McGuinty government to help students take back control of their education and their

future.

There have been revisions to the grades 9 and 10 applied math curriculum.

Over 300,000 students have benefited from a $45-million investment in technological education that has helped to start over 200 new courses, including

hospitality and health care, and over 500 upgrades to current programs, including robotics and community technology.

There is a student success leader now in every school board, and 1,300 new or designated high school teachers, including 800 student success teachers, in

Ontario schools.

Six nouveaux cours obligatoires, élaborés à l'échelon local, ont été créés pour offrir un plus grand choix aux

élèves de 9 e et de 10 e année.

It has been 50 years since Ontario updated the high school leaving age requirement. It is time that our 21st century high schools provide the kinds of programs

that are relevant to students today and that support parents' ambitions for their children.

In closing, I want to thank the members of our ministry, the education sector and my office who prepared what I believe is a significant step forward to the

future for Ontario students and Ontario as a province as a whole.

ENTENTE ADDITIONNELLE

À L'ANNEXE DE LA CHARTE

DES GRANDS LACS /

GREAT LAKES

CHARTER ANNEX AGREEMENT

L ' hon. David Ramsay (ministre des Richesses naturelles, ministre délégué aux Affaires

autochtones) : Je suis heureux et fier de prendre la parole dans la Chambre pour informer les députés qu'aujourd'hui le premier ministre McGuinty va signer à Milwaukee une

entente historique concernant la protection des eaux du bassin des Grands Lacs et du Saint-Laurent.

I am pleased and proud to stand in the House today to inform the members that today in Milwaukee, Premier McGuinty will be signing an historic agreement with

the province of Quebec and the eight Great Lakes states that will strengthen protection for the waters of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River basin. At the same meeting, the eight Great

Lakes states will be signing a binding compact among themselves with similar terms.

The two agreements provide a framework for each province and state to pass laws that put in place new safeguards for our shared waters. By setting a high

environmental standard across the basin and overseeing water uses, these agreements will help each jurisdiction build a stronger, healthier and more prosperous future for its citizens, its

environment and its economy.

The negotiations leading to today's signing were challenging and often arduous, and thanks to the hard work of all parties, we have come to an agreement that

incorporates the needs of each jurisdiction.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Ontario's negotiating team for their hard work and dedication to achieving ratification of this agreement.

The team include: ADMs Kevin Wilson and David de Launay, Rob Messervey, Leith Hunter, Paula Thompson, Danielle Dumoulin, Emily Chatten, Pearl McKeen and Bill Carr. Many of those who aren't in

Milwaukee are here with us today, and I'd ask them to stand and be known.

Ontario, which already has in place some of the most rigorous regulations to protect the basin waters, fought hard to raise the bar during these sometimes

difficult negotiations. Throughout this lengthy process, we listened carefully to our stakeholders, First Nations and the public, and the advice of our annex advisory panel was also instrumental to

us in our pursuit of stronger agreements. We did not back down in what we knew was the most important thing to Ontarians.

Nous avons réclamé et obtenu une interdiction presque complète de détourner l'eau.

We insisted on, and achieved, a virtual ban on diversions. We also achieved a stronger commitment to water conservation, an increased role for science in

decision-making and a new commitment enabling dialogue and input of First Nations.

As the guardian of Ontario's water, the McGuinty government is acutely aware of the water challenges we face.

Nous sommes fiers que les lois de l'Ontario respectent ou surpassent déjà la plupart des exigences des ententes maintenant en oeuvre, l'annexe de la

Charte.

We are proud that Ontario's laws already meet or exceed most of the requirements of the charter annex agreement. We have in place strict laws banning water

diversions out of the province's three major water basins: the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River basin, the Hudson Bay basin and the Nelson River basin. We regulate water withdrawals and have brought

in stronger measures to protect natural ecosystems. We will remain diligent in protecting Ontario's interest in the waters of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River basin and every water system across

this province.

L'entente d'aujourd'hui constitue une prochaine étape importante et force de reconnaître que ce n'est pas fait du jour au lendemain.

Today's agreement is an important next step on what has been a very long journey. This journey does not end with today: Safeguarding the waters of the Great

Lakes-St. Lawrence River basin in the face of ever-increasing outside pressures will remain an ongoing challenge for each of our jurisdictions.

With this historic agreement in hand, however, each of the Great Lakes provinces and states will be better prepared to meet that challenge together and to

protect our shared interest in the long-term health of these important waters.

NATIVE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Hon. Mary Anne V. Chambers (Minister of Children and Youth Services): I'm pleased to rise in the House today to inform members about a new

program our government has established for aboriginal youth in partnership with the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of visiting the N'Swakamok native friendship centre in Sudbury to announce the new program, along with my colleague David Ramsay,

Minister of Natural Resources and minister responsible for native affairs. The program is called Akwe:go. It means "everybody," "all" or "all of us" in Mohawk, and will be delivered by the

federation through the N'Swakamok native friendship centre and 26 other Indian friendship centres across the province.

This is part of our government's approach to aboriginal affairs, an approach based on co-operation and mutual respect and the importance of empowering and

supporting community-based and community-led solutions. Akwe:go will provide aboriginal children, ages seven to 12, with culturally based programs and services including health resources,

one-on-one counselling and after-school programs.

Our government will invest just over $2 million each year in this new program. By working with the aboriginal community in this way, we will be enabling them

to deliver programs that they have said they need to strengthen their communities, and in ways that respect their cultural traditions.

Our goal is to ensure that aboriginal children, and indeed all of Ontario's children, have the support they need in order to be successful.

Aboriginal children and youth represent the fastest-growing segment of Ontario's population, but they face significant and multiple challenges to healthy

development. Our government is eager to support the aboriginal community as they work hard to deliver supports and programs that will provide hope for their kids.

With Akwe:go, friendship centres will provide social supports to address self-esteem issues and help prevent unhealthy behaviours; reach out to children in the

care of non-native adoptive and foster parents to increase culturally appropriate supports and services; promote healthy development; provide early intervention and alternatives to the youth

justice system; and support children suffering from fetal alcohol syndrome disorder, who consequently face additional challenges.

The Akwe:go program is the first of its kind in Ontario since 1995. It seems the government of that day decided such programs were not important. I'm proud

that our government has chosen to be a partner in providing that type of support so that together we can address a critical gap in services for aboriginal children.

Yesterday at N'Swakamok Friendship Centre in Sudbury, I met dozens of aboriginal people who are committed to the success of children and the prosperity of

their community. It is their dedication and the dedication of countless others like them across the province that brought the Akwe:go program to life.

The word "Akwe:go" embodies the spirit of this new program for aboriginal children and youth; it also embodies the spirit of Ontario's commitment to help

improve the lives of all our children and youth.

ACCESSIBILITÉ POUR

LES PERSONNES HANDICAPÉES

Hon. Sandra Pupatello (Minister of Community and Social Services, minister responsible for women's issues): I rise in the House today to

opportunity that's open to all of our citizens.

Nous avons l'intention de transformer l'Ontario en une société accessible pour toutes les personnes handicapées, car nous estimons que toutes

les Ontariennes et tous les Ontariens devraient avoir l'occasion d'apprendre, de travailler, de se divertir et de participer de toute autre façon à la vie de la société et en

réalisant leur plein potentiel.

Notre nouveau Conseil consultatif des normes d'accessibilité symbolise l'esprit de la

Loi sur l'accessibilité pour les personnes handicapées de

l'Ontario, notre quête vers un Ontario vraiment accessible.

the private sector. The majority of members of our council are people with disabilities. This is important because we have such a wealth of talent in the disability community, people who stood by

us as we developed the law, people who believe in the law and are committed with us to make it real. Together, our council represents a cross-section of business, public sector organizations and

The council has a clear mandate. It will provide strategic advice to help guide Ontario as the province moves to achieve our government's vision of an

to support the effective implementation of the AODA.

Our government believes that people with disabilities should be able to fully participate in the social and economic life of our province, and our

operations, our buildings and our transportation systems.

Our council will be chaired by none other than David Onley. As many of you know, David is a veteran journalist with Citytv and has a long history of volunteer

work and advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities. David was inducted into the Terry Fox Hall of Fame in 1997 for his ongoing contributions to advance the causes of people with physical

disabilities. In 1996, Toronto's Clarke Institute presented him with the Courage to Come Back Award, and in 2003 he received an honorary doctorate from the Canadian Christian College.

and has a strong background in employment equity for people with disabilities.

Members of our council include David Borthwick of Oakville -- welcome, David -- Robert Bailey of Amherstburg, Tyler Campbell of Sudbury, Uzma Khan of

Mississauga, Dean LaBute of Windsor, Richard McGee of Kawartha Lakes, Mike Murphy of Kingston, Judith Parisien of Alfred, Jutta Treviranus of Toronto, Jeff Willbond of Ottawa, and Dr. Katherine

Woodcock of Toronto.

Standards Advisory Council will guide the way, helping us create a more prosperous Ontario for all our citizens, an Ontario that benefits from the contributions of all its citizens. I believe we're

well on our way to getting there.

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

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Mr. Frank Klees (Oak Ridges): Forgive me for being cynical about the education minister's grand announcement today that threatens students

under the age of 18 with being stripped of their driver's licence and imposes fines of up to $1,000 on students and parents for truancy or dropping out of school.

This education minister developing this hare-brained idea, and no doubt he'll find the money to fund a system of enforcing the stripping of driver's licences

and fines, is the same education minister who cannot find the resources or the time to provide the necessary supports to autistic children in this province who need to learn, who deserve to have

the support network in place, and whose parents want them to have that opportunity. This is the same minister who comes forward to this House with this idea that is so counter-productive, that will

never work, that will never be enforceable, that is absolutely impractical, and he has turned his back on autistic children, refuses to meet their needs, and in fact is challenging a court order

that orders him to supply education services to these children. It's a shameful day in this Legislature.

GREAT LAKES CHARTER

ANNEX AGREEMENT

Mr. Norm Miller (Parry Sound-Muskoka): It's my pleasure to respond to the Minister of Natural Resources' announcement of the Great Lakes-St.

Lawrence river basin sustainable water resources agreement. This is good news. It builds on the work of the past government, the 2001 Great Lakes Charter Annex agreements. I know the minister

recognizes the importance of the water in the Great Lakes. He's out there in his sailboat from time to time. I also note that all the communities around the Great Lakes recognize just how important

water is to us.

Here today in the Legislature we have John Beaucage, who is the grand council chief of the Anishinabek Nation, and comes from Wasauksing First Nation, right by

Parry Sound. Certainly, he is one who recognizes just how important the water is to all of us.

I'm pleased to see this announcement being made today. It's building on the work that was done by the past government, and we look forward to it being enforced

by all those parties involved.

Mr. Gerry Martiniuk (Cambridge): On behalf of John Tory and the Progressive Conservative caucus, I congratulate David Onley, chair, Tracy

NATIVE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Mrs. Julia Munro (York North): I'm pleased to respond to the Minister of Children and Youth Services and her announcement today. We recognize,

speaking on behalf of John Tory and the Progressive Conservative caucus, that this is good news for urban aboriginal families, but let me clarify the record of our previous government on aboriginal

children and youth.

The aboriginal healing and wellness strategy, initiated in 1994-95, created over 250 community-based health and healing programs, including a network of 12

aboriginal health access shelters, 10 healing lodges, nine family shelters and a host of other initiatives that were all designed to support that, including $7 million toward the Healthy Babies,

Healthy Children program. I want to congratulate the minister on today's announcement, but recognize that it falls within a tradition of support.

Finally, I'd like to recognize the many representatives of the aboriginal communities across the province who are here today for Bill 210. I would certainly

just say that it is my hope that their concerns will be met and will be adequately addressed through the public hearing process.

former Conservative bill, it's hardly historic. A bill that takes 20 years to implement in my view is hardly historic. And while I wish the new advisory board the best of luck with the

implementation of this bill, the provincial advisory body that cannot initiate meetings on its own, except when it's called upon by the minister, is hardly historic. God bless you. I wish you all

the best.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Mr. Rosario Marchese (Trinity-Spadina): To the Minister of Education, I want to say that what they have done is an illusion, by way of forcing

students to stay in the schools to age 18. It's only an illusion, because in effect it does so little. When you look at other jurisdictions in Canada and the US, the improvements have been marginal

at best, and so it proves that this kind of bill doesn't work. Besides, a law like this cannot mandate good programs. It punishes students who for one reason or another cannot stay or do not wish

to stay in the school system, so it imposes additional barriers rather than giving opportunities to students.

Boards will now be mandated to provide programs. There was no mention of money. We know that the programs do not exist in the schools, and if they do not exist

in the schools, they cannot be bundled. We also know that there are no qualified specialist teachers to provide these kinds of programs. It's a failure, because a program that has no money attached

to it cannot succeed. As well, it does not give the boards the supports they need by way of ESL programs, by way of youth workers who can help students stay in the school system, by way of guidance

teachers and by way of educational assistants.

This bill is an attempt to convince parents out there that the government is doing something, but wherever it's been implemented, it has failed. There are

absolutely no resources --

Interjections.

Mr. Marchese: You shrug. It has failed, and there are no resources to allow the boards that are going to be forced to do this to provide the

programs that will reach any level of success. It's a failure.

NATIVE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Mr. Gilles Bisson (Timmins-James Bay): To the Minister of Children and Youth Services on her announcement on the Akwe:go initiative: To equate

this program as part of the new approach to aboriginal affairs on the part of the Dalton McGuinty government I think doesn't bode well for First Nations.

I have a letter here from Nishnawbe Aski Nation, signed by Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, that talks about Bill 36, the Local Health System Integration Act.

I just want to read a small quote: "In spite of the government-to-government relationship that should apply in dealings between First Nations and the province, First Nations were not consulted in

the development of the legislation.... Given this history, it is not surprising that Bill 36 all but ignores First Nations."

I have another letter here from another chief, in this case from Grand Council Chief John Beaucage from the Anishinabek Nation, that says the following: "In

spite of the so-called `new relationship' and the promise of a true government-to-government relationship between First Nations and the province, our member First Nations were not consulted in the

development of the legislation.... This does not bode well for this so-called `new relationship'" called on by the Dalton McGuinty government.

From the Metis association, in meeting with the leadership there, they say the same things about this government when it comes to responding to their needs.

Nothing is being done and the relationship doesn't mean a lot.

GREAT LAKES CHARTER

ANNEX AGREEMENT

Mr. Michael Prue (Beaches-East York): To Minister Ramsay: I would gladly be persuaded again, except that the regional reviews are non-binding,

so if provinces like Ontario and Quebec, alone or together, representing 20 million people, come out and disagree with water diversion and the US states want to, they can go about it unilaterally.

That is the problem with the agreement, because we know how the Americans act on softwood lumber, we know how they act on shakes and shingles, we know how they act all the time. This is permission

for them to act unilaterally again.

I also want to say that we are very disappointed to see that there is a 10-year implementation time for the United States. Ten years from now, we'll still be

talking to them and they still won't have gone along with what they said they were going to do. It should have been tightened; it should have been now or, at the most, next year. Ten years is

definitely too long to wait for this to happen. We in Canada know full well what the Americans are capable of.

VISITORS

Ms. Monique M. Smith (Nipissing): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: I'd like to invite the members of the Legislature to join me in welcoming

Grand Chief John Beaucage of the Anishinabek Nation and the Union of Ontario Indians --

Mr. Gilles Bisson (Timmins-James Bay): Oh, he's here.

Ms. Smith: He is here, Gilles -- as well as Bob Goulais and the health adviser of the Anishinabek Nation.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): That is not a point of order, but welcome, gentlemen.

DEFERRED VOTES

ENERGY CONSERVATION RESPONSIBILITY

ACT, 2005 /

LOI DE 2005 SUR LA RESPONSABILITÉ

EN MATIÈRE DE CONSERVATION

DE L'ÉNERGIE

Deferred vote on the motion for second reading of Bill 21,

An Act to enact the Energy Conservation Leadership Act, 2005 and to amend the Electricity Act, 1998,

the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998 and the Conservation Authorities Act / Projet de loi 21, Loi édictant la Loi de 2005 sur le leadership en matière de conservation de l'énergie et

apportant des modifications à la Loi de 1998 sur l'électricité, à la Loi de 1998 sur la Commission de l'énergie de l'Ontario et à la

Loi sur les offices de protection

de la nature.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Call in the members. This will be a five-minute bell.

The division bells rang from 1433 to 1438.

The Speaker: Members take their seats, please.

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

Ayes

Arthurs, Wayne

Balkissoon, Bas

Bartolucci, Rick

Bentley, Christopher

Berardinetti, Lorenzo

Bradley, James J.

Brownell, Jim

Bryant, Michael

Cansfield, Donna H.

Caplan, David

Chambers, Mary Anne V.

Colle, Mike

Cordiano, Joseph

Craitor, Kim

Delaney, Bob

Dombrowsky, Leona

Duguid, Brad

Flynn, Kevin Daniel

Gerretsen, John

Gravelle, Michael

Hoy, Pat

Jeffrey, Linda

Kennedy, Gerard

Kular, Kuldip

Kwinter, Monte

Lalonde, Jean-Marc

Leal, Jeff

Levac, Dave

Marsales, Judy

Matthews, Deborah

Mauro, Bill

McMeekin, Ted

McNeely, Phil

Meilleur, Madeleine

Milloy, John

Mitchell, Carol

Mossop, Jennifer F.

Patten, Richard

Peters, Steve

Phillips, Gerry

Pupatello, Sandra

Racco, Mario G.

Ramal, Khalil

Ramsay, David

Rinaldi, Lou

Ruprecht, Tony

Sandals, Liz

Sergio, Mario

Smith, Monique

Takhar, Harinder S.

Van Bommel, Maria

Watson, Jim

Wilkinson, John

Zimmer, David

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

Nays

Arnott, Ted

Barrett, Toby

Bisson, Gilles

Chudleigh, Ted

Hampton, Howard

Hardeman, Ernie

Horwath, Andrea

Jackson, Cameron

Klees, Frank

Kormos, Peter

Marchese, Rosario

Martiniuk, Gerry

Miller, Norm

Munro, Julia

Murdoch, Bill

O'Toole, John

Ouellette, Jerry J.

Prue, Michael

Runciman, Robert W.

Scott, Laurie

Sterling, Norman W.

Tascona, Joseph N.

Tory, John

Witmer, Elizabeth

Yakabuski, John

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Claude L. DesRosiers): The ayes are 54; the nays are 25.

The Speaker: I declare the motion carried.

Shall the bill be ordered for third reading?

Hon. Donna H. Cansfield (Minister of Energy): I request that the bill be referred to the justice policy committee.

The Speaker: The bill will be ordered to the justice committee.

ELECTION STATUTE LAW

AMENDMENT ACT, 2005 /

LOI DE 2005 MODIFIANT DES LOIS

EN CE QUI CONCERNE LES ÉLECTIONS

Deferred vote on the motion for third reading of Bill 214,

An Act to amend the Election Act, the Election Finances Act and the Legislative Assembly Act, to

repeal the Representation Act, 1996 and to enact the Representation Act, 2005 / Projet de loi 214, Loi modifiant la Loi électorale, la

Loi sur le financement des élections et la

Loi sur

l'Assemblée législative, abrogeant la Loi de 1996 sur la représentation électorale et édictant la Loi de 2005 sur la représentation électorale.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Call in the members. This will be a five-minute bell.

The division bells rang from 1443 to 1448.

The Speaker: All those in favour will please rise.

Ayes

Arthurs, Wayne

Balkissoon, Bas

Bartolucci, Rick

Bentley, Christopher

Berardinetti, Lorenzo

Bisson, Gilles

Bradley, James J.

Brownell, Jim

Bryant, Michael

Cansfield, Donna H.

Caplan, David

Chambers, Mary Anne V.

Colle, Mike

Cordiano, Joseph

Craitor, Kim

Delaney, Bob

Dombrowsky, Leona

Duguid, Brad

Flynn, Kevin Daniel

Gerretsen, John

Gravelle, Michael

Hampton, Howard

Horwath, Andrea

Hoy, Pat

Jeffrey, Linda

Kennedy, Gerard

Kular, Kuldip

Kwinter, Monte

Lalonde, Jean-Marc

Leal, Jeff

Levac, Dave

Marchese, Rosario

Marsales, Judy

Matthews, Deborah

Mauro, Bill

McMeekin, Ted

McNeely, Phil

Meilleur, Madeleine

Milloy, John

Mitchell, Carol

Mossop, Jennifer F.

Patten, Richard

Peters, Steve

Peterson, Tim

Phillips, Gerry

Prue, Michael

Pupatello, Sandra

Racco, Mario G.

Ramal, Khalil

Ramsay, David

Rinaldi, Lou

Ruprecht, Tony

Sandals, Liz

Sergio, Mario

Smith, Monique

Takhar, Harinder S.

Van Bommel, Maria

Watson, Jim

Wilkinson, John

Zimmer, David

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

Nays

Arnott, Ted

Barrett, Toby

Chudleigh, Ted

Hardeman, Ernie

Jackson, Cameron

Klees, Frank

Martiniuk, Gerry

Miller, Norm

Munro, Julia

Murdoch, Bill

O'Toole, John

Ouellette, Jerry J.

Runciman, Robert W.

Scott, Laurie

Sterling, Norman W.

Tascona, Joseph N.

Tory, John

Witmer, Elizabeth

Yakabuski, John

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Claude L. DesRosiers): The ayes are 60; the nays are 19.

The Speaker: I declare the motion carried.

Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.

VISITORS

Mr. Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: I want the House to join me in welcoming Agi Mete and his grade 12 law

class from Notre Dame school in Welland.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Welcome. That of course is not a point of order.

ORAL QUESTIONS

CRIME PREVENTION

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): My question is for the Minister of Community Safety. As you know, we released the Ontario

Progressive Conservative Time for Action report yesterday, the end result of over a year of consultation with community leaders, police and victims of crime and their families.

One of the key recommendations of the report calls for the appointment of an Ontario crime reduction commissioner to better coordinate the crime-fighting

activities of various police forces, government ministries, different levels of government, people at the border, court administration and others province-wide -- a real focal point to fighting

crime. Are you willing to take a serious look at this step, which is relatively straightforward to take and which I think could produce very big dividends in the fight against crime?

Hon. Monte Kwinter (Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services): I find it interesting that the leader of the official opposition

characterizes this as rather straightforward. If you understand how policing works in Ontario, you should know that there is a joint forces operation. It's manned by the RCMP, the OPP, and the

municipal police services of Toronto, Durham, Peel, York, and Halton.

What you're really talking about is that you have no confidence in policing in Ontario. If that's what you're saying, why don't you stand up and say that?

Mr. Tory: Of course, I'm saying no such thing. What I'm saying is that we should look at putting someone in who can be a focal point and a

rallying point around which the public can see the efforts of groups like this and other groups that need coordination in the fight against crime. But that's fine. You were dismissive of lots of

the recommendations in the report yesterday. You said, "These are just things, if you think through them, they just don't make any sense." We heard from a lot of people in the community who said it

absolutely does make sense to get badly needed police officers on the street a lot faster than you are doing it under your plan.

The Ontario Police College has seen their enrolment decrease by 19% on your watch. They have 897 intakes for 2005, but full capacity would be 1,400. I'm asking

you this question: Are you prepared to make sure that there is nothing holding back full capacity for 2005-06 and that they have all the resources they need to accelerate the training of these

officers so they can be on the streets in 2006, not 2007 as you plan, because we need them now?

Hon. Mr. Kwinter: Again, the leader of the official opposition has no idea what he's talking about. Let me give you an example of what

happens. The capacity at the Ontario Police College is 1,440. It is 1,440 -- 1995, 1996; it doesn't matter what year it is, that is their capacity. The only thing that impacts on the number is the

number of recruits that are sent there by police services. Some years they don't hire as many and they don't have to train them; other years they do hire them. It's cyclical. Right now, because of

our 1,000 officers program, we are going to be providing, through the next two years, all the recruits we need to fulfill that commitment. It really has nothing to do with their numbers. Those

numbers are not the issue of the Ontario Police College. They have the capacity as long as they are sent those officers by municipal police forces in Ontario.

Mr. Tory: I'm assuming, therefore, after all those words, that the answer to the question is yes.

Another measure in the report proposes a positive incentive to help kids stay in school: namely, a modest scholarship such as the one used successfully by

organizations like Pathways to Education, as opposed to a kind of threat to fine people who don't have any money $1,000 if they drop out of school.

Will the minister undertake to carefully consider the idea of an expanded scholarship program along the lines of what Pathways to Education uses, jointly

funded, as we proposed, by the federal and provincial governments to encourage kids to stay in school through to the end of grade 12? Will you consider that very reasonable and well-established

recommendation that has worked elsewhere?

Hon. Mr. Kwinter: I have no idea why that question is directed to me. I have nothing to do with the education portfolio. I refer that to the

Minister of Education.

Hon. Gerard Kennedy (Minister of Education): I don't want this to sound like a series, but again the member opposite hasn't done his research.

In fact, we support Pathways to Education. We specifically are supporting it over a multi-year period to expand that program to other sites in Toronto and around the province. We say also that

we've put $18 million this year into special projects just like it to provide for incentives and other means to make sure that things happen. We have put 2,000 new teachers in school, 800 of which

are student success teachers focused on creating programs to ensure that both the community and the school at large are doing whatever they can to deal with at-risk students -- to notice them, to

make sure they get into those kinds of programs -- and we will see the benefit of that. I don't really understand why the member opposite isn't supporting both the bill today and the overall

effort, because it has everything in it that he's asking for.

HEALTH SERVICES

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): My question is for the Acting Premier. On October 24 of this year, when your government launched the

wait times Web site with much fanfare, the Minister of Health said, and I quote, "I had the privilege of being part of a remarkable event: the launch of" our "wait times Web site ... we often hear

calls for greater accountability and greater transparency. We often hear calls for reliable, up-to-date information. Well, we've delivered." That's what he said in this House.

When the Web site was launched, your Premier and the minister trumpeted the reliability of the data. Now we have received the next posting of the data, which

shows that wait times are going up in every category that is measured, not down, and the Minister of Health says that we should pay no attention to it because the data aren't reliable. Which is

it?

Hon. Leona Dombrowsky (Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs): I think it's very important to focus on the fact that this is the

first government that has established any kind of public system where people are able to access a Web site and understand what the wait times are in the province. The information that was most

recently posted is in addition to the information that was launched at the time of the Web site.

We believe that this is a very important tool. I would say to the honourable member that the people of Ontario value this as a tool. Up until now, some 400,000

Ontarians have accessed this information. Obviously, they find value in the Web site and they believe that this information is important to them when they make choices about their health care.

Mr. Tory: In fact, the real question is, what good is it to those 400,000 people if they're told by your minister, who answered here in the

House yesterday, that the data are not reliable? When Premier McGuinty announced the Web site in October, he was asked why only 74 of the province's 159 hospitals were included, and whether that

meant the figures were inaccurate or incomplete. His response was, and I quote, "The 74 hospitals are those that have been given special funding dedicated toward the five procedures." The figures

received directly from the Ministry of Health yesterday, which represent wait time data for the latest available months, August and September, cover exactly the same 74 hospitals.

My question is this: The Minister of Health left the impression that the reason the numbers are changing is because more hospitals are reporting data.

Seventy-four hospitals reported in July and 74 in September. Wait times are going up across the province. Why?

Hon. Mrs. Dombrowsky: I think it's important that I correct for the honourable member that there are five more systems now on-line than when

the program was announced. I think that is important for the honourable member to know.

I also want to remind the honourable member that this is the first time in the history of the province that people have been able to access a Web site and get

this information. We believe this is very important. We believe we have provided them with a tool that is useful. In terms of the investments we have made to improve access for Ontarians to health

care services, we have increased access to MRIs by 42%, we have increased hip and knee surgeries by 28%, cardiac surgeries by 17% and cataract surgeries by 18%.

These are the kinds of figures that Ontarians can access on that Web site. We think it's important information to have, and 400,000 Ontarians believe this as

well.

Mr. Tory: Why should they believe all those numbers you just gave when you said they can't even believe the numbers on this Web site you talk

about? You've put a Web site in front of 400,000 people and then told them that what they're looking at is not reliable data.

When we look at cardiac wait times, they're up 22% since July, and cataract surgeries are up 16% since July, on your watch, despite the fanfare and all the

rhetoric.

When the wait times registry you put forward doesn't show what you want it to show, suddenly it's an unreliable instrument. Either we have a wait times

registry that people can rely on and trust, or we don't. So I'm asking you this: If it's not reliable, as the minister said yesterday, then we should take it down and stop having people get misled

by going there and seeing this information. If it's accurate, then stand up and admit that the wait times in this province are going up on your watch, and all this other stuff that you just said

means nothing.

Hon. Mrs. Dombrowsky: What I am going to say to the Leader of the Opposition is that over 400,000 Ontarians have made use of this site and

made use of the information that's available on it. I would ask the honourable member, who has some question about why it --

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Quiet, please. I'm having difficulty hearing the minister.

Minister.

Hon. Mrs. Dombrowsky: For the first time in Ontario, Ontarians are able to access information on a Web site that was never available to them

before. I think they would be very interested to understand from the Leader of the Opposition what impact it is going to have on wait times for the people of Ontario when you cut $2.4 billion out

of health care.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Order. New question.

NUCLEAR ENERGY

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): My question, for the Minister of Energy, is about nuclear power and the McGuinty government's lack of

respect for the democratic process.

For the past six months, you've been listening to Liberal lobbyists and nuclear insiders in the backroom. The result: You now have a scheme to spend $40

billion on new nuclear plants. Forty billion dollars for nuclear power means that the average family of four in Ontario will have to shell out $13,000 for expensive and unreliable nuclear

power.

My question is, how can the McGuinty government deny ordinary families across Ontario full public hearings so they can have their say on your expensive and

unreliable nuclear scheme?

Hon. Donna H. Cansfield (Minister of Energy): I find it interesting that someone who, in their time in government, probably put in the most

expensive -- just putting in 43 NUGs, the non-operating utilities. Having said that, we have a process that we have put in place. The process is that we have posted on the Environmental Bill of

Rights Web site, not for 30 but for 60 days, the opportunity for everybody not only to access a very lengthy report but to have time to respond to it. I've also indicated that my door is open. I am

quite prepared to meet with absolutely anyone who would care to come, and I know that it's also true of the Minister of the Environment.

We believe that we do have a process to follow through. The Ontario Power Authority was asked to put forward a mixed fuel supply report. That report is here.

We will give it serious and due diligence.

Mr. Hampton: Well, Minister, before you let the nuclear industry get their hands back in the pockets of ordinary folks, to the tune of $13,000

for every family of four, there should be full public hearings. People should have an opportunity to pass judgment on your scheme.

Before the election, Dalton McGuinty agreed with that. He said, "For decades, we have watched our democratic institutions erode. We will mandate consultation."

Now that Dalton McGuinty has a backroom scheme to spend $40 billion on nuclear plants, suddenly your talk about consultation has been shut down.

I ask you again, Minister: Why will you not have full, open, public consultations? When did Dalton McGuinty change his mind?

Hon. Mrs. Cansfield: I thank the member for the question.

During Bill 100 readings, we in fact did put in place the process. The process is very clear. We created the Ontario Power Authority so they could do a mixed

fuel supply report for the government. That, then, is the basis for the integrated plan that will be put forward in the next phase. Then, after that, it goes through public hearings at the Ontario

Energy Board. So there are processes.

I do not recall this member raising any issue about this at any time during Bill 100, but maybe suddenly this is of great interest. We do have a process in

place. We will follow through. We're quite prepared to, as I said, meet with whomever. I am quite prepared to receive all submissions, and we will follow through. We will give this serious

consideration, but also, it's the first time in 12 years that any government has done anything, and we need to keep the lights on in Ontario. We will be prudent, but we will be responsible.

Mr. Hampton: This is incredible. The McGuinty government that used to believe in full, public, open hearings now says they'll commit to $40

billion in nuclear spending with no public hearings.

Minister, yesterday and again today, you said, "I'm happy to meet with whomever would like to meet with me on the Ontario Power Authority report." I'm happy to

report that New Democrats have set up a "Meet with Donna" Web site so that people can set up their own personal meetings with the energy minister. It is www.ontariondp.com/meetwithdonna, or call

her at 416-325-4479, or fax her at 416-325-5316.

I merely want to confirm, Minister, that you'll keep the promise you made yesterday and won't suffer a Dalton McGuinty change of mind. Will you commit to meet

with all those people who want to meet with you?

Hon. Mrs. Cansfield: I just find this amusing from someone who cancelled virtually every program they ever had, whether it was in conservation

-- I mean, he just voted against a bill in conservation, for heaven's sake.

Interjection: Conawapa.

Hon. Mrs. Cansfield: Conawapa, and the whole issue around Manitoba. They cancelled the 25 class EAs for Ontario Hydro. The list is long.

As I indicated, there is a process in place. We will follow through with that process, and we will take this seriously.

You know, at the end of the day, it isn't about the fun and games that are happening with the NDP; it's about keeping the lights on for the people of Ontario.

For the first time in 12 years, we have put in place a process to make that happen.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): New question. The leader of the third party.

Mr. Hampton: Minister, this is not fun and games. This has very serious implications for the people of Ontario.

But I didn't hear an answer to my question. So I will give the Web site again. It's www.ontariondp.com/ --

The Speaker: The question is to whom?

Mr. Hampton: The Minister of Energy.

The Speaker: Thank you.

Mr. Hampton: The reason this is so serious is that we've seen the loss of 52,000 good manufacturing jobs already in this province, much of it

due to your policy of driving hydro rates through the roof. Now AMPCO, the association representing large industrial power users, warns that $40 billion for new nukes is going to send hydro rates

even higher and kill more jobs. So a lot rides on hydroelectric decisions.

My question again is -- this is such a big decision; it affects the environment; it affects health and safety; it affects jobs and the economy -- why do you

refuse to hold the full, open, public hearings --

The Speaker: The question has been asked.

Hon. Mrs. Cansfield: I thank the member for the question. This is the first government that in fact, in just two years, has put more

generation into this province than all of North America. Think about that: It's 2,800 megawatts since 2003. We have 10,000 megawatts set in motion. We are moving forward.

This is the same government that actually said -- and I think the quote is wonderful. They really don't care about wind. What did they say? "Gee, windmills,

solar houses and so on -- it makes no economic sense." They said that to their environmental focus supporters. We think it makes sense to put in biomass, wind turbines and to look at the

alternatives, because we put an emphasis on renewable. It's an 80-fold increase from what was there before.

Nobody took those decisions. We've made the decisions. We've moved forward. We have a strategy, we have a vision, and we will continue on that path.

Mr. Hampton: Because the McGuinty government will not commit to full public hearings on their $40-billion nuclear scheme, here's the Web site

people should go to: www.ontariondp.com/meetwithdonna, although now, suddenly, the minister doesn't seem to want to meet with people.

Minister, this is how serious this is. A new manpower report rates Ontario's job-creating prospects over the next year as follows: construction, minus 26;

wholesale/retail, minus 21; manufacturing, minus 12. It concludes that Ontario has the most pessimistic job projections of any province in the country, and your hydro policy is going to make the

job crunch worse.

I ask again: Dalton McGuinty promised full, open, public consultation. Why will you not hold full, open, public hearings on your $40-billion nuclear --

The Speaker: Minister?

Hon. Mrs. Cansfield: I think we'll put our record against their record any day. We have 215,000 jobs. We've created more energy in this

province than you even thought about; you cancelled everything. There is no question: We have brought almost $3-billion worth of industry into this province that wasn't there before, creating jobs,

bringing in new jobs such as DMI, the new wind turbine manufacturer in Fort Erie, because we know that there is a new opportunity here around renewable energy. We know that there are job creations.

We know that there is an interest and an appetite in people to look at renewable energy, and we have moved forward on that. We will continue.

We have our vision. We will maximize the existing assets we have in transmission and generation. We will build new capacity, and we have done that. We will

create a culture of conservation, and we will continue on our path for that strategy for the future.

Mr. Hampton: People are coming to understand that after all the talk, the McGuinty government vision for hydroelectricity is lots of

expensive, unreliable and potentially unsafe nuclear power. Before you commit the people of Ontario to borrowing another $40 billion, before you can give them an answer on where you're going to

store the nuclear waste and look after the health and safety issues, I think you owe the people of Ontario full, open, public hearings.

So let's hear it: Before the election, Dalton McGuinty was all for full, open, public hearings. He was all for more democracy. Why don't we see democracy? Why

don't we see full, open, public hearings when it comes to your $40-billion backroom nuclear deal?

Hon. Mrs. Cansfield: Again, if all those programs had not been cancelled by the NDP government, we wouldn't be in the challenge we're in

today. There has been no new generation in this province for a long time. You cancelled Conawapa; you cancelled the Beck tunnel; you didn't like wind; you don't like water; you don't like gas. I

don't think you like anything. The difference is that we have a vision, Mr. Speaker; they don't. The fact of the matter is their vision was that they cancelled everything.

We're moving forward. We have a process in place. We have posted -- we've posted double the time. We're prepared and willing to listen to the comments that

have been put forward. We are going to move forward. We are going to analyze this report. We're going to take it seriously. We're going to take that report and the comments we receive, and then we

will move forward where we need to, to continue with the vision for energy: to keep the lights on for the people of Ontario.

HEALTH SERVICES

Mr. Frank Klees (Oak Ridges): To the Acting Premier: Minister, the Minister of Health and you today continue to deny that more people than

ever are suffering on waiting lists for essential surgery in this province. How do you explain that 75-year-old Edith Horton of Richmond Hill, who was confined to her bed in unbearable pain for

more than 10 weeks, waiting to have a critical back operation, was instructed by her orthopedic surgeon to call her MPP because he, the surgeon, saw no hope of getting her on an operating list?

Acting Premier, is having surgeons refer their patients to MPPs part of your new waiting list strategy in this province, and if so, what am I, as the MPP, to do about the patient's

circumstances?

Hon. Leona Dombrowsky (Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs): Our government has implemented a wait list program, where people in

Ontario are able to access information around wait times in this province. We believe this is very important information. With respect to the situation you've described to me, I believe it might be

helpful for both the family and the physician to access that information. It may be helpful for them to know where they can access more expeditious service. I will say, and the minister made it

very clear, that as information becomes available on the wait time registry, that will enable this government to better understand where we need to focus our resources so we can continue to reduce

wait times, and increase the number of these procedures that are taking place in our hospitals today.

Mr. Klees: I would ask the minister to beam herself down from her virtual health care world and deal with the real issue I'm asking her about.

The rhetoric I'm getting isn't helping this patient, and it surely isn't encouraging to Mrs. Lena Lipp, who is 81 years old, also of Richmond Hill, who has waited seven months to see her orthopedic

surgeon. When she finally had that meeting last week, guess what he told her? No hope of even getting an operating time for at least a year or more. Minister, Mrs. Lipp was told by her orthopedic

surgeon not to go to a Web site. He told her, in practical terms, for more than a year there's not even a hope of getting her needed back surgery. She's in pain. This is a serious problem and I'm

asking the minister, what do you expect -- by the way, he also told her to call her MPP. What is this referral to an MPP all about? Is that your new strategy for the province of Ontario?

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): The question has been asked.

Hon. Mrs. Dombrowsky: I'm not able to comment on any direction any physician would give to any patient. What I would say to the honourable

member, though, is that for eight years, prior to this government coming to office, wait times were not a priority. However, wait times are a priority for this government, and I'm very happy to

report that we have invested an additional $261 million to address the wait time issue. As the honourable member has indicated, many people in Ontario are watching this government and the

leadership we're taking on this very important file. I believe that the people of Ontario understand that for eight years this was an area that was sadly neglected, and that it is going to take a

good deal of time to crawl out of that hole. But this minister, this government, has directed $261 million specifically to address --

The Speaker: Thank you. New question.

SECURITIES INDUSTRY

Mr. Michael Prue (Beaches-East York): My question is to the Minister of Government Services. As you know, there is growing evidence that

insiders may have profited from advance knowledge of Ralph Goodale's November 23 income trust announcement. When I questioned you yesterday, you declined to take any action, even though you have

the authority under

section 5.

My question today is different. Do you believe it is important that any investigation into this matter be conducted in a way that is not only impartial but is

seen to be impartial?

Hon. Gerry Phillips (Minister of Government Services): Again, the Legislature has set up the Ontario Securities Commission to handle these

matters. I have complete confidence that their processes will identify if anything untoward has happened. They will conduct their investigation fairly, equitably and responsibly, like they always

do.

I would again say that the hint of using political interference to determine when an investigation should or shouldn't take place is inappropriate.

Mr. Prue: Minister, W. David Wilson, your new chair of the Ontario Securities Commission, has been silent to date on this matter. One only has

to take a quick scan of the Elections Canada Web site to show that Mr. Wilson is an avid financial supporter of the Liberal Party of Canada, the only party to which he donates money. Mr. Wilson has

already been forced to recuse himself from investigations into the Royal Group due to a potential conflict. You agreed with that. Today, Judy Wasylycia-Leis, the federal NDP critic, has asked Mr.

Wilson to recuse himself again. I am asking you this question: Will you support the effort and will you order Mr. Wilson to recuse himself in this situation?

Hon. Mr. Phillips: Let me just say that Mr. Wilson is a man of impeccable integrity. He is someone with a strong reputation for fairness and

integrity. I find it very concerning that you would impugn him when he is an individual who, to anybody who knows him, is above reproach. If he determined he should recuse himself, he would.

My advice is, be very careful when you smear someone's integrity and reputation. You would do enormous damage to good people who want to serve the public and

then are subjected to this kind of smear campaign. I would just say that he is an individual of impeccable integrity. If he should recuse himself, he will. I have complete confidence in him. I

would just suggest to you that you do harm to the province when you go after --

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

ONTARIO MUNICIPAL BOARD

Mr. Kevin Daniel Flynn (Oakville): My question today is for the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. As you know, Ontario Municipal

Board reform has long been a passion of mine and an issue that many of my Oakville constituents would like to see addressed. I've asked you on previous occasions about our government's plans for

the Ontario Municipal Board. In fact, on November 24, 2003, I asked you if you would take the recommendations of the GTA task force on OMB reform seriously. You said you would, and yesterday you

delivered and kept your promise. Previous governments did nothing to address the problems associated with the OMB.

Minister, can you please tell me how these reforms will empower local citizens and government representatives to make good planning decisions for their

community?

Hon. John Gerretsen (Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing): I thank the member for his question. First of all, I would like to

congratulate the member for being such an outstanding advocate, not only for his own riding but for planning and OMB reforms. We within the ministry have certainly benefited from his experience and

from the experience of many of my colleagues as well.

As he knows, we want Ontario's municipalities to have more power when it come to making planning decisions, and we want the citizenry to be more engaged.

That's why we have adopted the concept of the complete application, so that all the information that is required for a council to make decisions will be made available upfront and will be there for

the Ontario Municipal Board to review if they should disagree with the particular decision a council may have made.

We want to make sure that the front end of the planning process is such that it's available for everyone to know exactly what's going on, so that our

communities can be developed and built --

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

Mr. Flynn: In the past, another criticism of the Ontario Municipal Board has been the cost to municipalities. One glaring example comes right

from my own riding of Oakville. The town of Oakville recently estimated it could cost them up to $13.6 million just to defend its secondary plan for north Oakville. Previous governments appeared to

be content to stand by as the OMB continued to eat up millions of dollars from municipalities. You and I both know, Minister, that Ontarians would prefer to see that money going to better use.

They'd like to see investments in health care, education and the economy, but they also want to live in well-planned, sustainable communities. Can you tell me how these new reforms that you

introduced yesterday will make the OMB more efficient and help municipalities to achieve that balance?

Hon. Mr. Gerretsen: Certainly spending less time and money at the OMB means that municipalities will have more money available for the kinds

of services this member has talked about.

As a matter of fact, the Toronto Star in an editorial this morning highlighted our government's initiative in this regard. They said that fewer cases going

before the tribunal could also mean savings for cities across Ontario, which collectively spent millions and millions of dollars each year in legal fees, fighting cases at the board level.

We have accommodated that by having scoped hearings, so that the kinds of hearings that have been going on, which sometimes go on for a very long period of

time, will be scoped to the issues that are critical for the proper development of a municipality. We believe that's the best way to approach it: To look at the Ontario Municipal Board strictly as

an appeal body rather than a body of primary decision-making. The reforms we have made will benefit not only the communities, but particularly the citizens who live in those communities.

TORNADOES

Mr. Ted Arnott (Waterloo-Wellington): My question is for the Minister of Municipal Affairs. On August 19, parts of Waterloo-Wellington were

devastated by two tornadoes which touched down in Centre Wellington and Mapleton.

While initially we were grateful that the Ministers of Community Safety and Municipal Affairs toured the damaged areas, we were extremely disappointed with the

provincial government's inadequate offer of financial assistance to our communities -- only about $335,000 in total. This represents only a fraction of our cleanup costs, the balance of which must

be borne by the local taxpayers. What's worse, in calculating the provincial support grant, the minister cut our grant by an arbitrary figure amounting to 4% of the municipalities' budgets. That's

like making a donation to the Salvation Army at Christmastime and asking for change.

My question is this: How can the minister justify this miserly response to the victims of a natural disaster which occurred in Ontario? And please answer the

question; don't just read from a briefing note.

Hon. John Gerretsen (Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing): And a Merry Christmas to you, too.

First of all, let me say that, as the member well knows, this particular situation, which I had an opportunity to view just before Labour Day this year, does

not lend itself to an ODRAP application to the extent that, although damage was done to private property, most of the damage, if not all of the damage, was fully insurable and nobody was put out of

their own accommodation.

He's quite correct that we did get an application from two individual municipalities -- Mapleton and Centre Wellington -- for assistance in the cleanup relief.

As a matter of fact, under the special assistance grant, we gave a grant of $182,500 to Centre Wellington and $152,600 to Mapleton. This is basically to assist those municipalities with the

extraordinary costs they were put to as a result of the cleanup that was required.

Mr. Arnott: It is not enough. This is the fourth time I've raised this issue in the House. I've met with ministry staff. I discussed it with

the Premier on September 9 and again last week. The mayors of Centre Wellington and Mapleton, as well as the Grand River Conservation Authority, have written to the minister to seek reconsideration

and an increase in our provincial grants. The county of Wellington is interested as well. My supplementary question to the minister is this: Will he meet with our municipal officials and the GRCA

to allow them to make their case, and will he announce a doubling of their provincial grants?

Hon. Mr. Gerretsen: I certainly admire the member for bringing this issue consistently to my attention, and also to the attention of the

Premier, as he did in the House here a couple of weeks ago. We received a letter from the municipalities just within the last couple of weeks. We are evaluating that to see whether or not there is

any further special assistance grant money available for them. We will get back to those municipalities, and to this member as well. However, it should be pointed out that the special assistance

grant money that has been given to both of these municipalities is money they have received, basically and primarily, for the public extra cleanup work they had to do, and for the conservation

authority that serves both of these municipalities.

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

Mr. Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): I have a question to the Deputy Premier. The Trillium drug plan assists over 81,000 Ontario families who

need help to buy vital and often life-saving pharmaceuticals, prescription drugs. The plan requires access to patients' private health and financial information, and this very sensitive information

is currently handled with great care in the public health care system by public service workers. A year ago, your Minister of Health said this: "We're working hard ... to build on the capacities of

our public health care system. We don't think privatization is the solution." Deputy Premier, if that's the case, why have you and your government decided to privatize the Trillium drug plan?

Hon. Leona Dombrowsky (Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs): I think it's important at this time to remind the honourable member

that this Legislature passed privacy legislation that impacted health care. So it is our expectation that the concerns he has raised would be addressed in that legislation.

Mr. Kormos: Deputy Premier, it was just last week that the Auditor General exposed the disgraceful record of Ontario's privatized driver

licensing system. In the hands of unaccountable private companies, Ontarians' identifying information was lost or stolen to the tune of 56,000 licence plates and permits over the last four years.

Despite this dismal record of privatization when it comes to keeping people's information safe, you're talking about and committed to contracting out, privatizing Ontario's Trillium drug program to

for-profit corporations. This move puts the security of financial income tax and confidential health information of families who need that plan very much at risk. In the wake of the auditor's

report, and in view of the fact we have scarce health dollars, certainly not enough to provide profit for private companies, why are you persisting with the privatization of this important health

service, the Trillium drug plan?

Hon. Mrs. Dombrowsky: First of all, again I say to the honourable member that our government has passed legislation to ensure that very

sensitive health information of individuals in Ontario is protected. I also want to take this opportunity to remind the people of Ontario that our government has increased funding for Ontario drug

benefits by $570 million, unlike the NDP. When they were in government, they actually cut support for this drug benefit plan by $30 million. So I think it's very clear to the people of Ontario that

our government is acting to protect their privacy interests, and we are also acting to increase access to drug benefit coverage to the tune of $570 million.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Ms. Judy Marsales (Hamilton West): My question is to the minister responsible for women's issues. Over the past few months, we have heard

horrific cases of domestic violence in Ontario. Many of the women we are hearing about have lost their lives at the hands of their partner, boyfriend, common law spouse, or husband. I want to take

this opportunity to send my condolences to all grieving families who have experienced a loss from domestic violence. I know my constituents of Hamilton West and every member of this Legislature do

not tolerate abuse against women.

Minister, I know that you and our government are constantly striving to prevent these situations before they happen and to help women and children get the

support they need when it does happen. Today is the first anniversary of the McGuinty government's domestic violence action plan. Can you please tell this House some of the highlights of this plan

and what this government has been able to accomplish in this last year?

Hon. Sandra Pupatello (Minister of Community and Social Services, minister responsible for women's issues): Let me start by saying how much I

appreciate the support from the member from Hamilton West, who is a staunch supporter of the work the government is doing. On that note, all members of this House have been active participants in

changing attitudes around violence against women, and I thank all members of the House for this.

Today is, in fact, the first anniversary of our laying our domestic violence action plan on the table. One year ago, we laid out a plan that supports four

significant areas. The pillars of this plan include supports for community activities that support women and their children, the justice sector, training, as well as public education. Some $66

million of investment going through for additional community supports is vital so that we can protect women and their children; and $4.9 million in public education.

For the first time ever, we are getting involved as a government to lead the way in changing attitudes, with a significant focus on young people. We were very

surprised to see that attitudes, in fact, are affected at a very young age and we do --

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

Ms. Marsales: Minister, your passion for this portfolio is refreshing, and I am proud to be part of a government that has done so much. This

plan is more extensive than any other government has ever done before. The McGuinty government is working toward raising awareness for women who have been the victims of domestic violence and

directing women to the resources in this community so that they can find help before something more tragic happens to them. I'm also pleased to see this government working so diligently across many

ministries, as this truly is a collaborative effort.

Minister, over the next --

Interjections.

The Speaker: Order. I have not been able to hear the member for Hamilton West. The member for Hamilton West.

Ms. Marsales: I'm pleased to continue.

Interjections.

Ms. Marsales: Minister, over the next year, how will you make sure -- this is such a serious issue. Forgive me for smiling, but these people

are causing me to laugh. How will you make sure that our front-line workers from various sectors are trained to identify signs of abuse and provide women and children with the appropriate supports?

To the members from the opposition, this is not a funny issue.

Hon. Ms. Pupatello: Again, I very much appreciate it. We have tremendous support from many members of the House, including the member from

Hamilton West. When we organized our expert panel on training front-line workers, it was a significant difference. I believe, of the whole plan, it may be the one element that will have the most

serious, dramatic impact on how we respond at the front line when women walk in the door, for example, of an emergency room and they are being identified, finally, as having suffered from domestic

announced these panels specifically for emergency room front-line staff. It will make a world of difference.

It is the first time that we've gotten involved in this, to set a high standard, province-wide, for appropriate training to be rolled out across Ontario. Be

proud of the plan and be proud to be participating in raising the standard --

The Speaker: Thank you. New question.

HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION

Mr. Gilles Bisson (Timmins-James Bay): Come on, John. You can top that question.

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): It's not possible.

My question is to the Minister of Transportation. Minister, tens of thousands of people in Brampton and Caledon and many other communities have a keen interest

in the extension of Highway 410. This project has been in the works for years, including two years on your watch. Is the minister prepared to confirm now that he will be proceeding with phases two

and three of the extension of Highway 410, confirm when work will begin, and confirm as well that every reasonable step will be taken to mitigate the effects of the extension of Highway 410 on

neighbourhoods like Valleywood? Will you confirm those things for us now?

Hon. Harinder S. Takhar (Minister of Transportation): Actually, I was expecting this question a long time ago. I thought the Leader of the

Opposition would ask me this question, because half of the 410 goes in his riding. Actually, I have not yet understood what his position is on 410: whether he wants this Highway 10 to go through

the Valleywood Park, behind their homes, or he wants us to reconfigure the 410.

But let me tell you what our government is doing. We are absolutely committed to moving ahead with Highway 410. We are actually about to tender the

construction contract for phase two of the Highway 10 project. But there's only one hitch: There's one person who has asked for judicial review of his land. As soon as that issue is cleared up, we

will go ahead and tender phase two of the 410 contract. I look forward to the supplementary to respond on the next --

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

Mr. Tory: The minister will know what my position is, because I asked you about mitigating effects on the neighbourhood, which you didn't

answer.

My supplementary is this: Another project, which has been in the works for years, including more than two years on your watch, is the widening of the two-lane

stretch of Highway 10 through the village of Caledon. Now, the minister will know that this narrowing of the highway both poses a safety risk and contributes a lot to gridlock for tens of thousands

of people in southern Ontario. Will the minister confirm that he's going to put a push on this project and get on with it and get something done on this Highway 10 widening through the village of

Caledon?

Hon. Mr. Takhar: Let me tell you what I'm prepared to confirm. I'm prepared to confirm that we are going to consult the local community and

we're going to hear their views, and then we will do what is absolutely necessary to move ahead with these projects. We understand these projects are important for the Caledon community, they're

important for Peel, and that's why we're absolutely committed to moving ahead with these projects, especially the third phase of the 410. It is critical for us to have some congestion relief in

those areas.

COURT INTERPRETERS

Mr. Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): A question to the Attorney General. Sir, one of Ontario's busiest multicultural courthouses is using court

translators, who, in the words of Justice Casey Hill, constitute a critical threat to justice. Judge Hill noted that this year alone in Peel, unaccredited interpreters were used 54 times in court,

and unaccredited interpreters who had failed the provincial accreditation test worked in 96 instances, resulting in mistrials and potentially numerous miscarriages of justice. What immediate

measures are you and this government taking to ensure that only accredited interpreters are used in Ontario's justice system?

Hon. Michael Bryant (Attorney General): The member is asking about a specific case. We are still in the appeal period, so I'm not going to

speak to the finding by Justice Hill and whether or not we are going to appeal. I will say that over the last several months, Brampton courts management has undertaken a number of measures to

address the provision of interpreter services, including spot checks of interpreter performance, and ensuring the elimination of unaccredited interpreters, except in urgent cases and only in

consultation with the court. I look forward to expanding on this in the supplementary.

Mr. Kormos: Sir, this is a very serious matter, incredibly serious, because Judge Hill determined that even interpreters with provincial

accreditation are not properly trained to interpret, amongst other things, legal terms and complex legal concepts. He stated that the competency test has been dumbed down in an effort to lower

failure rates, to the point that it's almost meaningless. There are interpreters, sir, who can't read or write the language that they're interpreting. This is critical.

When are you going to provide sufficient resources for interpreter training, so Ontarians from all linguistic backgrounds have access to justice in Ontario's

court system?

Hon. Mr. Bryant: Again, I thank the member for the question. I can't comment on Justice Hill's findings because we are in the appeal period,

and I don't mean anything I say to speak to that judgment or otherwise argue that case. We have undertaken a comprehensive review of court

interpretation services. We're working to implement new

testing and accreditation standards. As well, with the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, we're participating in the development of a new province-wide college certificate program for

interpreters, and the program will be offered through community colleges beginning in September 2006.

AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY

Mr. Jim Brownell (Stormont-Dundas-Charlottenburgh): My question is to the Minister of Agriculture. I'd first like to preface my question by

saying that I support Ontario farmers, and I encourage every Ontarian to look for produce from the Ontario family farms when they go to buy their groceries.

It is important that we support our farmers and support their way of life. Much like our environmental specialists or youth service coordinators, our farmers

are often unsung heroes, whose services we benefit from without often stopping to consider them. It is only when they are gone that we realize what we have lost. It is the role of government to

move proactively to ensure that the general populace never needs to face a world without family farms.

Minister, I know that your federal counterpart recently made an announcement for the agricultural community in an attempt to address the need for stability.

How will the details of this announcement affect our farmers, and what is the McGuinty government doing to ensure that the future of our farmers is being planned for?

Hon. Leona Dombrowsky (Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs): It's a very important question, because I know everyone in this

Legislature is concerned that we should ensure the viability of our agriculture industry. The McGuinty government was disappointed, I must say, with the federal announcement. We have been working

with the Unified Voice for farmers in the province of Ontario. We are working with them. They would promote a plan that is multi-year, that is flexible, that would enable flexible investments not

just in the grains and oilseeds sector but in other sectors that are in need of support.

Like Unified Voice for agriculture, our government recognizes that in the agriculture industry they are not dealing with a level playing field. That is why

this government is supporting me in my trip to Hong Kong this week to deal with the World Trade Organization talks. We believe that it's very important that the interests of Ontario agriculture are

represented at that forum.

Mr. Brownell: First of all, I would like to wish you the best as you travel to Hong Kong and the WTO talks. The rural communities, the farmers

of Ontario, know that this government is aware of their concerns and doing everything within its means to address them. I join with rural Ontarians in thanking you for your continued contributions

and success.

The last year has been a difficult one for farmers, no doubt about it. Along with many of my colleagues here in the House, I have visited farms in my riding

and in other regions of Ontario, such as Lanark county, which I had an opportunity of going back to this summer, to learn more about the specific nature of these difficulties. I grew up on a family

farm, and there were difficulties back then. There have been many difficulties in the past 10 years, but certainly, farmers are facing some stress.

As 2005 draws to a close, Minister, could you explain to us what measures this government has taken over the last year to address the needs of Ontario family

farms and the farmers?

Hon. Mrs. Dombrowsky: As I talk with farmers and agricultural producers in my riding as well, I come to understand that they want access to

primary health care. Our government has invested in family health teams across Ontario. That's a positive for rural Ontario.

They also want access to quality education. I was pleased to be with my colleague yesterday in London when we announced our rural education plan. We have

established the Canada-Ontario municipal infrastructure program. I can say that many members on the other side of the House have written to my office supporting their municipalities in their bid to

access some of those funds.

Specifically, I'm very happy to say that this year alone our government has announced $520 million in the Ontario ethanol growth fund. We have provided a

$3-million endowment to establish a chair at the agricultural research station at the University of Guelph. We've provided $23.7 million for nutrient management, $50 million directly to tobacco

producers and tobacco-growing communities, $174 million to the grains and oilseeds --

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

HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION

Mr. Jerry J. Ouellette (Oshawa): I have a question for the Minister of Transportation, dealing with infrastructure timelines. Minister, as I'm

sure you're well aware, the Stevenson Road interchange in Oshawa is proceeding now. Some of the concerns that are coming forward are the timelines for the completion. It appears that it could be

2008, 2010. The substantial delays in the amount of time it would take to construct that interchange are having a big impact on the other development taking place in that area, along with General

Motors, which is very dependent on that with the new approximately $2 billion worth of infrastructure and the paint plant that's going in there. Minister, can you tell us what the reasons are or

what the timelines are going to be for that Stevenson Road interchange?

Hon. Harinder S. Takhar (Minister of Transportation): The Durham region is growing, and we understand that this is an important project. The

contract for this project was tendered in August 2005. It is a $61-million contract. This is a complicated project.

Let me just give you a few outlines about this project. It requires a major realignment of Highway 401 northerly by approximately 30 metres, including new

storm sewers and illumination. It requires the construction of five new bridges: Stevenson Road bridge, three ramp bridges and a CP Rail bridge. It requires more alignment of the municipal roads

adjacent to Highway 401, and also needs major realignment to the CP railway, required in order to build a new bridge. So it is a complicated project. I can provide you details, project by project,

if you like, but our hope is that the project will be completed by the 2009-10 time frame.

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

Mr. Ouellette: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We just made it under the wire. I appreciate that.

As I mentioned, Minister, the timelines are very critical for development within the region of Durham as well, not only in Oshawa, with the 407 construction.

Some of the concerns there: What's going to take place with the 407, and is it going to proceed all the way to 35/115? Because it will be the largest economic stimulus within the region. Can you

give us some updates as to what's taking place or what's going to take place with 407 and advanced construction?

Hon. Mr. Takhar: Again, I want to thank the member for asking this question. Highway 407 is another project which is very essential and

important for the Durham region. I want to tell you that the EA was approved by the Minister of the Environment in January 2005. We are moving ahead with the environmental assessment. We are not

only taking into account the current capacity of the highways, but we are going to look long-term for 30 years' growth and see what needs to be done in that region. So the EA project is going to

take two to three years. After that, we will move ahead with that project as well.

NOTICE OF DISSATISFACTION

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Pursuant to standing order 37(a), the member for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound has given notice of his

dissatisfaction with the answer to his question given by the Minister of Natural Resources concerning the Neustadt lagoon. The matter will be debated today at 6 p.m.

Pursuant to standing order 37(a), the member for Hamilton East has given notice of her dissatisfaction with the answer to her question given by the Minister of

Culture concerning the Royal Botanical Gardens. This matter will also be debated today at 6 p.m.

PETITIONS

FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY

Mr. Joseph N. Tascona (Barrie-Simcoe-Bradford): I'm very pleased to present a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, which reads as

follows:

"Whereas Bill 213, Justice Statute Law Amendment Act, 2002, enacted the Limitations Act, 2002, which provides for a reduction in the legal limitation period,

from six to two years;

"Whereas the two-year limitation period in effect from January 1, 2004, is not long enough for investors seeking restitution after suffering serious financial

damages due to the wrongdoing of the financial services industry; and

"Whereas the Attorney General's position is that the plaintiff investor interests do not need further protection;

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

"That the provincial government immediately pass and implement an amendment to the Limitations Act, 2002, to provide an exemption for claim by victims of

financial services industry wrongdoing so that no time limitation period applies to such claims."

I support the petition and affix my signature.

CANCER TREATMENT

Mr. Tony Ruprecht (Davenport): I have a petition signed by over 150 persons. It's addressed to the Parliament of Ontario and it reads as

follows:

"Whereas Ontario has an inconsistent policy for access to new cancer treatments while these drugs are under review for funding; and

"Whereas cancer patients taking oral chemotherapy may apply for a

section 8 exception under the Ontario drug benefit plan, with no such exception policy in

place for intravenous cancer drugs administered in hospital; and

"Whereas this is an inequitable, inconsistent and unfair policy, creating two classes of cancer patients with further inequities on the basis of personal

wealth and the willingness of hospitals to risk budgetary deficits to provide new intravenous chemotherapy treatments; and

"Whereas cancer patients have the right to the most effective care recommended by their doctors;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Parliament of Ontario to provide access to Velcade and other intravenous chemotherapy while these new cancer drugs are under

review and provide a consistent policy for access to new cancer treatments that enables oncologists to apply for exceptions to meet the needs of patients."

I submit this to you and am happy to provide it to a page.

FIREARMS SAFETY

Mr. Norm Miller (Parry Sound-Muskoka): I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. It reads:

"Whereas the practical examination for the handling of firearms is a valuable component of the hunter safety course; and

"Whereas hunters and safety instructors have grave concerns about the removal of the practical examination for handling firearms;

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

"That the practical examination of the handling of firearms continues to form part of the hunter education safety course for Ontarians."

I affix my signature to this petition.

SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

Mr. Tony C. Wong (Markham): This is a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

"Whereas, without appropriate support, people who have an intellectual disability are often unable to participate effectively in community life and are

deprived of the benefits of society enjoyed by other citizens; and

"Whereas quality supports are dependent on the ability to attract and retain qualified workers; and

"Whereas the salaries of workers who provide community-based supports and services are up to 25% less than salaries paid to those doing the same work in

government-operated services and other sectors;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to address, as a priority, funding to community agencies in the developmental services

sector to address critical underfunding of staff salaries and ensure that people who have an intellectual disability continue to receive quality supports and services that they require in order to

live meaningful lives within their community."

I support this petition and affix my signature hereto.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Pursuant to standing order 30(b), it being 4 of the clock, I am now required to call orders of the

day.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ONTARIO MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES

RETIREMENT SYSTEM ACT, 2005 /

LOI DE 2005

SUR LE RÉGIME DE RETRAITE

DES EMPLOYÉS MUNICIPAUX

DE L'ONTARIO

Resuming the debate adjourned on December 12, 2005, on the motion for second reading of Bill 206,

An Act to revise the Ontario Municipal Employees

Retirement System Act / Projet de loi 206, Loi révisant la

Loi sur le régime de retraite des employés municipaux de l'Ontario.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Questions and comments on the speech by the member for Durham?

Mr. Lou Rinaldi (Northumberland): It gives me some pleasure to stand and comment on the comments made by the members of the opposition. Being

part of the general government committee that oversaw the presentations after first reading, which is very unusual, as you know, and hearing concerns and bringing forward a number of amendments --

I guess fear was bestowed by the members of opposition and some folks were concerned that we were not doing consultations. Well, I was able to report to the folks in my riding who expressed

concern. The bill was introduced in June. Ministry staff went and spoke to a number of stakeholders over that time, even before first reading. Then at public hearings, yes, we heard loud and clear.

We made numerous amendments to address some of those concerns.

What's it all about? It's about being fair. As you know, Bill 206 deals with the OMERS devolution to the owners and, I guess, the receivers of the pension

plan. It was the only pension fund in the province of Ontario that was governed by this government, by the province, and we weren't a partner. We didn't contribute to it. The stakeholders involved

needed to have that responsibility and I think that's what this bill does.

This is nothing new. Previous governments touched this. They were afraid to do anything about it. Proponents on both ends of this suggestion came forward a

number of times, and no government had the guts to move forward with it. I think it's commendable.

We look forward to second reading, some other public consultation, and we'll get it right.

Mr. Robert W. Runciman (Leeds-Grenville): I want to extend my compliments to the member for Durham for his contribution to this debate: as

always, thoughtful, provocative, insightful and articulate. There's no shortage of adjectives we can find to describe the contribution the member makes on an almost daily basis in this Legislature.

His constituents have every right to be proud of the representation he provides to them and to so many other Ontarians in terms of raising issues of critical importance.

With respect to this legislation, I don't compliment the Liberal government on too many occasions, but I do want to compliment them with respect to sending

this legislation out after first reading. That's an initiative relatively new to this place, I believe brought in by the former government. The government House leader at the time, Mr. Sterling, I

believe brought this initiative to the House with respect to the reference of legislation out to public hearings after first reading. I think it's a good tool in terms of comprehensive, complex

legislation that gives the government an opportunity to take a fresh look, to hear fresh views and alternative views before making a final decision.

I think we saw something like 100 amendments come forward with respect to this legislation. The fact that we're now going out for hearings after second reading

I think is also helpful to the members of this assembly when we have to make that ultimate vote.

In terms of the position of our party, I think we have some concerns. We're very supportive of the police and fire in this province. We have a history of

indicating our support for the fine men and women who, in many cases, put their lives on the line for all of us on a daily basis. We'll certainly keep their interests uppermost in our

considerations as we move forward.

Ms. Andrea Horwath (Hamilton East): Although I wasn't able to be here to hear the comments of the member from Durham, I had a chance to read

through them on the Hansard. Unfortunately -- it's just my luck -- I have two bills that I'm responsible for, in terms of a critic's perspective, going through the process at the same time. So last

night, while these comments were being made, I was listening to presenters who were making comments on Bill 210, the Child and Family Services Act amendments, so I was busy doing that. But I recall

a number of the issues that were raised by the official opposition in the process of going through not only the hearings but clause-by-clause. The issues that were brought forward in the debate

yesterday afternoon pretty much outlined some of the concerns that came up through that process.

I look forward to a few minutes from now when I'll have the opportunity to provide the New Democratic Party's perspective, our caucus's perspective on this

bill. I would also like to include my own regard for the process we've had a chance to undertake in terms of going through committee after first reading. Being fairly new to this House, when I saw

the complexity of the legislation, I was quite concerned about how difficult it was going to be to deal with it, but I think going through that process was an appropriate thing to do. However,

there are stakeholders who would have preferred quite a different process before we even got to the stage of Bill 206.

I have to say that not on