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December 6, 2021

42nd Parliament, 2nd Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcript 2021-Dec-06 (PDF)

L029 - Mon 6 Dec 2021 / Lun 6 déc 2021

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Monday 6 December 2021 Lundi 6 décembre 2021

Members’ Statements

Holiday messages

Diagnostic services

Homelessness

Hindu Heritage Month

Wearing of team memorabilia

Winter highway maintenance

Public safety

Why Not Youth Centre

Harry Vandekemp

Food and toy drive

Wearing of ribbons

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Visitors

Question Period

Child care

COVID-19 immunization

Small business

School facilities / Skilled trades

Nurses

Child care

Victims of violence / Human trafficking

Water quality

Employment standards

Land use planning

Government services

Employment standards / COVID-19 immunization

Long-term care

COVID-19 immunization

Reports by Committees

Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs

Introduction of Bills

2238990 Ontario Inc. Act, 2021

Speaking Out About Workplace Violence and Workplace Harassment Act, 2021 / Loi de 2021 sur la dénonciation de la violence au travail et du harcèlement au travail

Education Statute Law Amendment Act (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder), 2021 / Loi de 2021 modifiant des lois en ce qui concerne l’éducation (ensemble des troubles causés par l’alcoolisation foetale)

Four-Day Work Week Act, 2021 / Loi de 2021 sur la semaine de travail de quatre jours

Keeping Students Safe on School Buses Act (Highway Traffic Amendment), 2021 / Loi de 2021 renforçant la sécurité des élèves dans les autobus scolaires (modification du Code de la route)

Motions

Consideration of Bill Pr56

Committee sittings

Petitions

Front-line workers

Special-needs students

Land use planning

Optometry services

Gun violence

Special-needs students

Special-needs students

Optometry services

Optometry services

Optometry services

Documents gouvernementaux

Orders of the Day

Providing More Care, Protecting Seniors, and Building More Beds Act, 2021 / Loi de 2021 visant à offrir davantage de soins, à protéger les personnes âgées et à ouvrir plus de lits

Non-Profit Sector Appreciation Week Act, 2021 / Loi de 2021 sur la Semaine de reconnaissance du secteur sans but lucratif

Consideration of bills

Polish Heritage Month, 2021 / Loi de 2021 sur le Mois du patrimoine polonais

The House met at 1015.

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

Prayers.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I want to acknowledge that we are meeting on lands traditionally inhabited by Indigenous people. We pay our respects to the many Indigenous nations who gathered here and continue to gather here, including the Mississaugas of the Credit. Meegwetch.

This being the first sitting Monday of the month, I ask everyone to remain standing for the singing of the Canadian national anthem, followed by the royal anthem.

Playing of the national anthem / Écoute de l’hymne national.

Playing of the royal anthem / Écoute de l’hymne royal.

Members’ Statements

Holiday messages

Ms. Jill Andrew: This is my last member’s statement for 2021. I’d like to take the opportunity to say thank you to Jewish community members, leaders and friends in St. Paul’s who welcomed me into your home and synagogues in person and on Zoom, celebrating Hanukkah and holding close its many lessons of gratitude, resilience, belonging, community and family. I wish you all continued blessings as the Festival of Lights comes to a close this evening.

Additionally, I want to wish my community of Toronto–St. Paul’s happy holidays, happy winter solstice, merry Christmas, and also a happy Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa will begin the day after Christmas and will continue till January 1, New Year’s Day. May we all take a moment to reflect on the seven principles of Kwanzaa: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, co-operative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. We must, now more than ever.

Our challenges this year have been significant. Many of us have experienced devastating loss. Our families and friends have been tested. Essential workers in our community continue their heavy lifting.

This holiday, as we get our homes and hearts ready for the season, still in the grip of a pandemic, may we remember those who last night in the cold Toronto rain slept outdoors. To the government: They will have no home for the holidays. I wish you the clarity and conviction to know that no amount of upholding institutions that arrest, dehumanize and evict people who experience homelessness or their advocates and allies will get them housed. Everyone deserves a home.

Happy holidays.

Diagnostic services

Mr. Sam Oosterhoff: Over the past 10 years, demand for MRI services in Ontario has increased on average by approximately 4% annually. It’s why a key part of our government’s commitment to ending hallway health care includes a $30-million investment to expand MRI services for patients and add new MRIs in hospitals across the province.

It’s also why I had the privilege of announcing a 50% increase in funding for the Niagara region’s MRI services, with new operational funding for an MRI machine for Niagara Health this past November, a move that will help reduce wait times for diagnostic imaging in our region and put patients and their families first.

As part of a wider comprehensive surgical recovery plan that will provide patients with the care they need, this year the Ontario government is expanding up to $324 million in new testing services to provide more surgeries, MRI and CT scans and procedures, including on evenings and weekends. The investments that were announced will bring additional MRI services to Niagara, reducing wait times and making it easier for patients to receive the care they need closer to home.

The release of our fall economic statement will confirm our commitment to protecting people’s health. In Niagara, this also means a commitment to two new hospitals in Grimsby and Niagara Falls. It means important services for current hospital infrastructure and health services. As a strong advocate for Niagara, I am very pleased to see that November’s announcement means an additional MRI machine in Niagara to end hallway health care and reduce wait times for diagnostic imaging.

Homelessness

Ms. Rima Berns-McGown: Last week, the Auditor General blasted the Ford government for not having a coordinated strategy on homelessness and for its out-of-touch funding based on old StatsCan data about housing need. I’ll say. Everywhere, homelessness is skyrocketing. Rural and small communities that have never seen unhoused people before are begging for help. Shelters and shelter hotels are full. There is simply nowhere for people to go.

Cities across the province are seeing park encampments grow, and often their response is to clear them violently, which of course does nothing to house people and serves only to further traumatize residents and their supporters, and to criminalize those who work to keep unhoused people warm, fed and safe.

Recently, Black Muslim youth in Hamilton doing that work were brutally arrested. One woman had a police officer kneel on her neck in exactly the move that killed George Floyd. Her hijab was ripped from her head. Community leaders and academics alike are calling for an investigation and that the charges against the volunteers be dropped.

The violent clearings in Hamilton echo similar events in Toronto this past summer, and they do nothing whatsoever to diminish the homelessness crisis. Governments shouldn’t be relying on volunteers to literally keep unhoused people alive and then punishing them for doing that work. We need to build housing and we need to provide community and care to unhoused people in ways that work for them while we build that housing. We need a homelessness strategy. We need it desperately.

Hindu Heritage Month

Mr. Deepak Anand: During November, communities across Ontario celebrated Hindu Heritage Month. For centuries, the Hindu community has made significant contributions in every field, including philosophy, astronomy, mathematics, science, law, architecture and arts. Sanatan Dharm is based on the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kuṭumbakam,” which in Sanskrit means “the whole world is one family.” This beautiful principle, if followed, will result in love and affection for each other and create a seamless society.

I was pleased to join the flag-raising at Brampton city hall, organized by the founding members: Amit Bhatt, Anand Iyer, Anil Sharma, Ashwani Aggarwal, Dave Kapil, Don Patel, Jake Dheer, Madhusudan Lama, Madhu Sharda, Manan Gupta, Nik Mengi, Pathik Shukla, Peeyush Gupta, Rakesh Joshi, Subhash Chand and Virender Rathee of the Hindu Heritage Celebration Foundation.

I also had the opportunity to celebrate Hindu Heritage Month at ISKCON temple, Hindu Sabha Mandir, the Hindu Heritage Centre and the Hindu Federation at Mississauga Ram Mandir in my own riding of Mississauga–Malton, where Pandit Roopnauth Sharma reinforced the value of non-violence, “ahimsa.”

Thanks to Hindus across Ontario for their amazing Ontario spirit during COVID-19 to help the communities, for raising funds for neighbours, donating meals, providing PPE and supporting our seniors. Let’s continue to celebrate every culture and heritage and build a prosperous and inclusive Ontario. Hari om.

Wearing of team memorabilia

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Point of order, the member for Hamilton Mountain.

Miss Monique Taylor: I seek unanimous consent to be able to wear Ti-Cats jerseys and memorabilia in light of winning the Eastern Finals yesterday and to congratulate the Ti-Cats and wish them luck in the Grey Cup next week. Oskee Wee Wee!

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Hamilton Mountain is seeking the unanimous consent of the House to allow members to wear Tiger-Cats sweaters and attire to celebrate their win. Agreed? Agreed.

Winter highway maintenance

Mr. Gilles Bisson: Winter is upon us and as northerners and Ontarians, we are used to winter conditions. But what we can’t get used to are the conditions of the highways. Over the years—first under the Harris government, then under the Kathleen Wynne-Dalton McGuinty government—we’ve seen increasing privatization when it comes to how we clean our highways, and the circuit times have been affected. As a result of all of those changes, the circuit time that it takes a plow to start at one spot and then come back again, those times have increased. And as a result, it’s been—thank you.

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

Public safety

Mr. John Fraser: Ontarians have really stepped up over the last year since the beginning of this pandemic. They’re getting vaccinated in record numbers. They have followed public health advice.

They depend on the government to do the things that they need to support them, to be decisive and to act quickly, and that’s been a real challenge at some times in this pandemic. Right now we’re vaccinating our kids. We need to do more to fight the anti-vax information that’s out there, the anti-vax protests. There’s going to be one rally in Whitby tonight. There was one planned last night in Oshawa. We’re not doing enough to help and to protect parents and kids from anti-vax misinformation and anti-vax harassment when they’re just trying to go to a clinic to get a vaccination.

Speaker, this government has to take action on safe zones around vaccination clinics here in Ontario to protect families, health care workers and kids from harassment. We have to do more to combat the kind of anti-vax misinformation that we’re going to see in Whitby tonight.

Why Not Youth Centre

Mr. Will Bouma: I rise today to mention the amazing work happening at the Why Not Youth Centre located in Brantford–Brant. The Why Not Youth Centre is vibrant, inclusive and, in their own words, sometimes a little loud, as I found out a few months ago when I was there listening to some of the music that the youth had created in their facility there.

With dozens of teens on site at any time, there is a variety of simultaneous activities to take

part in, including karaoke, pool, Just Dance, video games, board games, lounging, arts and crafts, or anything else that the group can come up with. Free of abuse, judgment and harm, the Why Not Youth Centre offers a plethora of entirely free resources that are available to youth.

Why Not just opened a transitional supportive house for four young men from the community. It will teach them how to be housed, how to pay bills, and life skills. Why Not has been on the forefront of combatting youth homelessness for years. I wanted to just come here and say thank you to Charlie, Susan and all of the volunteers, community organizations and supporters involved with purchasing a former drug house and getting it in shipshape for the four youth who moved in yesterday. Again, thank you for all that you do.

Harry Vandekemp

Mr. Faisal Hassan: I rise today to sadly mark the passing of a long-time York South–Weston resident, business owner and community champion: Harry Vandekemp. Harry passed away suddenly of a heart attack at 8:45 p.m. on Thursday, November 25.

Harry was the beloved owner of Golden Crisp Fish & Chips, a business that has operated in our community for 60 years. He leaves behind his wife of 30 years, along with five children and four grandchildren. According to his family, 20 minutes before the heart attack, after heading home from work, Harry was cheerfully riding his bike, ringing the bell and singing.

According to his wife, Judy, Harry would always say fish and chips was just one aspect of the business. For him, it was about connecting with the people who made it so much more for him.

I’m grateful to have known Harry, and I enjoyed our many interactions over the years. Harry always had a smile on his face and an encouraging, positive outlook on life. The York South–Weston community loved Harry, and Harry loved them back. His passing is a great loss to our community, but we are all thankful to have known Harry. He truly left his mark.

The York South–Weston community is mourning along with his family, and I pass my sincere condolences to them.

We thank you, Harry, for all of the joy you have given to our community.

Food and toy drive

Mr. Stephen Crawford: This is a joyful time of the year. The Christmas and holiday season is here, with towns decorated with lights and holiday events taking place. Family and friends will be gathering to celebrate.

While this is an exciting and festive time, we also need to think of those in need. In every community, the generosity of Ontarians is demonstrated. There are many opportunities to give to those in need.

I want to mention the fantastic work of the first responders within Halton, who are always there when we need them.

This week in my riding, the Oakville Professional Firefighters Association, in partnership with the town of Oakville, is hosting their annual drive-through toy donation at Coronation Park. This free event will occur on Friday, December 10, from 5 to 9 p.m., and will display hundreds of Christmas lights, and Santa Claus will be making an appearance to wave at visitors. Oakville residents are encouraged to bring a gift card, a non-perishable food item or an unwrapped toy. The goal of this toy drive is to give every local child the opportunity to enjoy this holiday season. I will personally be there to collect donations with the firefighters and local volunteers.

If you cannot make the event in person, there are other ways to make a difference. The Oakville Professional Firefighters Association will be collecting non-perishable food items, gift cards and unwrapped gifts at a number of local establishments, such as the Oakville town libraries, community centres and town hall, until December 19.

In Oakville, helping others is what our community is known for.

Wearing of ribbons

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I understand the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services has a point of order.

Hon. Merrilee Fullerton: Speaker, if you seek it, you will find unanimous consent to allow members to wear white ribbons and to make statements regarding the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, with five minutes allotted to Her Majesty’s loyal opposition, five minutes allotted to the independent members as a group, and five minutes allotted to Her Majesty’s government, after which the House shall observe a moment of silence in tribute to the victims and survivors of gender-based violence.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Ms. Fullerton is seeking the unanimous consent of the House to allow members to wear white ribbons and to make statements regarding the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, with five minutes allotted to Her Majesty’s loyal opposition, five minutes allotted to the independent members as a group, and five minutes allotted to Her Majesty’s government, after which the House shall observe a moment of silence in tribute to the victims and survivors of gender-based violence. Agreed? Agreed.

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Ms. Jill Andrew: It is my honour to stand on behalf of the Ontario NDP caucus, as the critic for women’s issues, to commemorate this important, however tragic, day in our Canadian history. Today marks the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. We remember the 14 women who were taken from us 32 years ago in Montreal as part of the Montreal massacre. They were murdered by a misogynist, anti-feminist coward because they were women.

I also cannot stand in this Legislature today without thinking of the many days and nights since December 6, 1989, that Indigenous women and girls, Black trans women, sex workers and countless other women of colour and those who are experiencing homelessness have been killed by men and others and again by systems that, to this day, still value certain lives and deaths more than others.

In Ontario, 58 lives were lost to femicide this year alone—a number that represents an increase of over 52% from the previous year. Calls to assault help lines nearly doubled through the pandemic.

Violence against women is a public health issue. It is not a women’s issue. Each life lost and each call made is a reminder that the fight for gender equity and the fight to end violence against women is sadly far from over. Each call is a reminder, regardless of partisanship, of the work anyone elected into these seats must commit to. The Ontario NDP recognizes this and the many dimensions of what this work entails.

Last session, and again recently, I retabled a motion calling for the Conservative government to adopt a provincial intersectional gender-equity strategy that includes thorough interministerial gender-based analysis on the impacts of each government policy change prior to the introduction of any government bills, motions, budgets or regulations, with the results of such analysis fully disclosed to the public.

My legislation would acknowledge that women, 2SLGBTQIA+ and others at the intersections of race and disability, for example, are disproportionately impacted in negative ways by policies that ignore them. I hope this government will act on this motion.

Additionally, we, the NDP official opposition, have been fighting for municipalities’ rights to be able to ban the sale, possession and use of handguns and ammunition within densely populated urban areas and municipalities. This government has ruled against that ban.

Preventing gender-based violence means ensuring every woman and person who experiences violence has access to safe and affordable housing, economic access and labour rights. It means a real commitment to creating the supportive housing we need—not on paper through promises and platitudes, but actual bills.

Women must have affordable child care, a functional Family Responsibility Office within the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services where people actually receive child support which lifts parents, predominantly mothers and children, out of poverty and doesn’t simply become a dream deferred. Why? Because poverty is violence. Poverty is violating, and it steals dignity. Survivors need a social safety net to help them leave abuse and all of these needs are further and further away from those who need it the most.

We must have permanent paid sick days so people, particularly women, can take personal emergency leave—paid time-off to leave the situations of abuse without the added stress of income loss.

We need rent stabilization so women aren’t staying in situations of abuse because they simply can’t afford the astronomical rent hikes we’re seeing across the province courtesy of vacancy decontrol, unethical above-guideline rent increases—another motion of mine that died in this House—and this government’s ripping up of rent control in their first year of government.

Again, I cannot say enough how critical affordable child care is, not only for the she-recovery but for women escaping violence.

I’d also like to take the time to thank the countless organizations across the province doing the heavy lifting: places like OAITH; Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres; Assaulted Women’s Helpline; Canadian Women’s Foundation; YWCA Toronto; South Asian Women’s Centre; Imani’s Place; the Redwood; the Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children, otherwise known as METRAC; shelters bursting at the seams; case workers, councillors and others working desperately within broken systems, chronically underfunded and understaffed by this and previous governments, quite frankly, to keep women safe. They may be heroes, but even heroes need consistent and annualized funding.

I’d also like to recognize the work of the White Ribbon campaign. All too often the discourse surrounding gender-based violence re-victimizes survivors. The White Ribbon campaign creates a space to centre men and boys’ responsibility against ending violence against women: dismantling the toxic masculinity that has been entrenched in men and boys’ psyche that can and has led to these senseless and callous murders of disproportionately women and girls.

Since 1991, White Ribbon campaign has pledged to never commit, condone or, what too often happens, stay silent as negative bystanders against gender-based violence. Thank you, White Ribbon, for your orange laces, #LaceUpSpeakOut campaign, promoting gender equality and healthy masculinity as men and boys walk the talk of positive allyship.

The legacy of the 14 women killed and the many more women following must be made more than words or a day of significance or a moment of silence. Their lives should not have been taken. They didn’t have to be taken. They should not have been murdered. They should have been here today, dominating in science, technology, engineering, arts, math, thriving in their communities, holding political office—maybe, if they chose to—and being loved by their families. These 14 women and the countless others should have been here, but sadly, they are not, and that’s just not acceptable.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Next, we have the member for Scarborough–Guildwood.

Ms. Mitzie Hunter: Today, December 6, is a sad reminder. We mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Today, our nation also continues to process the brutal reality that another incomprehensible act of hate-fuelled violence has taken place right here. Thirty-two years ago, 14 young women were murdered at École Polytechnique in Montreal. As a teenager about to enter university, I remember this. While the brutal act of violence does not reflect the core values and beliefs we aspire to in the communities and in the country that we love and call home, it forces a devastating reminder upon all of us that hate and intolerance and those acts live here too.

Today is a sad reminder of the pervasive presence of gender-based violence in our society. We mourn the loss of these 14 women, these bright women whose lives were senselessly stolen. It is incumbent upon all of us to honour their memory by reaffirming our collective commitment to fighting hate and misogyny across society.

Around the world, women, girls, the LGBTQ, Indigenous, Black, the people of colour community and gender-diverse individuals experience disproportionate levels of violence and discrimination. Violence against women is a serious issue that does not discriminate. Its victims can be poor or rich, educated or not—of any background.

Gender-based violence has been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent report by the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses has indicated that gender-based violence has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Other statistics show that more women and girls have been killed in Canada in the first half of 2021 than in the same period in the past two years. This may be lost in the headlines of the health crisis.

In the past 12 months, Ontario has lost 58 women and girls to femicide. These 58 women cannot be ignored or forgotten. These women, many of whom are mothers, daughters and sisters, deserve justice and continued investment to address gender-based violence so that no women must experience the tragic reality they faced.

Approximately every six days, a woman in Canada is killed by her intimate partner. Dubbed the “shadow pandemic,” the rise of gender-based violence is a result of increased stress, isolation and aggression. This is a serious public health risk that cannot stay in the shadows and can be prevented.

Stopping the violence begins with changing beliefs, dismantling attitudes and shifting norms. It means believing survivors and adopting comprehensive approaches to tackling the root causes. It means affordable housing, child care and income security supports. It means believing survivors and empowering women and girls. Speaker, together we can do this. Believe women and know that it’s never okay to take her life.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Guelph.

Mr. Mike Schreiner: Speaker, I rise today to recognize the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Thirty-two year ago, 14 women were murdered at l’École Polytechnique. They were murdered because they were women, and the sad reality is that we continue to face a rise in violence against women.

The pandemic has made it worse. Police have recorded additional calls for domestic violence, and social service agencies have reported an increase in the severity of that violence. It’s a public health issue, it’s a human rights violation, and it’s a significant barrier to gender equality in our province and in our country. So I urge all Ontarians to take action today and every day to end violence against women, to stand in solidarity with survivors.

I especially want to speak to people who, like myself, identify as male. We have a special responsibility to stand in solidarity with women and survivors and to take action each and every day to tell other men that violence against women is never acceptable.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

Hon. Merrilee Fullerton: Today in this Legislature, we rise together to condemn violence against women and to remember 14 young women who were tragically murdered 32 years ago simply because of their gender. December 6, 1989 is a day that lives on in our hearts and minds, and on every December 6, we pause and remember those young women whose lives were shortened by a senseless act of violence.

If I may, Speaker, I would like to read out their names: Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault, Annie Turcotte, Barbara Klucznik Widajewicz; Anastasia Kuzyk, Nathalie Warmerdam and Carol Culleton.

While we remember these young women today, it is also a day that we remember the countless other women, girls, racialized and marginalized victims of gender-based violence. Sadly, despite all the work that has been done and the tireless ongoing efforts of legislators, police, and shelter and community workers, the incidents of violence against women and girls is far too common. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports have shown that all types of violence against women, particularly domestic violence, have increased. This tragic reality is being felt worldwide and has become so widespread that the United Nations now refers to it as the “shadow pandemic.”

Speaker, as Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, as a physician and as a mother, this trend concerns me greatly. I am proud to be part of a government that is steadfast in our commitment to ending violence against women and is taking action to address this violence in all forms.

Words are not enough. This year, our government is spending $202 million on services and supports: $191 million for victims of violence and $11 million for violence prevention initiatives. This funding supports emergency shelters, counselling, 24-hour crisis lines, and safety planning, and an investment to enhance the transitional and housing supports program that helps survivors of violence and reduces pressures on the emergency shelter system. We have also boosted support for rural front-line agencies to increase collaboration and reduce geographic and transportation barriers through the $3.6-million Rural and Remote Enhancement Fund.

To address the calls for justice in the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, our government released Pathways to Safety, a strategy developed in close partnership with Indigenous communities, organizations and the Indigenous Women’s Advisory Council. As part of this strategy, our 2021 budget includes an $18.2-million investment over three years to support initiatives to end violence and address this crisis facing Indigenous people.

This important investment will provide access to community supports; enhance resources for First Nations police services for sexual assault, human trafficking and domestic violence investigations; build on existing investments to support community safety; and provide additional supports to end violence against Indigenous women and girls.

Last year, our government launched our five-year strategy to combat human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children and youth. Our comprehensive action plan includes a cross-government approach that is focused on raising awareness, early intervention, protecting victims and holding offenders accountable.

Speaker, violence against women is more than just a woman’s issue. It is an issue for all of us. We need strong women supporting vulnerable women. We also need all people supporting vulnerable women.

I know all of us in this House share our government’s enduring commitment to prevent violence against women and girls. We will continue to work hard across government and with our partners to prevent this violence, because every Ontarian has the right to live in safety and in a society dedicated to equality and opportunity.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’m now going to ask members to rise to observe a moment of silence in tribute to the victims and survivors of gender-based violence.

The House observed a moment’s silence.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you very much. Members may take their seats.

Visitors

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’m very pleased to inform the House that page Serena Noronha, who is from the riding of Aurora–Oak Ridges–Richmond Hill, is one of today’s page captains. We have with us today at Queen’s Park her grandmother Dora Noronha and her father, Trevor Noronha.

We are also joined today by the father of another of today’s page captains, Elinor Carter, who is from the riding of Parkdale–High Park. Richard Weiser is here.

Welcome to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. We’re delighted that you’ve joined us.

Question Period

Child care

Ms. Andrea Horwath: I just want to start off by saying Oskee Wee Wee. It was a great game yesterday. The Cats and Argos both played very, very well. Of course, now we’re all on the same team, because we’re going to Hamilton next week to fight for the Grey Cup against Winnipeg, so I hope everybody who can be there will be there.

My first question this morning is to the Premier.

We just heard that New Brunswick is imminently going to be signing their deal for affordable child care in their province. That means Ontario is dead last. We’re the only province without an affordable child care plan.

Costs are sky-high. Families are really, really feeling the squeeze. They could use some financial relief, and they could use some hope that we’re actually going to get affordable child care in this province.

It’s obvious that child care is just not a priority for Premier Ford, but it is for Ontario families.

My question is, why is this Premier so unable or unwilling to get Ontario families affordable, $10-a-day child care, and why did they take so long to even bother to try?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Minister of Education.

Hon. Stephen Lecce: The Premier is very committed to getting a fair deal for Ontario families. We recognize child care is inaccessible and unaffordable for so many working parents. That is the reality that families have faced for the last many years as a consequence of inaction by the former Liberal government.

But our Premier is standing up for Ontario. We’re working with the federal government. In fact, we met with them multiple times, walked them through our numbers, our methodology and our asks, which is for a larger investment over a sustained period of time so that we can finally make child care affordable for parents in Ontario.

That is with the federal government. They have our full, complete financials. We look forward to hearing from them so that, yes, we can wrap up a deal that reduces costs for moms and dads right across this province.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The supplementary question.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Here’s a list of successful child care deals that are bringing real relief to families across Canada, and more spaces as well: For example, Alberta families are going to have their fees cut in half, cut by 50%, in just less than a month. Saskatchewan families are going to see up to $2,000, and in some cases more, in rebates retroactively until the middle of this past summer. BC families are seeing thousands of $10-a-day child care spaces, literally right now, being developed in their province. In Manitoba, the ECEs are having their wages increased to $25 an hour as a starting wage.

Quebec families, as we know, have long had affordable child care in their province and it’s done wonderful things for their economy.

Ontario families, unfortunately, continue to pay mortgage-level child care payments. With the cost of living now so high, why won’t the Premier deliver the kind of relief that Ontario parents deserve and get a deal for $10-a-day child care for our families?

Hon. Stephen Lecce: Indeed, we do want a deal, a fair deal, a deal that actually reduces the price for families, a deal that really helps to solve some of the great challenges of affordability that families are facing and that they faced for 15 long years under the former government, where child care rose by literally 400%.

Now, I accept and agree with the member opposite that we need to continue to work hard to reduce costs. Ultimately, the government, in our first budget, introduced a measure to reduce costs and increase affordability for parents through the introduction of the Ontario Child Care Tax Credit, which was opposed by the NDP and the Liberals. We also brought in a plan to build 30,000 child care spaces within our schools, 22,000 of which are approved. That was opposed by the NDP and the Liberals.

I appreciate that it’s incremental, but it moves it in the right direction to create more access for parents and ultimately reduces the prices, given the explosive increase under the former Liberal government.

There’s more work to do. We’ve sat with the federal government. We’ve given them the data. We await their response so that we can get a deal that reduces costs, increases access and ultimately changes the trajectory so that we can bring down prices for families across this province.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The final supplementary.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: It’s just absolutely obvious that what this government has done is dragged its feet. They’ve dragged their feet, and now we’re the last province. And we still don’t have a deal.

Affordable child care means money in the pockets of parents. It’s money that will boost the local economy, money that—struggling families, who have actually had a lot to deal with in the last couple of years, might see some great opportunity for things to get a little better over the holidays, if this government had done the right thing. But instead of a deal, we have Premier Ford playing petty politics, negotiating in the media, fighting with the federal Liberal government, and of course, as I’ve already said, they waited months and months and months before even trying to get a deal.

Why has this Premier failed, just like the Wynne-Del Duca government before his, to get affordable $10-a-day child care for Ontario families?

Hon. Stephen Lecce: The Premier has been working constructively with the federal government through this pandemic with one aim, which is to protect the families we serve and ensure we can get through the worst of this pandemic. That has been a hallmark of his leadership, working across party lines and across levels of government with one interest, which is to defeat this pandemic and put it behind us. I think that is a strength in this province. He and I and other members of our government are working with the feds and making the case to them on an expedited basis, to get us the feedback, get us the response I think Ontario families deserve—now that they have the full data they requested.

It is true that the Liberals created a great affordability crisis in this province, from energy to housing and, no doubt, child care. That is their legacy. I agree with the member opposite.

What we’re doing, under our government and our Premier’s leadership, is introducing measures to reduce costs and increase access. Working with the feds, we aim to land a fair deal that finally brings down prices for families and ensures it’s sustainable for decades to come.

COVID-19 immunization

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My next question is also for the Premier. The Premier has consistently opposed COVID vaccine certificates. In July, he said, “We aren’t doing it.” In September, he announced it’s only temporary. He told Ontarians that the certificate program is going to end on January 17. But COVID cases, as we all see, are creeping up. For a couple of days now, they’ve been over 1,000 cases a day. Who knows what the new variant is going to bring, Speaker?

So my question is will the Premier continue the mandatory vaccine certificate program after January 17? Yes or no?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

Hon. Christine Elliott: Thank you to the leader of the official opposition for the question. The reality is that there is so much about the Omicron variant we don’t know yet. We do know it appears to be much more transmissible than the Delta variant that we’re currently dealing with, but we don’t know about its virulence and we don’t know about the effects of our vaccine to withstand the effects of this Omicron variant, so it’s too soon to say.

What we are telling people is to please continue to follow the public health measures that we’ve been following for many months now: the physical distancing, the wearing of masks, the frequent handwashing and so on.

We’re also urging any Ontarians who have not yet received both of their vaccinations to please do so. And if you have children between ages five and 11, please get your children vaccinated as well. That’s the best work that we can do to protect ourselves against the Delta or any other variant of this virus.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary question?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: I didn’t hear an answer to my question. The fact is that the certificate helps us avoid lockdowns. The science table advice was clear: Certificates help keep businesses open and they encourage hesitant people to get vaccinated.

Yet the Premier’s take on the certificates are, “We’re not going to have a split society.” That’s how the Premier frames it. Dr. Peter Jüni, the head of the science table, said in November that that’s a false frame. He said, “The point that it’s dividing society is an absolutely invalid argument.”

Certificates are about uniting Ontarians in the fight against COVID-19. So my question is, why won’t the Premier commit today to keeping vaccine certificates in place beyond January 17?

Hon. Christine Elliott: Our government continues to support the need for the vaccine certificates. It is very important for people to be able to enter certain locations, restaurants and other places—for their protection and the protection of other people as well.

However, as to when it’s actually going to be lifted, we have the plan we put in place several months ago, but we do have this new variant. We do have Omicron among us right now.

The same answer that I had for your previous question is: We’re planning to start lifting things, but if this Omicron variant circulates widely, and if it is as virulent as it has been in other jurisdictions, we are going to need to take a look at that. Dr. Moore has said that from day one, that if there is a major change in circumstances, we will have to reconsider, as we’re reconsidering every step along the way. But right now we don’t have the pertinent information we need in order to make a decision.

I anticipate that will become evident in the next several months as we see what happens in South Africa and other jurisdictions.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Speaker, I find it shocking that the Minister of Health is standing in this House projecting the lifting of these measures, and all that does is embolden the anti-vaxxers and let them know that they don’t have to worry about getting their vaccine because the government is about to lift the measures.

Look, the Premier needs to step up here and provide some strong leadership. Ontarians have been doing their part. The vast majority of Ontarians have been doing their part, but they need leadership and public health measures to fight the fourth wave. Instead, the Premier is pandering—as is the health minister—to the anti-vaxxers who support them.

The head of the science table, Dr. Peter Jüni said this—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order. Government side, come to order.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: “I believe vaccine certificates actually worked surprisingly well.” That’s Dr. Peter Jüni, the head of the science table.

Will the Premier do the right thing, the evidence-based thing, and announce today that he will continue the use of vaccine certificates in Ontario? Stop sending mixed—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Minister of Health.

Hon. Christine Elliott: I think it’s really important that we be clear, because apparently the leader of the official opposition perhaps didn’t understand what I was saying. I indicated that we are following the science, we are following the evidence.

We are listening to the science advisory table. We are listening to Dr. Moore. We are listening to everyone who has advised them. That is why we have taken the position we have. That is why we set out our road map to reopen Ontario. But it was always subject to the caveat that if there is a situation such as a variant that we don’t know about and we don’t know what’s going to happen with it, we’ll have to re-evaluate.

That’s what we are doing. We are waiting to find out what the data is, what it is that we’re dealing with, with this variant. But we’re continuing to ask people to follow those public health measures, to continue to get vaccinated, to continue to get the vaccine certificate—because we anticipate we will need it for at least another several months if everything is all right, and maybe for longer than that once we know more about the Omicron variant.

We are following evidence and we are following the science at every step we take.

Small business

Ms. Doly Begum: My question is to the Deputy Premier. Last week, the Auditor General’s report showed that approximately $210 million in COVID-19 support was given to 14,500 ineligible businesses.

Dozens of businesses in my riding of Scarborough Southwest couldn’t get the Ontario small business grant due to numerous inconsistencies in the process, a lack of clear communication and an unnecessarily confusing process. While our community members and businesses continue to suffer, this government decided to close escalation and any inquiries about the grant and stopped providing the support altogether.

Will this government take responsibility for their mismanagement of the pandemic business relief program and address the ongoing concerns from small business owners regarding their applications?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): To respond, the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Mr. Speaker, through you to the member opposite: Thank you for that question. Clearly, small businesses in our communities right across Ontario have been struggling, not just for one month but for 21 months through the pandemic. That’s why, since day one in March 2020, we provided supports—an over $19-billion action plan, of which $10 billion was for jobs and people and $6 billion of that for businesses.

We acted swiftly to defer rent and help with rent payments, property tax, electricity rebates. We provided, beyond that, supports for WSIB premiums.

We were there, day one, for small businesses. We’ll continue to be there for small businesses. We’ve heard from many of the small businesses, and they said that the support grants we provided them were often the difference between keeping the lights on and having them close for good.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The supplementary question.

Ms. Doly Begum: It’s nice to hear those big numbers, but they’re not going to the people of this province. They’re not going to the businesses that need them. I don’t know where it’s going; maybe this government can tell us where it’s going.

Some $210 million, people’s hard-earned money, was mismanaged. I heard from Simon, a small business owner from my community whose grant application was initially approved. He was even assured three times on the phone that his money will come soon. He was relieved that some support would be given to him during this difficult time.

Months later, he received a rejection email with a list for qualification that he had never seen before. Simon expressed anxiety and fear for the future of his business—anxiety for six months, and then he was denied the support.

The Auditor General’s report actually highlights a lack of central tracking for business relief funds, poorly defined eligibility criteria and exclusion of businesses that needed the support. We can see these issues clearly in our ridings—across all the members’ ridings, really, because we heard from so many different ridings, including others in Scarborough.

Why did the government allow a program that was so critical to small businesses, that was a lifeline for small businesses and for our economy, frankly, to be grossly mismanaged, causing uncertainty and fear for small businesses?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): And the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: What was important through the second wave was to get money out the door to many of those businesses, and I remind the member opposite that over 100,000 businesses received support. Many of those businesses were struggling and continue to struggle. Many are struggling to this day. That’s why this Deputy Premier and Minister of Health is encouraging everyone to get vaccinated in this province. In fact, we developed the Verify app so that businesses could go to 100% capacity safely—the double vaccinations as proof of vaccination.

We continue to be there for small businesses. We’ll continue to provide the supports for small businesses and we’ll continue to support the families and hard-working people of this province.

School facilities / Skilled trades

Mr. Will Bouma: Ontario students and parents deserved so much more than what they received for 15 years under the previous Liberal government. And we know what their track record was: closing 600 schools across the province of Ontario, the most expensive child care program in Canada, and the cost of living rising at a dramatic rate, undermining the interests of middle-class and working families in the province of Ontario.

Ontarians deserve a government committed to improving flexibility and affordability and building new schools. Following school closures and repair backlogs province-wide, we need to see substantial investments to ensure Ontario remains a leader in world-class learning. New, modern and connected schools remain critical to the growth and learning of young people across this province.

So, Speaker, through you, can the Minister of Education tell this House what steps he is taking to ensure a continuity of innovation and excellence for Ontario learners?

Hon. Stephen Lecce: I want to thank the member for Brantford–Brant for the question. I very much agree that Ontario families and students deserve modern schools that are accessible, Internet-connected, with the highest standards of air ventilation.

I am proud that under our Premier’s leadership, we are investing over $1.5 billion in capital projects, supporting 76 net new schools being added to our province, as well as 43 major additions. This represents 26,000 spaces under way within our schools, expanding them for the benefit of children. Today, there are 105 construction projects under way, and 350 approved in the province of Ontario—and it’s going to make a big difference.

Nearly 100,000 more student spaces are being added to our province as a consequence of our investment, in partnership with the Minister of Infrastructure, the Minister of Finance and so many others, to build this province, build spaces, build schools, build modern child care after a decade of neglect and closures under the former Liberal government.

There’s more work to do. We’re going to continue to invest to build new—

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

Mr. Will Bouma: I want to thank the minister for his response. To build these schools and child care spaces, our province will continue to rely on the skill and expertise of skilled trades professionals. A report by the apprenticeship youth advisers called for the government to recognize the invaluable contributions that skilled trades make to our infrastructure, all while providing good-paying, lifetime jobs to youth.

Mr. Speaker, we know that for too long, skilled trades were neglected by the previous government and were framed as less than a university degree. More also needs to be done to erase the stigma associated with skilled trades careers so that young people and their parents recognize that the trades are a pathway to success. Skilled trades training for youth will be key to meeting the labour demands of our generation, including building schools, all while providing quality pensions, benefits and pay to those in the industry.

Can the Minister of Education tell this House that what the government is doing is working with schools across the province to encourage engagement in the skilled trades?

Hon. Stephen Lecce: I again want to thank the member for his question and for his leadership in getting child care spaces approved in his riding just weeks ago, in the Catholic school board system. But we know, by 2025, one in five jobs will be in the skilled trades. We’re also aware there’s a 100,000-person shortfall today, and so we have to take action.

This is why the government, in partnership with the Minister of Labour, has been working since day one to fill those gaps with qualified young people to fill those rewarding opportunities. We announced a $90-million investment in the skilled trades. We’ve expanded the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program with the aim of bringing roughly 63 recruiters literally into our high schools to recruit, to incent and to create meaningful pathways for all students of the province, particularly women, racialized children, Indigenous and others who are under-represented within these exciting careers.

Speaker, we’ve also expanded investments within our school system and in our curriculum, starting in kindergarten, literally to inspire young people to pursue these careers.

We’re going to continue to invest and continue to encourage more young people to enter these jobs right across Ontario.

Nurses

M me France Gélinas: Ma question est pour la ministre de la Santé. Patients in intensive care units are critically ill and they can deteriorate unexpectedly. That is why the standard of care in our ICUs is a one-to-one nurse-to-patient ratio.

Registered nurses, registered respiratory therapists and community members are raising serious patient safety concerns about Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket–Aurora. Southlake, like all hospitals in Ontario, has seen eight years of budget freezes and below-inflation increases the rest of the time. They have adopted a team-based nursing model in their ICU. That means that now the one fully trained ICU RN monitors her patient, but she must also monitor RNs who are not trained in critical care nursing. That is not one-on-one, Speaker. That is not best practice.

Will the Minister of Health listen to the concerns of her constituents and act now to make sure that every patient admitted to the ICU gets nothing less than one-on-one?

Hon. Christine Elliott: Thank you very much to the member for the question. Our first concern has been the health and well-being of all Ontarians throughout this pandemic, and that includes when they are admitted to hospital. We recognize, and I am sure the member opposite will know, that there are concerns with respect to health human resources right now, and so we have made other accommodations but always with patient safety first and foremost in our minds.

We are making massive investments in educating more nurses, more locations in our colleges and universities. We are training more people to become intensive care nurses, emergency nurses, surgical nurses, but that doesn’t happen overnight. But whatever the health human resources we’re putting into intensive care, the people of Ontario can rest assured that they will receive excellent quality care in nursing and any other resources that they need. That will happen through the pandemic and thereafter.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The supplementary question.

M me France Gélinas: It takes three to five years of intensive care experience to become an ICU nurse, or the successful completion of a critical care course in the last two years and critical care experience. But at Southlake hospital, nurses have left and continue to leave the ICU. They are now hiring brand new nurses, some with less than one year of med. surg. experience, and providing care to critically ill patients. How is this safe, Speaker? This is a cut to the ICU. This puts patients at risk.

Nurses, respiratory therapists and concerned community feel like they are not being heard by their MPP—the minister. They want to know the concrete steps that the minister will take to promote retention, recruitment and training of critical care nurses at Southlake and in every other hospital in Ontario that provides ICU.

Hon. Christine Elliott: I am certainly very pleased to respond to the question that the member has raised. We have been taking every step possible to recruit and to retain our qualified health human resources.

The member is absolutely right that it takes several years in order to train someone to become a nurse in intensive care, for example. We are spending those resources to do that, to make sure that we can have a program where people can be trained to be able to achieve that status. But at the other end, we’re also training more nurses.

But with respect to the specific question that you asked, there are always qualified intensive care nurses in intensive care. They will always provide supervision of anyone who has maybe not achieved that status. So there are qualified professionals in every aspect of our health care system, including intensive care, with the appropriately trained nurses, and that will always continue.

Child care

Ms. Kathleen O. Wynne: My question is for the Premier. Mr. Speaker, I listened very closely to the answers that the Minister of Education gave to the question just a moment ago. I give credit to the government for its focus on skilled trades. I think that it’s an interesting expansion into experiential learning. I think it’s important. But given that this government has consistently proclaimed that it’s a government that is intent on building Ontario’s economy, it’s really inexplicable that it has consistently undermined the publicly funded education system, which is the single most important investment in a future strong Ontario economy.

As soon as this government was elected, it demonstrated its disdain for publicly funded education by cutting staff, setting untenable class size increases in both elementary and secondary schools in order to cut millions of dollars from the system, and cutting student aid for university and college students. And when COVID-19 hit, this government dragged its heels, and then the investment was well short of what was needed.

Now there’s a child care deal on the table from the federal government that has not been available to any governments before.

Why has this government not signed the child care deal with the federal government?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Minister of Education.

Hon. Stephen Lecce: I do know that the Premier has increased investment every single year in publicly funded education—the highest levels ever invested in the history of this province, in sharp contrast to the former Liberal government that perhaps increased investment but didn’t get a good return on that investment. Young people couldn’t pass the grade 6 math average, 600 schools closed, and we created a massive deferred maintenance backlog while the standard of our schools simply regressed by $16 billion—unacceptable.

We appreciate that, which is exactly why we are investing over $590 million more this year within our budget to improve the standard within our schools. It’s why we’re investing half a billion dollars to build new schools. And yes, it is precisely why we’re working to make child care more affordable.

I joined the Minister of Infrastructure two weeks ago to announce 3,000 additional affordable, accessible child care spaces for families within publicly funded schools.

The former Premier is right; there is more work to do. I accept the federal government has a lot to contribute—2.5% today is insufficient. We’re asking them to step up their investment. Let’s get this deal done.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary.

Ms. Kathleen O. Wynne: I appreciate that the government has continued the building of the 100,000 child care spaces that had already begun under our government. I think it’s a good thing that they have continued on that plan.

When we took over government in 2003, 68% of kids were graduating from high school. When we lost government in 2018, 86% of kids were graduating from high school.

Speaker, this is the last question that I’m going to have the privilege of asking in 2021, and I sincerely hope that when we’re back in the Legislature in 2022, Ontario will have signed a child care agreement.

We just heard statements in honour of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. We know that there are many women who are more at risk today than they were two years ago because of COVID-19 and that child care is something that could help.

Speaker, toddlers at home and their anxious moms and dads today are completely oblivious to the provincial election cycle. They don’t know and their parents don’t care how signing a deal with a federal Liberal government will affect the provincial Conservatives in an election. They all just want a safe, affordable child care option. That is what is on the table right now.

Will the government come to a child care agreement with the federal government before the dawn of the new year and put the anxieties of those families to rest?

Hon. Stephen Lecce: I think many families’ anxieties rose when they saw their child care bills increase by 400% under the former Liberal government’s tenure. That just is unacceptable, and that is their legacy.

Speaker, we do recognize that the federal government currently contributes roughly 2.5% of Ontario’s child care funding. That is in need of a significant increase, which is why we’re at the table. We met them many times. The Premier and our government demonstrated our willingness and ability to successfully negotiate with the federal government—be it the Safe Restart Agreement, a $4-billion outcome benefiting Ontario families; or the federal funding that the Minister of Transportation helped lead negotiations on the GTA subway expansion and the Hamilton LRT in the opposition member’s riding.

We know we can get a good deal, and we of course aspire to get one as soon as possible. We are not the obstacle here. We provided the information to the feds. We hope that they will respond in kind to land a deal that reduces costs, that increases access, and finally makes child care more affordable for the people we serve.

Victims of violence / Human trafficking

Ms. Laurie Scott: My question is to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

As members of this chamber have already observed, today marks 32 years since the tragic events at Montreal’s École Polytechnique. I’m sure I speak for all members of this House when I say that it is imperative for the government to do all it can to help prevent violence against women and to support victims of this horrendous crime.

Speaker, through you to the minister: What has the government done to provide support to women and members of the LGBTQ2S+ community who have been victimized by senseless acts of violence and abuse?

Hon. Merrilee Fullerton: I’d like to thank the member from Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock for her important work on behalf of her constituents. I’d like to assure the member and all members in this House that our government has been steadfast in our commitment to preventing violence against women and is taking action to address violence in all forms against all genders.

This year, our government is investing $202 million in important violence against women initiatives. These dollars will fund emergency shelters, counselling, 24-hour crisis lines, safety planning, child witness programs, transitional and housing supports and much more.

We’re working across government and across jurisdictions to stop violence against women and to end human trafficking.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The supplementary question.

Ms. Laurie Scott: I’d like to thank the minister for her response. I’m pleased to hear that the government is committed to addressing this issue and taking concrete steps to protect the people of Ontario who are at risk.

With my supplementary, I’d like to focus in on one particular horrendous form of violence against women that overwhelmingly impacts vulnerable women and girls, and that is human sex trafficking.

As I am sure the minister knows, a disproportionately large number of the women trafficked are Indigenous, racialized, and young, underage women and girls who are particularly vulnerable to offenders. Can the minister tell the House what the government is doing to prevent another instance of this terrible crime?

Hon. Merrilee Fullerton: Thank you again to the member from Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock. As the member will know, last year, our government launched our five-year strategy to combat human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of women, children and at-risk youth. This comprehensive $307-million action plan is focused on raising awareness, protecting victims and intervening early, supporting survivors and, most importantly, holding offenders accountable.

Speaker, our government is committed to working across jurisdictions and with all members of the community to ensure a multi-faceted approach that provides more education, more prevention, more protection and more support for survivors, especially children.

The issue of violence against women and girls is one that demands every single one of us to work towards change. I can assure the member and this House that our government is committed to doing our part.

Water quality

Mr. Sol Mamakwa: Remarks in Oji-Cree.

My question is to the Premier. Last week, the Auditor General released their 2021 annual report. We have an agency, under the Ministry of the Environment, with a mandate to improve drinking water in First Nations. In Kiiwetinoong, there are 14 First Nations under long-term boil-water advisories, including Neskantaga, which is almost at their 27-year anniversary of living with no clean drinking water.

Speaker, it is shameful that governments, including this one, enable this structural racism—or you can call it racism, period. Why is it that the government refuses to step up to ensure all Ontarians have access to clean drinking water, no matter where they live?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): To reply on behalf of the government, the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

Hon. David Piccini: That member is right, and I appreciate that question. For too long, this has been simply unacceptable, the reality of challenges in getting clean drinking water in First Nations communities. That’s why our government is working closely with OCWA and Walkerton, agencies of government, and collaboratively with First Nations and the federal government to support resolutions to long-term drinking water advisories.

We know that Indigenous Services Canada provides funding for First Nations for water and waste-water services on-reserve, 100% for design and production and 80% for operating and maintenance costs. First Nations are not mandated to meet Ontario’s regulatory framework, as this is a federal government lead. However, we’re not stopping with that. That’s why OCWA is working closely with a number of Indigenous communities.

That’s why, working collaboratively with the Auditor General, OCWA is launching for the first time, under this government, both a mandate to Walkerton to work with Indigenous communities and an Indigenous advisory circle that will be Indigenous-led to improve water quality in First Nations communities.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The supplementary question.

Mr. Sol Mamakwa: In her report, the Auditor General stated that the Ontario Clean Water Agency is “hesitant” to support First Nations struggling with boil-water advisories. Apparently, they are hesitant because they need to achieve full cost recovery. I didn’t realize getting people clean drinking water was only important when there was money to be made off it.

Speaker, leaving people to live their whole lives under boil-water advisories is nothing to be proud of. When will Ontario begin to subsidize these technical services so they can help more First Nations in Ontario under boil-water advisories?

Hon. David Piccini: Again, I thank the member opposite for that question. OCWA is in First Nations communities around Ontario, regardless of whether they receive cost recovery or not. That cost recovery is given to the Indigenous communities from the federal government and, quite frankly, under my leadership as minister and under this Premier, we don’t care—we will be there to support, regardless of the reality. That’s why OCWA has been in Neskantaga on a 24/7 basis since November 2020. We will continue investing in OCWA and Walkerton to work with Indigenous communities. We will continue working with OCWA.

I just recently met with the chair of their board, who reported to me that they are well on their way with the Indigenous advisory circle that is Indigenous-led. It’s a principle I learned when at the royal college: never about us without us. That’s why we are working with the Indigenous community. That’s why we’ve launched an Indigenous-led advisory circle. We will always respond to and work in close collaboration with Indigenous communities across the province. I appreciate that member’s question.

Employment standards

Mr. Mike Schreiner: My question is for the Premier. Nurses are at a breaking point, overworked, underpaid and underappreciated. The ONA says that hospitals face 18% to 20% nursing vacancy rates. ICUs have reduced capacity because we don’t have as many nurses to staff them. The surgery backlog is worsening because we don’t have enough nurses to staff operating rooms. The nursing shortage is putting pressure on our health care system, affecting patient care.

Ontario desperately needs a plan to retain nurses, to shore up our health care system, and that starts with fair wages. Speaker, will the Premier do the right thing, show nurses the respect they deserve and revoke Bill 124, so they can negotiate a fair wage for the services they’ve provided Ontarians?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): To respond, the government House leader.

Hon. Paul Calandra: As has been mentioned on a number of occasions in this House, we understand. That is why the Minister of Health has been putting so many resources into rebuilding the health care system across the province of Ontario. Bill 124 is an opportunity to ensure that we save jobs across the province of Ontario, but it hasn’t stopped us from investing and working with the Minister of Colleges and Universities to ensure that we bring in more new nurses. I think we are adding some additional 2,000 new nurses.

But at the same time, as we build out more ICUs, as we build out more critical care beds, as we build out 30,000 additional long-term care units, and with the investments that are being made—historic investments, frankly—in Brampton and in Mississauga with the Peel hospital, we understand how important it is to bring on new nurses, and not only new nurses, but PSWs at the same time. There is a lot of work to be done. We’re making the investments in order to get this work accomplished.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary question.

Mr. Mike Schreiner: What the government needs to understand, and I believe the people of Ontario understand, is that you can build more physical space and you can expand physical capacity, but if you don’t have the people to work in those hospitals, in those operating rooms, in those ICUs, you’re not going to be able to provide the health care that Ontarians need.

On November 14, the registered nurses’ association called on the government to revoke Bill 124 within 30 days, so nurses could get the pay raise they deserve—because, frankly, freezing their wages, with today’s inflation rate, is the same as a pay cut.

Speaker, the clock is ticking. The 30 days are almost up. Will the government listen to nurses, show them the respect they deserve and revoke Bill 124?

Hon. Paul Calandra: As I said, Bill 124 is about preserving jobs across the public service. It doesn’t restrict individuals who receive promotions within their category from receiving that augmented pay.

But what we heard a lot of the time, too, was the fact that the lack of investments being made by the previous government in terms of our hospitals was causing people to leave the province. We saw that so often with our doctors, with nurses. We did not have the facilities that were keeping and attracting the top and the best and the brightest back here.

That’s why these investments in a Brampton hospital, the investments we’re making in Peel, the investments we’re making in Niagara and the investments we’re making in long-term care are so important to bringing the best and the brightest back to Ontario, and keeping the best and the brightest here. I agree with the honourable gentleman: It’s not just about wages; it’s not just about building these facilities. It’s about investing in the top-notch quality health care that the people of the province of Ontario demand. We’re finally getting that—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The next question.

Land use planning

Mr. Stephen Crawford: My question is for the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. We all know Ontario is in a housing crisis. Young families, seniors and hard-working Ontarians are desperate for housing that meets their unique needs.

The previous Liberal government sat on their hands for 15 years and said no to addressing the housing crisis. In 2020, the year after our housing supply action plan was implemented, Ontario had the highest level of housing starts in a decade and the highest level of rental starts since 1992. But we all know there is more to be done.

I understand that this morning the minister announced that our government is cutting red tape in the city of Guelph. Speaker, through you: Could the minister tell us how this will lay the groundwork for future development, much of it needed for housing, and how the government will protect the city’s drinking water supply for years to come?

Hon. Steve Clark: I want to thank the honourable member for that question. I was pleased to be in Guelph this morning. I joined Mayor Cam Guthrie to announce that I’ll be issuing a minister’s zoning order that will speed up approvals to allow for the development of new housing on the Dolime quarry and lands in the township. Also, we’ll be protecting valuable drinking water for the municipality.

Just like all other minister’s zoning orders issued on non-provincially owned land, the MZO comes at the request of city council. Together with our local municipal partners, our government is using the MZO tool to get critical projects in the ground faster, things like affordable housing, health care facilities, long-term care.

We need to move at a pace that Ontarians deserve. The announcement today demonstrates our commitment to ensure that critical local priority projects can be built as fast as possible.

I’ll have more to say in the supplementary.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary question.

Mr. Stephen Crawford: Thank you to the minister for his response and sharing that information with the House.

I’m pleased that our government is using the MZO tool to speed up critical projects such as much-needed housing, long-term-care beds and even hospital expansions, all while ensuring the local municipality remains in the driver’s seat the entire time.

While I understand the minister has already fast-tracked 3,700 long-term-care beds and created over 46,000 jobs through the use of ministerial zoning orders, the citizens of Guelph are depending on our government to not only offer up new opportunities for housing, but also to protect Guelph’s drinking water.

Through you, Speaker: Can the minister tell us what this announcement means for the current and future residents of Guelph?

Hon. Steve Clark: Another great question from the member for Oakville. As he stated, this is a partnership with the city. We’re using the minister’s zoning order tool to protect the drinking water for the people of Guelph.

Speaker, under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is saying yes. As the member mentioned, we’re saying yes to building more homes. We’re saying yes to expanding our health care facilities and our long-term care capability. We’re saying yes to protecting our environment.

When Guelph city council requested the MZO to cut red tape, to clear the way for new development that will also help protect the city’s drinking water, our government was pleased to say yes. I’m proud that this initiative shows that there’s a balanced and responsible approach to growth for our government. It protects the natural heritage features, a pond and the drinking water source beneath the quarry, alongside the future creation of housing. This is a fantastic announcement for the people of Guelph.

Unlike the Liberals and the NDP, who always say no—

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

Government services

Ms. Jill Andrew: Speaker, my question is to the Premier.

Earlier this month, I wrote a letter to the Minister of Government and Consumer Services and the Minister of Health about an important issue raised by one of my local constituents. We’re all still waiting for a response. When she went to renew her OHIP card using the online service, she found it was only available to those who hold an Ontario driver’s licence. This is exceptionally limiting for her as a person with a specific disability that prevents her from driving.

The CNIB Foundation in my riding also flagged this issue to the ministry over two years ago, noting how this system requirement excludes people who are blind, partially blind or blind-deaf across Ontario.

With expired health cards no longer accepted as of February 2022, what is the government doing to remove this barrier that disproportionately impacts people with disabilities?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Minister of Government and Consumer Services.

Hon. Ross Romano: Thank you to the member opposite for the question.

I want to be very clear, first and foremost, that you can renew your health card the same way you always could renew your health card: at a service counter at a ServiceOntario. That hasn’t changed in any way, shape or form.

Speaker, what our government has done with our modernization efforts—which we are very proud of, as we continue to work towards modernizing Ontario, making sure that we have a process that is digital-first, not digital only. All of our health cards can be renewed, and at the present time there is a process that requires the driver’s licence to be used for that purpose. Along with our great Minister of Health, we have been working towards trying to ensure that there are additional ways that we could get our health cards renewed, just like all of the other cards.

But I want to be crystal clear that the way in which you would have renewed your health card in the past still exists. You can still do the same type of renewal processes that you always could. We are just making it better.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary question.

Ms. Jill Andrew: Speaker, modernizing systems shouldn’t leave people with disabilities behind.

My supplementary question is again to the Premier.

The CNIB, as I said, flagged this issue to the government over two years ago, so the two-year delay in fixing this glitch is inexcusable.

This government’s failure to consider how the driver’s licence requirement would unfairly burden people with disabilities who are unable to drive wasn’t just inconvenient. It is actually discrimination.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Government House leader.

Hon. Paul Calandra: As I mentioned last week in the House, I know that the minister is working very diligently on this. We understand how important it is to have all communities have access throughout the province of Ontario—something that we have to work with in conjunction with our municipal partners and our federal partners.

At the same time, we recognize the contributions of Mr. Onley in that report.

As I said last week, the minister will have more to say on this in the future.

Employment standards / COVID-19 immunization

Ms. Mitzie Hunter: My question is to the Premier.

Ontario had paid sick days for all working Ontarians before this government reversed that right given to workers in 2018. During this pandemic, doctors, nurses, teachers and countless others have asked this government to bring them back. Workers were going to work sick, unable to afford taking time off to get vaccinated.

Ontarians need paid sick days to slow the spread of COVID-19 and its variants of concern, and to make it easier to get vaccinated. This government dragged its feet for over a year and the current program is set to expire less than four weeks from now, on December 31.

Speaker, does the Premier once again plan to make workers choose between a paycheque and their health? Will parents be forced to take unpaid time off to get their children vaccinated, or will this government do the right thing and extend 10 paid sick days to Ontario workers?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Government House leader.

Hon. Paul Calandra: Look, Mr. Speaker, the Liberals waited, as I said last week, 5,110 days to bring in sick days in the dying days of the previous administration. That’s 5,000 days.

Now, we brought in sick days: Working with our federal partners, we brought in over 20 sick days for the people of the province of Ontario, sick days that can be used to bring your kids to get vaccinated, because we know how important it is. We also brought in job protections right at the beginning, faster than any other government across this country. We brought in job protections to ensure that anybody who was impacted by COVID had their jobs protected.

We are continuing to work with our essential workers, because we know how important it is to keeping the economy going. That is why the Premier made it a priority. We didn’t wait 5,000 days. We didn’t wait for four or five different administrations to get it done. Like so many other things, we’re getting it done in our first term of office.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary question.

Ms. Mitzie Hunter: Well, Speaker, it’s ironic that this PC government under Premier Ford took less than 200 days to cancel those same sick days. Shame on you.

In my riding of Scarborough–Guildwood, we have many parents who must work multiple jobs, long extensive hours, and yet we expect them to be able to take their kids to get them vaccinated. The guidance that this government has provided to elementary schools acknowledges that in the winter, the virus is likely to spread more rapidly. Has this government updated its guidance since the Omicron variant?

Speaker, we need to make sure that parents know that their children, regardless of background, regardless of circumstance, can get vaccinated. Only 21% of five- to 11-year-olds have been vaccinated to this point. Will the government act to make sure that they work with school boards to do in-school vaccinations for all students in light of the risk we are now facing with the Omicron variant? We know that in the winter months, the transmission—

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

Hon. Christine Elliott: Thank you very much to the member for the question. We know that with the threat of the Omicron variant coming forward—we still don’t know the details about it, but we know we’re dealing with the Delta variant here in Ontario, so we’re advising all Ontarians to please get vaccinated: first and second vaccinations for adults, and booster doses as well. We’ve lowered the age now from 50-year-olds to 69-year-olds. They will be able, as of December 13, to get their third doses.

With respect to children: We have 246,445 children who have already been vaccinated, 21% of the population. That’s in only 10 days. We already have over 180,000 appointments booked, so we thank the parents of Ontario for taking their children to be vaccinated. That’s the best way for us to emerge from this pandemic. People are responding accordingly, and we’re very, very grateful for that.

Long-term care

Mr. Wayne Gates: My question is to the Premier. I want to talk about a constituent in my riding, a constituent who deserves the respect of this entire House. His name is Burd Sisler. He’s 106 years young, a Second World War veteran and a lifelong resident of the great town of Fort Erie.

Burd has been trying to get into a long-term care home in Fort Erie for six months. Imagine: In this province, veterans can’t immediately get placed in a long-term care home in their own community. If anyone should get a bed in a long-term care home the day they need one, it’s Burd Sisler and, frankly, any veteran in this great province.

My question is this: How can it be that in this province there are veterans like Burd who wait months for a long-term-care bed?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The government House leader.

Hon. Paul Calandra: The honourable gentleman is correct. It shouldn’t be the case in the province of Ontario. It never should have been the case in the province of Ontario. That is why we get so angry when we talk about the failures of the previous government, which built 611 beds in the last two administrations. In over 10 years, they only managed to build 611 beds. To put that into context, my own riding is building 1,000 new beds in our first term.

That is why we put a priority on building 30,000 new beds. That is why the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing is being so aggressive in ensuring that we get MZOs to support over 3,700 brand new beds, all initiatives that the members opposite voted against, not only in our time in office, but when they supported the Liberals between 2011 and 2014, when they had the balance of power. They could have ended the fiasco that were the last two Liberal administrations. They chose not to. But on behalf of your constituent, we will get the job done.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary.

Mr. Wayne Gates: Back to the Premier: I wasn’t going to get political about Burd because I don’t think he deserves to be political right now. What he needs is a place to be taken care of.

I visited his home just a couple of weeks ago. His sons and his daughters are taking care of him. Burd, when he was 104, was still bowling. He had to stop because he couldn’t go down the steps to the bowling alley. He’s got countless trophies from bowling. He used to go to the fundraisers at the fire hall, and he’d eat a full breakfast. This was just before COVID. I sat with him, and I was amazed. He had three pancakes, he had scrambled eggs, he had juice, he had toast. I ate my little part that I ate. He ate the whole thing, at 104 years old.

Burd was there for us in World War II, like a lot of veterans were. He answered the call. He went over there. He fought for his country; he fought for our freedom. He was there for us, and today I’m asking everybody here, let’s be here for Burd. Let’s be here for his family, who have given everything to him. They love their dad to death. They just can’t do it anymore. They can’t take care of him at night the way he should be taken care of. So I’m saying to you, please, he was there for us; let’s be there for him.

What Burd needs is a safe, publicly funded, not-for-profit long-term-care bed which guarantees four hours of hands-on care every single day. Speaker, will the Premier immediately implement a plan to get Burd and veterans like him into publicly funded not-for-profit beds in their communities, for Burd and his family?

Hon. Paul Calandra: As I just said, from day one it was so important for us, because there are so many people just like his constituent who fought so hard for this country, who fought to build this country. You didn’t just have to fight hard in a war. People like my parents, who came to this country and worked their tails off for generations, worked their tails off and contributed, should have access to the top-quality health care that we demand. They should have access to long-term care. They should have the best education system. They should have the best transit and transportation systems.

This is one of the richest communities, one of the richest jurisdictions in North America. But in so many different ways, we have failed the people. That is why we set out right from the beginning to make those investments in the priority areas that were so important: rebuilding health care, rebuilding long-term care, rebuilding our education system, building roads and bridges, because we know that this province can be so much more than it was when we took office in 2018, and so that we can honour people like him who fought so hard to give us our freedoms—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you. The member for Chatham-Kent–Leamington.

COVID-19 immunization

Mr. Rick Nicholls: My question is to the Minister of Health.

Earlier this year, doctors said it was okay for pregnant mothers to get the vaccine, and now we’re seeing a substantial rise in stillbirths. Speaker, to the minister—

Interjections.

Mr. Rick Nicholls: Look, I’m only reporting what I’ve discovered. Hear what Trish has publicly stated: “It is well known in the midwifery community that people opting for the jab have seen stillbirth rates rise exponentially.”

Speaker, we have heard from a hospital joint chief of staff saying that the rise in stillbirths is erroneous. Well, I’ve been informed by front-line health care workers who have witnessed this tragedy first-hand. They’ve chosen to report these stillbirths to protect the public.

We also know that CPSO and hospitals are muzzling staff. If these incidents are not being reported properly, then in my opinion, it’s medical fraud. My question to the minister is, who do you believe, hospital administration or front-line nurses and doctors who are willing to risk it all—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you very much. That concludes our question period for this morning.

The member for Nickel Belt has a point of order.

M me France Gélinas: A quick point of order, Mr. Speaker: I want to congratulate my colleague John Vanthof from Timiskaming–Cochrane for becoming a granddad yesterday.

Applause.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Congratulations.

There being no further business this morning, this House stands in recess until 1 p.m.

The House recessed from 1201 to 1300.

Reports by Committees

Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs

Mr. Ernie Hardeman: I beg leave to present a report from the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs and move its adoption.

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

Bill 43,

An Act to implement Budget measures and to enact and amend various statutes / Projet de loi 43, Loi visant à mettre en oeuvre les mesures budgétaires et à édicter et à modifier diverses lois.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Shall the report be received and adopted? Agreed? Agreed.

Report adopted.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The bill is therefore ordered for third reading.

Introduction of Bills

2238990 Ontario Inc. Act, 2021

Mrs. Wai moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr56,

An Act to revive 2238990 Ontario Inc.

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

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Pursuant to standing order 89, this bill stands referred to the Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills.

Speaking Out About Workplace Violence and Workplace Harassment Act, 2021 / Loi de 2021 sur la dénonciation de la violence au travail et du harcèlement au travail

Madame Gélinas moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 68,

An Act to amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act to protect workers who speak out about workplace violence and workplace harassment / Projet de loi 68, Loi modifiant la

Loi sur la santé et la sécurité au travail pour protéger les travailleurs qui dénoncent la violence au travail et le harcèlement au travail.

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

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I invite the member for Nickel Belt to briefly explain her bill.

M me France Gélinas: I thought that on this Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, I would reintroduce my bill, the Speaking Out About Workplace Violence and Workplace Harassment Act. The bill amends the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The provisions of the act protecting workers against reprisals are amended to include protections against reprisals against workers who speak out about workplace violence and workplace harassment. The amendments provide that a reprisal is any measure taken against a worker that adversely affects the worker’s employment. Examples of reprisals are provided.

Those working in health care are the people most at risk of workplace violence, so I thought I would read this bill for them today.

Education Statute Law Amendment Act (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder), 2021 / Loi de 2021 modifiant des lois en ce qui concerne l’éducation (ensemble des troubles causés par l’alcoolisation foetale)

Ms. Wynne moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 69,

An Act in relation to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) / Projet de loi 69, Loi concernant l’ensemble des troubles causés par l’alcoolisation foetale.

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

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’d like to invite the member for Don Valley West to briefly explain her bill.

Ms. Kathleen O. Wynne: I am reintroducing this bill. It is a bill that would require boards of education to develop policies and guidelines with respect to FASD, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. It would also require that teachers’ colleges and early childhood education programs be required to provide training with respect to FASD.

Mr. Speaker, this is work that will ease the burden for young people with FASD in the school system, but it will also help classroom teachers, education assistants and early childhood educators to understand the accommodations that children with FASD need. It’s something that I think fits very nicely into the special education evolution that is ongoing in this province. It’s not new, these are not new concerns, but we have more information, and teachers, education assistants and early childhood educators need to know about these symptoms.

Four-Day Work Week Act, 2021 / Loi de 2021 sur la semaine de travail de quatre jours

Ms. Karpoche moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 70,

An Act respecting a four-day work week pilot / Projet de loi 70, Loi concernant un projet pilote visant à tester la semaine de travail de quatre jours.

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

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Would the member care to briefly explain her bill?

Ms. Bhutila Karpoche: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for greater work-life balance, including more time for mental and physical health, for family and for rest. This bill establishes the Four-Day Work Week Commission, which will develop recommendations for a four-day work week pilot project. The bill thereafter brings the pilot project into effect for one year.

Several jurisdictions around the world have adopted a four-day work week with successful results, including greater job productivity, increased workplace morale and improved mental and physical health for workers.

Keeping Students Safe on School Buses Act (Highway Traffic Amendment), 2021 / Loi de 2021 renforçant la sécurité des élèves dans les autobus scolaires (modification du Code de la route)

Ms. Wynne moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 71,

An Act to amend the Highway Traffic Act in respect of seat belts on school buses / Projet de loi 71, Loi modifiant le Code de la route en ce qui concerne les ceintures de sécurité dans les autobus scolaires.

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

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’ll invite the member to explain her bill.

Ms. Kathleen O. Wynne: This bill would make it mandatory to have three-point seat belts on forward-facing seats on school buses. There is information that has come through Transport Canada not that long ago which is new information that I think points to the need for seat belts on school buses, which are currently not there.

Motions

Consideration of Bill Pr56

Hon. Paul Calandra: Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to move a motion without notice relating to the Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The government House leader is seeking unanimous consent to move a motion without notice relating to the Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills. Agreed? Agreed.

Government House leader?

Hon. Paul Calandra: Speaker, I move that notwithstanding standing order 92, the Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills be authorized to consider Bill Pr56,

An Act to revive 2238990 Ontario Inc., during its meeting on December 8, 2021.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Mr. Calandra has moved that notwithstanding standing order 92, the Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills be authorized to consider Bill Pr56,

An Act to revive 2238990 Ontario Inc., during its meeting on December 8, 2021. Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

Motion agreed to.

Hon. Paul Calandra: Thank you, colleagues, for that.

Committee sittings

Hon. Paul Calandra: Speaker, I move that the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs be authorized to meet for up to 18 days during the winter adjournment.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Mr. Calandra has moved that the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs be authorized to meet for up to 18 days during the winter adjournment.

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

Motion agreed to.

Petitions

Front-line workers

M me France Gélinas: I would like to thank Melissa Wood from my riding—and I think she lives in Chelmsford—for these petitions. They read as follows:

“Make PSW a Career...:

“Whereas there has been a shortage of personal support workers (PSWs) in long-term care and home care ... for many years;

“Whereas Ontario’s personal support workers are overworked, underpaid and underappreciated, leading to many of them leaving the profession;

“Whereas the lack of PSWs has created a crisis in LTC, a broken home care system, and poor-quality care for LTC home residents and home care clients;”

They petition the Legislative Assembly as follows:

“Tell Premier Ford to act now to make PSW jobs a career, with” permanent “full-time employment, good wages, paid sick days, benefits, a pension plan and a manageable workload in order to respect the important work of PSWs and improve patient care.”

I fully support this petition, Speaker, will affix my name to it and send it to the table with page Isabella.

Special-needs students

Ms. Mitzie Hunter: I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario on behalf of the elementary teachers of Ontario and various schools within the TDSB, including Bendale Junior Public School in my riding of Scarborough–Guildwood.

“Fund Our Most Vulnerable Students, Fund Dedicated Remote Teachers for Students in ISP Programs in the TDSB.

“Whereas hybrid learning forces teachers to divide their attention between students in-person and online, which will result in students not getting the attention they need and deserve;

“Whereas intensive support programs at the TDSB are meant to provide additional supports for students with special behavioural, communication, physical and intellectual needs;

“Whereas educators and experts have repeatedly pointed out there is no evidence to support hybrid learning as an effective pedagogical tool, especially when offered to students with special needs;

“Whereas students, parents and caregivers can and should expect a safe and supportive educational environment that safeguards their privacy from video cameras that could capture their likeness or behaviour;

“Whereas students enrolled in intensive support programs at the TDSB are being forced to rely on hybrid learning to receive teaching instruction from their classroom teacher, thus leaving vulnerable young students without the supports that they need;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to commit to funding and providing a dedicated remote teacher to all students enrolled in the intensive support program to supplement their in-person” learning.

Speaker, I will sign this very weighty petition and give it to our page Felicia.

Land use planning

Ms. Effie J. Triantafilopoulos: I have a petition from my community in Oakville North–Burlington of over 2,000 signatures.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

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

“Whereas the Millcroft golf course represents more than 60% of the community’s overall green space, is home to many species of wildlife (some endangered), and acts as a” good “flood management system; and

“Whereas there is currently a proposal to re-zone the golf course for residential development;

“We call on the city of Burlington, the region of Halton and the province of Ontario to work together to preserve the Millcroft golf course lands as green space for the people of the community and beyond.”

I would like to sign this petition, affix my signature and give it to Athisha.

Optometry services

Mr. Sol Mamakwa: I have a number of petitions here entitled Do Not Play the National Anthem Twice—oh, no, that’s the wrong one.

A petition to save eye care in Ontario from people across northwestern Ontario, including Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Oxdrift, Eagle River, North Caribou Lake and many more.

“Petition to Save Eye Care in Ontario.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Ontario government has underfunded optometric eye care for 30 years; and

“Whereas the government only pays on average $44.65 for an OHIP-insured visit—the lowest rate in Canada; and

“Whereas optometrists are being forced to pay substantially out of their own pocket to provide over four million services each year to Ontarians under OHIP; and

“Whereas optometrists have never been given a formal negotiation process with the government; and

“Whereas the government’s continued neglect resulted in 96% of Ontario optometrists voting to withdraw OHIP services beginning September 1, 2021;

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

“To instruct the Ontario government to immediately commit to legally binding, formal negotiations to ensure any future OHIP-insured optometry services are, at a minimum, funded at the cost of delivery.”

I fully support this petition. I will sign it and pass it to page Hayden to take to the Clerks’ table.

Gun violence

Ms. Mitzie Hunter: I have a petition from young people and youth workers in my riding of Scarborough–Guildwood.

“Gun Violence is a Public Health Crisis

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas Doug Ford and the Conservative government are not proposing the right solutions to address the gun violence happening in our communities;

“Whereas gun violence is a public health issue;

“Whereas the government must give communities the resources they need to heal, including covering counselling for those affected, through OHIP;

“Whereas the government must give funding to local public health boards for hospital and community-based violence intervention programs;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to direct the Minister of Health to adopt” Bill 60, “the Safe and Healthy Communities Act (Addressing Gun Violence), 2021, into government legislation.”

I wholeheartedly support this petition, I will sign it and give it to Athisha.

Special-needs students

Ms. Bhutila Karpoche: I have a petition here on behalf of the Ontario Autism Coalition and the Elementary Teachers of Toronto. The petition is titled “Fund Our Most Vulnerable Students, Fund Dedicated Remote Teachers for Students in ISP Programs in the TDSB.

“Whereas hybrid learning forces teachers to divide their attention between students in-person and online, which will result in students not getting the attention they need and deserve;

“Whereas intensive support programs at the TDSB are meant to provide additional supports for students with special behavioural, communication, physical and intellectual needs;

“Whereas educators and experts have repeatedly pointed out that there is no evidence to support hybrid learning as an effective pedagogical tool, especially when offered to students with special needs;

“Whereas students, parents and caregivers can and should expect a safe and supportive educational environment that safeguards their privacy from video cameras that could capture their likeness or behaviour;

“Whereas students enrolled in intensive support programs at the TDSB are being forced to rely on hybrid learning to receive teaching instruction from their classroom teacher, thus leaving vulnerable young students without the supports that they need;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Toronto District School Board and the Ministry of Education to commit to funding and providing a dedicated remote teacher to all students enrolled in the intensive support program to supplement their in-person programing.”

Speaker, this petition is signed by hundreds of my constituents in Parkdale–High Park, and I support it.

Special-needs students

Ms. Jill Andrew: I’m proud to stand today and present this petition on behalf of the elementary teachers of Ontario, the Ontario Autism Coalition, members from Davisville Junior Public School in my community, and many, many hundreds of others. The petition is entitled “Petition to the Toronto District School Board and Ministry of Education from parents, guardians, community members and teachers.

“Fund Our Most Vulnerable Students, Fund Dedicated Remote Teachers for Students in ISP Programs in the TDSB.

“Hybrid learning forces teachers to divide their attention between students in-person and online, which will result in students not getting the attention they need and deserve;

“Intensive support programs at the TDSB are meant to provide additional supports for students with special behavioural, communication, physical and intellectual needs;

“Educators and experts have repeatedly pointed out that there is no evidence to support hybrid learning as an effective pedagogical tool, especially when offered to students with special needs;

“Students, parents and caregivers can and should expect a safe and supportive educational environment that safeguards their privacy from video cameras that could capture their likeness or behaviour;

“Students enrolled in intensive support programs at the TDSB are being forced to rely on hybrid learning to receive teaching instruction from their classroom teacher, thus leaving vulnerable young students without the supports that they need;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Toronto District School Board and the Ministry of Education to commit to funding and providing a dedicated remote teacher to all students enrolled in the intensive support program to supplement their in-person programing.”

I affix my signature to this petition, and I will hand it to Ella for the Clerk.

Optometry services

Mr. Jamie West: I want to thank Paul Harvey from the riding of Sudbury for collecting signatures for this petition. It’s titled “Petition to Save Eye Care in Ontario.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Ontario government has underfunded optometric eye care for 30 years; and

“Whereas the government only pays on average $44.65 for an OHIP-insured visit—the lowest rate in Canada; and

“Whereas optometrists are being forced to pay substantially out of their own pocket to provide over four million services each year to Ontarians under OHIP; and

“Whereas optometrists have never been given a formal negotiation process with the government; and

“Whereas the government’s continued neglect resulted in 96% of Ontario optometrists voting to withdraw OHIP services beginning September 1, 2021;

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

“To instruct the Ontario government to immediately commit to legally binding, formal negotiations to ensure any future OHIP-insured optometry services are, at a minimum, funded at the cost of delivery.”

It’s my understanding, Speaker, that they are negotiating right now, so hopefully this will be resolved. I will affix my signature and provide it to page Rishi.

Optometry services

Mr. Gilles Bisson: I have a similar petition from the good people of Timmins. It’s titled “Petition to Save Eye Care in Ontario.

“Whereas the Ontario government has underfunded optometric eye care for 30 years; and

“Whereas optometrists now subsidize the delivery of OHIP-covered eye care by $173 million a year; and

“Whereas COVID-19 forced optometrists to close their doors, resulting in a 75%-plus drop in revenue; and

“Whereas optometrists will see patient volumes reduced between 40% and 60%, resulting in more than two million comprehensive eye exams being wiped out over the next 12 months; and

“Whereas communities across Ontario are in danger of losing access to optometric care;

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

“To instruct the Ontario government to immediately establish a timetable and a process for renewed negotiations concerning optometry fees.”

We’re glad that they’re back at the table, but let’s keep these petitions coming to keep the pressure on. Thank you, and I affix my signature.

Optometry services

Miss Monique Taylor: I have a petition to save eye care in Ontario, and I’d like to thank Dr. Bering on Fennel Avenue in my riding for providing me with these names.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Ontario government has underfunded optometric eye care for 30 years; and

“Whereas the government only pays on average $44.65 for an OHIP-insured visit—the lowest rate in Canada; and

“Whereas optometrists are being forced to pay substantially out of their own pocket to provide over four million services each year to Ontarians under OHIP; and

“Whereas optometrists have never been given a formal negotiation process with the government; and

“Whereas the government’s continued neglect resulted in 96% of Ontario optometrists voting to withdraw OHIP services beginning September 1, 2021;

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

“To instruct the Ontario government to immediately commit to legally binding, formal negotiations to ensure any future OHIP-insured optometry services are, at a minimum, funded at the cost of delivery.”

I wholeheartedly agree with this. I’m going to affix my name to it and give it to page Nathaniel to bring to the Clerks.

Documents gouvernementaux

M me France Gélinas: J’aimerais remercier M. Claude Gagnon de Val Caron dans mon comté, ainsi que M. Lebel de Hamilton pour ces pétitions.

« Alors qu’il est important d’avoir le nom exact des personnes sur les cartes émises par le gouvernement telle la carte santé;

« Alors que plusieurs personnes francophones ont des accents dans l’épellation de leur nom », comme moi;

« Alors que le ministère de la Santé a confirmé que le système informatique de l’Ontario ne permet pas l’enregistrement des lettres avec des accents; »

Merci, monsieur le Président, et ça s’en va à la table des greffiers avec Isabella.

Orders of the Day

Providing More Care, Protecting Seniors, and Building More Beds Act, 2021 / Loi de 2021 visant à offrir davantage de soins, à protéger les personnes âgées et à ouvrir plus de lits

Resuming the debate adjourned on December 2, 2021, on the motion for third reading of the following bill:

Bill 37,

An Act to enact the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021 and amend or repeal various Acts / Projet de loi 37, Loi visant à édicter la Loi de 2021 sur le redressement des soins de longue durée et à modifier ou à abroger diverses lois.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Further debate?

Mr. Mike Schreiner: I rise to participate in the debate on Bill 37. Given the tragedy we all witnessed in long-term-care homes during the COVID pandemic, our elders deserve legislation that will transform the way we care for elders. Bill 37 doesn’t provide the transformative change that we need, Speaker.

We know that the challenges in long-term care predated the pandemic. Every time I meet with the Registered Nurses’ Association they remind me they’ve produced 35 reports in the last 20 years. One of the key components of those reports is the need to provide elders with the minimum standard of care of four hours in every home. So, while the government has said they’re going to bring in four hours of care four years from now, we have to dig into the details of what’s actually in this bill.

First of all, Speaker, elders can’t wait four years for four hours of care. They need four hours of care now, and they need it to be mandatory, not a target. They need it to be legally binding, with consequences if homes don’t meet the standard of care. They need it to be mandatory in every home, not averaged out across the system, where you might have some homes that actually don’t meet the standard. After we’ve seen almost 4,000 elders, unfortunately and sadly, die during this pandemic—many times not cared for appropriately—I think they deserve four hours of care, and they deserve it to be mandatory and legally binding, with consequences for homes that don’t meet the standard.

In order to deliver that, we need to have a workforce that is paid well and has good working conditions. We need to make pandemic pay for PSWs permanent. We need to increase pay for nurses. We need to ensure we have more registered nurses in our long-term-care homes.

Finally, we need to reimagine care, and that begins by prioritizing care over profits. Our elders in long-term care: The dollars that we spend to care for them should go to care—not dividends, care—care that provides decent food; care that treats long-term-care homes as a home; care that’s culturally appropriate, providing the care and services that people need, provisions of dignity and respect embedded and legislatively defined. Those are the kinds of transformations we need in our long-term care. Our elders deserve better than what is in Bill 37.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Questions?

M me France Gélinas: I would be curious to see if the speaker believes that having 75% of PSW positions—actually, all positions in long-term care—being permanent, full-time, with benefits, with sick leave, with a pension plan, with a workload that a person can handle, would help alleviate the crisis we see in long-term care, with long-term-care homes not being able to recruit and retain a stable workforce; and if he saw any of those in the bill. I can tell you that we tried to put this as amendments to the bill, and they all got voted down. Does the member believe that that would have made fixing long-term care a whole lot easier?

Mr. Mike Schreiner: I appreciate the question from the member from Nickel Belt and also appreciate the amendments that were put forward at committee.

The bottom line is, the standards of people’s working conditions directly affect the standards of care people are able to provide. We’ve heard from PSWs in particular that they need fair wages. They need full-time work with benefits. They need good, decent working conditions, because working conditions and pay directly affect care.

So yes, if we’re going to provide the kind of care our elders need, we need to ensure that the people who care for our loved ones are cared for as well, with decent wages, full-time work, full-time benefits and good working conditions.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Questions?

Mrs. Daisy Wai: Our government puts the safety and security of our seniors in long-term care first. You’re right: Our seniors deserve all the care. That is why we are legislating an average of four hours of daily direct care for seniors in long-term care.

I would also like to quote Candace Rennick of CUPE Ontario, what she has to say about this as well. She said, “We are encouraged to learn that this government is finally taking the necessary step of enshrining the four hours of hand-on care commitment into legislation. This is an important and long-awaited step.”

We believe in the commitment so strongly, we wrote it right into the legislation. In fact, this has been something that has not been taken care of for a while. The question we have is, why won’t the NDP vote to pass the Fixing Long-Term Care Act—

Mr. Gilles Bisson: It’s a Green speech.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order. To reply, the member for Guelph.

Mr. Mike Schreiner: I appreciate the question from the member from Richmond Hill. She probably should give the Green Party a rough time on this one as well, because I’m not planning on voting for this bill either—the reason being, with all due respect to the member, saying you’re having a target and an average of four hours of care is not mandating four hours of care in every home. It’s saying an average across the system, not a mandate within one particular home.

I believe each and every elder in each and every home deserves a minimum of four hours of care. I think the member was probably quoting Smokey Thomas from OPSEU. I’ll also say that Smokey Thomas from OPSEU is also quoted as saying that a minimum standard of four hours of care is meaningless if it’s not enforced, if it’s not mandated. Right now, in this bill, it will not be mandated nor will it be properly enforced.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): One quick question.

Mrs. Jennifer (Jennie) Stevens: To the member from Guelph, one thing that the COVID pandemic revealed was the disaster that was lurking in long-term care. It showed that care at homes—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Question?

Mrs. Jennifer (Jennie) Stevens: Okay. Sorry. That’s a quick question.

I’m just wondering: Do you think that we should give family caregivers of residents the right to care for their loved ones while they’re in long-term care?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): And a quick response.

Mr. Mike Schreiner: I think I have one second, Speaker. I’ll say yes.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I think the House expected it.

Further debate?

M me France Gélinas: It gives me great pleasure to put a few words on the docket for the third reading of this bill. As I said, I agree with the title, the Fixing Long-Term Care Act. We’ve known for a very long time that our long-term-care system needs to be fixed. We’ve known for a very long time that there are many people who live in our long-term care who are not given respectable care, who are not being looked after in a way that we would want our loved ones to be looked after. Finally, a bill came forward. But except for the title, Speaker, I have to tell that you that there’s very little in that bill that wil