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March 9, 2015

41st Parliament, 1st Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcripts 2015-Mar-09 (PDF)

L054 - Mon 9 Mar 2015 / Lun 9 mar 2015

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Monday 9 March 2015 Lundi 9 mars 2015

Introduction of Visitors

Andrew Joseph Doiron

International Women’s Day / Journée internationale de la femme

Oral Questions

By-election in Sudbury

By-election in Sudbury

By-election in Sudbury

By-election in Sudbury

By-election in Sudbury

By-election in Sudbury

Rail safety

By-election in Sudbury

By-election in Sudbury

Sexual violence and harassment

Government accountability

By-election in Sudbury

Real estate industry

By-election in Sudbury

By-election in Sudbury

Organ donation

By-election in Sudbury

Visitors

Introduction of Visitors

Private members’ public business

Members’ Statements

Palliative care telethon

Kidney disease

Model Parliament

Tom Bradish

Skilled trades

Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre

Commonwealth Day

Travel documents

International Women’s Day

Introduction of Bills

Housing Services Corporation Accountability Act, 2015 / Loi de 2015 sur la responsabilisation de la Société des services de logement

Microbead Elimination and Monitoring Act, 2015 / Loi de 2015 sur l’élimination et le contrôle des microbilles

Motions

Private members’ public business

Petitions

Alzheimer’s disease

Employment standards

Credit unions

Winter road maintenance

LGBT conversion therapy

Water fluoridation

Landfill

First responders

Immigration policy

Health care

Automotive industry

Distracted driving

Hydro rates

Orders of the Day

Interim supply

Ontario Immigration Act, 2015 / Loi de 2015 sur l’immigration en Ontario

The House met at 1030.

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

Prayers.

Introduction of Visitors

Hon. Helena Jaczek: Please help me welcome the grade 10 students and teachers from St. Augustine Catholic High School in the great city of Markham.

Mr. Ted Arnott: I know that all members of the House will want to join me in congratulating the University of Guelph Gryphons men’s hockey team on winning the Queen’s Cup on Saturday night, beating Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières 4-0. They go on now to play in the Canadian championships in Halifax. I know we’d all want to congratulate that fine hockey team.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Wonderful guests. The member from Parkdale–High Park.

Ms. Cheri DiNovo: It’s my delight to introduce one of the oldest and one of the best collegiate institutes in Ontario: Humberside in the House.

Mr. Bob Delaney: I have a number of introductions today, some of our pages and their guests. Legislative page Hannah Tang from Mississauga–Streetsville is hosting her family today. Please welcome her father, Hongchang Tang; her mom, Michelle Chen; and her younger sister, Jessica Tang. Hannah is the page captain today. Please welcome them.

As well, on behalf of the member for Eglinton–Lawrence and on behalf of page captain Arlyne James, I’d like to introduce Sheliagh Flynn James, her mother; her father, George James; her brother, Conall James; her sister, Keelin James; her grandfather, Dr. Bill James; and her uncle, Paul James. They will be in the members’ gallery this morning. Would members please welcome them.

Hon. Liz Sandals: First of all, I must mention that the member from Wellington–Halton Hills is very modest because he failed to mention that one of the winning members of the Guelph Gryphons is his nephew.

So, what I just wanted to do, on behalf of the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities and myself, is welcome all the members of the Canadian Federation of Students who are visiting with us today. This is the CFS lobby day, so welcome to all the members of CFS, and particularly those from U of G.

Mr. Lou Rinaldi: It gives me great pleasure to introduce the mom of Julie Darling, Mary Darling, in the members’ gallery, from wonderful downtown Castleton.

Mrs. Cristina Martins: It gives me great pleasure to introduce to this House today, in the members’ gallery, nine fantastic Portuguese Canadian women who have made significant contributions to our society across various sectors. They are: Ana Ochôa; Ana Paula Ribeiro; Angela Machado; Rosa De Sousa; Lucillia Simas; Suzanne Cunha; Paula Medeiros; and Lisa Fara. Welcome, ladies.

Ms. Jennifer K. French: I am pleased to welcome Katherine Bowes, the mother of Amber Bowes, who is a page from Oshawa. She’s here in the gallery today.

Mrs. Laura Albanese: I am very pleased to introduce today at Queen’s Park Caio Penatti, who is a co-op student in my constituency office from Dante Alighieri high school; accompanied by Meaghan Salmons, my executive assistant. Please help me welcome them.

Mr. Han Dong: In the members’ gallery, I would like to welcome my former colleague, Kaley Ames, from St. Paul’s, and also Avi Ames, visiting all the way from BC. Welcome.

Hon. David Orazietti: It’s a pleasure today to introduce Sylvia Peña and Johnmark Roberts from the Ontario Real Estate Association, who are here.

Andrew Joseph Doiron

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: Point of order, Speaker.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The government House leader on a point of order.

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: Speaker, I believe you will find that we have unanimous consent to observe a moment of silence for Andrew Joseph Doiron, a Canadian Forces soldier who was killed in Iraq on Saturday.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The government House leader is seeking unanimous consent for a moment of silence for the fallen soldier. Do we agree?

I would ask that all members in the House please rise for a moment of silence.

The House observed a moment’s silence.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): I thank everyone for that kind tribute.

International Women’s Day / Journée internationale de la femme

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: Point of order, Speaker.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Point of order, the government House leader.

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: Speaker, I believe you will find that we have unanimous consent that representatives from each caucus speak for up to five minutes in recognition of International Women’s Day.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The government House leader is seeking unanimous consent that we have representatives from each caucus speak up to five minutes in recognition of International Women’s Day. Do we agree? Agreed.

Premier?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Speaker, I’m so pleased to rise and speak to this House today as we continue to celebrate International Women’s Day.

I want to take this time to acknowledge the accomplishments of women and the progress that we’ve made advancing gender equality here in Ontario.

Je veux prendre le temps de reconnaître les réalisations des femmes et les progrès que nous avons faits envers l’égalité des sexes en Ontario.

But before I do, I want to go back to the first International Women’s Day. In 1910, at the International Conference of Working Women, a German woman named Clara Zetkin put forward the idea of an international day for women. Her idea was that every year in every country there should be a day for women to advocate for each other.

According to the United Nations, Clara’s idea was endorsed by over 100 women from 17 countries who were attending the conference. A year later, the first International Women’s Day was held in 1911 on March 19. More than one million women and men participated in rallies campaigning for women’s right to work, to hold public office and to vote.

Today, every year on March 8, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women, celebrate our achievements and build momentum for the work we need to do to increase gender equality here in Ontario and all around the world, because we all know that more work needs to be done. More work needs to be done because in 2015 there are still too many women who are told that their opinions don’t count. There are still too many women who are intimidated, marginalized and discounted for the simple fact that they’re women. They’re told that they have no real influence.

They’re told that they will never achieve their goals. They’re told that they will never be equal. And so more work needs to be done to build a better world for women and to build a fairer, more equal society for all, because I believe, Mr. Speaker, that those two go hand in hand.

As a woman, as a mother, as a grandmother and as the first female Premier of Ontario, I’m committed to doing more.

En tant que femme, mère, grand-mère, et en tant que la première femme première ministre de l’Ontario, je me suis engagée à faire plus.

Because when you empower women, when you address issues that disproportionately affect women, you will strengthen and build up society so it becomes more fair and inclusive for everyone.

I’m very proud to see the efforts reflected in Ontario. I’m proud that we have the most women elected to this Legislature than at any time in our history: 38 women. I’m proud, personally, to have seven women around the cabinet table and 12 more women in our caucus, and I’m proud of the efforts that our government continues to make.

Our government has brought in wage increases for early childhood educators and personal support workers, the majority of whom are women. We have increased the minimum wage to $11 an hour and indexed it to inflation, helping low-income women, who are the majority of minimum wage earners in Ontario.

We’re also supporting parents through Ontario’s full-day kindergarten program. In September 2014, full-day kindergarten was fully implemented and is now benefiting approximately 265,000 children across Ontario. Since 2003-04, we’ve increased the capacity of licensed centre-based child care programs by 57%, and we’ve increased the Ontario Child Benefit to a maximum of $1,310 per child per year. Through the Poverty Reduction Strategy, the child poverty rate in single-mother-led families in Ontario has dropped from 43% to 36%.

The Ontario Women’s Directorate is providing low-income women with the training that they need to get better paying jobs. The Microlending for Women in Ontario program is helping low-income women build and grow their businesses.

Women make up an integral part of Ontario’s economy and society, but on average they still do not earn as much as men, which is why our government is committed to leading the development of a wage gap strategy. Recently, Ontario became the first jurisdiction in Canada to require companies listed on the TSX to report publicly on their approach to increasing the number of women on their boards, because that glass ceiling may be cracking, but it is still in place, Mr. Speaker.

We’ll continue to call on the federal government to take meaningful action to address the issue of missing and murdered aboriginal women and girls. I want to acknowledge the important work that is being done by the minister responsible for women’s issues, who is at the United Nations today as part of the Canadian delegation on the status of women.

Applause.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Exactly.

I also want to acknowledge the member for Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock and the leader of the third party both for their work advancing Ontario’s Select Committee on Sexual Violence and Harassment. Thank you very much for that.

Last Friday our government launched It’s Never Okay: An Action Plan to Stop Sexual Violence and Harassment. The plan will raise public awareness of sexual violence and harassment in Ontario. It will help survivors so that they’re better supported when they reach out for the help that they need. It will strengthen our laws to help ensure that workplaces are free from sexual violence and harassment. Above all, it will challenge the deep-rooted attitudes and behaviours that contribute to sexual violence and harassment in the first place—I’m talking about misogyny and how it is never okay.

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is “Make It Happen.” I believe that, as a government, we are taking this call to action to heart. We are taking a different approach to government.

Je me suis engagée à adopter une nouvelle approche de gouvernance, et une

partie de cela est grâce à la perspective que j’apporte en tant que la première femme première ministre de l’Ontario.

It’s a perspective that’s focused on people, investing in their skills, their ideas, their capacity for greatness.

In closing, I want to quote from Nellie McClung, a woman in politics and a personal hero of mine. She said, “The women who have achieved success in the various fields of labour have won victory for us, but unless we all follow up and press onward the advantage will be lost. Yesterday’s success will not do for today.”

Though those words were spoken 100 years ago, I believe they’re still important, Mr. Speaker. They remind us how far we’ve come as women, and they remind us that we have more to do in order to create that fair and equal society that we know is possible here in Ontario.

Ms. Laurie Scott: I’m pleased to have the opportunity to speak today on behalf of my PC colleagues in recognizing International Women’s Day.

These two themes complement each other. When we look at the inequalities and injustice which many women still face today in our country and around the world, these themes seem very appropriate.

International Women’s Day is an opportunity for Canadians to celebrate the great progress which has been made in Canada towards women’s equality, but also to recognize the disgraceful treatment of women and the suppression of women’s right in far too many other countries around the world. It is disturbing to note just how slow this progress has been.

While collectively society might think this is a relatively new initiative, the first International Women’s Day was observed on March 19 in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.

Some of the basic inequalities which were prevalent in 1911, such as women’s suffrage, property and marital rights and even to be legally recognized as a “person” under the law, are still distant dreams in much of the world.

The plight of women in terms of equality are the worst in some of the poorest and most suppressive countries in the world.

The implication of this year’s themes is that through the equality and empowerment of 50% of the population, not only would individual women prosper and grow but so would their societies and their countries in general.

In Canada, the progress of women in education, business, government, politics, sports and the arts has benefited the entire country. Much of our prosperity today can be attributed to the ever-increasing roles which women have played in our society. I only have to look in this chamber to see the success that women can now have in politics. Even the Olympics would have been nowhere near as successful for Canada had it not been for our female athletes who, in many cases, outshone their male counterparts.

However, with every shining light there are unfortunately shadows of darkness. It is impossible to discuss International Women’s Day and the status of women without acknowledging one of the most hideous scars on our society. Of course I’m referring to the ongoing sexual violence and harassment against women.

In recent years, the degree of this problem has been brought into our living room through a series of tragic incidents. Last November, I raised this serious issue with the Premier on several occasions during question period, asking for the establishment of an all-party select committee to thoroughly investigate the issue of sexual harassment and violence in the workplace.

After a number of weeks, the government agreed to the creation of the committee. Last week, the Premier appears to have pre-empted the work of the committee by announcing a significant program with funding for addressing the issue.

I laud the Premier’s actions from last week, but I’m somewhat disappointed that she chose to make this a political announcement rather than fully utilize the work and commitment of the all-party select committee. The method by which this program was announced did put somewhat of a pall over its intent, which is unfortunate. However, regardless of the strategy that was employed, it was a positive step that I fully support.

I want to conclude by congratulating all the female trailblazers for their dedication and commitment to advancing women’s rights and equality. International Women’s Day provides us with an opportunity to commemorate these efforts, celebrate progress and call for a commitment to continue the push for women’s equality.

Next year, we will again offer remarks on the 2016 International Women’s Day. I am optimistic enough to hope that, over the next year, we will see significant progress on a number of fronts in both Canada and the rest of the world. However, I am also enough of a realist to be under no illusions that for millions of women, their lot in life will be no better. Consequently, this is not a subject that will ever allow us to let down our guard or bask in our victory in progress. There is much to be done now and in the years ahead.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: On behalf of New Democrats, I’m honoured to rise and speak about International Women’s Day. This International Women’s Day, we, as a province, have a lot to reflect on as we look at the year that was. It was a year when horrible realities that so many women have faced in their everyday lives were pushed into the public eye.

We have seen the culture of fear and secrecy that exists in workplaces where powerful men are allowed to act with impunity. We have seen how many women’s voices can be silenced by a single male voice, especially when they are backed by institutions that are willing to protect them.

We have seen a culture of misogyny on campus, where young minds are being shaped and future professionals are obtaining their credentials. We have seen the explosion of precarious work and part-time work, where women—particularly immigrant women—are over-represented.

We’ve seen the harassment and stalking that women face online.

We have seen doctors still allowed to practise medicine even after being found to have perpetuated sexual assaults on women patients, and a regulatory body that is not required to immediately involve the police when they learn of these crimes.

We continue to see women with no choices but to return to abusive partners. Women are still dying, and their children are still being traumatized.

We continue to see women paid, on average, 30% less than their male counterparts.

We continue to learn of aboriginal women across our nation who are missing or have been murdered, but we do not see justice for them or their families.

The face of poverty is still a woman’s face; disproportionately, an immigrant woman’s face.

In the face of all this, it is clear how far we still have to go before we have a just, safe and equal province. We should be addressing the systemic issues that marginalize women. Instead, we have a government that continues to impose deep cuts to services in Ontario.

We know that it is women who disproportionately bear the brunt of these cuts. Across the province, closures of obstetrics wards, support centres for women in crisis and child care centres are leaving women vulnerable. The fragmented and inadequate home-care and long-term-care systems are hurting women, and the explosion of precarious work and unpaid work under this government is pushing more and more women to the margins. So many of the public sector workers already on the picket lines in this year, 2015, are women workers: nurses, educational workers and women who deliver Ontario’s public services.

We must do better, and we can do better. New Democrats actually have been demonstrating how we will do better. In fact, we have a caucus now that is 50% women—the only caucus in Ontario and the only caucus in the country that has ever achieved that goal. I can tell you, as the leader of this caucus, and I think all of my caucus members would agree, particularly those who were around when it wasn’t a situation of 50% women in our caucus, that it makes a difference.

It makes a difference in the tone that we address ourselves with; it makes a difference in the way that we approach the work that we do here; it makes a very, very positive difference. I think the MPPs who make up the NDP caucus would agree with me in that regard.

This was a year where women refused to stay silent in the face of rape, harassment and assault. We must thank those women for their courage and take pride in the public discourse that it has spurred. As women, we must continue to take up our space, to continue to stand up and speak with our equal voices proudly, anywhere, anytime.

All of us, women and men, must recommit ourselves to speak up and act with women and for women. That’s how we can truly celebrate International Women’s Day. Thank you.

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

Oral Questions

By-election in Sudbury

Mr. Steve Clark: My question is to the Premier. Last Thursday, the Deputy Premier did an admirable job of reciting the resumé for the new member for Sudbury, rather than answering my questions.

Premier, you’ve said that you made the decision to appoint Mr. Thibeault as your candidate on November 30. You also claim that you didn’t want Andrew Olivier to find out in the news. Premier, as his future boss, did you instruct Mr. Thibeault to remain in the House of Commons and delay his resignation to avoid Mr. Olivier finding out, or did you instruct Mr. Thibeault to remain an MP until your operatives could sway Mr. Olivier with an alleged bribe?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I know the member opposite understands that at those moments in a pre-election situation, people make decisions for themselves in terms of their timing, their families and when they will make decisions public.

I also know that the member opposite understands that this whole situation is something we’re taking very seriously, that there is an investigation that is ongoing, but that that investigation is taking place outside of this House, and that’s where we need to let it take place.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Steve Clark: Again, back to the Premier. During the same question period, your Deputy Premier referred to you in this way: “She is a woman who thought through very clearly what she needed to do.” I would like you to think very clearly about this: The people of Sudbury received taxpayer-funded mailouts from your candidate after he announced his intention to run for you.

Premier, will the Ontario Liberal Party reimburse the House of Commons for Mr. Thibeault’s self-promoting propaganda mailout?

Interjections.

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

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Order.

Premier.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I would be happy—if the member opposite wants to have a conversation, we can have a little bit of a comparison about who’s getting householders from whom at the federal level. A member of the Conservative Party initiating that conversation I think is an interesting turn of events, but I would be very happy to have that conversation. Maybe we could have a show and tell—we could bring in all the householders that we’ve got from federal members from other ridings.

The member opposite knows full well that there’s an investigation going on and that investigation is taking place outside of this House.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Stop the clock, please. As I have said a few times, some of the questions are moving slowly away from the topic of government business. I’m going to remind everyone that it’s your duty to pull it back into that position. I’m just offering the member a word of advice.

Mr. Steve Clark: Thank you, Speaker, for the advice.

Again, back to the Premier: I didn’t actually expect you were willing to pay the taxpayer back, because wasting a couple of thousand taxpayer dollars is really nothing new to this government when you figure they’ve wasted $1.1 billion on the gas plants, $1.9 billion on smart meters, $1 billion on eHealth and another $1 billion on Ornge. A couple of thousand taxpayer dollars might not be a waste for Mr. Thibeault, either. After all, as federal NDP caucus chair, he must have known about the $2.75 million of taxpayers’ money his caucus wrongly spent on mailouts and satellite offices.

Premier, do you agree that this mailout is an example of misspent taxpayer money? Or is it just another example of the cost of your government doing business?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Let’s be clear that the member for Sudbury remained MP and continued his duties until the end of December. He was the MP for Sudbury; that is the fact. Then there was a by-election, and he was our candidate. That’s the reality.

In terms of the other issues that the member opposite raises—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): That will do. The minister responsible for seniors has done it again, so he’s on my list.

Premier.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: In terms of the other issues that the member opposite raises, I am quite sure the member opposite understands that it’s extremely important that our health system, for example, have electronic health records and that there be connectivity in our health system. If he doesn’t understand that, he should go to doctors’ offices and he should find out how doctors are functioning now with electronic health records and how they are moving into the 21st century. I’m sure he values that that progress is happening.

By-election in Sudbury

Mr. Jim Wilson: My question is for the Premier. In December 2003, you rose in this House to deliver your maiden speech. You said at that time, “They have every right to expect me to demonstrate that position and status cannot be allowed to undermine fundamental decency, honesty and integrity.”

Now, with four OPP investigations in your office, you seem to have cast aside those words. Premier, why have you allowed the position and status of the Premier’s office to undermine your fundamental decency, honesty and integrity in the Sudbury by-election?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Mr. Speaker, I challenge the premise of the question from the interim Leader of the Opposition. I have done my utmost at every turn, on whatever issue, to be open with the people of Ontario, to be very clear about what our position is and to be clear about how we are going to move forward.

I know that the member opposite is talking specifically about the Sudbury by-election. I made a statement a couple of weeks ago. I laid out exactly what our position was.

Beyond that, I have been very clear and open that there is an investigation going on and that I will work with the authorities, but that that investigation is, appropriately, taking place outside of this House.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Jim Wilson: Back to the Premier: Premier, let me read you a quote. “The government’s strategy is obviously to isolate, obfuscate, deny, deny, deny, and hope that everybody just gets tired of it.” That statement was from Liberal MP Ralph Goodale, and it was referring to a condemnation of the actions of one of the Prime Minister’s senior staff, who, by the way, did the right thing and stepped down.

The Deputy Premier has even called our questioning of the apparent bribery “boring.” Well, apparent contraventions of bribery laws are anything but boring to Ontarians. The latest Forum poll shows that an astonishing two thirds of Ontarians know about the issue, and an astonishing two thirds of Ontarians want Pat Sorbara to step down.

Premier, are you hoping everyone just gets tired of the four OPP investigations into your office and that they’ll just go away?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Let me just quote from the PC House leader, who said on February 27 of this year, “Stop interfering in an ongoing investigation, and let it run its course.”

I have been very clear that we will work with the authorities, that there is an investigation going on and that that investigation is taking place outside of this House. We’ll work with the authorities, Mr. Speaker, and that’s as it should be.

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

Mr. Jim Wilson: Again to the Premier: When asked about former Premier McGuinty, you said, “We’re different people, we have different styles and it’s a different time.”

The OPP started two investigations into Mr. McGuinty’s office. Now, under your lead, there are two more. Mr. McGuinty has a chief of staff under OPP investigation; you have a deputy chief of staff under investigation. He had Peter Faist clean up a mess; you had Gerry Lougheed try to do the same. Mr. McGuinty ignored the truths about Ornge, eHealth and the gas plant scandals; you’re ignoring the truth about Sudbury.

Premier, you are no different than Mr. McGuinty. When will you show Ontarians and the Office of the Premier the respect it deserves and the integrity you promised?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Mr. Speaker, whatever the rhetoric is that the interim Leader of the Opposition wants to pull out, whatever framework he wants to put around this, I need to be true to what I know is the responsible course of action. I have made a statement publicly. I’ve been very clear about our position. I have been clear in this House over and over again that I made a decision about who I believe the candidate should be for us in the Sudbury by-election.

There is an investigation that is ongoing. That investigation is not taking place in this House; it’s taking place outside of this House.

I understand that the opposition wants to try to ramp this up and they want to try to keep it alive. I understand that. That is in their political interest. It is in the province’s interest that we continue to do the work that’s in the best interest of the people of the province while at the same time co-operating with the authorities.

By-election in Sudbury

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My question is for the Premier. How many cabinet meetings has Pat Sorbara attended since the police told Ontarians that she was facing OPP anti-rackets squad investigations?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I was very clear, in the statement I made a couple of weeks ago, about the course of action that I was going to take, and that is a matter of public record. The fact is that there is an investigation going on. We’ll work with the authorities; I will work with the authorities; Pat Sorbara will work with the authorities; and anyone on my team who is requested to will work with the authorities. But that investigation is not taking place in this House; it’s taking place outside of the Legislature.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: How many government policy or operations decisions has Pat Sorbara been involved in since it was announced that she is facing two OPP anti-racket investigations?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Again, I have said that the investigation is taking place outside this House.

But I want to go back to what the Chief Electoral Officer clearly stated. What the Chief Electoral Officer said in his report is, “I am neither deciding to prosecute a matter nor determining anyone’s guilt or innocence. Those decisions are respectively for prosecutors and judges.”

Those decisions have not been made. I think the leader of the third party knows that, and she knows that the investigation is rightly taking place outside of this House.

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

Ms. Andrea Horwath: How many meetings with stakeholders has Pat Sorbara participated in since it was announced that she is facing two OPP anti-rackets squad investigations?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Again, Mr. Speaker, I will give the same answer to the leader of the third party, and that is to remind her that the Chief Electoral Officer, whose report is the only report that has come in at this point, said, “I am neither deciding to prosecute a matter nor determining anyone’s guilt or innocence. Those decisions are respectively for prosecutors and judges.”

In fact, any investigation that’s taking place is happening outside of this House, not inside the Legislature.

By-election in Sudbury

Ms. Andrea Horwath: To the Premier: This government is in a mess and it is of the Premier’s making. Ontarians are seeing the same bad ethics from the Liberals that they’ve seen for a dozen years.

This Premier said she was going to be different; she’d clean things up; she’d be open and transparent. Instead, she is in lockdown, and she won’t answer any questions. She’s protecting senior Liberals who are under criminal investigation. In spite of all of the promises, nothing ever seems to change.

Will the Premier finally do the right thing and relieve Pat Sorbara of her duties today?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Mr. Speaker, I think the characterization, on the part of the leader of the third party, of what is going on in Ontario is a little bleak. I’ve said to her over and over again that I understand there is an investigation going on and that we will co-operate. But in the meantime, there is a lot of work that is getting done.

I will draw the leader of the third party’s attention to the action plan we released on Friday, which is a significant step forward in terms of our ability to deal with public awareness of sexual assault and sexual violence. Money will be invested in front-line services. On the day after International Women’s Day, I think that’s something we can celebrate and make sure we deliver on those promises, which is exactly what we will do.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: The Premier’s top aide is facing not one, but two, OPP anti-rackets squad investigations, not to mention the other two OPP investigations into her government. That’s more than Mike Duffy, that’s more than Nigel Wright, that’s more than Rob Ford. Yet Pat Sorbara is still providing advice to the Premier, because the Premier thinks she knows better than the OPP, better than Elections Ontario, better than the tapes of Pat Sorbara and Gerry Lougheed, which anyone can hear.

Will the Premier admit that she is wrong to keep Pat Sorbara working and have her step aside while these investigations are ongoing? Have her step aside today—just do the right thing.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Again, what I say to the member opposite is that I’ve made a public statement. I’ve been very clear about what my course of action will be. I’ve said that I will work with the authorities.

But in the meantime, there’s very important work that has to be done for the people of this province. There was a very serious rail incident in Gogama this past weekend. Our member for Sudbury was there; I know that the member for Nickel Belt was also there. I also know that it’s going to be very important that we, in this House, call on the federal government, as the leader of the NDP federally has done—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Stop the clock, please.

While the Premier is putting the answer, the injections of the Minister of Agriculture and the deputy House leader are at best annoying, and they will stop.

Please finish.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Our Minister of Transportation will be contacting the federal transport minister and both CN and CP to reiterate our concerns about rail safety. I hope that the leader of the third party will be working with us on that very important file.

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

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Speaker, the Liberals have tried ignoring this scandal. They’ve tried slinging mud at everybody else. They’ve tried to change the channel over and over again. But what they haven’t done is take any responsibility or answer any questions.

The Premier is taking counsel from staff who are facing criminal investigations, while she refuses to answer simple questions, like who made the decisions in the Sudbury bribery scandal. Does the Premier realize how bad this makes her look? Does she realize the damage that it does to her credibility and to the credibility of her government?

That’s my question, Speaker: Does she realize the damage this is doing to her? If she does, why doesn’t she just do the right thing and have those people step aside?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Again, I will say that I understand this is a serious issue; I take it very seriously. I have said repeatedly that I will work with the authorities. I have answered over and over again the questions that have been put to me in this House.

But I am also very, very clear that the investigation is taking place outside of this House. The authorities are not here. They are not asking the questions in this House. Those questions are being asked elsewhere. They are being asked as part of the independent external investigation. That is as it should be, and that is the investigation we will take

part in.

By-election in Sudbury

Mr. Victor Fedeli: My question is for the Premier. The gas plant scandal had the deputy chief of staff and senior Liberal operatives caught in the OPP’s radar. The same is true in your Sudbury bribery scandal. It will be the taped words of your deputy and Liberal operative that will be your undoing.

You have stated that you made the decision to appoint your Sudbury candidate in late November, but it seems nobody knew. On December 12, Pat Sorbara told Andrew Olivier that you were “going to” be making your decision. According to your own deputy, you hadn’t yet made your decision. The tape doesn’t lie. Will you admit that your version and the version found on tape are vastly different?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Again, I will say to the member opposite that there’s an investigation going on outside of this House. Much as he would like to be running the investigation, it’s not happening.

His House leader said on February 27 that it was a good idea to “stop interfering in an ongoing investigation, and let it run its course.” So that’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to let the investigation take place outside of this House.

In the meantime, we are going to carry on the very, very important work of building this province up, of making sure that we work and partner with business, that we provide the home care that people need in their homes, and that we put in place the policies that will keep young women and girls safe and will work to change the culture of sexual assault and violence—and that, Mr. Speaker, in respect of International Women’s Day yesterday.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Victor Fedeli: Again to the Premier: This is just like the gas plant scandal, where Liberal operatives said one thing, but recovered emails clearly laid out the truth. This time, it’s your operatives’ words that were caught on tape.

Gerry Lougheed had quite a chat with Andrew Olivier on December 11. He talked about what would happen if Olivier said no to his job offer and instead went out and sold Liberal memberships. He left the door open for Olivier to run. According to your Liberal operative, you hadn’t yet made your decision.

You have been snared by your own story. So which is it, Premier: your version, or the one caught on tape?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Again, I will say very clearly, and I’ve said this many times—

Mr. John Yakabuski: No Watergate gap in these tapes.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Renfrew, come to order.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: —that I made a decision that Glenn Thibeault would be the best candidate for us in Sudbury, after my meeting with him at the end of November. I’ve said that clearly.

I do take this matter very seriously, but I’ve said that I will work with the authorities outside of this House. That’s where the investigation is taking place, and that’s where it rightly should take place, because it is an independent investigation. It’s not an investigation that is taking place in the Legislature. It’s not a political investigation, Mr. Speaker; it’s an independent investigation that’s happening outside the Legislature.

By-election in Sudbury

Mr. Gilles Bisson: My question is to the Premier. The Premier said she wanted to keep a young man involved, and that’s why Andrew Olivier was offered a job in exchange for getting out of the Premier’s way. But the crimes that the OPP are investigating just don’t get excused away. Is the Premier ready to stop offering excuses and start offering explanations?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I want to go back to a moment on February 27 when this very member made a statement, and he said that “you do have a larger responsibility to make sure you’re careful in the use of your words so you don’t interfere in any ... way.”

That was the member from Timmins–James Bay, so I know that he understands why it’s important that we let the investigation take place with the authorities outside of this Legislature. But I just wanted to remind him of that, because he did say that on February 27, so he will then understand better why my answer is, once again, we’ll work with the authorities outside of this House.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Gilles Bisson: Back to the Premier: Those comments were about you, Premier, by the way.

The Premier is a grandmother; I’m a grandfather. The Premier has heard a lot of excuses; I’ve heard a lot of excuses. As any parent or grandparent knows, excuses don’t cut it. That’s especially true of the law. Excuses don’t make it okay to break the Criminal Code or to violate the Election Act.

Will the Premier stop making excuses and instead start giving answers to important questions like who made the decision to offer Andrew Olivier a job?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Let me just say once again that I will co-operate with the authorities. The investigation is taking place outside of this House.

But to the quote that the member opposite made, he said, and again I’ll just read it into the record: “You do have a larger responsibility to make sure you’re careful in the use of your words so you don’t interfere in any ... way.” I know—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Stop the clock, please. I wouldn’t have stopped the clock, except there was some bantering back and forth from people at the other side. I’m going to ask that that stop so that I can focus on the answer.

Please.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I know the member opposite was addressing that to me, Mr. Speaker. But the fact is there’s a principle in that statement and the principle is that interference should not come from us, that we should let the authorities do their work and let the investigation unfold. That’s the principle of which I wanted to remind the member opposite.

Rail safety

Mr. John Fraser: My question is to the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change. On Saturday, 38 cars from a CN train derailed about two kilometres west of Gogama near the Minakwa River. While thankfully no one was hurt, a number of the cars carrying crude oil caught fire, the rail bridge over the Minakwa River collapsed and two of the cars ended up in the river itself.

This was the second derailment in the area in less than a month. In both cases the resulting plume of smoke could be seen for miles around. People in the community are concerned about the impacts these derailments are having on their air and drinking water, and, quite frankly, they’re concerned about the federal rail safety regulations that are supposed to protect them.

Speaker, through you to the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change: Could he please provide an update to the House on the situation in Gogama?

Hon. Glen R. Murray: I’m very glad to get a question that Ontarians care about. It’s very timely and important to so many folks. First of all, I want to thank the citizens and local government in Gogama and the Greater Sudbury area as well as the First Nations who are working so closely with our officials. I want to thank the staff at MOECC, in the federal environment ministry, my colleagues at natural resources and forestry, our OPP, the fire marshal and, particularly, the Sudbury and District Health Unit for the excellent work they’re doing to protect our citizens, because the safety of Ontarians is very much our first priority.

This horrifying crash, as my parliamentary assistant, the member for Sudbury, has pointed out, really has to draw attention to the need for greater federal government action to protect our communities and our environment.

I’m happy to report to the House that containment measures are in place in the Minakwa River. Vacuum trucks are on site to pull as much out as possible. We’re taking water samples in a number of areas and monitoring air—

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

Mr. John Fraser: I want to thank the minister for providing us with the update on the situation in Gogama. I know I speak for every member of this House when I say that we are very relieved that no one was injured in this horrific incident. It is clear that the federal government needs to do more to improve rail safety to better protect our citizens, communities and the environment. The rail cars involved were new models compliant with the latest regulations, yet still we have this situation.

Could the minister please inform members of this House on what the government is doing to call on the federal government to improve rail safety in Ontario after Saturday’s incident?

Hon. Glen R. Murray: Minister of Transportation.

Hon. Steven Del Duca: I want to begin by thanking the member from Ottawa South for this very important question. Saturday’s train derailment is, of course, very concerning to our government. As the member mentioned, the transportation of dangerous goods, including oil, is the responsibility of the federal government. I want to assure members of this House that I will be contacting the federal transport minister, Lisa Raitt, as well as representatives from both CN and CP this week to reiterate our government’s serious concerns with respect to rail safety.

Rail safety has always been a top priority in our discussions with our federal counterparts over the last number of years. We need to do everything that we can to ensure that another incident like this does not happen in the future. I know my counterparts in the government of Quebec have also been very outspoken and very active on this important file as well.

We will continue to advocate on behalf of all Ontarians on this important issue to ensure the safety of all of those living in this incredible province.

By-election in Sudbury

Mr. Ted Arnott: My question is to the Premier and it’s about the Sudbury by-election. Instead of creating a culture which respects and adheres to the spirit and letter of the elections law, the Premier has created a win-at-all-costs culture in her office, even if that means cheating. That was her first mistake.

Then she either delegated too much authority to her Machiavellian staff in political operatives or she signed off on the plan to offer an enticement to Mr. Olivier to get him to stand down as a candidate, or worse, she ordered her staff to make the offer, which can only be called a bribe or a breach of Ontario’s election law. That was her second mistake.

The Premier has a responsibility to uphold the integrity of her office. When will she demand the resignations of Ms. Sorbara and Mr. Lougheed?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Mr. Speaker, the members opposite continue to want to run an investigation here in the Legislature. This is not where the investigation can take place. It actually has to take place outside of the Legislature. It’s independent. I think it’s very important that we take the responsibility not to interfere with that investigation.

I say to the member opposite again: I will work with the authorities, but I will work with them, Mr. Speaker, where they are doing their work and where the investigation is taking place, outside of the Legislature.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Ted Arnott: This is a channel that the Premier cannot change. In order to maintain the public’s confidence and trust while these two police investigations continue to unfold, the Premier needs to demand the resignations of Ms. Sorbara and Mr. Lougheed. So far, she has steadfastly refused to do so. This is her third mistake when it comes to the Sudbury by-election.

By stating in this House that she believes Ms. Sorbara won’t be charged, the Premier has interfered in and possibly compromised the ongoing police investigations—the fourth mistake, because parliamentary democracy requires a clear separation between the legislative branch and the judiciary.

The Sudbury by-election scandal is one that the Premier can’t blame on her predecessor or his people. When is she going to take personal responsibility for her role in this and demand the resignations of Sorbara and Lougheed?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Again, I’ve made a public statement. I’ve been very clear about my decision in terms of who the candidate in Sudbury would be, Mr. Speaker. But the fact is, if the member opposite is really concerned about the separation of what goes on in this House and what happens in terms of independent process, then he will understand exactly why I answer this question in the way that I do, which is that it is very important that I not interfere and that the authorities are allowed to run the investigation and let it unfold.

But the fact is that at the same time there is other work that needs to be done, and that’s the work of government. That is the work where we make sure, for example, that there are responses to incidents like what just happened in Gogama this weekend. It’s very important that we be able to do all of those things at the same time.

By-election in Sudbury

Mr. Jagmeet Singh: My question is to the Premier. Pat Sorbara said that there were others who were pushed out of the way by the Premier herself and possibly offered bribes. Who are those others?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Again, the investigation is taking place outside of this House, and we’ll work with the authorities as that investigation unfolds.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Jagmeet Singh: The Liberals have refused to answer this question even though they have insisted that they have done nothing wrong. If they’re not telling the whole story, there could be two other bribery investigations out there. In fact, there could be two other criminal investigations.

Will the Premier tell Ontarians who Pat Sorbara was referring to when she told Andrew Olivier on tape that the Premier had personally made at least two other calls to two other people making the same offer as she did to Andrew Olivier?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Government House leader.

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: As the Premier has said over and over again, this is a matter that is being dealt with outside of this Legislature. We should respect all authorities in terms of the work that they’re doing. It would be highly inappropriate for anyone in this House to comment on an ongoing investigation. I respect the Premier for taking a principled approach in this regard, and I suggest to the members opposite that they should do the same thing.

It’s clear that the NDP is trying to continue to talk about this issue as opposed to real issues because they have a dismal record when it comes to defending progressive issues in this province. They have abandoned anything progressive when it comes to making sure that Ontarians’ interests are represented. I just quote Carol Goar in the Toronto Star when she wrote that Andrea Horwath “triggered the election by rejecting the most progressive provincial budget in decades, one that would have raised the minimum wage, increased the Ontario Child Benefit, improved welfare rates, and provided more support to people with disabilities.”

Sexual violence and harassment

Ms. Indira Naidoo-Harris: My question is for the Minister of Community and Social Services. On Friday, the Premier released It’s Never Okay: An Action Plan to Stop Sexual Violence and Harassment. This is a package of initiatives to help change attitudes, improve supports for survivors who come forward about abuse, and make workplaces and campuses safer and more responsive to complaints about sexual violence and harassment.

We know that one in three women will experience some form of sexual assault in her lifetime. This government has recognized that this is unacceptable. This is a societal problem that has been in the shadows and not talked about for far too long.

Minister, can you please provide this House with an update of the actions that the government has taken to support victims of sexual violence and harassment?

Hon. Helena Jaczek: Thank you very much to the member for Halton for this very important question.

The Premier’s announcement last week is the latest in our government’s commitment to address the needs of victims of sexual and domestic violence.

As a government—contrary to what was stated by the third party earlier today—we have increased funding by 51% since 2003 for violence against women services. In 2013-14, our government spent $145 million in this sector. This includes funding for over 2,000 shelter beds for women and their children escaping domestic violence, counselling services for women and children, crisis telephone counselling, as well as local referral services for housing and other supports.

In the 2014 budget, we invested an additional $14.5 million over the next three years to provide funding to the hard-working front-line workers at the agencies that serve the violence against women sector.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Indira Naidoo-Harris: Thank you, Minister, for outlining the very real work that this government and your ministry has been doing.

As we continue to better comprehend the complex issue of sexual violence and harassment, we have gained an understanding around victims and perpetrators, learning more about those who are at risk of suffering abuse and also realizing how pervasive sexual harassment continues to be in our society. It is a deep-rooted problem. It crosses all social boundaries. It is experienced by women, girls, men and boys of every age and culture. It can occur at any time, anywhere, any place. It is a crime.

This government has recognized that to tackle sexual violence and harassment, there needs to be a comprehensive plan, a plan to change behaviours and challenge social norms.

Mr. Speaker, in every workplace, every campus, every community and every context, we can and must do better. Tell us about the prevalence, Minister.

Hon. Helena Jaczek: Indeed the prevalence of sexual violence and harassment throughout our society is unacceptable. For example, statistics show that women with a disability are three times as likely to be forced into sexual activity by use of threats or force.

Through our government’s new action plan, we’re doing our part to establish an Ontario where everyone is free from the threat, fear or experience of sexual violence and harassment.

As part of this action plan, my ministry will be enhancing the focus and action of our 48 domestic violence community coordinating committees on sexual violence awareness. My ministry will also be exploring the use of community hubs to offer services like sexual assault centres, public health units and legal aid offices in one location to address the barriers women face in accessing services.

Mr. Speaker, our government agrees with the member that in every workplace, every campus, every community, we can and must do better.

Government accountability

Mrs. Julia Munro: My question is to the Premier. The Chief Electoral Officer’s report confirms what we have always suspected: that the Ontario Liberal Party will do just about anything to win a by-election.

Alleged attempts to bribe the Liberal candidate have sullied the democratic process. Now, the Premier’s refusal to do the honourable thing and remove Pat Sorbara and Gerry Lougheed Jr. from their public positions has sullied the dignity of the office she holds.

Premier, did your zeal for winning the Sudbury by-election also extend to making promises to the Sudbury voters that you had no intention of keeping?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Let me first of all just say that I think that to second guess the democratic process which took place in Sudbury—the people of Sudbury had all the information. They made a decision. They sent Glenn Thibeault to Queen’s Park as the MPP for Sudbury, and they made a decision. I respect that decision that they made.

To the point of what the Chief Electoral Officer has actually said, Mr. Speaker, let me just say again that the Chief Electoral Officer clearly stated, “I am neither deciding to prosecute a matter nor determining anyone’s guilt or innocence. Those decisions are respectively for prosecutors and judges.” That’s what the Chief Electoral Officer said in his report, and there is an investigation going on outside of this House.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mrs. Julia Munro: Again to the Premier: The member from Sudbury said, “Everyone in the north knows someone who has been affected by an accident on the highway.” We’re talking about Highway 69.

The Highway 69 project, which the Premier promised throughout the Sudbury by-election, is, surprisingly, not a priority, now that the campaign is over. After years of promising its timely completion, we see it delayed for yet another four years. This is just another example of the Liberals saying one thing and doing another, to get votes.

Premier, the first question—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Stop the clock, please. Sorry for interrupting. I have to bring someone in your own caucus to attention so that I can hear the question.

The interjections of everyone else: I am listening carefully. There was a reference, and I will let you finish the question, making sure that it is germane to the first question.

Mrs. Julia Munro: Premier, the first question I asked you was about integrity. Last week I asked you about unprecedented irregularities. Now I ask you: How good is your word?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Minister of Transportation.

Hon. Steven Del Duca: I’m very happy that the member opposite asked a question regarding the four-laning of Highway 69.

Last Friday I had the opportunity to be in a community just south of Sudbury, standing alongside my colleague and good friend the member from Sudbury, to update the community with respect to where we stand.

It’s important to recognize that there has been extraordinary progress on this particular project, thanks to the leadership over the last decade—and more—of this government. In fact, of the 20 kilometres that are currently under construction on Highway 69 with respect to the four-laning, nine kilometres will be paved and in operation this coming summer. An additional 11 kilometres will be paved and operating next summer. We’ve already completed 50 kilometres of this project.

There is more work to do, but what’s most important for this Premier and our government is to make sure that we get it right so that the benefits of four-laning Highway 69 flow to everybody, including our First Nations partners. That’s why we’re going to make sure this project gets completed—

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

Interjections.

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

New question.

By-election in Sudbury

Ms. Cindy Forster: My question is to the Premier. On February 20, it was reported that the federal Liberal Party would have nothing to do with Gerry Lougheed or Pat Sorbara during the upcoming election. The federal Liberals obviously realize something that the Premier is ignoring: that bribery scandals are bad for business, and they’re bad for democracy.

The federal Liberals also suggest Gerry Lougheed won’t be holding any fundraisers for them. Will the Premier or her party be accepting any money from Gerry Lougheed while he is under police investigation?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): As I said, I’ve been trying to listen carefully, and I know this weaves in and out. Make sure that the member brings this to government policy in the supplementary.

Premier?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: Again, I restate what the Premier has said clearly, that there is an ongoing investigation that is taking place outside this House. It would be highly inappropriate for any member of the government to comment on that investigation.

We should respect the process and come back down to the issues that are important to people, issues like making sure that we have retirement income security for hard-working Ontarians who do not have a pension plan; or making sure that we are investing in our infrastructure, most importantly public transit and public transportation infrastructure.

Clearly, the NDP have no positions on these issues. They have abandoned these important issues. They do not want to talk about those issues. This is their strategy to deflect. This is something they’ve been doing since last year, and we’ve seen the results of the last election, where people elected a Liberal majority government.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Cindy Forster: On December 12, Gerry Lougheed met with Andrew Olivier, on behalf of the Premier, to offer him a job. Since then, the Sudbury police services board has met three times. But in nearly three months, the Premier has yet to remove Gerry Lougheed from the Sudbury police services board. Gerry Lougheed has been making decisions that affect law enforcement in Sudbury, all the while facing a criminal investigation. Anyone can see that’s not right.

Will the Premier sign an order in council today to remove Gerry Lougheed, a Liberal nominee to the board, from the Sudbury police services board?

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: Speaker, as I have spoken on this issue before, I think the member opposite very much knows that the boards are made up of both municipal appointees and provincial appointees, and there is a code of conduct by which boards must abide. If boards have any issue, they can refer that matter to the Ontario Civilian Police Commission. In this case, I think we know that the police services board in Sudbury has done so.

Speaker, this just goes to highlight again how the NDP does not want to talk about real issues. This is something they’ve been suffering from for over a year.

I want to highlight what Martin Regg Cohn said in the Toronto Star:

“Andrea Horwath, meet Stephen Harper—your new best friend and fellow traveller....

“As leader of Ontario’s NDP, Horwath has made a stunning about-face on pensions—betraying the middle class, working class, and everyone in between....

“Under Horwath, the NDP is no longer activist but obstructionist.”

Real estate industry

Mr. Bob Delaney: This question is for the Minister of Government and Consumer Services.

Ontario’s real estate sector contributes billions annually to our economy, and it supplies the livelihood for some 57,000 people in our province.

Today in the House, we’re joined by many of the members of the real estate community and businesspeople from many of our Ontario communities.

All of our communities depend on an ongoing and respectful relationship between home purchasers and realtors, whether realtors are part of larger brokerages or whether they’re independent agents.

The Ministry of Government and Consumer Services has identified real estate modernization as a priority. I’d like the minister to explain the measures that Ontario is taking to help ensure a competitive real estate environment that allows for successful business operations and a fair market for consumers.

Hon. David Orazietti: I want to thank the member from Mississauga–Streetsville for this important question. I’d also like to welcome the Ontario Real Estate Association here to the gallery and encourage members to stop by their reception later today.

The purchase of a home is a significant milestone for many Ontarians, and I’m pleased with the steps that our government has taken to simplify this process. Our Stronger Protection for Ontario Consumers Act makes the real estate market more open and transparent as well as affordable. We’ve improved real estate transactions by allowing for more appropriate billing and fee options. This reform increases flexibility for homebuyers and sellers to negotiate charges and services with their professionals. We’ve taken steps to eliminate phantom offers, which inflate prices and undermine transparency.

The act requires realtors to provide offers in writing, and this regulation was based on extensive consultations with the sector and received the full support of OREA.

I appreciate the contributions that those who work in the real estate industry make, and I look forward to continuing to work with them, Speaker.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Bob Delaney: Minister, the purchase of a home can be a stressful experience. It’s the biggest purchase that most families ever make. Our government needs to explore every opportunity to make the process more efficient and easier for individuals and families. Consumers need to ensure the business environment is fair and transparent, and that the interests of the homebuyer and seller are protected.

I know our government has also worked to support an efficient real estate environment by allowing electronic signatures. Members of the real estate industry support this change. My question asks you to confirm that the province will be moving forward with it. Would the minister please inform the House how the Electronic Commerce Act is making the sale and purchase of real estate easier and more efficient for the people of Ontario and for homebuyers and home sellers?

Hon. David Orazietti: Thank you, once again, to the member from Mississauga–Streetsville.

Ontario’s 2013 amendments to the Electronic Commerce Act will allow people to electronically sign paperwork and email it to their real estate agent. The act will support the reliability of electronic signatures on agreements of purchase and sale of land by stipulating that e-signatures must be: reliable, for the purpose of identifying the person who signs the document; permanent; and accessible by people who are entitled to view it.

We’re now reviewing the submissions made to the ministry during the consultation period to develop proactive measures and ensure that these amendments will increase efficiency without increasing the risk of fraud.

Our government is committed to an efficient, competitive real estate environment and looks forward to continued engagement with the real estate sector on this matter.

By-election in Sudbury

Mr. Norm Miller: My question is for the Premier. Is the Premier returning?

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Stop the clock, please.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Excuse me. The tradition is a courtesy in terms of attendance one way or the other. We do not make reference to people’s absence. If you would put the question to someone else, we’d appreciate that very much.

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): It’s not my position to debate the member from Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke. It doesn’t matter.

Put your question, please.

Mr. Norm Miller: Thank you for that explanation, Mr. Speaker. I’ll address my question to the Deputy Premier, then.

Nearly every time you and the Premier rise in this Legislature, you tell us that you’re taking the Sudbury by-election issue seriously. Deputy Premier, you are taking this just about as seriously as you did the actions of Laura Miller and Peter Faist. You let them fly across the country to avoid accountability. Now, you continue to let Pat Sorbara and Gerry Lougheed avoid accountability for their actions that were found to be in direct contravention of the Election Act.

Deputy Premier, will today be the day you finally hold these individuals accountable?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: We do take this very, very seriously. The Premier has spoken to it repeatedly, both in this House and outside of this House.

I think the question is: Where should the investigation take place? I don’t think there’s any question that the investigation should take place outside of this House. It is important that it’s independent of this Legislature and takes place outside the Legislature.

Elections Ontario determined that the allegations against the member from Sudbury and the Premier were baseless. Nonetheless, they will continue to co-operate fully. The Chief Electoral Officer clearly stated, “I am neither deciding to prosecute a matter nor determining anyone’s guilt or innocence.” That’s a very important statement: I am not determining anyone’s guilt or innocence.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Norm Miller: Perhaps if the government started answering some of these simple questions, the questions wouldn’t get asked anymore.

Again to the Deputy Premier: As we continue to wait for four OPP investigations to conclude, we can only worry what might be next. With your lack of action so far, how can we believe that you’re serious about making your government more accountable?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: I think we’ve received some very good advice from members of the opposition. We agreed when the PC House leader said a week or two ago, “Stop interfering in an ongoing investigation, and let it run its course.”

When asked about a charge laid against a PC staff member, the PC member from Whitby–Oshawa said, “I really don’t have a comment ... because it’s before the courts.” She repeated this sentiment on CP24 when she said, “I’m leaving it in the hands of the police and the justice system to continue their investigation and I’m confident that they will reach the right conclusion.”

We agree with the House leader. We agree with the member from Whitby–Oshawa.

By-election in Sudbury

Miss Monique Taylor: Just over a year ago, the Premier stood up and said, “I am the change”—sorry, this is to the Deputy Premier. It seems a bit odd because before the Premier was sworn in, the Liberal government was facing police investigations, and since the Premier was sworn in, the Liberal government is facing even more police investigations.

The culture of arrogance doesn’t seem to have changed at all. Will the Deputy Premier ensure that the Premier will keep to her promise and make change by telling Ontarians who was making the decisions in the Sudbury bribery scandal?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: To the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: I’ll be very happy to answer this question. I remind the NDP what they campaigned on. They campaigned on voting against increases to the minimum wage. They voted against increasing the salaries for hard-working personal support workers. In fact, they campaigned on voting against the hard-working child care workers. They’ve campaigned to vote against providing additional funding for people with intellectual disabilities. That’s the party that claims to be progressive but has voted against one of the most progressive budgets—not once, but twice.

One of the reasons the NDP are spending all this time talking about anything else but real issues, like the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan, is because they have no policies, because they do not believe in progressive policies. We’re not the only ones saying this, Speaker. The people of Ontario passed their judgment in June, and they elected a Liberal majority government.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Miss Monique Taylor: Less than a year ago, the Premier promised Ontarians she would “work each and every day to keep your trust....” But instead of trust, the behaviour of the Liberals is making people more cynical. Instead of answering questions about the Sudbury bribery scandal, the Premier is dodging, hiding and trying to distract people.

An editorial published says that in spite of well over 100 questions about the Sudbury bribery scandal, the Liberals have directly answered only one single question—that’s less than 1%.

Will the Premier start making good on her promise and keep Ontarians’ trust by answering a simple question: Who told Pat Sorbara and Gerry Lougheed to offer Andrew Olivier a job?

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: Clearly, the NDP has no tangible issues or policies left to talk about. Clearly, they have nothing left for them to go back to their party members and say, “This is what we stand for.” Again and again, they have demonstrated that they stand for nothing.

In fact, if anybody, they’re really aligned with the Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, when it comes to issues on retirement income security. This is what Martin Regg Cohn had to say in the Toronto Star: “Andrea Horwath, meet Stephen Harper—your new best friend and fellow traveller....

“As leader of Ontario’s NDP, Horwath has made a stunning about-face on pensions—betraying the middle class, working class, and everyone in between.”

Speaker, he goes on to conclude in this column: “Under Horwath, the NDP is no longer activist but obstructionist. Not progressive, but reactionary.

“The Prime Minister would be proud.”

Shame on them, Speaker.

Organ donation

Mrs. Cristina Martins: My question this morning is to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care.

Interjection: A great minister.

Mrs. Cristina Martins: A great minister; that’s right.

There are many Ontarians who have loved ones requiring an organ which would save their life. Every day, hundreds of Ontarians wait for the gift of life. Sadly, I have even heard from constituents in my riding of Davenport who are enduring this excruciating wait themselves or for a loved one.

Demand for organ transplantation is increasing due to technological and pharmacological advances, the aging population, and increasing incidence of end-stage organ disease.

Organ donation is a critical part of our world-leading health system. Mr. Speaker, through you to the minister: Tell us about our government’s organ and tissue donation and transplant system, and how our government plans on addressing the increasing demands for organ transplantation.

Hon. Eric Hoskins: I thank the member from Davenport for this important question.

Our government developed the organ and tissue donation and transplant system to address three main goals: to maximize organ donations to increase organ transplants and to reduce the wait times for organ transplantation; and also to support an effective, efficient and accountable organ and tissue donation and transplantation system; and thirdly, to meet the need for safe and high-quality tissue for transplantation in Ontario.

Our organ and tissue donation and transplant system is highly effective. It consists of 56 designated hospitals in the donation infrastructure system, 21 of which are hospitals that provide neurosurgical or trauma services.

I want to take this opportunity to thank our hard-working health care professionals for their work in our organ and tissue donation and transplant system.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mrs. Cristina Martins: Thank you to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care for his work with Ontario’s organ and tissue donation and transplant system.

I would like to direct the second part of my question to the Minister of Government and Consumer Services.

As the minister responsible for ServiceOntario, the Minister of Government and Consumer Services plays an important role in promoting awareness of the need for more Ontarians to become donors.

While I’m encouraged by the increasing number of organ donors, I understand that many Ontarians are still on waiting lists for life-saving or life-transforming transplants. I appreciate the work of our health care professionals, who have the skills and knowledge to perform medical miracles; but for them to save lives, Ontarians must donate.

As leaders, we must continue to educate the public about organ donation and register organ donors to continue helping our health care professionals save lives.

Minister, can you please share with us what ServiceOntario is doing to encourage organ donation and how Ontarians can become donors?

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Minister of Health and Long-Term Care.

Hon. Eric Hoskins: To the Minister of Government and Consumer Services.

Hon. David Orazietti: I want to thank the member from Davenport for the supplementary question.

By-election in Sudbury

Mr. John Yakabuski: My question is to the Deputy Premier. Your Premier is having her credibility eroded on a daily basis, and I know you’re bored with these questions about the Sudbury bribery scandal. So I put this to you, would you today—we’ll help you—have Pat Sorbara step down until this investigation is completed and have Gerry Lougheed removed from the police services board until this investigation is completed? Then you’ll be able to change that channel and move on to something that you find more exciting.

Hon. Deborah Matthews: I certainly am grateful for the help of the member opposite. I do think there are other questions that citizens of Ontario would like to have raised in this House. The member opposite has already actually given us some good help.

Let me give you the advice that was given that we’re taking. His House leader said, “Stop interfering in an ongoing investigation and let it run its course.” So that’s advice that he gave us, and that’s advice that we are taking. But if that’s not enough, the member from Whitby–Oshawa said, when asked about charges laid against a PC staff member, “I really don’t have a comment to make on this, because it’s before the court.” Again, she gave us good advice; advice that we are taking. And she didn’t just say it once. She said it again in a CP24 interview.

She said, “I’m leaving it in the hands of the police and the justice system to continue their investigation. I’m confident they’ll reach the right”—

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

Mr. John Yakabuski: Deputy Premier, even the Premier’s predecessor once stated, “It is never too late to do the right thing.” I would ask the current Premier, and you in her stead today, to finally do the right thing. Your Premier spoke ad infinitum as she came to this House as the first elected female Premier in the province of Ontario—how things were going to be done differently; how she would be accountable, responsible and she would—

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Beaches–East York, come to order.

Mr. John Yakabuski: —and integrity would not be in question in this House.

I give her this opportunity. Change this channel: Have Pat Sorbara step down until this investigation is complete; have Gerry Lougheed step down from the police services board until this investigation is complete.

Will you give the House and will you give the people of Ontario that today?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: As I said, you’ve given us good advice, and we’re taking that advice. We’re going to do exactly what the PC House leader said to do, and that is to “stop interfering in an ongoing investigation and let it run its course.” We’re grateful for that advice.

Visitors

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The Minister of Forestry.

Hon. Bill Mauro: Speaker, I think you’re referring to me; I’m not sure.

I’d like to introduce three students from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay who have joined us this morning: Baffa Yusuf, Ian McRae, and Roman Jakubowski. They’re here with us in the members’ gallery.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): I thank the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry.

Mr. Michael Mantha: Point of order.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Algoma–Manitoulin.

Mr. Michael Mantha: Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, I’m sure the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change and the parliamentary assistant know full well that Gogama is my hometown—

Interjections.

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

The House recessed from 1201 to 1300.

Introduction of Visitors

Mr. Peter Z. Milczyn: It’s my pleasure to introduce some very special guests who will be joining us momentarily from the Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre in Etobicoke–Lakeshore: Mr. Kunga Tsering, former member of the Tibetan Parliament and co-chair of the Canadian Friends of Tibet; Mrs. Doma Tsoh, board member of the Canadian Friends of Tibet; and Mr. Thupten Wangyal, former president of the Canadian Tibetan Association of Ontario.

Private members’ public business

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): I beg to inform the House that, pursuant to standing order 98(c), a change has been made in the order of precedence on the ballot list for private members’ public business such that Ms. Fife assumes ballot item number 45 and Ms. Forster assumes ballot item number 69.

Members’ Statements

Palliative care telethon

Mr. Steve Clark: I rise to celebrate another remarkable example of the generosity and community spirit that makes Leeds–Grenville a great place to live. Last weekend our community dug deep to help the 30 Hour Telethon for Palliative Care Services at Brockville General Hospital and raised the bar to heights not seen in its 32 years.

Led by event chair Bruce Wylie, his incredible team of volunteers and some amazing entertainers who gave their time and their talent, the telethon raised a record $250,582.

Applause.

Mr. Steve Clark: Thank you.

Bruce is the long-time host and chair of the event, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house when he announced he was passing the torch as event chair. It was truly a case of going out on top.

It’s great that Bruce will continue to host the telethon, which has raised nearly $3 million over three decades. These funds ensure that BGH’s cherished palliative care program is there to provide compassionate end-of-life care for patients and family support. Every penny of its $575,000 annual budget is raised locally because the health ministry provides no funding.

I want to echo Bruce Wylie’s passionate plea at the end of this year’s telethon for that to change. He said that “people are going to support this telethon for as long as we need to support it, until we get a government that’s willing to put some money into things that count. This is one of those things that count.”

I wholeheartedly agree. Palliative care does count, and I hope that Minister Hoskins is listening to those words.

Kidney disease

Miss Monique Taylor: I chose my statement today with a loved one in mind. One in 10 Canadians has kidney disease or failure. March is Kidney Month, with this Thursday, March 12, being World Kidney Day. Often, there are no symptoms of kidney disease until it is quite advanced and most kidney function is already lost. But early detection can be the difference between life and death.

Last year the Kidney Foundation of Canada introduced an online risk-assessment tool, a simple quiz that takes only a few minutes: 10 short questions that help people decide if they should be speaking to their doctor about kidney disease.

Let’s not forget about just how important it is to become an organ donor. Life is precious, and as we know, many have been saved because they were able to receive an organ donated by someone who had recently passed. Quite certainly in the case of kidneys, live donors must match and are sometimes quite rare. For all organ donation, it is important that as many people as possible register to be a donor.

Again, you can do it online—it only takes a couple of minutes—at beadonor.ca. You can specify all the organs you want to donate, not just kidneys. One small step can save a life. In fact, it can save up to eight lives. At a time of tragic loss, that is quite a legacy to leave behind. So be a donor.

Model Parliament

Ms. Sophie Kiwala: I rise to make a few observations about one of the many excellent youth programs that are offered here in the Legislature; that is, the Legislative Assembly’s model Parliament.

Last week, I met up with two students attending this year’s three-day event: Nick Barnes and Sebastian Scott from Kingston Collegiate and Vocational Institute in my riding of Kingston and the Islands.

This unique educational experience brings students from each riding to learn about the history of this institution and about legislative processes, through workshops and presentations.

I want to commend this program for encouraging our youth to participate in civic and community affairs and in political decision-making and governance. If we are saddened by the lack of democratic engagement of our youth—and we should be—then the model Parliament is one remedy.

I’d like to suggest another, Mr. Speaker. This House is a living repository of history—a museum of sorts. If I may be so bold, I would like to suggest that our main exhibit—question period—might be retrofitted to bring it up to modern standards. The harsh reality is that people of all ages are turned off by the antics, by the lack of decorum and by the lack of substantive discussion of the affairs that affect their lives. I have a friend in his eighties who, until last week’s charades, watched every morning. He’s no longer interested. When I worked in a constituency office for seven years, I heard similar comments all the time.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, we must not forget that threats to democracy come from within and from without.

Tom Bradish

Mr. Jeff Yurek: Speaker, I’d like to say congratulations to a constituent of mine, Tom Bradish, who was inducted into the Middlesex agricultural hall of fame last week.

Tom was born in London and raised on the edge of the village of Glanworth, on his family farm. He attended Wheable Collegiate in London. Tom’s parents, William and Jessie Bradish, had a dairy farm where William also bought and sold many Holsteins. Tom went to Guelph to pursue his diploma in agriculture from 1965 to 1967, and returned home to work on the farm. Tom and his wife, Helen, have two daughters, Cheri and Kelly, and a son, John.

Since 1961, Tom has been involved in growing vegetables for processing, including peas, green beans, squash and sweet corn. Along with the Fergusons and the Cuddys, he is one of the founding partners of Strathroy Foods, which later became Carriere Foods, which was then purchased by Bonduelle in 2007, which is a family-run business from France.

Now farming with his son, John, Tom’s company, Glan-R-Vest, harvests approximately 20,000 acres of vegetables for Bonduelle’s Ingersoll and Strathroy locations. The harvesting keeps 25 to 35 employees busy from mid-June to late October and stretches from Chatham to Tillsonburg, from north of Ilderton all the way down to Port Stanley.

Tom’s agricultural involvement includes hosting the 1985 International Plowing Match, co-chairing the 2002 International Plowing Match tented city held in Middlesex, and in 2003 he was the vice-president of the world plowing match at the experimental research farm in Guelph.

We are proud to have Tom in our riding. Agriculture is stronger because of people like Tom Bradish. We wish Tom all the best as he enjoys his induction into the hall of fame.

Skilled trades

Ms. Jennifer K. French: This weekend, I celebrated International Women’s Day and attended the Unifor national skilled trades council. I have decided to talk about both events—to talk about women and the workforce.

Speaker, we talk a lot about strengthening our province and our communities, but it’s our workers and tradespeople who are the ones actually doing the physical work. They’re literally building, shaping, fixing, crafting and strengthening our communities and our economy in a real way. Jobs in the trades and the manufacturing sector are good, solid, stable, well-paid jobs that allow people to contribute to their local economy, allow them to make plans and live with some predictability. We should be prioritizing these kinds of jobs, funding school programs and promoting apprenticeships for our kids and for our girls.

It’s one of the many reasons I’m proud to be a New Democrat. New Democrats stand up for equity in the workplace, fight to tear through the glass ceiling, and demand equal pay for equal work.

At the skilled trades council, delegates discussed the importance of encouraging women leaders and involvement in the skilled trades. Yes, absolutely. Our girls need to see themselves reflected in the trades, and they never will if they can’t get into them. We must promote career paths and apprenticeships that afford young workers the opportunity to earn while they learn.

If government really wanted to build a solid economy, they would invest in our kids, our girls and our workers.

New Democrats will continue to stand up to unfair policies and to stand up for workers, women and communities across Ontario.

Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre

Mr. Peter Z. Milczyn: The Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre was established in my riding of Etobicoke–Lakeshore on October 17, 2007.

On Saturday, February 21, the centre celebrated Tibetan lunar new year with their special guest, Dr. Andrew Bennett, ambassador for religious freedom, from the Office of Religious Freedom.

I’m pleased to say that, over the years, I’ve had the honour and privilege of being a guest on many special occasions at the Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre—most recently, to mark the 25th anniversary of the Dalai Lama being presented with the Nobel Peace Prize. At that event, I was also very happy to be on hand to help cut the ribbon on the centre’s new kitchen, which was made possible thanks to a $150,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation last year. This investment from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the subsequent kitchen renovation will support the Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre’s role of providing social, cultural and recreational programs for participants of all ages.

I am very proud to have the first and only Tibetan cultural centre in Canada right in my riding of Etobicoke–Lakeshore.

I also want to make mention of the 56th national Tibet uprising day taking place tomorrow, on March 10. Mr. Speaker, I know that this day is very important to my guests and to all Tibetans across Etobicoke–Lakeshore and Canada.

To my guests today and Tsering Tsomo, president of the Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre, all of its members and all Tibetan Canadians in Etobicoke–Lakeshore: Lo Sar Bey Delek. I wish you prosperity and goodwill.

Commonwealth Day

Mrs. Julia Munro: I’m pleased to speak today, on Commonwealth Day. I was pleased to join the Speaker and others from the various political parties to join together in recognizing Commonwealth Day.

The Commonwealth nations, while autonomous, share a rich history that has given them common values and economic, political and social strength.

This is an especially historic year, as we mark the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta, a revolutionary document that is considered to be the foundation for our system of common law. It certainly was a precursor to the Canadian political system of constitutional monarchy.

I’m looking forward to the second reading of my bill, the Magna Carta Day Act. If passed, June 15 of each year would be proclaimed as Magna Carta Day here in Ontario.

I hope that future generations will remember and celebrate our history and appreciate the origins of the freedoms that we enjoy here in our daily life in Canada as part of the Commonwealth.

Travel documents

Mr. Bob Delaney: As travel season approaches, it’s time for Ontario families to do an identity check. If you’re planning to travel to the United States, you are going to need an updated passport. If yours has expired or has less than six months left until it expires, it’s time to renew that passport.

Whether you travel in the United States or within Canada, outside Ontario, ensure that you have supplementary health coverage for everyone travelling.

Seniors need a special identity check, and their families have an important role to play. Ensure that every senior has an updated Ontario health card. Within a year, the old, obsolete red-and-white card will have been phased out.

Too many seniors do not have any up-to-date government-issued ID. An expired Ontario driver’s licence is not valid identification. Seniors who no longer drive should have an Ontario photo card. Their families need to assist by ensuring that seniors have valid identification cards.

As well, check each senior’s and each family member’s birth certificate. An old certificate of baptism needs to be upgraded to an official Ontario birth certificate if you were born here. You can do this online and/or by mail.

As our precious Ontario warm weather approaches, Speaker, it’s time for all Ontarians to do an identity check.

International Women’s Day

Mrs. Cristina Martins: As I’m sure many of you in the House know, yesterday, Sunday, March 8, marked the celebration of International Women’s Day. Since 1914, this important occasion has been celebrating women around the world. This year’s theme, set by the UN, was “Empowering Women, Empowering Humanity.”

To pay tribute to this significant occasion, we have with us in the members’ gallery nine fantastic Portuguese-Canadian women who have made significant contributions to our society across a variety of sectors.

Organized by Ana Ochôa, and in light of the Pan/Parapan American Games, a torch relay was initiated to commemorate International Women’s Day. This torch was passed to 10 women who have made significant contributions to the Portuguese-Canadian community and to our province. The relay importantly highlights the contributions of women of Luso-Canadian origin across diverse sectors in our province.

All of these strong women deserve our unreserved praise in this Legislature this afternoon. They are as follows:

—Representing the financial sector is relay organizer Ana Ochôa;

—From education, Ana Paula Ribeiro;

—Angela Machado is here for the charitable sector;

—Representing cultural promotion is Rosa de Sousa;

—Katia Caramujo is representing youth and volunteering in the not-for-profit sector;

—Representing our community as a pioneer is Lucillia Simas;

—Suzanne Cunha, for community associations;

—The public service, Paula Medeiros; and

—Lisa Fara is representing the armed forces.

Lastly, the torch arrived at my office here at Queen’s Park this morning, as I am the first Portuguese-Canadian woman elected in government to this Legislature.

Applause.

Mrs. Cristina Martins: Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I’m very happy to host these incredible women here at Queen’s Park, and I’d like to thank Ana Ochôa once again for this great initiative.

Ladies, stand up.

Applause.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): She made them stand up faster than I stood up.

I thank all members for their statements. It’s now time for petitions.

The member for Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound, stand up really quickly.

Mr. Bill Walker: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Sorry, sorry.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): That threw me off so much, I couldn’t help it. I’ve got to get back into routine proceedings.

Introduction of Bills

Housing Services Corporation Accountability Act, 2015 / Loi de 2015 sur la responsabilisation de la Société des services de logement

Mr. Hardeman moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 74,

An Act to amend the Housing Services Act, 2011 and the Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act, 1996 / Projet de loi 74, Loi modifiant la Loi de 2011 sur les services de logement et la Loi de 1996 sur la divulgation des traitements dans le secteur public.

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

First reading agreed to.

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

Mr. Ernie Hardeman: This bill will increase accountability and reduce the waste and misuse of affordable housing dollars. It amends the Housing Services Act, 2011, in the following ways:

First,

section 150 is amended to permit the Auditor General to audit the accounts of the Housing Services Corp. and each of its subsidiaries.

Second,

section 151 is amended so that members of the Housing Services Corp., such as service managers and local housing corporations, are not required to participate in any of the corporation’s programs or activities. This will save social housing providers money by letting them purchase natural gas and insurance at the best price.

The bill also amends the Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act, 1996, to specify that the Housing Services Corp. and each of its subsidiaries are employers for the purposes of the act, which means they will once again have to report salaries over $100,000.

Microbead Elimination and Monitoring Act, 2015 / Loi de 2015 sur l’élimination et le contrôle des microbilles

Mrs. Lalonde moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 75,

An Act with respect to microbeads / Projet de loi 75, Loi concernant les microbilles.

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

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member for an even shorter statement.

M me Marie-France Lalonde: Merci, monsieur le Président. C’est un honneur pour moi de présenter aujourd’hui mon premier projet de loi.

The Microbead Elimination and Monitoring Act, 2015, will serve to ensure industry and manufacturers in the province are mindful of the use of synthetic plastic microbeads in their products and begin identifying alternatives. Microbeads are non-biodegradable, solid plastic particles measuring less than one millimetre in size that are used in cosmetics, soap or similar products.

In addition to ceasing production of microbeads, the bill will require the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change to undertake a microbeads monitoring study in the Great Lakes and publish the results on their website. I believe Ontario can and will be the first province in Canada to phase out microbeads to protect Ontarians and our wildlife today and in the future.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Before I move to motions, just a point to make: that you should be reading from just the explanatory notes of bills. If they are long, you condense them and we avoid any kind of complication of statements being made.

It is now time for motions.

Motions

Private members’ public business

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: Speaker, I believe you will find that we have unanimous consent to put forward a motion without notice regarding private members’ public business.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The government House leader is seeking unanimous consent to put forward a motion without notice. Do we agree? Agreed.

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: I move that notwithstanding standing order 98(g), notice for ballot items 37 and 42 be waived.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Mr. Naqvi moves that notwithstanding standing order 98(g), notice for ballot items 37 and 42 be waived. Do we agree? Carried.

Motion agreed to.

Petitions

Alzheimer’s disease

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I fully support this and will affix my signature and send it with page Fardin.

Employment standards

Ms. Jennifer K. French: I have a petition here from people across Ontario to end the exploitation of unpaid interns.

“Whereas there are an estimated 100,000 to 300,000 unpaid internships in Canada each year, depriving young people of economic opportunity and potentially displacing paid workers; and

“Whereas unpaid internships perpetuate poorer labour market outcomes for marginalized groups and those who cannot afford to participate; and

“Whereas the Ontario Ministry of Labour is not adequately enforcing existing laws on unpaid internships;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to pass the Protecting Interns and Creating a Learning Economy Act, 2015, which:

“(1) extends basic protections under the Employment Standards Act (ESA) to those currently excluded;

“(2) requires that posters with information about interns’ rights in Ontario be conspicuously displayed in the workplace;

“(3) requires that employers provide interns with written notice about conditions of work, length of employment, hours of work, and job description, to be submitted to the ministry to enable the collection of data on internships; and

“(4) creates a system to allow anonymous and third-party complaints about unpaid internships.”

I wholeheartedly support this, affix my name and will send it with page Riley.

Credit unions

Mrs. Kathryn McGarry: I have a petition that’s addressed to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas Credit Unions of Ontario support our 1.3 million members across Ontario through loans to small businesses to start up, grow and create jobs, help families to buy homes and assist their communities with charitable investments and volunteering; and

“Whereas Credit Unions of Ontario want a level playing field so they can provide the same service to our members as other financial institutions and promote economic growth without relying on taxpayers’ resources;

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

“Support the strength and growth of credit unions to support the strength and growth of Ontario’s economy and create jobs in three ways:

“—maintain current credit union provincial tax rates;

“—show confidence in Ontario credit unions by increasing credit union-funded deposit insurance limits to a minimum of $250,000;

“—allow credit unions to diversify by allowing Ontario credit unions to own 100% of subsidiaries.”

I agree with the petition, will affix my name, and give it to page Julie to bring forward.

Winter road maintenance

Mr. Norm Miller: I have over 200 signatures in support of improved winter road maintenance. It reads:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

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

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

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

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

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

I support this petition.

LGBT conversion therapy

Ms. Catherine Fife: It’s my pleasure to read this for the first time in the House.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas in 2013 the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) removed transgender and gender non-conforming identities from the mental disorders category;

“Whereas LGBT youth face 14 times the risk of suicide compared to their heterosexual peers and 77% of trans respondents in an Ontario-based survey had seriously considered suicide with 45% having already attempted suicide;

“Whereas an Ontario study found that transgender youth aged 16-24 have a 93% lower suicide rate when they feel supported by their parents in the expression of their gender identity;

“Whereas LGBT conversion therapy seeks to prohibit gender and sexual orientation expression, has no professional standards or guidelines in how it is practised and is condemned by all major professional associations of health care providers; and

“Whereas Ontario’s Ministry of Health currently funds LGBT conversion therapy through OHIP;

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

“That the Ministry of Health immediately cease funding all known forms of conversion therapy.”

It’s my pleasure to affix my signature and give this to page Niko.

Water fluoridation

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Further petitions? The member for Etobicoke–Lakeshore.

Mr. Peter Z. Milczyn: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was starting to get worried for the follicly challenged.

I have a petition to the Ontario Legislative Assembly:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am proud to affix my signature to this petition and submit it to the Clerk.

Landfill

Mr. Ernie Hardeman: Mr. Speaker, I have a petition here signed by a great many of my constituents.

“Whereas many of the resources of this planet are finite and are necessary to sustain both life and the quality of life for all future generations;

“Whereas the disposal of resources in landfills creates environmental hazards which will have significant human and financial costs for;

“Whereas all levels of government are elected to guarantee their constituents’ physical, financial, emotional and mental well-being;

“Whereas the health risks to the community and watershed increase in direct relationship to the proximity of any landfill site;

“Whereas the placement of a landfill in a limestone quarry has been shown to be detrimental;

“Whereas the placement of a landfill in the headwaters of multiple highly vulnerable aquifers is detrimental;

“Whereas the county of Oxford has passed a resolution requesting a moratorium on landfill construction or approval;

“Therefore

be it resolved that we, the undersigned, humbly petition the Legislative Assembly as follows:

“To implement a moratorium in Oxford county on any future landfill construction or approval until such time as a full review of alternatives has been completed which would examine best practices in other jurisdictions around the world;

“That this review of alternatives would give special emphasis on (

a) practices which involve the total recycling or composting of all products currently destined for landfill sites in Ontario and (

b) the production of goods which can efficiently and practically be recycled or reused so as to not require disposal in landfills.”

I affix my signature as I agree with this petition, Mr. Speaker.

First responders

Miss Monique Taylor: I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

“Whereas emergency response workers (paramedics, police officers, and firefighters) confront traumatic events on a nearly daily basis to provide safety to the public; and

“Whereas many emergency response workers suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of their work; and

“Whereas Bill 2 ‘An Act to amend the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 with respect to post-traumatic stress disorder’ sets out that if an emergency response worker suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, the disorder is presumed to be an occupational disease that occurred due to their employment as an emergency response worker, unless the contrary is shown;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to unanimously endorse and quickly pass Bill 2 ‘An Act to amend the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 with respect to post-traumatic stress disorder’.”

I couldn’t agree with this more, Mr. Speaker. I’m going to affix my name to it and give it to Rachel to bring to the Clerk.

Immigration policy

Ms. Soo Wong: I have a petition addressed to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

“Whereas Ontario is a province of immigrants, representing over 200 countries and speaking more than 130 languages; and

“Whereas Ontario is the primary destination for newcomers to Ontario, receiving more immigrants than the combined total of most of Canada’s provinces and territories; and

“Whereas Ontario is dependent on skilled immigrant labour to fill jobs, 2.5 million of which are estimated to be created in the next 10 years; and

“Whereas a stronger immigration partnership with the federal government will allow Ontario to work with employers and communities to assess labour force needs and bring in highly-skilled workers;

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

“That the Legislative Assembly of Ontario pass and enact, as soon as possible, Bill 49, the Ontario Immigration Act, 2014.”

I fully support the petition, Mr. Speaker, and I give the petition to page Natalie.

Health care

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

“Whereas the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s lack of leadership is forcing the closure of the South Bruce Grey Health Centre restorative care Chesley site; and

“Whereas it is ignoring evidence that the restorative care program has had major successes since its inception three years ago; and

“Whereas it has helped over 300 patients to increase their quality of life by helping them regain strength, balance and independence; and

“Whereas it has improved patient outcomes for over 80% of patients who returned home feeling confident of their recovery; and

“Whereas the loss of this critical care will see patients readmitted to hospitals, emergency room visits or having to stay in acute care beds longer, representing the costliest options in our health care system; and

“Whereas vulnerable seniors in our communities take the position that there is evidence of funding cuts for home care services; and

“Whereas our senior and all other vulnerable patients deserve access to compassionate care and treatment as close to home as possible;

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

“To provide the necessary base funding to keep the South Bruce Grey Health Centre restorative care Chesley site in operation so that the health and welfare of our most vulnerable patients remains intact.”

I fully support it, will affix my signature and send it with my buddy Dhairya.

Automotive industry

Mrs. Lisa Gretzky: This is a petition to the Legislature of Ontario.

“Whereas the community of Windsor–Essex county has one of the highest unemployment rates in Canada resulting in stressful lives and financial inadequacies for many of its residents and businesses; and

“Whereas recently the Ford Motor Company was considering Windsor, Ontario, as a potential site for a new global engine that would create 1,000 new jobs (and as many as 7,000 spin-off jobs) for our community; and

“Whereas partnership with government was critical to secure this investment from Ford; and

“Whereas the inability of Ford and the Ontario [government] to come to an agreement for partnership contributed to the loss of this project;

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

“To insist that the Ontario government exhaust all available opportunities to reopen the discussions around the Ford investment in Windsor and to develop a national auto strategy and review current policy meant to attract investment in the auto sector.”

I support this petition, and I will sign it and give it to you, page Riley.

Distracted driving

Ms. Soo Wong: I have a petition addressed to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

“Whereas the Ontario government is committed to ensuring the safety of drivers, passengers and pedestrians on Ontario’s roads and making the province North America’s most cycling friendly jurisdiction; and

“Whereas, on average, one person is killed on Ontario’s roads every 18 hours, and one person is injured every 8.1 minutes; and

“Whereas drivers who use cellphones while driving are four times more likely to be in a crash than non-distracted drivers; and

“Whereas evidence has shown that Ontario’s impaired driving laws need to be strengthened to apply sanctions for driving under the influence of alcohol to those impaired by drugs;

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

“That the Legislative Assembly of Ontario pass and enact, as soon as possible, Bill 31, the Making Ontario’s Roads Safer act, 2014.”

I fully support the petition. I give my petition to Inaya.

Hydro rates

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

“Whereas the Green Energy Act has driven up the cost of electricity in Ontario due to unrealistic subsidies for certain energy sources, including the world’s highest subsidies for solar power; and

“Whereas this cost is passed on to ratepayers through the global adjustment, which can account for almost half of a ratepayer’s hydro bill; and

“Whereas the high cost of energy is severely impacting the quality of life of Ontario’s residents, especially fixed-income seniors; and

“Whereas it is imperative to remedy Liberal mismanagement in the energy sector by implementing immediate reforms detailed in the Ontario PC white paper Paths to Prosperity—Affordable Energy;

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

“To immediately repeal the Green Energy Act, 2009, and all other statutes that artificially inflate the cost of electricity with the aim of bringing down electricity rates and abolishing expensive surcharges such as the global adjustment and debt retirement charges.”

I fully support it, will affix my signature and send it with page Morgan.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): That concludes the time we have available this afternoon for petitions.

Orders of the Day

Interim supply

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: I move that the Minister of Finance be authorized to pay the salaries of the civil servants and other necessary payments pending the voting of supply for the period commencing April 1, 2015, and ending on September 30, 2015, such payments to be charged to the proper appropriation for the 2015-16 fiscal year, following the voting of supply.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): I look to the minister to lead off debate.

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: Thank you very much, Speaker. I very much appreciate you giving me the opportunity to rise today to move the motion on interim supply.

I would like to remind members of this Legislature and, of course, viewers at home that this motion is both routine and important. It is routine in the sense that the government seeks interim spending authority from the Legislature before the beginning of every fiscal year. This motion is important because it would provide temporary spending authority to make payments for all government ministries and offices as well as legislative offices after the new fiscal year starts on April 1.

Essentially, it would ensure that the government has the ability to continue to make important investments in programs and services that Ontarians rely on. That includes spending on important priorities including health care, education, supporting our most vulnerable citizens and, of course, growing the economy.

Speaker, I will take a moment to highlight a few points about the interim supply motion. Firstly, the spending authority is temporary. It would cover a period of six months from April 1, 2015, through September 30, 2015. This temporary spending authority is necessary to allow the government to operate while the Legislature conducts its review of the government’s detailed spending plans through the work of the Standing Committee on Estimates. All expenditures incurred under the authority of this motion would be consistent with the upcoming 2015 budget and 2015-16 estimates, and these expenses would eventually be authorized in the Supply Act for the 2015-16 fiscal year.

The interim supply motion means that government would be able to keep our long-term-care homes, hospitals and schools running. In short, it means the government would be able to continue to provide essential public services province-wide and support the quality of life of all Ontarians, who we work for every single day.

I look forward to hearing from my colleague the parliamentary assistant for the Treasury Board secretariat, the member from Etobicoke Centre, as well as from members of the opposition on this important, yet administrative, matter.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): Further debate?

Mr. Victor Fedeli: I want to speak for the next 10 minutes on this chapter. I’m going to start with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce because they have released two paper