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November 14, 2022

43rd Parliament, 1st Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcript 2022-Nov-14 (PDF)

L026 - Mon 14 Nov 2022 / Lun 14 nov 2022

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Monday 14 November 2022 Lundi 14 novembre 2022

Members’ Statements

Remembrance Day

Labour legislation

Cambridge Celebrates Winterfest

Animal protection

SE Health

Nurse practitioners

Police services

Dr. Barry Adams

Royal Canadian Legion

Order of Ontario

Report, Financial Accountability Officer

Introduction of Visitors

Independent members

Question Period

Labour legislation

Hospital services

Land use planning

Fiscal and economic policy

Health care workers

Highway construction

Municipal development

Landlord and Tenant Board / Commission de la location immobilière

Immigrants’ skills

Northern health services

Electricity supply

Hospital services

Post-secondary education and skills training

Emergency services

Visitor

Deferred Votes

Health care

Introduction of Visitors

Reports by Committees

Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs

Introduction of Government Bills

Keeping Students in Class Repeal Act, 2022 / Loi de 2022 abrogeant la Loi visant à garder les élèves en classe

Progress on the Plan to Build Act (Budget Measures), 2022 / Loi de 2022 sur la progression du plan pour bâtir (mesures budgétaires)

Statements by the Ministry and Responses

Economic outlook and fiscal review / Perspectives économiques et revue financière

Motions

Order of business

Orders of the Day

Keeping Students in Class Repeal Act, 2022 / Loi de 2022 abrogeant la Loi visant à garder les élèves en classe

Keeping Students in Class Repeal Act, 2022 / Loi de 2022 abrogeant la Loi visant à garder les élèves en classe

Strengthening Post-secondary Institutions and Students Act, 2022 / Loi de 2022 sur le renforcement des établissements postsecondaires et les étudiants

Royal assent / Sanction royale

Strengthening Post-secondary Institutions and Students Act, 2022 / Loi de 2022 sur le renforcement des établissements postsecondaires et les étudiants

Correction of record

The House met at 1015.

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

Prayers.

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

This being the first sitting Monday of the month, I will ask now that everyone join in the singing of the Canadian national anthem, followed by the royal anthem.

Singing of the national anthem / Chant de l’hymne national.

Singing of the royal anthem / Chant de l’hymne royal.

Members’ Statements

Remembrance Day

Mr. Sam Oosterhoff: I had the privilege of attending two services of remembrance in my riding of Niagara West last week, including ceremonies in Fonthill and Jordan.

I want to thank the local Legions in my riding, including Branches 127 in Grimsby, 612 in Beamsville and Jordan, 613 in Fonthill and 393 in Smithville, as well as the township of Wainfleet, for hosting meaningful tributes.

A little over 100 years ago, following the First World War, as Canadians gathered at war memorials—like the cenotaphs in Niagara West last Friday—many considered it unimaginable that the bloodshed of that great conflict would ever be repeated. It was called the war to end all wars. And yet, a short generation later, the world was once again plunged into a struggle against the hateful ideology of fascism in defence of the democratic values and human rights that we hold dear.

Throughout the 20th century, time and time again, the call to arms was issued, and young men and women in uniform across Canada and Ontario, including members of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, died for freedom.

Perhaps many of us today consider it inconceivable that we would ever again enter into such terrifying conflicts. Yet, even today, our northern neighbour, the Russian Federation, is an aggressor state pursuing its illegal invasion of Ukraine against the pleading of civilians and the cries of humanity. Once again, war has returned to European soil, and we are again reminded of the need to ever stand on guard.

As a descendant of those who emigrated to this country because of the sacrifice and heroism of Canadian soldiers, including those who liberated the Netherlands, my family and I are personally grateful to those who fought and continue to fight for freedom and democracy.

Last Friday, as we should everyday, we remembered those who fought and died in battle. They are passing the torch to us so that the memory of their sacrifice will continue and the values they fought for will live on in all of us. May God rest their souls.

Labour legislation

Mr. Wayne Gates: I rise today to speak about something inspiring: Ontario’s labour movement. Last week, we were all reminded who makes this province function, and that’s workers. For a long time, this Conservative government dismissed that, but with the actions of CUPE education workers, along with the support from the entire Ontario labour movement, the government was made to pay attention. Bill 28 should never have been drafted, let alone introduced. It’s a bill intended to break unions and attack workers.

At my office in Niagara Falls, we had nearly 1,000 people telling the government they were wrong. When they decided to use the “notwithstanding” clause to strip workers of their collective bargaining rights, they woke up a giant. They united the labour movement against them from coast to coast to coast.

I hope this government follows through on their promise to repeal Bill 28 immediately.

But we can’t walk away from this experience without holding people accountable. The Minister of Labour sits in this chamber and tells us that he supports workers. He tells the labour movement that he’s their friend. But when Bill 28 was introduced and voted on, he was the first member to stand and applaud its passing. He was happy to strip workers of their bargaining rights. He was happy to continue to attack workers, who are predominantly women, and also supported Bill 124.

As Minister of Labour, his role is to support workers in this province, but instead he clapped for legislation that ripped basic rights away from them. For that alone, it’s time for the minister to resign. He never supported the labour movement, and last week he proved it.

Cambridge Celebrates Winterfest

Mr. Brian Riddell: Today, I want to share with you the story of an award-winning, month-long festival taking place in my riding. Winterfest, formerly known as Christmas in Cambridge, kicks off on November 25 with Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night. This event attracts thousands of residents, young and old, who enjoy a musical walking tour through historic downtown Cambridge. It is illuminated with various lights and art installations along the route. It is truly a memorable way to start your holiday season.

The weeks leading up to Christmas will feature a visit from the CP Holiday Train; Winter Ice and Lights in Preston’s Central Park; Music and Lights in the Village; the Cambridge Christmas Market at the David Durward Centre and the Cambridge Centre for the Arts.

I encourage everyone to go. This is one of the top 10 festivals named by Festivals and Events Ontario for the past three years. If you haven’t been, I encourage you to go.

Animal protection

Mr. Chris Glover: Another fall migration is just winding up. Over the past couple of months, millions of birds have been migrating across the Great Lakes to winter in Ontario. But windows that reflect the sky and the clouds can appear invisible to a moving bird, so they continue to fly at high speeds until they smack into the glass and fall to the ground. Some are rescued by compassionate people working with organizations like BirdSafe and FLAP Canada, but many do not survive the trauma.

The bird photographer Priya Ramsingh writes that if you walk around one of the city’s large towers during the migratory season, “you’ll find the bodies of dead birds, their feet curled up in the air.” These are brilliantly coloured birds, including electric blue indigo buntings, “warblers with yellow, greens and blue wing markings, and scarlet tanagers with their regal, red feather plumage.”

Some 25 million birds die from window collisions each year in Canada. This week, I am reintroducing a motion to adopt the Canadian Standards Association 2019 bird-friendly design standard into the Ontario building code for all new construction and retrofits in the province.

At a rally on the lawn of Queen’s Park tomorrow at 11:30 a.m., we will be showing Ontario residents simple measures that they can take to make their windows bird-safe and to reduce the risk of collisions. I invite all members of the House and residents who want to make our built environment bird-safe to attend the rally. Come help us protect Ontario’s biodiversity for years to come.

SE Health

Mr. Matthew Rae: It is my pleasure to rise in this place to recognize the good work SE Health does in my riding and across Ontario. SE Health is a not-for-profit health care provider in Ontario. SE Health currently provides nearly 50% of all home care services in Ontario.

A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting with them and representatives locally and touring their location in Palmerston. I had the opportunity to meet Kelly, a community nurse in the town of Minto who works for SE Health. She does important work to support our seniors and those recovering at home from major operations. She is also a community care nurse at Minto-Clifford Public School. I had the opportunity to join her at Minto-Clifford to meet some of her brave patients. No matter the need, Kelly ensures her students are living a healthy and rewarding life. We had a great discussion about how best we can work together to better serve those living in our communities.

I want to thank Kelly for everything she does for our rural communities and the children she helps every day. Our government is committed to helping our elderly remain in their homes longer and ensuring Ontarians receive the right care in the right place. I appreciate everything SE Health does and that all their employees do in my community and across Ontario.

Nurse practitioners

M me France Gélinas: I rise today to speak about the important work that nurse practitioners do, serving patients in every corner of our province, and why we need this government to fund more nurse practitioner positions. At a time when many family physicians are retiring, patients across Ontario lose access to primary care, leaving them dependent on walk-in clinics and emergency departments. Meanwhile, Aboriginal health access centres, community health centres and nurse practitioner-led clinics all have nurse practitioners who want to be hired and who are available, but they have no money to hire them.

These nurse practitioners can assess, they can treat, and they can advise patients with complex medical conditions who otherwise end up in our crowded emergency rooms.

Unfortunately, this government refuses to modernize their antiquated funding model so nurse practitioners can be hired to provide their excellent services to more patients.

For example, an executive director in a nurse practitioner-led clinic has to be a nurse practitioner, but she still has to carry an 800-patient-load roster and her administrative duty in this clinic.

In fact, this funding model is so rigid that the government claims that they are still working on the paperwork to provide nurses working in these clinics with the retention bonus that was promised nine months ago.

If this government wants to improve access to health care services to thousands of people across Ontario, invest in nurse practitioner positions. It will pay off.

Police services

Mr. Sheref Sabawy: Mr. Speaker, last Tuesday I was pleased to join the honourable Solicitor General at Peel Regional Police headquarters in Mississauga. Alongside Chief Nishan Duraiappah—who I commend for being recently appointed to the Order of Ontario—we kicked off Crime Prevention Week, an opportunity for all Ontarians to recognize the important men and women in uniform who sacrifice so much to protect our communities.

Organizations present included the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, Safe City Mississauga, Empowering Against Exploitation, Vision Zero and Peel Crime Stoppers.

Additionally, on November 4, myself and many of our colleagues welcomed Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich and Sergeant Earl Scott here in Queen’s Park to recognize them for a $25-million drug seizure, one of the largest in Peel police history.

Mr. Speaker, one of the foremost priorities for people and businesses in Ontario is to feel safe and comfortable in their city. I want to recognize the important role that law enforcement officials play in keeping our province safe and protecting our most vulnerable. Crucial to this process is a strong relationship between law enforcement and local communities, working hand in hand to ensure a safe and prosperous society.

While Mississauga is one of the safest cities in Canada, we are nevertheless seeing a rise in car theft and pharmacy holdups. We will continue to work with Peel police to support them and allow them the resources to prevent crime. This partnership between police, community, and government is a relationship we cannot afford to forsake.

Dr. Barry Adams

Mr. John Fraser: I would like to say a few words in tribute to Dr. Barry Adams, a pediatrician from Ottawa who was my pediatrician and my children’s pediatrician and, in fact, the pediatrician for thousands and thousands of families over his long career.

Barry was an incredible, gentle, warm, kind person. He was always available. He was a big proponent of our Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. I wanted to spend all this time talking about his accolades, but his accolades are actually the thousands and thousands and thousands of families whose lives he touched and improved by his work.

I was thinking about what Barry would have had to say today, if he were alive, about what’s happening at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and with our children in this province.

Barry could be very kind and very gentle, but he could also be very stern. And what he would be asking us is, “Why is there this indifference to what’s happening to our children? Why are we not masking? Why are we not making sure we’re all vaccinated and our kids are vaccinated?”

You know, Barry was a physician who was old enough to know when measles outbreaks occurred, and he was always astonished at the efficacy of the vaccine, and how it was almost non-existent.

So, Speaker, I think we should learn from Dr. Barry Adams’s example that our children are important and that right now there are some things that we need to do to protect our children. We should be doing them: masking, vaccination, washing our hands and staying home when we’re sick.

Royal Canadian Legion

Mr. Brian Saunderson: It’s a pleasure to rise in the House this morning.

Last week we spent time in our collective ridings honouring and remembering our veterans as we proudly wore our poppies and attended Remembrance Day services. Mr. Speaker, I’d like to pay tribute today in my comments about the Royal Canadian Legions that pepper our ridings and our communities across the province. In my riding of Simcoe–Grey, there are 12 Legions, and each branch has a proud history of supporting veterans and serving the communities. They act as community hubs. They host important civic events, from Veterans’ Week events to political events, from community events to private celebrations.

Alliston, Angus, Beeton, Collingwood, Creemore, Everett, Lisle, New Lowell, Stayner, Thornbury, Tottenham and Wasaga Beach all have thriving, active Legions that serve these communities.

On Saturday, November 5, I had the great opportunity to spend a night at the Collingwood Legion at a dinner in honour of our veterans in preparation for Remembrance Day. As I sat in the facility, I was reminded that during the pandemic, the Collingwood Legion served as the overflow facility for the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital—18 beds. It served a vital purpose as an overflow unit and, during a number of the waves, had many beds filled. That was one way that a Legion can help work with our communities and collaborate with our communities to support them.

Last Friday, on Remembrance Day, I had the privilege of going to the Alliston Legion and sitting with Albert, one of the last remaining World War II veterans. He’s 98 and his hearing isn’t great, but we had a wonderful conversation, and so it’s wonderful to be able to rise and pay tribute to our veterans like Albert.

During the course of that meal, I was reminded by the speaker there that the Alliston Legion had received a vital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation for much-necessary capital improvements. These facilities serve our ridings, and I want to thank the executives and presidents of each of the Legions for their great work.

Order of Ontario

Mr. Lorne Coe: Her Honour Elizabeth Dowdeswell, the Lieutenant Governor, will bestow the province’s highest honour to the new Order of Ontario appointees on November 21, 2022. One of those appointees is Dr. Angela Brathwaite from Whitby. Over nearly five decades as a nurse, Dr. Brathwaite has launched initiatives to promote nursing education, improve women and children’s health, and address racism in the nursing profession.

In announcing the appointees, Her Honour said this: “Their service to our province is a reminder to all of us fortunate enough to call Ontario home, that the fabric of society is knit together by good deeds and the dedication of individuals. May their accomplishments be an inspiration and example for many to follow.”

Congratulations to Dr. Brathwaite. Your dedication, drive and lifetime of service is an inspiration to everyone in Whitby and other parts of the region of Durham who aspire to build better communities and a stronger Ontario.

Report, Financial Accountability Officer

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I beg to inform the House that the following document has been tabled: a report entitled Ministry of Education: Spending Plan Review, 2022, from the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario.

Introduction of Visitors

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): We have with us in the Speaker’s gallery today His Excellency Urban Ahlin, the ambassador of Sweden to Canada. He’s joined by Lars Henriksson, the honorary consul general of Sweden in Toronto. Please join me in warmly welcoming our guests to the Legislature.

Mr. Chris Glover: I’d like to welcome to the Legislature Dora Mehany, Pixie George-Benjamin and Nathan Zhu, who are members of CUPE 4400, which was a union I was recently a member of at Central Tech when I was teaching woodworking.

Mr. Sam Oosterhoff: Today’s page captain, Camilla Moscato, is from my riding of Niagara West, and I wish to welcome her to the Legislature, as well as her parents and her brother, who are here today: Melanie, Maddox and Chris Moscato. Welcome to Queen’s Park. It’s good to have you here.

M me France Gélinas: I would like to thank my incredibly talented assistant from my riding of Nickel Belt, Adele Fawcett, who is here to witness question period this morning. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Mr. Hardeep Singh Grewal: Today I am joined by my executive assistant, Suhas Vij. He’s here for the first time. Welcome to the Legislature.

MPP Jamie West: Today is my wife’s birthday. I can think of no better birthday present for my wife, Madame Pam, who is a kindergarten teacher, than to welcome Ema, as a page, and her father, Kevin MacAulay, to the Legislature today.

Hon. Jill Dunlop: I would like to introduce executives from the Ontario Institute for Regenerative Medicine: Duncan Stewart, the president and scientific director, and Sandra Donaldson, the vice-president and chief operating officer. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Miss Monique Taylor: I’d like to welcome Michau van Speyk here today, from the Ontario Autism Coalition. Thank you so much. Nice to see you.

Hon. Kaleed Rasheed: Mr. Speaker, she’s not here yet, but I would like to welcome my niece, Zahara Israr, who will be here this morning as part of the West Glen Junior School tour. Thank you.

Mr. Michael Mantha: At the very young age of 54 years old, my brother had to reinvent himself. His name is Gordon Mantha. I want to congratulate him. He has just graduated and become a fully licensed RPN.

MPP Jamie West: Sitting with our colleagues from CUPE, I’d like to also welcome Janice Folk-Dawson and Patty Coates from the OFL here.

Independent members

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I am informed that the member for Ottawa–Vanier has a point of order.

M me Lucille Collard: Yes, I am seeking the unanimous consent of the House that, notwithstanding standing order 40(e), five minutes be allotted to the independents as a group to respond to the ministerial statement by the Minister of Finance on the fall economic statement.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Ottawa–Vanier is seeking the unanimous consent of the House that, notwithstanding standing order 40(e), five minutes be allotted to the independents as a group to respond to the ministerial statement by the Minister of Finance on the fall economic statement. Agreed? Agreed.

It is now time for oral questions.

Question Period

Labour legislation

Ms. Marit Stiles: Good morning, Mr. Speaker. To the Premier: On this side of the House, we know there’s power in a union. Last week the government belatedly learned that too when they were forced to make a major retreat on the use of the “notwithstanding” clause in a bill that not only banned strikes but outrageously imposed a contract on our very lowest-paid education workers.

My question this morning is very simple: Will the Premier vow today to never again use the “notwithstanding” clause in a labour dispute?

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

Hon. Stephen Lecce: Thank you to the member opposite for the question. All along, we have advocated for children to be in stable classrooms. We know that the threat of strikes and pandemics have a great deal of impact on children’s mental, physical, social and emotional health, and their academic success, Speaker. That’s why we are at the table today, and we will remain at the table—designed to get a deal that is fair for our workers, that preserves the in-person learning experience that our children deserve.

The plan to catch up, as announced, was premised on a belief that kids have to be in school. Six hundred and fifty million more dollars are allocated this year, compared to last year. Nearly 7,000 more staff were hired since we came to power, almost a thousand more front-line teachers, a 420% increase in mental health—all of this is because we are committed to publicly funded schools. We’re committed to getting a deal and keeping these kids in school.

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

Ms. Marit Stiles: Well, Mr. Speaker, that’s very rich, coming from a minister whose threats have led to some of the greatest disruptions I think we’ve seen in decades. The use of the “notwithstanding” clause—and I’m going to go back to the Premier on this—was an unprecedented failure of your government. This was completely avoidable, but it seems like you were getting some pretty bad advice, Premier.

A few weeks ago, the Premier’s campaign manager, Kory Teneycke, said this about possible future labour disruptions at our schools. He said: “You’re going to get legislated back, including the use of the ‘notwithstanding’ clause,” and “You can take that to the bank because it’s going to happen.”

After last week’s debacle, I think we all hope that this Premier has learned a thing or two. I ask again: Will the Premier stand here today and vow never again to use the “notwithstanding” clause to shut down the charter rights of Ontario workers?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I remind members to make comments through the Chair.

To reply for the government, the Minister of Education.

Hon. Stephen Lecce: We’re going to stay at the table to get a deal that keeps kids in the classroom. That is our commitment. It’s what we’re guided by. It’s what the people of Ontario sent us here to do.

We are committed to ensuring stability for children. I would urge the members opposite to consider the very real impacts of union-driven strikes on children. They are real. They have learning loss and mental and physical health impacts that we can quantify. These are not abstractions; these are the children of our province. They have an obligation to them.

We have an obligation to them, which is why we are increasing funding in publicly funded schools; increasing staffing, with over $3 billion more than when the Liberals were in power in 2017-18; 7,000 more staff when you compare it to when we started; and 1,000 more front-line teachers. We are committed to our children and we’re committed to keeping kids in school.

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

Ms. Marit Stiles: I can tell you, we’re not going to take advice from a government whose actions shut down our schools.

Speaker, the Premier’s use of the “notwithstanding” clause to take away bargaining rights did not just target CUPE education workers, it put the bargaining rights of all workers at risk. Whether you are a union member in a school, in a factory or on a construction site, the Premier’s actions sent a clear message: Your rights end when he no longer feels like recognizing them.

I’d like to ask the Minister of Labour this time: What did he do to stand up for the rights of workers that he claims to work for? And will he, at least, commit to never voting for this again?

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

Hon. Stephen Lecce: We are standing up for the rights of children to be in school, so they can stay in a stable classroom where they belong. We know these kids deserve to be in the classroom, with more funding and more staffing and more opportunities for them to get ahead.

It has been an extraordinary time in this province. This is not a normative period. Kids have—

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Member for Davenport, come to order.

Hon. Stephen Lecce: A global pandemic caused learning loss in every region of the Western world. To the member from Davenport, who seems to believe we are an island unto ourselves: We are part of a global challenge.

But we have a plan in this province designed to help these kids get back on track: 650 million more dollars; a specific tutoring program, the first and only of its kind in the country; and $175 million helping 100,000 kids today get ahead. That’s how we help support them and get them back on track, but it all starts with keeping them in the classroom in the first place.

Hospital services

Mr. Peter Tabuns: To the Premier: For months, health care professionals have raised concerns about hospitals’ capacity to respond to the early respiratory illness season that we are seeing this year. Despite the alarm bells, this government sat on their hands and did nothing. Today, ER wait times at children’s hospitals are unseasonably high, pediatric ICUs are over capacity and children are being transferred to adult hospitals. Why has the government ignored the growing crisis in Ontario’s children’s hospitals?

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

Hon. Sylvia Jones: With the greatest of respect, we haven’t been ignoring it. In fact, our government has made unprecedented investments to ensure that our hospital partners have the resources they need to make sure that they can deal with what is undoubtedly a bit of a triple threat of RSV, influenza and COVID-19. In particular, with emergency departments, we have invested $90 million in EDs to pay for result programs that provide funding incentives for 74 high-volume emergency departments to make improvements in areas such as length of stay.

We’ve implemented 49 models of care for select 911 patients where patients can receive timely and appropriate care in a setting outside of an emergency department.

We’ve funded Ornge’s virtual medical doctor trial for northern hospitals at risk of closure. The emergency department locum program and the COVID-19 temporary summer locum program’s expansion have provided supports for eligible hospitals in rural and northern Ontario to maintain—

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

Mr. Peter Tabuns: Back to the Premier: Even with repeated warnings, it seems like the government somehow didn’t see this coming. Children’s surgeries are now being cancelled so that staff can be redeployed. Over the weekend, SickKids’s pediatric ICU was at 132%. McMaster Children’s Hospital was at 140% capacity. One pediatric ER doctor described the situation right now as “scary” and “unsafe.”

We all have a role to play in protecting children from severe illness, especially the government. Why hasn’t this government responded effectively to the acute pressures on our children’s hospitals and increasing demand for pediatric ICU beds?

Hon. Sylvia Jones: So again, I would say, respectfully, we have responded and we are responding with our partners. COVID-19, influenza and RSV are triple threats that our hospitals and our pediatric patients in particular are dealing with. The most vulnerable, the most senior and the youngest in our populations are definitely at risk, which is why, earlier today, Dr. Moore, as the Chief Medical Officer of Health, did strongly recommend Ontarians in all areas add a layer of protection when appropriate.

That includes a strong recommendation to mask when indoors, when interacting with our most vulnerable and certainly with our youngest, four and under, who cannot mask, and making sure that if and when you have the opportunity, and you are in a time and place that is appropriate for your timing, that you get your flu shot, which is free of charge and available across Ontario in pharmacies and at primary care. And, of course, keep all of your vaccines up to date. We need to make sure that all of the tools—

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

The final supplementary.

Mr. Peter Tabuns: The government has been completely ineffective. At SickKids, children going to the hospital are very sick. More than half the kids in their ICU are on ventilators. Over the weekend, the CEO of SickKids said, “So far none have died, thank God.”

Speaker, I have a really hard time understanding how this government allowed the situation to get so bad that the CEO of this province’s premier children’s hospital is thanking God that no kid has died. To the Premier: Why didn’t the government act sooner and effectively to avert the crisis?

Hon. Sylvia Jones: You know, Speaker, last week I was in Vancouver for the FTP. At the federal, provincial and territorial meetings, every Minister of Health from across Canada shared with the group what they are doing to protect their citizens. They talked about vaccine rollouts. They talked about how they were protecting the most vulnerable. They talked about how they were training additional health human resources staff.

As the group went around the table and shared all of the initiatives, I turned to my officials and said, “What are we not doing in Ontario that others are doing and that we could emulate?” And the answer, sir, was “nothing,” because Ontario has already implemented those. We have trained new HHRs. We are training new nurses. We are giving individuals who want to practise nursing in the province of Ontario a process that is expedited through the College of Nurses of Ontario, and it is working.

We have more historically now getting through the licensing process with the College of Nurses and the CPSO, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, in a faster way, because we understand that people who want to practise in health—

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

The next question.

Land use planning

Mr. John Vanthof: My question is to the Minister of Agriculture. Ontario is losing 320 acres a day, every day, of farmland to development—320 acres of the best farmland in the world, every day, under the minister’s watch; farmland that we will need to feed our cities. You think food is expensive now? Wait, if we keep going at this rate.

Now the government has announced that it also wants to pave over 7,000 acres of farmland in our greenbelt, including at Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve—another 7,000 acres gone forever. Why is the minister so eager to pave over our food security?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Premier.

Hon. Doug Ford: I just want to thank the opposition for their question. Mr. Speaker, we have a housing crisis. We have a housing crisis that the majority of our kids can’t afford to buy a home. They can’t afford to live in Toronto or the GTA because the previous government didn’t have the backbone to make the changes.

We’re increasing the greenbelt more than 2,000 acres, unlike the previous government that changed the greenbelt 17 times—and you voted for it 17 times. You supported them changing the greenbelt to suit their buddies, to change it 17 times.

We’re creating 1.5 million homes over the next 10 years. And I’d like to ask this chamber, where are we going to put the 1.5 million people who are going to show up just over the next five years right here in Ontario, and in Canada, 1.5 million people in the next three years? We need homes. We’re going to build homes, affordable homes.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’ll remind members to make their comments through the Chair.

The supplementary question?

Mr. John Vanthof: I would like to thank the Premier for his answer, but in response, how are we going to feed those people?

The Premier’s own task force stated that the land isn’t the problem and we need to protect the greenbelt. So we know the land isn’t the problem, but we also know the Premier made a promise to speculators a long time ago and then recanted—but obviously, this is a promise he intends to keep.

Now, why are you continuing to allow the best farmland, the farmland that we need to feed our people—the things that are important to our people are shelter, yes, but even more important, food. We have the best land in the province, and the Minister of Agriculture sits and watches it being paved over. Why?

Hon. Doug Ford: Mr. Speaker, last week, we had great friends come here from the Royal. When they came from the Royal, I went down there myself, spoke to endless farmers. They’re extremely happy that we have their backs, we have the supports. We’re going to make sure they’re well taken care of.

But, Mr. Speaker, again, I’d like to ask the opposition, what are they going to do when 50% of the 500,000 people a year come to Canada and they arrive in Ontario? What are we going to do? Are we just going to stack them up into rooms? No, we’re going to build them affordable housing; we’re going to build them attainable housing, something that the opposition would never, ever do.

We need to plan for the future, not only for the new Canadians that are coming but the next generation, so that they can afford—that’s the reason we are building transit that extends into areas that we’re building, and we’re building right beside existing developments that are right there and on the other side of the street.

Mr. Speaker, under the Liberals, if you’re a farmer, you won the lottery—$40 million, $50 million, $100 million. But your next door neighbour, the exact same piece of property—guess what? He will be struggling for the next—

Interjections.

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

The next question?

Fiscal and economic policy

Mr. Aris Babikian: My question is for the Minister of Finance. The ongoing global economic instability and worldwide supply chain disruptions continue to negatively impact the people of Ontario. In the face of this economic uncertainty, my constituents continue to struggle with rising costs driven by higher gas prices due to the federal carbon tax. Many of my constituents express concerns about their household budgets and the unexpected rising costs of their day-to-day necessities.

Speaker, with all these concerns, could the minister please tell the House how our government is working to keep Ontario on a sound economic footing and providing continued financial relief for my constituents?

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Thank you to the hard-working member from Scarborough–Agincourt for that question. We are in uncertain times, amid global economic uncertainty, and with cost-of-living increases reaching levels not seen in decades. The road ahead will not be easy.

We know that the people of Ontario are under pressure. Governments will need to be agile with a responsible plan to respond to any challenges, while acknowledging the risks of inflation.

That is why we have a plan that maintains flexibility and continues to invest in building the critical infrastructure and services that the people of Ontario rely on, and works to restore our manufacturing capacity while keeping costs down for people and businesses.

Mr. Speaker, we have a strong plan for Ontario and, by being flexible and demonstrating restraint, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way.

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

Mr. Aris Babikian: Speaker, rising expenses and continued economic uncertainty are impacting all Ontarians, including the people of my riding.

We have seen news reports about people across Canada saying they are spending less on food due to escalating prices. In the recent fall economic statement, Canada’s federal Minister of Finance, Chrystia Freeland, said, “Canada cannot avoid the global slowdown.” Just recently, the governor of the Bank of Canada also warned Canadians that we should expect more interest-rate hikes and that a mild recession is possible.

Speaker, what is our government doing to ensure that Ontario remains a jurisdiction that is viewed as economically sound and financially robust as we navigate these times of uncertainty?

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Thank you again to the member from Scarborough–Agincourt.

Mr. Speaker, over the last couple of years, Ontario and the rest of the world faced a once-in-a-generation challenge unlike any in all of our lifetimes. The COVID-19 pandemic tested our resolve, but we stood together to get through those tough times.

Today we are navigating another challenge. Mr. Speaker, Ontario, like the rest of the world, is facing challenging economic times. But I am confident in our province. I am confident in the resilience of the people of Ontario, and I am confident in our plan to build Ontario.

That is why I am proud to be introducing our government’s 2022 fall economic statement this afternoon. We have a strong plan to build infrastructure, train workers and restore our manufacturing capacity while keeping costs down for the people and businesses of Ontario. Together, let’s build Ontario.

Health care workers

Ms. Chandra Pasma: Last week CHEO’s pediatric ICU hit 280% capacity. In-patient medicine is at 171%. The emergency department, which was built to handle 150 kids, is seeing, on average, 229 kids a day. Surgeries are being cancelled, and children are being transferred to hospitals hours away.

The government can’t blame seniors waiting for long-term care for causing this situation. When will the Premier get serious about the crisis in health care, make the necessary investments and repeal Bill 124 so our children get the health care they deserve?

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

Hon. Paul Calandra: I appreciate the question from the honourable member.

The member will know, as the Minister of Health has just outlined, the incredible work the government is doing to ensure that health human resources are ever-present and ever-increasing in the province of Ontario. That’s why the Minister of Colleges and Universities has undertaken, really, a nationwide-leading and successful program to encourage more people to get into nursing. It is why, through the Ministry of Long-Term Care, we are adding nurse practitioners. Not only are we adding nurse practitioners, Mr.

Speaker, but we are also paying for those nurse practitioners, in addition to 27,000 additional PSWs across the long-term-care sector alone. And it goes on the back of the nationwide-leading investments that we’ve been making with respect to health care across the province of Ontario in all parts.

We have increased budgets for our small and medium-sized hospitals. We’re building hospitals in Brampton. We’re increasing capacity in Mississauga and all parts of the province, Mr. Speaker. We’re doubling down to make sure that the people of the province of Ontario are protected.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The supplementary question? The member for Nickel Belt.

M me France Gélinas: I’m hoping, Speaker, that the Minister of Health can answer.

Everyone but members of this government agree that we are witnessing an undeniable and unprecedented health human resources crisis. Ontario hospitals are falling further behind. Nurse vacancies in Ontario have increased by 300% since March of 2020. The government says that they’ve brought thousands of new nurses, but where are they? We are currently at a 14.5% turnover rate among hospital nurses. It’s clear that the government’s plan, their so-called retention bonuses, have done very little to keep workers in the field.

Will the minister repeal Bill 124 and show some respect to our burnt-out health care workers?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Minister of Colleges and Universities.

Hon. Jill Dunlop: Thank you to the member for that question. Let me give a couple of numbers: 11,700, 25,000, over 12,000. Now, what do those numbers represent? That’s 11,700 new health care professionals since March of 2020; 25,000 applications for nursing programs at Ontario’s colleges and universities, world-class education right here in Ontario; 12,000 nurses, the number that—the CNO registered more nurses this year than within the record-breaking number, and there’s still months to go.

People are flocking to the nursing profession because of the investments that this government has been making in health care and long-term care, and we’ll continue to see those investments made and the opportunities for students in this province.

Highway construction

Ms. Andrea Khanjin: My question is to the Minister of Transportation, who is getting people moving and saving them precious time. Experts and so many community members have told us, time and time again, that the rapid growth in Simcoe county and York region means we need to build roads, highways and bridges today for the transportation that people need tomorrow, to save them precious time so that they can spend it with their family and friends and get goods to market.

But unfortunately, places like in Bradford and Simcoe county have seen a stalemate of the Bradford Bypass for far too long, when the Liberals have time and time again shot it down, eliminating the potential for more people to spend time with their families, save them time to get to work and get our agricultural products to market.

So I want to ask the Minister of Transportation—she talks to many people in our community—why is it so important to get shovels in the ground and to finally bring the Bradford Bypass?

Hon. Caroline Mulroney: Thank you to the member for Barrie–Innisfil for the question.

Speaker, as the MPP for York–Simcoe and as Minister of Transportation, I’ve heard resounding calls from business owners, from farmers and from residents about the need to get the Bradford Bypass done, and I couldn’t be more pleased that under the leadership of this Premier, our government is finally answering the call. Last week, I joined the Premier and local mayors in Bradford to announce that our government has finally started construction on the Bradford Bypass.

Unlike other governments that came before us, our government is actually delivering real progress on the project and fulfilling the commitment that we made to residents across York region and Simcoe county and beyond to get critical infrastructure built. We are getting it done.

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

Ms. Andrea Khanjin: Thank you, Minister, for getting it done and really understanding the needs of our greater community. We need to build roads and bridges if we’re going to build up this economy and save families time and also embrace our agricultural sector.

She, like myself, often talks to Jody Mott, the executive director of the Holland Marsh Growers’ Association. She said, “This is an essential piece of infrastructure the farmers require to ship our produce that feeds 55% of Ontarians.” So not only is it important to them, but we know that gridlock is worsening and we need real-time solutions to get it done.

I want to ask the minister if she could elaborate on the great benefits of the Bradford Bypass and what it means to surrounding communities.

Hon. Caroline Mulroney: Thank you again to the member for the question. The benefits of the Bradford Bypass go far beyond just providing relief from congestion. In addition to helping our farmers get their goods to market faster, the project is also attracting new business and creating jobs across the growing communities in York region and Simcoe county.

Just a few weeks ago, I was pleased to be in Bradford to celebrate the groundbreaking of Toromont Industries’ new remanufacturing facility. Once complete, the facility will create nearly 200 new skilled-trade jobs for members in the community, and this is only just the beginning. Our government is continuing to build Ontario to help boost our economy and create jobs for people in every corner of this province.

Municipal development

Mrs. Jennifer (Jennie) Stevens: My question is to the Premier. Niagara is in a unique position because our city councils are still meeting. Your housing bill has been met with considerable concern. St. Catharines city council voted unanimously, stating that there is nothing in this bill that advances more homes to be built faster or more affordable.

There are some big questions around slashing development charges, like who is paying for them? It appears to be a transfer of profits to the development industries at the expense of the community.

Premier, have you read the report from St. Catharines? And will you guarantee that municipal taxpayers will not be left on the hook for downloaded costs when you slash municipal revenue like development charges?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I remind members to make their comments through the Chair, not directly across the floor of the House.

The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to reply.

Hon. Steve Clark: When I listen to that question, it just again rings true, the desire by some municipalities to delay the reason for change. There’s a generation in St. Catharines that don’t realize the dream of home ownership. Delaying the decision is going to make things worse. We need to be sure that we get shovels in the ground faster.

It’s quite interesting that the member talks about development charges when I see that the region of Niagara has $206 million in their DC reserve fund. We know there’s a severe problem. We know we have to build 1.5 million homes over the next years. In fact, as the Premier said this morning, with the amount of new Canadians we’re going to be welcoming to Ontario, we need to step that up even more.

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Member for St. Catharines, come to order.

Supplementary question? The member for Niagara Falls.

Mr. Wayne Gates: My question is to the Premier. Not only is the city of St. Catharines concerned with Bill 23, so is the Niagara regional council. Niagara regional council sent the minister a letter outlining how problematic Bill 23 is. They say it will have significant financial impacts and will result in fewer affordable housing units. The government plans to pave over the greenbelt, as well as put municipalities under serious financial strain, just to help their developer friends make millions of dollars.

Under Bill 23, we will lose 7,000 acres of prime farmland. Some of it is the best in the world. We must protect our food security. My question is clear. To the Premier: Has the Premier consulted with the municipalities affected by this bill? And will you meaningfully address the concerns of Niagara?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I remind members to make their comments through the Chair.

Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Hon. Steve Clark: I know that NIMBYism—not in my backyard—is really strong in Ontario. But I used a phrase after we tabled Bill 23, the fact that we’ve now transcended from NIMBYism to BANANA: build absolutely nothing anywhere near anyone.

We consulted mayors. The Premier and I had a meeting in January with big city mayors and regional chairs.

The NDP can deny this all they want, but clearly there are factual studies that show that municipal fees add an average of $116,900 to the cost of a home in the greater Golden Horseshoe. If the NDP want to stand up for high fees and high housing costs, they can do it. They can do it all they want. We’re going to stand up for building more supply and providing affordable opportunities. We want to make sure that that young family can realize the dream of home ownership.

Landlord and Tenant Board / Commission de la location immobilière

M me Lucille Collard: My question is for the Attorney General. The number of people who face urgent housing situations in my riding has reached new peaks. I have both landlords and tenants reaching out for help to resolve their issues. However, the only help I am able to provide is to refer these constituents to the Landlord and Tenant Board. The problem is that these housing disputes are, by nature, urgent and pressing, which makes the long delays at the board a crisis for families in Ottawa–Vanier. People have to wait months for a hearing, and when they do get one, it is a short,

summary affair with little time to find a just outcome. It is clear that the experiment of completely virtual hearings is not working for landlords, and it’s not working for tenants either.

My question is, will the Attorney General commit to reopening in-person hearing sites across the province so that we can have a hybrid system that provides landlords and tenants with access to justice in a timely manner?

Hon. Doug Downey: I’m pleased to address some of the investments we’ve made in the Landlord and Tenant Board. I can tell you, after no investments by the previous government, after no effort, we are picking up the pieces. They were supported by the NDP before that, and they did nothing but watch the system crumble.

But our government has invested. We have invested $28 million in a state-of-the-art system that is up and running and receiving applications in the tens of thousands. I am proud to stand on the fact that we’ve appointed more adjudicators than in the history of the board. We put $4.5 million into speeding up the process.

It’s unfortunate that what they left to go fallow has resulted in us having to pick up the pieces, but we will do it. We will get the job done.

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

M me Lucille Collard: There’s clearly not enough resources allocated to address the backlog, because the crisis is still very much there.

Monsieur le Président, une propriétaire m’a récemment contactée pour me dire qu’elle n’avait pas reçu de loyer pendant six mois de la part des locataires, qui avaient barricadé la porte et refusé de quitter la propriété. À cause de ce non-paiement, la propriétaire n’a pas pu payer son loyer de sa propre maison, et elle et sa fille handicapée sont en train de se faire expulser. L’angoisse vécue par cette mère et sa fille et tant d’autres est due à la façon défaillante dont la Commission de la location immobilière planifie les audiences.

Le Centre ontarien de défense des droits des locataires et d’autres parties prenantes souhaitent un retour à la tenue d’audiences par région. Le procureur général a-t-il un plan pour mieux organiser les audiences afin de réduire les retards de la commission?

Hon. Doug Downey: One of the most important pieces about the Landlord and Tenant Board is that it’s independent and that it does fair and effective hearings. That is happening. We have more adjudicators than in the history of the board hearing matters, moving them along, making sure that they’re fair and independent and that both sides get heard.

We’re also putting resources into making sure that the system helps people navigate. There’s a new navigation tool that is being accessed in the tens of thousands. The online system that we adopted and changed for Ontario’s use was created by the NDP government of BC. We are working collaboratively with all partners to make sure that we’re getting the hearings done, that they’re independent, and that fair and just results are the outcome.

Immigrants’ skills

Mr. Logan Kanapathi: My question is for the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. Ontario is at a critical juncture. We must welcome more immigrants into our province to meet our ongoing and future economic needs. We have seen reports from all sectors of the economy warning about the low number of immigrants welcomed into Ontario and its adverse impact on our economy. For example, nearly 75% of businesses in the farming industry say they are suffering because of the current labour shortage.

With the release of the federal government’s fall economic statement, can the minister please tell us what effect this will have on how Ontario addresses our immigration and skilled trades deficit?

Hon. Monte McNaughton: Thank you to the member for Markham–Thornhill for this very important question. Welcoming more immigrants is critical to Ontario and Canada’s economic success, and we need the federal government to make a real commitment to working with us. For our province and for our country to succeed, Ottawa must dramatically increase the number of skilled newcomers who come to Ontario, and give us more of a say.

Our government is leading the way in Canada in recognizing foreign credentials and breaking down other barriers that newcomers face. We need the federal government to join us at the table today.

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

Mr. Logan Kanapathi: Thank you, Minister, for that answer.

Mr. Speaker, the number of job vacancies in our province continues to increase monthly. Many view Ontario as a favourable jurisdiction because of our untold economic opportunity and potential. As Ontario and Canada face economic challenges driven by global uncertainty, all governments must work together to address this issue.

I understand that in Ontario, we can process immigration nominee applications in as little as 90 days, while the federal government requires up to 46 months for the approval process. Because of this unnecessary extended time frame, Ontario and Canada continue to lose billions in economic productivity.

Mr. Speaker, can the minister explain what action our government is taking to address this important issue?

Hon. Monte McNaughton: I want to thank the member again for that question.

Speaker, Ontario continues to urge the federal government to work with its provincial partners to expand programs that help fill labour gaps through immigration. I speak regularly with Minister Sean Fraser, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, and I’m hopeful we’ll be able to find common ground and make tangible progress on these issues. At minimum, we expect the federal government to double the number of immigrants Ontario can select, and we are ready to offer them our processing capacity.

It is critical that Ottawa address the ongoing application backlogs and approve applications more quickly so workers who want to come to Ontario can arrive and enter the labour market without unnecessary delays. My message to the federal government is simple: Let’s work together and build a stronger Ontario and a stronger Canada.

Northern health services

Mr. Michael Mantha: The physician shortage in northern Ontario small town hospitals is facing a crisis. With three of six physician positions soon to be vacant in Wawa, the hospital there is desperate for assistance from this government to help to prevent closures and staff burnout.

We’ve already seen ERs and primary care affected across the region in the north. What is this government doing to ensure that small northern hospitals will not have to close their doors to patients?

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

Hon. Sylvia Jones: I have to ask, because the member opposite has been in this chamber for many, many years: Where were you when the Auditor General talked about the fact that northern Ontario was facing a physician shortage in their Auditor General’s report when the Liberal Party was in power? Where were you?

Are you willing to stand and agree that increasing the number of physician positions available in northern Ontario in rural and remote communities across Canada is the appropriate thing for us to do?

Where were you when the Liberal government was cutting those spots in northern Ontario?

We have made the investments. We will continue to make the investments. We have a northern medical school that is expanding the number of residency positions. We are expanding—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you. I will remind members to make their comments through the Chair, not directly across the floor.

The supplementary question.

Mr. Michael Mantha: The Wawa hospital has been getting by on agreements with this government to ensure locum coverage, but on August 31 the funding for that agreement was cut unilaterally with no notice to the hospital.

When concerns about keeping the doors open were expressed to the Ministry of Health officials, the ministry suggested, “Well, why don’t you just divert your primary care support to your emergency support?”

Speaker, this is a recipe for disaster. Without primary care, you’re setting up the system for failure. Will this government work with northern health care providers to recruit and retain doctors in the north?

Hon. Sylvia Jones: A recipe for disaster is when the Auditor General, 10-plus years ago, highlighted the need for additional doctors in the north and across Ontario, and it was ignored.

We are making those investments now. We will continue to make those investments. We are doing it with investments in peer-to-peer programs. We are making it with investments in Ornge air ambulance to ensure that northern and remote hospitals make sure that they have coverage in their emergency department.

We will continue to make those changes. We will continue to work with our hospital corporations, and we will make sure that, in the future, we do not deal with health human resources that were as a result of governments ignoring a pending surge in population and a need to make those investments.

Electricity supply

Mr. Todd J. McCarthy: My question, Mr. Speaker, is for the Minister of Energy. Under our government’s watch, we have seen a return of the manufacturing sector and an overall improvement in our economic productivity. But this success has led to questions about the strength of Ontario’s energy grid and the ability to produce the electricity we will require for the future.

Our government recently announced plans to continue the operation of the Pickering nuclear generation station through September 2026. My constituents in Durham know that the Pickering plant serves a significant function in Ontario’s energy grid.

Speaker, could the minister, therefore, elaborate on the Pickering nuclear plant’s role in supporting Ontario’s energy operations?

Hon. Todd Smith: Thanks to the member for Durham for the great question this morning. I want to start off by recognizing the amazing job that Ontario’s nuclear workers are doing every day to keep the lights on in Pickering, at Darlington and also at Bruce Power. Pickering provides Ontario with a source of low-cost and reliable zero-emissions electricity every day to meet the province’s baseload energy needs, not like the intermittent wind and solar projects that were brought on—33,000 of them—by the previous government.

Our nuclear fleet, our world-class facilities—they’re providing power that’s available when we need it every day of the week. And at the same time, by supporting the safe continued operation of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, we are standing shoulder to shoulder with those workers in the Durham region—those good-paying jobs, those hard-working people that are providing the clean power that Ontario needs for the future.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Mr. Todd J. McCarthy: Mr. Speaker, I also share our government’s appreciation for the dedication and diligence of the workers of the Pickering nuclear plant. Maintaining the Pickering nuclear generation station will protect good-paying jobs for thousands of workers in Durham region and across Ontario.

About 7,500 jobs across Ontario are related to the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station. These jobs represent skilled workers who are the backbone of our economy, and they help to provide the clean, reliable and safe power that Ontarians rely upon. Unfortunately, not everyone in this Legislature shares that view about the workers in my riding and the benefits their labour and sacrifice provide for this province.

Mr. Speaker, could the minister please reaffirm his support for the workers of the Pickering nuclear station?

Hon. Todd Smith: It’s a great follow-up question from the member from Durham. I don’t know why anyone in this Legislature would oppose this move that is clearly a win, not only for electricity generation in the province and future growth in our province, but it’s also a win for the environment.

Earlier this morning, in estimates, we heard from the member from Kingston, who seems to be opposed to nuclear energy, Mr. Speaker. We heard from the member opposite who is now the leader of the NDP, who seems to be opposed to nuclear energy. That source of electricity provides 60% of our electricity every day. It’s a zero-emission source of electricity, one that is the only pathway to get us to net zero in our province. The leader of the NDP in this House, Mr. Speaker, on dozens of occasions has spoken about the lack of support for nuclear in our province.

We’re standing firmly with the people of Pickering, the people in Darlington, the people in Bruce, who are providing low-cost, reliable and affordable electricity—

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

The next question.

Hospital services

Miss Monique Taylor: My question is for the Premier. McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton has reached a crisis point where occupancy has reached over 140%. I’m not confident that the Premier or his minister understand the severity of this situation. Children are critically ill. Parents are terrified. Health care professionals are calling for action. McMaster is ringing the alarm bells.

What is the Premier going to do to ensure hospitals have the resources and the capacities to provide hospital care to our children?

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

Hon. Sylvia Jones: I will reiterate what Dr. Kieran Moore mentioned earlier today, which was that our most vulnerable—our youngest population, people with underlying health conditions—need to be protected. Which is why, earlier today, Dr. Kieran Moore made the recommendation strongly to mask while in public indoor settings. We are taking these actions because we understand there is a percentage of the population who cannot have a vaccine.

Having said that, we have done incredibly well in the province of Ontario to have access and make sure that people who have the ability to have that vaccine get their flu shot, keep up to date on their vaccines and their boosters, because we know that it does make a difference. We know that it keeps our youngest and most vulnerable out of our emergency departments. We know that, by doing the right thing—testing, staying home when we’re sick—we can make a difference and we can take the pressure off those most vulnerable people in our population. I would hope that the member—

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

The supplementary question.

Miss Monique Taylor: Speaker, what the minister is talking about is what the community needs to do to support the hospital. I’m asking what the government is going to do to support the hospital. Empty words and gestures are not good enough. The Premier has offered no aid to McMaster, even though wait times have spiked to 12-plus hours just over this past weekend. His government is sitting on $2.1 billion of budget surplus dollars and they’re not spending it.

Will the Premier commit today to spending surplus dollars to support McMaster’s hospital and our pediatric care crisis?

Hon. Sylvia Jones: The member’s words do not match our actions. We have invested $90 million in emergency department Pay-for-Results Programs, which provide funding incentives for 74 emergency departments in high-volume EDs to make improvements, including length of stay. We’ve implemented 49 models of care to make sure that people who call 911, if they so desire and have the ability to do so, can get their care in other places in the community.

We funded Ornge’s virtual care medical doctor trial for northern Ontario at risk of closure, and, yes, we have assisted McMaster and all of the other children’s hospitals across Ontario, because we know that they are experiencing some incredibly challenging times with influenza, with RSV and with COVID-19.

We will continue to work with our funding partners to make sure that they have the investments, but we also have a collective responsibility to make sure, individually, we do the right thing and keep our youngest people safe.

Post-secondary education and skills training

Ms. Christine Hogarth: Investing in post-secondary students is critical to building a highly skilled workforce here in Ontario. For our economy to grow and become an economic leader once again, we must support our students in obtaining the relevant experience they need to get good jobs after graduation. When I talk to the good people in Etobicoke–Lakeshore, all those employers said, “We need people.” With the tens of thousands of well-paying highly skilled jobs going unfilled in our province, we must act now to connect students and businesses to these new skills and opportunities for advancement.

Could the Minister of Colleges and Universities update this House on how our government supports students in practical work-integrated learning?

Hon. Jill Dunlop: Thank you to the member from Etobicoke–Lakeshore for that important and timely question. I say “timely” because, just last week, I was excited to announce that our government is providing over $10 million to help Mitacs, an organization that builds research partnerships between post-secondary institutions and industry, to create 2,700 paid internships for post-secondary students. We are so pleased to be supporting post-secondary students and partners through experiential learning programs like Mitacs that prepare students with skills and training needed for jobs in an innovative economy.

They will not only help prepare students for the workforce through on-the-job learning but will also help to remove the stress of worrying about financial compensation.

Even further, Speaker, these internships allow employers to connect with emerging leaders in their fields, nurture talent and develop their industry.

Investing in skills training opportunities for students and recent graduates is part of our government’s plan to work for workers—supporting Ontario’s economic growth for positioning students and businesses for success.

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

Ms. Christine Hogarth: I want to thank the minister for that update. I also want to thank the minister for taking an interest in our local college, Humber College, and visiting there with me early last year. Thank you for that.

While I’m encouraged to hear that our government is supporting our next generation of workers in this new economy, we need to be confident that all Ontario students will be able to participate. Many students require more selection in learning opportunities to accommodate their unique circumstances and needs.

Speaker, can the minister elaborate on what our government is doing to support these innovative partnerships and increase flexibility for student learning opportunities across Ontario’s post-secondary landscape?

We have made tremendous strides towards connecting students to work online or in person, part-time and full-time, across disciplines, across Ontario. In the last five years, Ontario has spent over $57 million to support Mitacs to create over 14,000 research internships, and over the next 10 years, we will be investing $500 million to support research opportunities across Ontario.

We will continue to invest in training our post-secondary students to prepare for the jobs of tomorrow, because when students succeed, Ontario succeeds.

Emergency services

Ms. Teresa J. Armstrong: Speaker, this Premier and government know that health care is in crisis. Can you imagine going into the emergency room and hearing the pleas of a patient in another emergency room, asking, “When am I going to see a doctor? The pain is so horrific. Please, can I see a doctor? When will someone be able to help me?” That’s what we’re hearing in emergency rooms.

In London, London Health Sciences Centre has reported a 20-hour wait time in emergency rooms. And now, reports are coming from across the province that there’s a dire shortage of ambulances available.

Just last week, I heard from a constituent who had two incidents last month where they called for ambulance services and had to wait for hours for it to arrive to help his wife who had fallen and couldn’t get up. They had to cancel one of the calls because repairmen arrived and were able to help.

My question is, what is this government doing to ensure that people have emergency care services when they need them?

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

Hon. Sylvia Jones: We are building capacity, and we will continue to build capacity. As the member opposite knows, ambulance and paramedic services are funded 50-50 between the municipality and the province of Ontario. Not once—not once—have we ever turned down a municipality who wants to expand their ambulance capacity.

We are offering and expanding the number of ambulance paramedics that are training in the province of Ontario through investments in colleges and universities. We are building a health human resources that will be second to none in Canada. We will do that. We are doing it through the College of Nurses and the College of Physicians and Surgeons. We are doing it through our health system, through retention pay. We are doing it through an expansion of our human resources training in colleges with the assistance of our partners.

And we will continue to do that work, because we understand that as Ontario’s population grows, we need to make sure that we have the jobs and the resources available for those people who need it when they need it.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Ms. Teresa J. Armstrong: The Middlesex-London paramedics are sounding the sirens, and paramedics have already proposed a pilot program that would help triage ambulance demands to take the pressure off the system. The pilot has already been endorsed by Middlesex county council.

When will the Premier and the Minister of Health respond to the proposal and help fix the problem in London, and across the province, so people have access to ambulance services when they need them the most?

Hon. Sylvia Jones: Speaker, I cannot reinforce how pleased I am to hear the member opposite talk about, and encouraging, innovation in our health care system. The number of innovative ideas that have come, particularly through the paramedic system include, of course, the 911 model of care, which allows individuals to get treated outside of an emergency department. That idea came from paramedics. It came from chiefs who understood we have trained health care professionals who can do more, and are willing to do more.

We’ll continue to acknowledge, accept and review those innovative ideas, and approve them when appropriate. But again I cannot underline how pleased I am to hear the members opposite finally talking about embracing innovation in our health care system.

Our government must continue demonstrating leadership by ensuring that Ontario is open and inclusive. Speaker, can the minister please tell us what our government is doing to ensure that people with disabilities in northern Ontario can fully participate in our great province?

Hon. Raymond Sung Joon Cho: Thank you to the member for asking such an important question. The member from Sault Ste. Marie is doing a marvellous job representing northern Ontario.

It was my pleasure to announce $32,500 in funding as part of our Inclusive Community Grants initiative at Blind River town council last week. The people of Blind River are top notch; they care and want to make their town as accessible as possible. I want to congratulate Mayor Sally Hagman and the entire council for their leadership in making the town a shining example of how any community across Ontario can become more inclusive.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Mr. Ross Romano: I know that the funding received by the people of Blind River was of particular importance to them as it aligns with their broader economic and social development strategy of a barrier-free community.

Northern and rural communities were neglected for far too long under the previous Liberal government when it came to addressing their infrastructure needs. Seniors and people with disabilities experienced this neglect first-hand.

Speaker, can the minister please explain to the House why the funding for Blind River and across all of northern Ontario is so critical to our government’s overall mission of being open and accessible to everyone?

Our Inclusive Community Grants aren’t only in Blind River but all across Ontario. We are investing to help ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to engage in their communities.

Again, congratulations to Mayor Hagman and all the council members of the town of Blind River.

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

Visitor

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member from Mississauga–Malton has a point of order, I understand.

Mr. Deepak Anand: A point of order, Mr. Speaker: I just want to take a moment to recognize Ms. Romana Siddiqui, chair of the parent involvement committee, PDSB, and proud mother of page Yusuf. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Deferred Votes

Health care

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): We now have a deferred vote on private member’s notice of motion number 8.

Call in the members. This is a five-minute bell.

The division bells rang from 1145 to 1150.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’m going to ask members to please take their seats.

Ms. Khanjin has moved private member’s notice of motion number 8. All those in favour will please rise and remain standing until recognized by the Clerk.

Ayes

Anand, Deepak

Andrew, Jill

Armstrong, Teresa J.

Babikian, Aris

Bailey, Robert

Barnes, Patrice

Begum, Doly

Bell, Jessica

Bouma, Will

Bourgouin, Guy

Brady, Bobbi Ann

Bresee, Ric

Byers, Rick

Calandra, Paul

Cho, Raymond Sung Joon

Cho, Stan

Clark, Steve

Coe, Lorne

Collard, Lucille

Crawford, Stephen

Cuzzetto, Rudy

Dixon, Jess

Dowie, Andrew

Downey, Doug

Dunlop, Jill

Fedeli, Victor

Fife, Catherine

Flack, Rob

Ford, Doug

Ford, Michael D.

Fraser, John

French, Jennifer K.

Fullerton, Merrilee

Gallagher Murphy, Dawn

Gates, Wayne

Gélinas, France

Ghamari, Goldie

Gill, Parm

Glover, Chris

Grewal, Hardeep Singh

Hardeman, Ernie

Harden, Joel

Harris, Mike

Hogarth, Christine

Hsu, Ted

Hunter, Mitzie

Jones, Sylvia

Jones, Trevor

Jordan, John

Kanapathi, Logan

Ke, Vincent

Kernaghan, Terence

Kerzner, Michael S.

Khanjin, Andrea

Kusendova-Bashta, Natalia

Leardi, Anthony

Lecce, Stephen

MacLeod, Lisa

Mamakwa, Sol

Mantha, Michael

Martin, Robin

McCarthy, Todd J.

McGregor, Graham

McMahon, Mary-Margaret

McNaughton, Monte

Mulroney, Caroline

Oosterhoff, Sam

Pang, Billy

Parsa, Michael

Pasma, Chandra

Pierre, Natalie

Pirie, George

Quinn, Nolan

Rae, Matthew

Rasheed, Kaleed

Rickford, Greg

Riddell, Brian

Romano, Ross

Sabawy, Sheref

Sandhu, Amarjot

Sarkaria, Prabmeet Singh

Sarrazin, Stéphane

Sattler, Peggy

Saunderson, Brian

Schreiner, Mike

Shamji, Adil

Skelly, Donna

Smith, Dave

Smith, David

Smith, Graydon

Smith, Todd

Stevens, Jennifer (Jennie)

Stiles, Marit

Surma, Kinga

Tabuns, Peter

Taylor, Monique

Thanigasalam, Vijay

Thompson, Lisa M.

Tibollo, Michael A.

Vanthof, John

Wai, Daisy

West, Jamie

Williams, Charmaine A.

Wong-Tam, Kristyn

Yakabuski, John

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): All those opposed will please rise and remain standing until recognized by the Clerk.

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Todd Decker): The ayes are 105; the nays are 0.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I declare the motion carried.

Motion agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): There being no further business this morning, this House stands in recess until 1 p.m.

The House recessed from 1153 to 1300.

Introduction of Visitors

MPP Jamie West: We’re joined today by many trade union leaders. l want to recognize Laura Walton, president of OSBCU, and Fred Hahn, president of CUPE Ontario, as well as union leaders. Without naming all of them—because there are so many, I’m just going to name the unions and organizations: OFL, OPSEU, ONA, ETFO, OCUFA, Unifor, the society of professional engineers, OSSTF, the machinists, OECTA, the Toronto and York Region Labour Council, and other CUPE locals, including CUPE Local 7575. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam: It’s my honour to introduce Lawrence Chan, a 22-year-old newcomer and refugee from Hong Kong. He is now a member of the Toronto Centre riding association family.

Mr. Joel Harden: It’s a great pleasure to introduce again Sharon Lee, an OLIP intern working with us and our team for the Ottawa Centre office.

Sharon, it’s nice to see you. Thank you for all your help.

Ms. Doly Begum: I would like to introduce Munaiba, who has just joined our legislative office this week as a placement student.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: I want to welcome some of my colleagues from the ministry office. Thank you for being here. You provide great support to me and my staff.

Reports by Committees

Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs

Ms. Christine Hogarth: I beg leave to present a report from the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs and move its adoption.

The Clerk-at-the-Table (Mr. Christopher Tyrell): Your committee begs to report the following bill without amendment:

Bill Pr2,

An Act to revive 405456 Ontario Limited.

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

Report adopted.

Introduction of Government Bills

Keeping Students in Class Repeal Act, 2022 / Loi de 2022 abrogeant la Loi visant à garder les élèves en classe

Mr. Calandra moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 35,

An Act to repeal the Keeping Students in Class Act, 2022 / Projet de loi 35, Loi abrogeant la Loi de 2022 visant à garder les élèves en classe.

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

First reading agreed to.

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

Hon. Paul Calandra: Thank you, Speaker. It’s self-explanatory. The bill allows us to continue working with our friends in education to ensure that our kids remain in school.

Progress on the Plan to Build Act (Budget Measures), 2022 / Loi de 2022 sur la progression du plan pour bâtir (mesures budgétaires)

Mr. Bethlenfalvy moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 36,

An Act to implement Budget measures and to enact and amend various statutes / Projet de loi 36, Loi visant à mettre en oeuvre les mesures budgétaires et à édicter et à modifier diverses lois.

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

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Would the Minister of Finance want to briefly explain his bill?

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: We’ll have more to say during statements by the ministry.

Statements by the Ministry and Responses

Economic outlook and fiscal review / Perspectives économiques et revue financière

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Last year, when I delivered the 2021 fall economic statement in the Legislature, it was the same day we paid tribute to a great leader and great Premier of the province of Ontario, the Honourable Bill Davis. Bill Davis is still with us in this Legislature, and he casts a very long shadow. From Ontario’s college system, to health care expansion, to seeing the province through economic hardship, he believed in province-building and nation-building.

Just like Premier Davis before him, Premier Ford is building this great province with Ontario’s Plan to Build.

Today, Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to stand before my colleagues, old and new, to provide an update on the progress we have made on our plan to build Ontario.

Aujourd’hui, j’ai le privilège, en présence de mes anciens et nouveaux collègues, de faire le point sur les progrès que nous avons faits dans l’exécution de notre plan pour bâtir l’Ontario.

And together we have come so far. Together, we’ve invested in Ontario’s automotive and manufacturing capacity and supply chain to become a North American leader in building electric and hybrid vehicles and battery manufacturing.

Together, we’re unlocking the economic potential of critical minerals and the Ring of Fire of the north and connecting them to our world-class manufacturing capabilities in southern Ontario.

We’re building roads, we’re building highways, we’re building subways, and we’re building bridges.

Together, we’ve trained thousands of workers through significant investments in skills training.

Together, we’re keeping costs down for families, for workers and our seniors.

And, together, we’re expanding our health care workforce with more doctors, more nurses and more personal support workers. And we’re well under way on delivering on the largest expansion of long-term-care beds in this province’s history.

Mr. Speaker, in our 2022 Ontario economic outlook and fiscal review, we are tabling the first-ever Building Ontario Progress Report.

Monsieur le Président, dans le document Perspectives économiques et revue financière de 2022, nous présentons le tout premier rapport d’étape, « Bâtir l’Ontario ».

To build Ontario’s economy, we’re making progress in attracting investments and good jobs.

Over the last two years, we have attracted more than $16 billion, including $12.5 billion in electric vehicles and EV manufacturing of batteries right here in the province—and $2.5 billion in investments that will help make the province a world producer of clean steel.

Mr. Speaker, we released Ontario’s first-ever Critical Minerals Strategy to support better supply chain connections in northern and southern Ontario. And we are progressing on the roads to the Ring of Fire by supporting ongoing environmental assessment led by Marten Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation, for both the Marten Falls community access road and the Webequie supply road.

Mr. Speaker, we continue to call on the federal government to be a full partner in the Ring of Fire and match our investment.

To build Ontario’s workforce, we’re making progress in training and educating students and workers to succeed today and tomorrow. The first two rounds of the Skills Development Fund delivered 388 training projects, helping more than 393,000 workers take the next step in their careers. And we’ve already added more than 11,700 health care workers to the system, including nurses and personal support workers. And after two years of pandemic disruptions, our government launched its Plan to Catch Up, so students are in classrooms learning, preparing for the jobs of the future.

To build infrastructure for Ontario, we’re making progress by getting shovels in the ground on critical projects all across Ontario. As I stand here, preliminary fieldwork is already under way for Highway 413, and early construction work has started on the Bradford Bypass. We have completed construction at the Union and Rutherford GO stations. And that’s not all: We broke ground and announced the preferred proponent teams for two key contracts on the Ontario Line. We’ve also invested over $950 million in nearly 190 broadband, cellular and satellite projects, bringing access to over 375,000 Ontario homes and businesses.

Mr. Speaker, to keep costs down, our government eliminated licence plate renewal fees as well as licence plate stickers, and refunded the past two years of fees for eligible vehicles. We continue to help make life more affordable for nearly eight million vehicle owners in Ontario. We’ve saved and continue to save money for Ontario households by temporarily cutting the gas tax and fuel tax, starting on July 1, 2022.

To secure our long-term prosperity, we must increase supply. That means building hospitals and housing, building highways and roads, and delivering manufacturing capacity in this province. And that is exactly what our government is doing. Each and every day, we’re getting it done. We’re continuing to say yes to building Ontario’s economy, yes to building Ontario’s workforce, yes to building Ontario’s infrastructure, and yes to keeping costs down for Ontario families and businesses.

Mr. Speaker, these are uncertain economic times. In 2022, Ontario’s consumer price inflation reached a near 40-year high.

La conjoncture économique est incertaine. En 2022, l’indice des prix à la consommation de l’Ontario a atteint un sommet inégalé depuis près de 40 ans.

We are suffering from high inflation because of the consequences of a worldwide pandemic and Russia’s illegal war on the Ukraine, which has caused supply disruptions across various industries. While inflation eased somewhat in September, the Bank of Canada increased interest rates another 50 basis points, and the cost of groceries and other everyday goods continues to remain stubbornly high. Taken together, the year ahead is likely to be marked by ongoing economic turbulence and a slowdown in growth. Understandably, this is putting financial pressure on families, workers and seniors.

This is why our government has a responsible fiscal plan which will help us navigate these uncertain times. This is why, no matter what lies ahead, I have confidence in the resilience of Ontario’s economy, its workers and its people. And I have confidence in our plan.

Mr. Speaker, our fall economic statement also includes new targeted measures to advance our plan. After over 300,000 manufacturing jobs were lost under the previous government, our government is using the strength of our supply chains to support globally competitive, homegrown manufacturing.

Manufacturers are looking for ways to remove emissions from supply chains. That is why we’re proposing to launch a voluntary clean energy credit registry that will boost competitiveness and attract jobs—and Mr. Speaker, I even got a smile under that mask, from Mike Schreiner, across the way. This will also give businesses another tool to achieve their environmental and sustainability goals.

We’re also refocusing our approach to cutting red tape to clear up supply chain delays as well as to support Ontario’s agri‐food system so we can get goods and services to customers faster and help create more jobs.

Mr. Speaker, our government knows that Main Street Ontario matters. That’s why we’re proposing to increase the number of small businesses that could benefit from the small business tax rate. This change will lower costs for small businesses, providing $185 million in income tax relief over the next three years.

Our government recognizes the incredible potential of each and every person in this province. And people living with a disability shouldn’t be punished for working. That’s why we are proposing to increase the amount a person on the Ontario Disability Support Program, also known as ODSP, can earn, from $200 to $1,000 per month. This will not impact their other plentiful income tax supports that they deserve. This measure would encourage people with a disability who want to increase their work hours to do so and would promote more participation in the workforce—while not penalizing them for doing so.

It would allow the approximately 25,000 individuals currently in the workforce to keep more of their earnings, and it could encourage as many as 25,000 more to participate in the workforce.

Our government also recognizes that there are many ODSP recipients who cannot work and that they need our continued support. That is why, in August, we announced a 5% increase to ODSP rates. Going forward, we plan to adjust ODSP rates to inflation, beginning in July 2023, so when the cost of living increases, income support would increase as well.

Nous entendons rajuster les prestations du Programme ontarien de soutien aux personnes handicapées en fonction de l’inflation, et ce, à compter de juillet 2023. Ainsi, quand le coût de la vie augmentera, le soutien du revenu augmentera aussi.

As we increase support for ODSP recipients, we also must look at reforms so we can improve access and make sure that those who need the support can get it faster.

We want everyone who is able and wants to pursue a job to know that their government is in their corner. That is why we are investing in skills training. Through our Skills Development Fund, we have supported groundbreaking programs that connect job seekers. Through our efforts in skills and training, we are ensuring that they have the skills they need to pursue new opportunities. And I’m pleased to announce today that we are investing an additional $40 million for the latest round of this program. This brings our total funding to a record $145 million.

The skilled trades present an opportunity for a successful career for thousands upon thousands of people, especially high school students. I’m pleased to share that our government is expanding the Dual Credit Program, creating direct pathways for high school students seeking a career in the trades or in early childhood education. This gives students the opportunity to complete credits towards both an Ontario secondary school diploma and a college credential or a certificate of apprenticeship so that they can begin work earlier. Mr. Speaker, there is a future in Ontario for young people in the trades.

As well, we know that these are challenging financial times for many in our province. This government understands that the last thing the people of Ontario need right now is a tax increase at the pumps. That is why we are proposing to extend the gas and fuel tax cuts until December 31, 2023. Extending these cuts would mean households of this province would save $195, on average, between July 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023.

Mr. Speaker, seniors built this province, and we owe them all a debt of gratitude—so thank you. But for too many low-income seniors, covering day-to-day costs has become a source of anxiety. Our government is proposing to double payments for all senior recipients of the Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System program for 2023. This will provide a maximum increase of almost $1,000 per person for low-income seniors for the year.

Our government also recognizes that we are facing a difficult road ahead, and an economic slowdown in the near term is very real.

Monsieur le Président, notre gouvernement le sait bien : le chemin qui nous attend sera semé d’embûches, sans doute, et le spectre d’un ralentissement économique à brève échéance est bien réel.

When faced with this degree of uncertainty, we need to be flexible and forward-thinking, with a fiscal plan that is ready to support people and businesses when and if the time comes, while also laying a strong foundation for future generations. But for too long, previous governments have allowed our structural deficits to grow. Previous governments added almost $200 billion to Ontario’s debt, and what do they have to show for it? Enough highways?

Interjections: No.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Enough transit?

Interjections: No.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: More hospitals?

Interjections: No.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: More nurses and personal support workers?

Interjections: No.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Our government is taking a different path. We’re taking a responsible and targeted approach, making record investments in the priorities that matter to the people of Ontario.

Ontario’s projected deficit in 2022-23 is $12.9 billion. This is an improvement of $6.9 billion from the 2022 budget. Eliminating Ontario’s deficit while delivering on Ontario’s Plan to Build is a critical part of our government’s long-term vision for this province. After unprecedented spending in response to the pandemic, now is the time for governments to show restraint, to act cautiously and responsibly. Irresponsible spending today will only make inflation more painful and drag out the economic downturn.

The economic road ahead will not be easy, and Ontario is not an island, and we will not be immune to it. But there is nothing we cannot do together, no challenge that we cannot meet, no obstacle we cannot overcome. Whatever the economic uncertainty may bring, our government has a plan. Just like Bill Davis did so many years ago, under the leadership of Premier Ford we are building a stronger province. And no matter the obstacles we may face, we are steadfast—because one thing I am sure of is the strength and resilience of the people of this great province.

Together, let’s get it done. Let’s build Ontario.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Responses?

Ms. Catherine Fife: It is a pleasure to rise on behalf of His Majesty’s official opposition to respond to the fall economic statement.

Budgeting is about priorities. The fall economic statement is a key opportunity to communicate with Ontarians. What the government is communicating today is that they don’t share our priorities of health, of education or of cost-of-living relief for low-income families.

This government’s economic update comes on the heels of a multi-billion dollar surplus. Instead of taking the opportunity to invest in our hospitals, they sit on billions. Amid a health care crisis, which is real, this government has not allocated a single new penny. We have seen cancelled surgeries across the province, ER closures, code reds in all of our communities, long waits. And now, for the first time in the history of the province, there is a shortage of pediatric ICU beds for children. Every single pediatric unit is full.

Just this morning, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health said the province’s health system is facing extraordinary pressures.

Despite the crisis before us, the government is projected to spend $6.2 billion less on health care than what is needed through to 2025.

I’m not sure if the members of the government in the House have seen the pictures of children and babies on ventilators, but I would urge you to pay attention to what is happening in our health care system.

As staffing shortages plague our hospitals, the Ford government touts that they have added 11,000 new health care workers since 2020, but informed reports say 47,000 new health care workers need to be hired per year for the next three years to maintain current service levels. And yet this government stubbornly holds on to Bill 124, which is wage-suppression legislation, which is driving health care workers out of this province. Health care workers are increasingly reporting exhaustion and burnout, and more and more health care workers are considering whole profession changes.

On the education front, over the last few weeks we saw the government lowballing CUPE education workers and imposing a collective agreement on them with meagre increases, well below inflation. The fall economic statement continues this trend of underspending. Comparing the document before us to the non-partisan Financial Accountability Officer’s report from October, the government will be short $1 billion in education through 2024-25. What does that mean for our kids? And what does that say about a government that doesn’t respect education workers and that doesn’t understand the damage that was done to our students and to our system throughout the pandemic?

The cost of living: Instead of addressing the housing affordability crisis, this government has downgraded its projection for housing starts in the coming years and has refused to fully reverse the $100-million cut to the housing program. The government has failed to accelerate public funding for affordable and non-market housing to ensure an adequate supply of new homes. We should not have people in Ontario living in tents. There has to be an investment in truly affordable housing.

There were some encouraging parts, I do want to say. We were absolutely relieved that there were improvements to ODSP, where future increases will be tied to inflation—and increasing the allowable earnings from $200 a month to $1,000 a month. That is a good move and something that we have tried to get the government to pay attention to. But Ontario’s ODSP rates have not kept pace with inflation. An inflationary increase is welcome, but it’s not enough to combat the skyrocketing costs of rent, of heating and of groceries—and the gas tax will not help these folks.

A troubling trend that we have observed in the last two budget cycles, and this is something that I think everyone should be paying attention to in Ontario, is that this government is underestimating revenue—you just heard it—and it overestimates the deficit. This has been observed by public accounts, by the FAO, by the Auditor General—and the government’s own summer budget. For 2022-23, the government is projecting a deficit of $12.9 billion, $7 billion lower than the outlook published in the summer budget, but in the same period, our Financial Accountability Officer has predicted a $100-million surplus. Where is the transparency? Where is the trust on the dollars?

Mr. Speaker, this fall economic statement is disappointing because it does not recognize the current state of affairs that the people of this province are experiencing. It is a missed opportunity to invest in the people of this province.

Ms. Stephanie Bowman: I rise today to comment on Ontario’s economic outlook and fiscal review. While this occasion was a chance to meaningfully enhance the programs that Ontarians rely on, like health care and education, once again this government is showing their reluctance to spend and leaving our public health care system in crisis, and they are at risk of doing the same to public education.

On a positive note, the fall economic statement does have some increased funding in GAINS to help low-income seniors—which the Liberal caucus called for—about $40 million. And it does provide the opportunity for those on ODSP who can work to earn more before ODSP is clawed back. Those are measures that will help some Ontarians.

What we do not see here is a meaningful effort to fix the health care crisis and reverse decisions like Bill 124, which contributed to nurses leaving the profession at the highest rate ever.

What we do not see reflected here is the decision to not pay our public sector workers what they are worth, creating instability in the education sector and instability for families.

What we do not see here is meaningful help for low-income families who are struggling to put food on the table.

What we do not see here is an effort to protect the land that we grow our food on instead of paving over it, so that Ontarians have actual food security instead of just a food security strategy.

Increasing the Ontario child tax benefit is one of our recommendations for how this government could have provided that relief. Instead, they have decided to do nothing to help those families.

Mr. Speaker, this government talks about attracting jobs to the province. That is a good thing, but in this era of climate crisis—which this government continues to ignore—the government overlooked a very important criteria that companies use to make their decisions about location: access to green energy. With their decision to cancel green energy contracts put in place by the previous Liberal government and their decision to add carbon-emitting gas plants to our energy grid, this government is jeopardizing Ontario’s ability to attract companies to Ontario.

The government’s history of underestimating its overall financial results and not being transparent with Ontarians about our financial situation continues. This updated economic outlook still reflects a $3.5-billion contingency fund for this year alone and provides no details at all about the amount of contingency funds in future years—what the FAO and the Auditor General note as historically high.

While prudence and fiscal responsibility are admirable features of a budget and outlook, underspending and underfunding on priorities like health care and protecting our kids, our seniors and our most vulnerable are not.

The government continues to forecast a deficit for 2022-23, when just a few months ago they reported a $2.1-billion surplus. The FAO forecast a $100-million surplus in 2022-23, while this government continues to forecast a deficit of $12.9 billion.

Just today, the FAO released a report that shows in this year alone the government is underfunding our public education system by $400 million. Mr. Speaker, that hurts kids, parents and our economy.

In difficult times like these, people look out for each other, and that makes all the difference. But some difficulties are too big for family, friends or neighbours to handle. That’s when the government needs to step up to make sure Ontarians have more than just the ability to survive—but to ensure they have the opportunity to thrive.

Mr. Mike Schreiner: I rise to respond to the fall economic statement. With all due respect to the Minister of Finance, I believe this statement fails to meet the moment. You would not know that Ontario is in an affordability crisis, reading this statement—especially the most vulnerable.

While I support the increase in the income allowance for ODSP recipients, the bottom line is, for those who cannot work, this statement will mean they remain living in legislated poverty.

Speaker, nothing in this statement talked about food affordability, the excess profits of food retailers, the need to protect our farmland, the need to bring in a grocery code of conduct, or the need to house people—the growing number of homeless we’re experiencing in our communities—and the need to invest in permanent supportive housing.

Quite frankly, when the government talks about a building progress report, the report needs to talk about whether we are building to be climate-ready. When we build on the farmland that feeds us, the greenbelt that protects us, the wetlands that support us, we are not building to be climate-ready. That is not how Bill Davis built. He built a province that laid the foundation for the greenbelt—not paving over it.

Motions

Order of business

Hon. Paul Calandra: I am seeking unanimous consent that, notwithstanding any standing order or special order of the House, the order for second reading of Bill 35,

An Act to repeal the Keeping Students in Class Act, 2022, may be called today; and

That when that order is called, the Speaker shall put every question necessary to dispose of this stage of the bill without further debate or amendment, and at such time the bill shall be ordered for third reading; and

That the order for third reading of Bill 35 shall then immediately be called and the question shall immediately be put on the motion for third reading of the bill without debate or amendment; and

That no deferral of the second or third reading votes on the bill shall be permitted; and

That if there is a recorded vote, it will be limited to a five-minute bell.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Mr. Calandra is seeking the unanimous consent of the House that, notwithstanding any standing order or special order of the House, the order for second reading of Bill 35,

An Act to repeal the Keeping Students in Class Act, 2022, may be called today; and

That when that order is called, the Speaker shall put every question necessary to dispose of this stage of the bill without further debate or amendment, and at such time the bill shall be ordered for third reading; and

That the order for third reading of Bill 35 shall then immediately be called and the question shall immediately be put on the motion for third reading of the bill without debate or amendment; and

That no deferral of the second or third reading votes on the bill shall be permitted; and

That if there is a recorded vote, it will be limited to a five-minute bell.

Agreed? Agreed.

Motion agreed to.

Orders of the Day

Keeping Students in Class Repeal Act, 2022 / Loi de 2022 abrogeant la Loi visant à garder les élèves en classe

Mr. Calandra moved second reading of the following bill:

Bill 35,

An Act to repeal the Keeping Students in Class Act, 2022 / Projet de loi 35, Loi abrogeant la Loi de 2022 visant à garder les élèves en classe.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Pursuant to the order of the House adopted earlier today, I am now required to put the question.

Mr. Calandra has moved second reading of Bill 35,

An Act to repeal the Keeping Students in Class Act, 2022. Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

Second reading agreed to.

Keeping Students in Class Repeal Act, 2022 / Loi de 2022 abrogeant la Loi visant à garder les élèves en classe

Mr. Calandra moved third reading of the following bill:

Bill 35,

An Act to repeal the Keeping Students in Class Act, 2022 / Projet de loi 35, Loi abrogeant la Loi de 2022 visant à garder les élèves en classe.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Pursuant to the order of the House adopted earlier today, I am now required to put the question.

Mr. Calandra has moved third reading of Bill 35,

An Act to repeal the Keeping Students in Class Act, 2022. Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? I heard some noes.

All those in favour of the motion will please say “aye.”

All those opposed will please say “nay.”

In my opinion, the ayes have it.

Call in the members. This is a five-minute bell.

The division bells rang from 1340 to 1345.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members will please take their seats.

Mr. Calandra has moved third reading of Bill 35,

An Act to repeal the Keeping Students in Class Act, 2022.

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

Ayes

Anand, Deepak

Andrew, Jill

Armstrong, Teresa J.

Babikian, Aris

Bailey, Robert

Barnes, Patrice

Begum, Doly

Bell, Jessica

Bethlenfalvy, Peter

Bouma, Will

Bourgouin, Guy

Bowman, Stephanie

Brady, Bobbi Ann

Bresee, Ric

Byers, Rick

Calandra, Paul

Cho, Raymond Sung Joon

Clark, Steve

Coe, Lorne

Collard, Lucille

Crawford, Stephen

Cuzzetto, Rudy

Dixon, Jess

Dowie, Andrew

Downey, Doug

Dunlop, Jill

Fife, Catherine

Flack, Rob

Ford, Doug

Fraser, John

French, Jennifer K.

Fullerton, Merrilee

Gallagher Murphy, Dawn

Gates, Wayne

Gélinas, France

Ghamari, Goldie

Glover, Chris

Gretzky, Lisa

Grewal, Hardeep Singh

Hardeman, Ernie

Harden, Joel

Harris, Mike

Hogarth, Christine

Hsu, Ted

Hunter, Mitzie

Jones, Sylvia

Jones, Trevor

Jordan, John

Kanapathi, Logan

Ke, Vincent

Kernaghan, Terence

Khanjin, Andrea

Kusendova-Bashta, Natalia

Leardi, Anthony

Lumsden, Neil

MacLeod, Lisa

Mamakwa, Sol

Mantha, Michael

Martin, Robin

McCarthy, Todd J.

McGregor, Graham

McMahon, Mary-Margaret

McNaughton, Monte

Mulroney, Caroline

Oosterhoff, Sam

Pang, Billy

Pasma, Chandra

Pierre, Natalie

Pirie, George

Quinn, Nolan

Rae, Matthew

Riddell, Brian

Romano, Ross

Sabawy, Sheref

Sandhu, Amarjot

Sarkaria, Prabmeet Singh

Sarrazin, Stéphane

Sattler, Peggy

Saunderson, Brian

Schreiner, Mike

Scott, Laurie

Shamji, Adil

Skelly, Donna

Smith, Dave

Smith, David

Smith, Graydon

Smith, Laura

Smith, Todd

Stevens, Jennifer (Jennie)

Surma, Kinga

Tabuns, Peter

Tangri, Nina

Taylor, Monique

Thanigasalam, Vijay

Tibollo, Michael A.

Vanthof, John

West, Jamie

Williams, Charmaine A.

Wong-Tam, Kristyn

Yakabuski, John

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): All those opposed to the motion will please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Todd Decker): The ayes are 100; the nays are 0.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I declare the motion carried.

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

Third reading agreed to.

Strengthening Post-secondary Institutions and Students Act, 2022 / Loi de 2022 sur le renforcement des établissements postsecondaires et les étudiants

Resuming the debate adjourned on November 3, 2022, on the motion for second reading of the following bill:

Bill 26,

An Act to amend various Acts in respect of post-secondary education / Projet de loi 26, Loi modifiant diverses lois en ce qui concerne l’éducation postsecondaire.

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

Mr. Graham McGregor: It is an honour to stand here today and speak to just how important the well-being of our students is to our province and to our government. Led by the Minister of Colleges and Universities, our government is committed to ensuring students have access to a secure and safe learning environment. We’re taking necessary action to protect our future.

As the Minister of Colleges and Universities stated, campuses across the province—from the GTA to rural and northern Ontario—are not only places of learning; they are centres of employment and economic growth for the communities, cities and regions they call home. Our colleges, universities, Indigenous institutes and private career colleges are key drivers of economic growth, prosperity and competitiveness. Post-secondary institutions are pillars of their local communities and leaders in preparing the people of Ontario for the jobs of today and for the jobs of tomorrow.

Speaker, I consider myself incredibly fortunate to not only represent the riding I grew up in but to represent a riding built on diversity. There is nothing the people of Brampton cannot do, and that is in large part due to those who decided to move to Brampton and make it their home. Often, what attracts them is our post-secondary education system. Our system is in great standing on the global stage. Not only has it done an incredible job at attracting international talent, but these institutions constantly produce skilled talent that keeps our province competitive on the national and international stage.

Brampton is home to Sheridan College and Algoma University, and it will soon be home to the Toronto Metropolitan University school of medicine and a number of other post-secondary institutions.

Attracting Ontarians to the region from around the province, and many from around the world, it is our responsibility to ensure that our colleges and our universities are set up to protect those same students. Some of these young students are coming from countries on the other half of the world. They say goodbye to their friends, brothers, sisters and parents. In some cases, they’re saying goodbye to their partners and their children as well. They make an enormous sacrifice. Not only do the students make this sacrifice—but also the families of these students, who put their trust in our province to protect them and ensure they have every opportunity to succeed.

Speaker, we have taken recent steps to strengthen supports for post-secondary students reporting sexual violence or harassment. Our government understands we have to also specifically address sexual misconduct by faculty and staff towards students. That’s why we’re proposing legislative amendments that would require publicly assisted post-secondary institutions and private career colleges to have specific processes in place that address and increase transparency of faculty and staff sexual misconduct. If passed, these changes would better protect students who fall victim to faculty and staff sexual violence.

This will be accomplished by strengthening the tools available to institutions in order to address instances of misconduct against students; for example, deeming sexual abuse of a student to be just cause for dismissal.

Speaker, let me be clear: No student should ever have to see the face of someone who commits sexual misconduct walking around the campus. If this horrendous act is ever committed, the guilty have no business near any school or near any campus. Schools need to create a welcoming environment for students, and Bill 26 will help us do that. Students are not dedicating hours upon hours of their days and weeks to fail. They want to succeed. Providing them with a safe environment and as few distractions as possible will not only help each individual student, but it will strengthen our province. Successful students are successful leaders of tomorrow’s workforce.

I’ve said this before in this House: Ontario thrives off its diversity. Ontario is a place where it doesn’t matter where you come from, who you love or how you choose to worship God; everybody deserves the same opportunity to succeed. We have attracted the world’s most amazing people, who have helped to build this identity in this province. However, we need to continue to work to maintain the dignity of our system.

We have a shortage right now of nearly 400,000 in the skilled trades labour workforce—good-paying, life-changing jobs that we need to fill.

I was fortunate enough to recently join the Residential Construction Council of Ontario’s third annual Addressing Racism in Construction webinar, where I delivered a keynote address. I mentioned that if we’re going to meet our goal of building 1.5 million homes over the next 10 years, we need 100,000 additional construction workers alone. A lot of these roles are being filled internationally. People are bringing their families to Ontario to start a life anew. This is great for Ontario, as we also combat the labour shortage, but the shortage is going to get worse before it gets better.

Our government understands the importance of attracting international talent. However, it’s important to ensure Ontario is a welcoming place for these individuals who in many cases go on to become new Canadians. We need to let them know that their children are in good hands. If we’re going to be a welcoming society for people, we need to create a home that makes people feel welcome when they get here. We need to assure parents that their children will be safe in middle school, safe in high school, and safe in their post-secondary endeavours.

Attracting this talent includes building the infrastructure to support a sustainable lifestyle, making them feel safe here and giving them every opportunity to succeed.

I’m proud of our Minister of Health’s recent announcement that Ontario’s nursing college can now start allowing internationally educated nurses to practise while they work towards full registration. This should mean thousands of more nurses to support our health care system, while giving those who are ready to support an opportunity to do so. That’s just one change introduced by our government that could potentially help nearly 6,000 active international applicants in Ontario.

Bill 26 will also introduce legislation preventing the use of non-disclosure agreements to address instances where an employee leaves an institution to be employed at another institution and their prior wrongdoing remains a secret. This is a change that is long, long overdue. There’s absolutely no reason that any case of misconduct or harassment should go hidden. There should be zero tolerance. That’s exactly what our government is fighting for. We are fighting to keep our students safe.

Students deserve to be taught by good people and separated as far as possible from crooks. There should be no opportunity for anyone to reoffend. That is out of the question.

Speaker, the thought of a creep lurking around job to job, given their history, is something that sends shivers down my spine.

Another key component of Bill 26 is a requirement for institutions to have codes of conduct regarding faculty and staff sexual misconduct. Setting this out in writing should leave no doubt or question on the expectations of faculty and of staff.

Speaker, our government has a plan to protect our students so that they can make the most out of their post-secondary careers. No student should have to worry about sexual misconduct from staff and faculty. That has no place in our schools and, frankly, no place anywhere in our province. All post-secondary institutions have a responsibility to provide a safe and supportive learning environment and are expected to do everything possible to address issues of sexual violence on campuses.

The Minister of Colleges and Universities is committed to supporting our students. The ministry held extensive consultations with over 100 stakeholders with the knowledge and background to ensure we can implement the necessary changes and do so successfully. These stakeholders included representatives from post-secondary institutions, representatives from labour and student groups, private career colleges, faculty associations and community organizations. They are the ones on the front lines with our students.

Our government’s actions to date include strengthening the policies that protect post-secondary students who report incidents of sexual violence or harassment on campus. The next step is for a separate process for faculty and staff misconduct towards students. These changes will not only help protect students in cases of faculty and staff sexual misconduct but will also allow the institutions to better address complaints when they arise.

The changes also build on the new regulatory amendments that our government introduced last fall to protect students from inappropriate questioning or disciplinary action when they report acts of se