Ontario Hansard — 1 April 2026 (44th Parliament, 1st Session)
2026-04-01
Ontario — Debates (Hansard)
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April 1, 2026
44th Parliament, 1st Session
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Hansard Transcripts
vol. A
Hansard Transcripts
vol. B
Votes and Proceedings
Orders and Notices
Hansard Transcript 2026-Apr-01 vol. A (PDF)
L058A - Wed 1 Apr 2026 / Mer 1er avr 2026
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO
ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO
Wednesday 1 April 2026 Mercredi 1 er avril 2026
Orders of the Day
1000401924 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026
1000401924 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026
1000401927 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026
1000401927 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026
668986 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026
668986 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026
The Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Catharines in Ontario Act, 2026
The Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Catharines in Ontario Act, 2026
Holy Trinity Restaurant Inc. Act, 2026
Holy Trinity Restaurant Inc. Act, 2026
1955274 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026
1955274 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026
Faris Team Mortgage Brokerage Corp. Act, 2026
Faris Team Mortgage Brokerage Corp. Act, 2026
Jarm Holdings Investments Ltd. Act, 2026
Jarm Holdings Investments Ltd. Act, 2026
Pickering College Act, 2026
Pickering College Act, 2026
1505756 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026
1505756 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026
Acme Restoration Inc. Act, 2026
Acme Restoration Inc. Act, 2026
1758195 Ontario Ltd. Act, 2026
1758195 Ontario Ltd. Act, 2026
Pembroke and Area Airport Commission Act, 2026
Pembroke and Area Airport Commission Act, 2026
Plan to Protect Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2026 / Loi de 2026 sur le plan pour protéger l’Ontario (mesures budgétaires)
Members’ Statements
Riding of Mississauga East–Cooksville
Services for persons with disabilities
Community safety
Mental health and addiction services
Lutte contre les incendies de forêt
Events in Markham–Unionville
Merrittville Speedway
Shilo Rousseau
Emergency services
Agri-food industry
Introduction of Visitors
Jeremy Hansen
Stephen Lewis
Question Period
Government accountability
Hospital funding
Health care
Nurse practitioners
Entretien hivernal des routes / Winter highway maintenance
Health care
Ontario economy
Health care funding
Hospital funding
Firearms control
Energy policies
Education funding
Hospital funding
Sports and recreation funding
Avis d’insatisfaction / Notices of dissatisfaction
Member for Toronto–Danforth
Introduction of Visitors
Introduction of Bills
Jinghua Trading (Canada) Ltd. Act, 2026
Petitions
Education funding
Education funding
Affordable housing
Student assistance
Health care workers
Education funding
Health care workers
Laboratory services
Health care workers
Education funding
Curriculum
Education funding
Orders of the Day
Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, 2026 / Loi de 2026 pour la construction de logements et l’amélioration de l’infrastructure de transport
The House met at 0900.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Good morning, everyone. Let us pray.
Prayers.
Orders of the Day
1000401924 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026
Ms. Bell moved second reading of the following bill:
Bill Pr21,
An Act to revive 1000401924 Ontario Inc.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
Second reading agreed to.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Pursuant to standing order 89(b), the bill is ordered for third reading.
1000401924 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026
Ms. Bell moved third reading of the following bill:
Bill Pr21,
An Act to revive 1000401924 Ontario Inc.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.
Third reading agreed to.
1000401927 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026
Ms. Bell moved second reading of the following bill:
Bill Pr22,
An Act to revive 1000401927 Ontario Inc.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
Second reading agreed to.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Pursuant to standing order 89(b), the bill is ordered for third reading.
1000401927 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026
Ms. Bell moved third reading of the following bill:
Bill Pr22,
An Act to revive 1000401927 Ontario Inc.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.
Third reading agreed to.
668986 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026
Mr. Vanthof moved second reading of the following bill:
Bill Pr28,
An Act to revive 668986 Ontario Inc.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
Second reading agreed to.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Pursuant to standing order 89(b), the bill is ordered for third reading.
668986 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026
Mr. Vanthof moved third reading of the following bill:
Bill Pr28,
An Act to revive 668986 Ontario Inc.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.
Third reading agreed to.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Catharines in Ontario Act, 2026
Mr. Dowie moved second reading of the following bill:
Bill Pr34,
An Act to incorporate the Roman Catholic Bishop of St. Catharines as a corporation sole.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
Second reading agreed to.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Pursuant to standing order 89(b), the bill is ordered for third reading.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Catharines in Ontario Act, 2026
Mr. Dowie moved third reading of the following bill:
Bill Pr34,
An Act to incorporate the Roman Catholic Bishop of St. Catharines as a corporation sole.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.
Third reading agreed to.
Holy Trinity Restaurant Inc. Act, 2026
Mr. Blais moved second reading of the following bill:
Bill Pr9,
An Act to revive Holy Trinity Restaurant Inc.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
Second reading agreed to.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Pursuant to standing order 89(b), the bill is ordered for third reading.
Holy Trinity Restaurant Inc. Act, 2026
Mr. Blais moved third reading of the following bill:
Bill Pr9,
An Act to revive Holy Trinity Restaurant Inc.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.
Third reading agreed to.
1955274 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026
Mr. David Smith moved second reading of the following bill:
Bill Pr12,
An Act to revive 1955274 Ontario Inc.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
Second reading agreed to.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Pursuant to standing order 89(b), the bill is ordered for third reading.
1955274 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026
Mr. David Smith moved third reading of the following bill:
Bill Pr12,
An Act to revive 1955274 Ontario Inc.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.
Third reading agreed to.
Faris Team Mortgage Brokerage Corp. Act, 2026
Madame Gallagher Murphy moved second reading of the following bill:
Bill Pr13,
An Act to revive Faris Team Mortgage Brokerage Corp.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): It is the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
Second reading agreed to.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Pursuant to standing order 89(b), the bill is ordered for third reading.
Faris Team Mortgage Brokerage Corp. Act, 2026
Madame Gallagher Murphy moved third reading of the following bill:
Bill Pr13,
An Act to revive Faris Team Mortgage Brokerage Corp.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): It is the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.
Third reading agreed to.
Jarm Holdings Investments Ltd. Act, 2026
Madame Gallagher Murphy moved second reading of the following bill:
Bill Pr14,
An Act to revive Jarm Holdings Investments Ltd.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
Second reading agreed to.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Pursuant to standing order 89(b), the bill is ordered for third reading.
Jarm Holdings Investments Ltd. Act, 2026
Madame Gallagher Murphy moved third reading of the following bill:
Bill Pr14,
An Act to revive Jarm Holdings Investments Ltd.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): It is the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.
Third reading agreed to.
Pickering College Act, 2026
Madame Gallagher Murphy moved second reading of the following bill:
Bill Pr19,
An Act respecting Pickering College.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
Second reading agreed to.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Pursuant to standing order 89(b), the bill is ordered for third reading.
Pickering College Act, 2026
Madame Gallagher Murphy moved third reading of the following bill:
Bill Pr19,
An Act respecting Pickering College.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.
Third reading agreed to.
1505756 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026
Ms. Smith moved second reading of the following bill:
Bill Pr24,
An Act to revive 1505756 Ontario Inc.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
Second reading agreed to.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Pursuant to standing order 89(b), the bill is ordered for third reading.
1505756 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026
Ms. Smith moved third reading of the following bill:
Bill Pr24,
An Act to revive 1505756 Ontario Inc.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.
Third reading agreed to.
Acme Restoration Inc. Act, 2026
Ms. Smith moved second reading of the following bill:
Bill Pr25,
An Act to revive Acme Restoration Inc.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
Second reading agreed to.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Pursuant to standing order 89(b), the bill is ordered for third reading.
Acme Restoration Inc. Act, 2026
Ms. Smith moved third reading of the following bill:
Bill Pr25,
An Act to revive Acme Restoration Inc.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.
Third reading agreed to.
1758195 Ontario Ltd. Act, 2026
Ms. Smith moved second reading of the following bill:
Bill Pr26,
An Act to revive 1758195 Ontario Ltd.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
Second reading agreed to.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Pursuant to standing order 89(b), the bill is ordered for third reading.
1758195 Ontario Ltd. Act, 2026
Ms. Smith moved third reading of the following bill:
Bill Pr26,
An Act to revive 1758195 Ontario Ltd.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.
Third reading agreed to.
Pembroke and Area Airport Commission Act, 2026
MPP Denault moved second reading of the following bill:
Bill Pr35,
An Act to amend the Pembroke and Area Airport Commission Act, 1992.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
Second reading agreed to.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Pursuant to standing order 89(b), the bill is ordered for third reading.
Pembroke and Area Airport Commission Act, 2026
MPP Denault moved third reading of the following bill:
Bill Pr35,
An Act to amend the Pembroke and Area Airport Commission Act, 1992.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.
Third reading agreed to.
Plan to Protect Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2026 / Loi de 2026 sur le plan pour protéger l’Ontario (mesures budgétaires)
Resuming the debate adjourned on March 31, 2026, on the motion for second reading of the following bill:
Bill 97,
An Act to implement Budget measures, to enact, amend or repeal various statutes and to revoke various regulations / Projet de loi 97, Loi visant à mettre en oeuvre les mesures budgétaires, à édicter, à modifier ou à abroger diverses lois et à abroger divers règlements.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the Minister of the Environment.
Hon. Todd J. McCarthy: Good morning. I appreciate the opportunity to join the debate today on Bill 97, Plan to Protect Ontario Act, which proposes to implement budget measures further to the tabling of our government’s budget last week.
Budget 2026 outlines our Ontario government’s plan to protect Ontario by building the most competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy in the G7. It is a road map to create jobs, attract investment, lower costs for businesses and workers, keep life affordable for all, and make targeted investments in key public services that support our long-term prosperity.
I want to take a few minutes to highlight several aspects of this plan to protect Ontario in relation to my roles as Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks as well as Acting Minister of Infrastructure.
First, on the infrastructure side, budget 2026 advances the most ambitious capital plan in our province’s history, with more than $210 billion in planned infrastructure investments over the next 10 years. This includes $37 billion in this fiscal year alone, 2026-27. This includes building highways, transit and community infrastructure to keep workers on the job, thereby strengthening Ontario’s economy and ensuring communities thrive for generations to come.
We have also increased funding to the health and safety water stream of the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, or MHIP. This increase is $700 million, for a total investment of $875 million. This funding is supporting 120 projects across 127 municipalities and First Nations communities to build, expand and/or rehabilitate aging water, waste water, stormwater, flood and erosion infrastructure, protecting housing that would otherwise be at risk.
Through the other two MHIP streams—the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, HEWSF, and the Housing-Enabling Core Servicing Stream, HECS—we are helping to unlock new housing opportunities.
Since we launched MHIP in 2024, about 800,000 additional new homes have been made possible across Ontario, and some 375,000 existing homes are protected from health and safety risk.
The Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program is also enabling housing development by building core infrastructure projects, such as roads and water systems, to support growing and developing communities.
Madam Speaker, as we work to build the Ontario of tomorrow, our government is also looking at ways to improve processes, procedures and practices that have been holding this important work back.
Last fall, as Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, I announced our Ontario government’s plan to improve the Ontario conservation authorities system through the amalgamation of conservation authorities and by ensuring province-wide standards to better align conservation efforts with provincial priorities for housing, infrastructure and economic growth.
In the months since that fall 2025 announcement, we consulted extensively on proposed boundaries for the consolidation of conservation authorities, and we gathered very important feedback to inform our plans. We met with conservation authorities, municipalities, Indigenous communities and a wide range of stakeholders. These consultations included six regional workshops that engaged directly with conservation authorities and municipal leadership.
And on March 10, 2026, I announced the next steps in our government’s plans to strengthen conservation and to protect communities across Ontario.
Madam Speaker, Ontario currently has a fragmented system of conservation authorities, and each of those has different policies, different standards, different fees and different levels of staffing and technical capabilities. These inconsistencies have hampered the ability of conservation authorities to perform their duties and to properly fulfill their core mandate. And this has led to unpredictable and inconsistent turnaround times for approvals. That has created uncertainty and delays for farmers, for homeowners, for landowners, for builders, all of whom seek permits from conservation authorities.
That is why our Ontario government has proposed a new, regional model for conservation authorities. This model would strengthen watershed management, improve service delivery, and continue to protect local knowledge and decision-making.
So Bill 97 includes amendments to the Conservation Authorities Act that, if passed, would begin the process of consolidating the current 36 conservation authorities into the nine new regional conservation authorities that we’re proposing. The proposed conservation authorities are:
—the Northwestern Ontario Regional Conservation Authority, for the Thunder Bay area;
—the Northeastern Ontario Regional Conservation Authority, for the Timmins, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury and North Bay areas;
—the Lake Huron Regional Conservation Authority;
—the Western Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority;
—the Eastern Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority;
—the Western Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority;
—the Central Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority;
—the Eastern Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority; and
—the St. Lawrence River Regional Conservation Authority.
If passed, this consolidation would take effect in early 2027; in fact,
schedule 3 to the bill suggests February 1, 2027. This will give us the time that we need for a smooth, coordinated transition without any disruption to current services, permits or partnerships.
An important aspect of the new structure is that it is watershed-based, maintaining the natural hydrological boundaries for effective watershed management.
By consolidating into nine optimized regional conservation authorities, we could reduce administrative duplication while delivering consistent provincial standards, modern tools and strengthened capacity. It would mean stronger flood resilience, clearer processes for municipalities and permit applicants, and better support for housing and infrastructure projects, all while maintaining the science-based decisions that people and businesses expect.
Madam Speaker, it is important to highlight that the new regional conservation authorities would continue to be independent, municipally governed organizations. They would continue to fulfill their provincially mandated programs, such as managing flooding and other natural hazards, drinking water source protection, and, of course, the management of their lands and recreational trails, ensuring public access to local nature areas and outdoor activities.
I also want to take this opportunity to emphasize two very important points. First, there will be no reduction in staffing levels. And secondly, local expertise will remain central to conservation work. This is something that we heard loud and clear from our consultations—the need to ensure that local decision-making is never lost.
Our plan contained in the legislation currently before this House would require each regional conservation authority, once consolidated, to establish one or more local watershed councils. These could be made up of individuals from municipalities, Indigenous communities and the local community. These watershed councils would help identify local priorities and ensure that watershed management continues to be informed by the people who know their watersheds best.
Additionally, as outlined in the legislation, the proposed new regional conservation authorities would continue to be governed by municipalities with members appointed by upper-tier and single-tier municipalities across their jurisdictions. This structure would ensure that decision-making remains balanced, local and accountable.
If passed, the transition to nine new conservation authorities will be overseen by the new Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency, which was created by Bill 68 last fall. This agency will work to ensure that every conservation authority has the tools and the resources they need to deliver effective watershed management today and into the future. To support the agency’s work, our government is providing new additional annual funding of $9 million. During the transition, these funds will be used to help transition. After the transition is complete, this additional annual funding—
The Acting Speaker (MPP Andrea Hazell): Question?
Hon. Natalia Kusendova-Bashta: Good morning, colleagues. I wanted to—
Interjection.
Hon. Natalia Kusendova-Bashta: Yes, I know. I’m getting to my question.
I wanted to start by saying hi to my grandmother in Poland, who is watching the debate this morning.
Remarks in Polish.
And now, on to my question for the Acting Minister of Infrastructure: Through this budget and in previous budgets, we have been working diligently, hand in hand, to use surplus government lands to build important social projects, like long-term care. For example, the surplus lands in Hamilton and Aurora have been successfully sold to parties, and now we have begun construction on long-term care.
Can the minister explain to us why it is so important that we use government surplus lands and invest in social projects like long-term care?
Hon. Todd J. McCarthy: I thank the minister for the question. This is an important consideration.
Obviously, the province of Ontario has an extensive realty footprint, and when it comes to how we utilize that real estate for the benefit of all Ontarians, we have to look at important social programs like expanding our long-term-care capacity. So, following the strict protocols for utilizing surplus land and designating it for purposes other than what it was originally there for, and to be pragmatic and to address the very important need to build long-term-care homes, we are deploying this surplus real estate plan to assist in building.
The situation before was that only a few hundred long-term-care beds were built under the previous government. We are changing that, with 58,000 being our target.
The Acting Speaker (MPP Andrea Hazell): Question?
Ms. Jessica Bell: This a question to the member for Durham.
In response to the budget, all of the major education unions representing teachers and educational assistants released a statement saying that this budget fails students: “Despite the government’s messaging, per‑student funding (once adjusted for inflation) remains lower than when this government first took office.”
We know that EQAO results show that students are not meeting grade level standards. The majority of students in grade 6 are not meeting grade level standards for math, for example.
How is this government going to increase and improve learning outcomes if they’re cutting funding to schools?
Hon. Todd J. McCarthy: I appreciate the question from the member opposite.
When it comes to investments in our education system, this government has exceeded all other governments before in terms of real, new education spending. Since taking office in 2018, education is second only to health care in terms of the investments that we’re making.
In this particular budget, the member may recall seeing the support for teachers. It seems to us that the idea that teachers have to be out of pocket for classroom supports seems to be inconsistent with supporting teachers in terms of their mandate. So we have created direct-to-teachers funding of up to $750 for classroom supplies and other supports for teachers that they can spend in the best interests of the students as they see fit, in their wisdom.
The Acting Speaker (MPP Andrea Hazell): Question?
Ms. Laura Smith: I want to thank the minister for his remarks this morning. He talked about so many things that are so important to building Ontario and providing housing.
Not too long ago, the minister came to my riding—it was a very cold day—and we talked about water investments in our community and how that enabling system will allow for more housing.
We’ve also had a lot of really great positive announcements recently that are going to make it a lot easier for people, especially homebuyers, to make purchases.
I’m just wondering if the minister could provide more information about housing in our communities and how that budget transfers into the betterment of housing in Ontario.
Hon. Todd J. McCarthy: I appreciate the question from the member for Thornhill. She’s an excellent member and an excellent advocate for her community.
It was a cold day that we were in Vaughan making that important announcement. I’m happy to say it’s now April 1, we’re into spring, and the weather is getting warmer—I say that as Minister of the Environment, proudly.
This question raises a matter for the Ministry of Infrastructure, where I have the acting role. We are making these investments to enable housing, to enable the building of the Ontario of tomorrow, to get shovels in the ground, and that means we need the core infrastructure to be funded. That’s why we launched the MHIP, the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, in 2024. We have targeted $3 billion of the $4 billion associated with that plan, and there’s $1 billion more to go and more streams of funding to come for all municipalities to enable housing and to enable building.
The Acting Speaker (MPP Andrea Hazell): Question?
MPP Wayne Gates: In my riding, seniors and young families—their rents are between $2,200 to $2,700 for a two-bedroom apartment.
It was your government that took off the rent controls on new builds in 2019. That drove rents to go up.
This budget does nothing to bring in real rent control or lower grocery prices.
How does the government expect young families and seniors to get ahead when their biggest costs are still rising faster than their wages and their pensions?
Hon. Todd J. McCarthy: Well, I appreciate the member’s question. He no doubt has observed—as Canadians and Ontarians coast to coast to coast observed recently—that our Premier, our cabinet team, the Prime Minister and members of his cabinet team stood with the mayor of Toronto just earlier this week, announcing measures to bring about attainable, affordable housing—new housing included. Housing doesn’t come in one shape or size; it does include purpose-built rentals. The announcement in Etobicoke was actually at a construction site for that very purpose, purpose-built rentals, because the rental housing market is equally important as the new housing market, as the resale housing market.
Also, our transit-oriented communities are about building housing, office space and retail space close to transit. That is the way of the future.
I’m very proud, as well, of our transit-oriented program, which includes rental housing.
The Acting Speaker (MPP Andrea Hazell): Question?
M me Lucille Collard: Through this budget bill, the government is choosing to invest significantly in expanding correctional facilities. We heard all about building more jails, and we’ve heard the Solicitor General put a lot of emphasis on this big investment. It’s all about keeping criminals behind bars and locking up people who are creating problems in the community. However, what we see in communities is people asking for more mental health support, more addiction treatment and supportive housing to deal with the problem, instead of locking up people.
So I’d like to hear from you, if you have any information to share to show that prioritizing incarceration over prevention—and provide evidence that this approach is actually improving community safety rather than simply cycling more people through the justice system.
Hon. Todd J. McCarthy: I appreciate the member’s question.
I believe that that member and her party, along with, I think, every other member of the House but one, supported our Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act. We appreciate that support, because there are matters and measures where we come together and we agree on a priority.
Respect for the rule of law is undermined when we have lawlessness and disorder. That cannot stand. So it’s very, very important that we keep violent criminals behind bars. That means increasing correctional facility capacity so that we have the ability to properly and reasonably house those who are in custody, to keep them away from those they might otherwise harm.
We are moving forward to make sure that we have the ability and the capacity to put away those who would harm individuals or the broader community.
The Acting Speaker (MPP Andrea Hazell): Quick question?
Mr. John Jordan: Speaker, the high cost of living is a major concern, especially among our young people.
Can the minister tell us what is included in this budget that will assist our young people in getting into the housing market?
Hon. Todd J. McCarthy: I appreciate the member’s question.
It’s absolutely transformational. Again, working across all levels of government, our government—Minister Bethlenfalvy, Premier Ford, our entire team—is laser-focused on the opportunities that are now going to be unleashed over the next year with the elimination of HST on new housing. We encourage, then, with this measure contained in Bill 97, everyone to consider getting into—
The Acting Speaker (MPP Andrea Hazell): Further debate?
MPP Lisa Gretzky: It’s my pleasure to rise on behalf of my constituents in Windsor West to talk about the provincial government’s recently tabled budget. We all know that budgets are about priorities. What we’ve seen from this government is that their priorities are about them and what benefits them and their donors and their well-connected friends, and not the people of this province.
When we found that the government was tabling a budget, we, New Democrats, were talking to our constituents, asking, “What are some of the key things that you need to see from this government in this budget? What are your priorities? What are you struggling with right now?” And there were some top points—about five of them. One of the questions was, does it lower the cost of rent or groceries? That’s what people wanted to know. The answer is no; this budget does not lower the cost of rent or groceries. People wanted to know if it’s going to fix the health care system or the education system. Is this budget going to stop this government from their drive to privatize health care?
And to be clear, the government wouldn’t—
Interjection.
MPP Lisa Gretzky: Actions speak louder than words over there, sister.
This government is driving taxpayer dollars into private health care. They are paying more for procedures in private health care than they would for that same procedure in the public system. They are funnelling money—
Interjections.
MPP Lisa Gretzky: If the member from Peterborough—would you take a deep breath? Settle down. Let me finish my thoughts.
The Acting Speaker (MPP Andrea Hazell): I cannot hear the member present. Thank you.
Continue.
MPP Lisa Gretzky: I just want to be clear. The member from Peterborough was trying to shout over me and then basically—
Interjection.
MPP Lisa Gretzky: There he goes again, basically accusing me of making things up.
The people of this province know when—
The Acting Speaker (MPP Andrea Hazell): I’m going to ask a second time to please come to order. I cannot hear the member’s presentation.
Continue.
MPP Lisa Gretzky: When people are getting treated in the hallways, that’s a problem.
Hallway health care started under the Liberals. This Conservative government campaigned on ending hallway health care, and it has gotten worse; in fact, you’ve expanded it. You have expanded it into linen closets—so any room that they can find.
People are waiting hours for care. We have emergency departments closing and hospitals closing and urgent cares closing across this province, as this government is funnelling money into the shareholders’ pockets of private, for-profit health care.
So the member opposite can try to shout me down all he wants. That’s the reality. That’s the reality of your constituents, my constituents and everybody’s constituents in this place.
Speaker, the people of Ontario asked another question about this budget: Does it build homes that people can afford? I can tell you that as we have a historic number of people who are experiencing homelessness in this province, from young children right through to seniors, this budget fails to address their needs. Those folks can’t purchase an $800,000 home like this government is pushing. What they need is deeply affordable housing. What they need is for you to bring back the rent control that you cut.
People have asked, does it create good jobs and opportunities? We are seeing workers—health care workers, education workers, those in manufacturing, the folks at Diageo—out of work. Some 700,000 people are unemployed in this province under this government’s watch—another historic number for this government. Over 100,000 of those unemployed are youth. And this government’s response is to cut OSAP and charge students interest. Why on earth are you trying to make money off the backs of the young people in this province? Why are you saddling them with debt when we need to be training more professionals?
We need to be encouraging the youth to go to post-secondary education. Why are you making it harder for them and their families? Why are you making it harder for those 700,000 people who are unemployed to be able to afford to go back to college or university, to upskill or retrain for a better chance of employment?
The biggest question people wanted to know about in this budget was, will the government spend their money responsibly? And that is a big fat F. I’m going to explain that.
This government, who likes to pretend they are very fiscally responsible, are paying $16 billion in 2026-27 just on borrowing, on debt—$16 billion in the year on debt, which is more than the government is actually putting into post-secondary education.
They’ve spent $2.2 billion on the Toronto waterfront, their fantasy island project, which includes a privately owned luxury spa in downtown Toronto—$2.2 billion. By the time the 99-year contract expires, which this government gave that spa—the bankrupt spa that you gave money to will cost the taxpayers $1 trillion. That’s your priority. A record number of people experiencing homelessness, a record, historic number of people going to food banks—food banks can’t keep up. And this government is spending $2.2 billion—which will eventually cost taxpayers $1 trillion—on a privately owned, bankrupt luxury spa in downtown Toronto.
They gave $10 million to a strip club owner, and $100 million went to the Premier’s campaign manager—tax dollars.
That is this government’s priorities—not the people of this province.
I want to read something from the Ombudsman. This is specific to the MCCS, children with developmental disabilities, children with mental health struggles, complex needs. This is what the Ombudsman said:
“When it comes to some of society’s most vulnerable, including youth involved in the child welfare sector and those with complex needs,” the Ombudsman said that “his biggest concern is a lack of resources.
“‘Whether it’s being able to provide adequate care and support within a community ... whether it’s having the resources in terms of placements and not having to put up kids in hotels and in offices and trailers and these temporary, unacceptable situations, it speaks to a lack of resources and lack of options’....
“Children’s aid societies (CASs), for example, have for years been saying they ‘don’t have enough options, we don’t have enough resources, we want to do better’....
“‘I think that is my biggest concern ... the lack of adequate resources for these agencies that have such crucial and important services to provide, and the need is so acute for these services.’”
Yet there is a cut to the MCCS budget in this current budget. We have parents who are stretched to the brink because they can’t access community supports because this government is not investing in them appropriately or they’re cutting services. They feel like they have no other option but to surrender their children to children’s aid, who don’t have the funding or resources. And these children, in some cases, because of a lack of resources, are being trafficked; they’re being introduced to drugs and alcohol. That’s the government’s priorities.
Speaker, I don’t have much time left, but I want to read a Globe and Mail
article that came out today that is specifically about the freedom-of-information law change, the government’s change in the law to get around the court system, because they were told they had to release government documents that the Premier and staff were hiding on their personal devices. This is what experts have said in the Globe and Mail today:
“Proposed amendments to Ontario’s freedom-of-information law would make the province the most secretive in Canada ... despite Premier Doug Ford’s assurances that they would be in line with legislation in the rest of the country.
“The changes, introduced as part of the provincial budget on March 26, would put the offices of Mr. Ford, his cabinet ministers and the many PC MPPs named parliamentary assistants completely out of reach of the Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.”
What they are saying is that this government is going—regardless of what they say—well beyond any other jurisdiction.
The Acting Speaker (MPP Andrea Hazell): Question?
Mr. Matthew Rae: Thank you to my colleague from Windsor West for her comments this morning. She began her deputation this morning talking about listening to constituents, hearing from constituents.
So I was wondering, if I were to go to Windsor West, would I hear from small business owners about the small business tax—over 30% cut on the tax. Over 350,000 small businesses in Ontario will benefit from this. Would they say that it’s a good measure? And would the member opposite then support that measure in this budget?
MPP Lisa Gretzky: As we know, you don’t vote on one item in the budget. So if you wanted members on all sides of this House to vote on one or two specific things, pull them out of the budget—pull them out of the budget. Instead, what you’ve done is put in cuts to programming; what you’ve done is put in the FOI law changes, rather than doing that as separate legislation and being transparent about it.
Do you know what hurts businesses? When 700,000 people in this province are out of work and can’t afford to support those businesses; when we have a historic number of people visiting food banks—children, right through to seniors—who can’t afford to support those businesses because they can’t even afford to keep a roof over their head or food on the table.
So if you really want to support businesses, then what you need to be doing is investing in the programs that will actually help people in this province, and you need to get the cost of housing and food down.
The Acting Speaker (MPP Andrea Hazell): Question?
MPP Wayne Gates: I’ve already said this this morning, but Niagara seniors and young families—their rents are between $2,200 and $2,700, to get a two-bedroom apartment, almost unaffordable. And what caused that was that this government took real rent controls off new builds in 2019, which has caused the rents to go up—and charge whatever they like.
So I’d like to ask the member, can you speak to Windsor and what you’re hearing from your renters in your community about the lack of real rent control and affordability measures in this budget?
MPP Lisa Gretzky: Thank you for the question.
What I can tell you is, almost daily, we have people coming into my office or people calling my office, desperate for this government to do something, to bring in real rent control, to get the cost of housing down. We have people who come in in tears because in the next week or the next couple of days they are going to have to move out of the apartment they’re in because they can’t afford it anymore and they’ve been evicted.
People all over this province—and it is reflected in the historic number of people going to food banks, relying on food banks. It is reflected in the number of people—children, right through seniors—who are experiencing homelessness.
What this government needs to do to make life more affordable is to bring in real rent control and build truly, deeply, permanently affordable housing.
The Acting Speaker (MPP Andrea Hazell): Question?
MPP Stephanie Smyth: I want to thank the member for her comments on poverty and food banks.
Just last weekend, I was speaking with the people who run the North York food bank—one in 10 rely on food banks. It is institutionalized poverty at this time. Why can we all see it, but they can’t?
MPP Lisa Gretzky: Thank you for the question.
What we’re also seeing is food banks that cannot keep up. Literally, the shelves are bare. And we’re in a situation where life is so unaffordable under this government, due to their policies, that even community cannot donate because they’re struggling to get by.
To answer your question, I don’t think it’s a matter of, they don’t see it; it’s a matter of, they don’t care. They don’t care. All you have to do is look at where they shovel the money—into for-profit health care, into a privately owned luxury spa in downtown Toronto. How does that house or feed the people in my community? Explain that to me. When they’re giving $10 million to a strip club owner and $100 million to the Premier’s campaign manager, it tells you that they see it—they hear it from their constituents—but they just don’t care.
The Acting Speaker (MPP Andrea Hazell): Question?
Ms. Laura Smith: I listened to the member opposite.
I know that affordability is a huge issue for our communities, and we were talking about that earlier in the House.
One of the things that our government is doing to increase the supply of housing is, obviously, the measures—we dropped the HST for all homebuyers, which was a great announcement.
Also, we created the Building Ontario Fund, which is an innovative model that allows Ontario companies to partner with Canadian institution investors to deliver projects that might otherwise not move forward, including long-term-care homes, student housing and affordable housing. This approach leverages Ontario’s strong balance sheets and credit rating.
Through you, Madam Speaker, I’m asking, will the member support this budget and the Building Ontario Fund to help deliver long-term-care beds and housing for Ontarians, or will they once again vote no and block the infrastructure communities desperately needed?
MPP Lisa Gretzky: Maybe the member opposite hasn’t been paying attention, but you have a majority government, and you do whatever the heck you want. That’s what you do. You do whatever the heck you want. So you can’t put it on this side of the House for your failures.
Speaker, I’m going to say again—
The Acting Speaker (MPP Andrea Hazell): Can you speak through the Chair, please?
MPP Lisa Gretzky: Yes.
To answer the member opposite’s question, you cannot cherry-pick minor things—a tax break that’s for a year. And they talk about $800,000 homes. The people who are going to food banks—the 700,000 people out of work—can’t afford a $200,000 or $300,000 home, let alone an $800,000 home.
What this government needs to do is bring back the rent control that they cut. They need to bring down the cost of groceries. They need to address the fact that 700,000 people in this province are unemployed, and that we have a historic number of people going to food banks. And they need to reverse their cuts to OSAP.
The Acting Speaker (MPP Andrea Hazell): Question?
MPP Jamie West: Thank you to my colleague for debate on the budget bill. I want to thank you, as well, for bringing forward the freedom-of-information legislation that is buried in this bill; in fact, it’s buried as one paragraph on page 139.
While the rest of Ontario is focused on why the Conservative government doesn’t care about the cost of living, health care, education or building homes—I think it’s important to the public and Ontario to understand that the Conservative government—the Premier and many of the members are under RCMP criminal investigation for the greenbelt grab that tried to transfer $19 million to their wealthiest, greediest donors, while not building any homes for anybody at all.
I’m wondering, why would the government think that it’s appropriate, in the midst of a criminal investigation, when the Premier lost the case to conceal his private cellphone, which he said multiple times, probably hundreds of times, that he does public business on—why would they think it’s appropriate to try to hide that information to prevent them from going to jail?
MPP Lisa Gretzky: I appreciate the question from my colleague.
Yes, the government is under RCMP investigation and, yes, the Premier lost a court case. He was ordered to release the government documents from his personal cellphone that shouldn’t have been on there in the first place. He now has a high-ranking former staff member who has those documents in his Gmail account, and they’re fighting that. That is the only reason why they are changing the FOI laws. And they put it in the budget. They put it into the budget bill. Tell me how that actually makes life more affordable for people in this province—you putting that law in.
Speaker, there have been experts who have weighed in, and one of them has stated: “It looks like a way for lobbyists and developers to just come into minister’s offices ... and do what they will. Because nobody will ever know.”
Someone else said, “It’s as if they’re building a brick wall around each of the ministers, around the Premier, and saying the public has no right to know what happens within that walled-in space.”
That is what the FOI legislation is doing.
The Acting Speaker (MPP Andrea Hazell): Question?
Ms. Natalie Pierre: Thank you to the member opposite for her remarks this morning.
I want to talk to her about Ontario’s energy demand and the projected increase of up to 90% in energy demand by 2050. Without action, that puts growth of jobs, affordability and competitiveness of the Ontario economy at risk. Those are good-paying jobs for individuals across the province of Ontario. Energy security is economic security.
So, through you, Madam Speaker: Will the member opposite support our plan to power Ontario’s future?
MPP Lisa Gretzky: I’ll just remind the member opposite that it was actually the Conservatives who started the privatization of health care, which has driven the costs through the roof.
Manufacturers, homeowners, businesses have all said—
The Acting Speaker (MPP Andrea Hazell): I recognize the member for Toronto–St. Paul’s.
MPP Stephanie Smyth: I rise today to speak about Bill 97, Plan to Protect Ontario Act (Budget Measures).
As we’ve been hearing, budgets are not just about dollars and cents, but priorities and choices that are being made; perhaps most importantly, they’re about trust.
Trust is something that has been on my mind a lot recently, especially with a curious
section in this budget that is directly related to trust.
When this government asks Ontarians to trust it with billion of dollars, sweeping regulatory authority and the power to reshape public institutions, Ontarians have the right to know what their government is doing with their money.
That’s why I want to focus my remarks today on
schedule 7 in this budget bill, involving the changes to Ontario’s freedom-of-information laws, which have already been nicely highlighted by members beside me. Yes, buried inside the massive budget bill is something that is deeply troubling: changes that weaken transparency, that limit oversight, that reduce accountability, at the very moment when Ontarians deserve more of all three.
Before entering public life, I spent the majority of my career as a journalist, and that work taught me something: Access to information is not an inconvenience for government. It is not red tape. It is not optional. Access to information is the foundation of accountability in a democracy. Remember that.
Freedom-of-information laws, or FOIs, are not just tools for reporters; they are tools for everyone. They’re tools for families. They’re tools for researchers—everyday people who just want to understand how decisions are made. When governments start to restrict access to information, it sends a message—not about efficiency, but about secrecy.
The most alarming change in
schedule 7 is that this bill creates a blanket exemption from freedom-of-information laws for records in the custody and control of ministers and their offices—so, not limited exemptions, not carefully tailored protections; a blanket exemption that includes records held by ministers, parliamentary assistants, political staff. What makes this even more concerning is that this exemption is retroactive. That means records created before this bill passes, records that Ontarians already have the right to access, could suddenly be placed beyond reach—wow—extinguishing existing rights.
It invalidates decisions that have already granted access. That isn’t modernization, the one nice excuse being put before us. That is rewriting the rules after the fact, and this does not instill trust. Transparency laws are supposed to protect the public’s right to know; not protect political offices or officers from scrutiny.
And
schedule 7 doesn’t stop there. It also introduces a series of changes that will make it even slower and harder for Ontarians to access information. Timelines for responses are now extended from 30 to 45 business days. Institutions will now be allowed to have multiple extensions, including for vague reasons such as employees being unavailable. Requests can be broken into staged releases, with applicants required to respond in writing within that really tight time frame or risk having the request completely abandoned. Once those staged plans are accepted, further changes by the institution cannot be appealed.
Ontario already struggles with FOI delays. Just ask anybody who has tried to get one. In many cases, people wait months; sometimes they wait far longer to receive records that should be accessible. These changes don’t fix that problem; oh, no, they make it worse. They create more delay, more barriers, more frustration, and ultimately, less accountability and, absolutely, less trust.
That means less visibility into how government handles sensitive personal information, less transparency when things go wrong, when you’re talking about personal information banks. And this at a time when data security is more important than ever—weakening transparency around personal information, not modernizing it. It is an absolute risk.
Schedule 7 also weakens independent oversight. Currently, Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commissioner plays a central role in reviewing data standards and protecting privacy rights. This bill shifts that responsibility to a chief digital and data officer, an internal official appointed by the government. Mandatory reviews are removed. Independent checks are reduced.
Speaker, independence matters. Oversight only works when it’s separate from the institutions being overseen. When power shifts from independent officers to internal appointees, accountability weakens, whether intentionally or not, and Ontarians lose confidence in the system that was meant to protect them.
All these changes raise that fundamental question: Why is this government making it harder for Ontarians to see how decisions are made? Why is transparency being treated as optional?
Transparency is not an obstacle to good government; it is the evidence of good government.
There’s also the principle of fairness at stake here. Freedom-of-information laws are not just used by journalists or lawyers. Remember, they are used by everyday Ontarians—parents looking for answers about school safety; residents trying to understand environmental decisions like, say, the changes to the conservation authorities and all this land that we’re suddenly wondering what it’s going to be used for; advocates working to improve public services; and communities seeking accountability. When access to information becomes harder, slower and more restricted, it is not politicians who suffer; it is the public.
And when trust erodes, rebuilding it becomes far harder than protecting it in the first place.
Governments may argue that these changes are about efficiency, about managing workload, about adapting to modern technology. But efficiency—supposedly—can’t come at the cost of accountability, modernization can’t come at the cost of transparency, and convenience can’t come at the cost of democratic oversight, especially not in a budget bill, where billions of dollars and countless decisions are being made, affecting Ontarians’ lives.
Transparency protects governments just as much as it protects citizens. When decisions are open to scrutiny, confidence grows. When information is accessible, trust deepens. And when oversight is strong, mistakes can be corrected before they become scandalous. Weakening transparency does not eliminate risk; it absolutely increases it.
So I urge this government: Please, reconsider these changes. Withdraw the blanket exemption for ministerial records and retroactive exemptions.
Transparency is not a partisan issue. Accountability is not ideological. These are democratic principles and they are worth defending.
Remember, it all comes down to trust. Lack of trust leads people to stop believing in government.
So show the people you have nothing to hide and exempt
section 7 of this bill.
The Acting Speaker (MPP Andrea Hazell): Question?
Mr. Stephen Blais: I’d like to thank my colleague for her remarks around the freedom-of-information changes this government is making.
As we know, the government took 100 days off over Christmas to hide from the accountability of this Legislature, to avoid the scrutiny and accountability of the opposition. During that 100 days off, their big idea was to also avoid accountability and scrutiny from the media and the public by retroactively changing freedom-of-information laws.
My question to my friend from Toronto: Given their choice to avoid accountability from the opposition and avoid accountability from the public and from the media, what do think it is that they’re hiding?
MPP Stephanie Smyth: Thank you for the question.
Yes. It’s not freedom from information; it’s freedom of information.
There’s so much we are waiting to see, from cellphone records to all kinds of documentation that we know has been carried on outside of government devices. There are countless things that we are looking for answers on: how they come to conclusions; their donors and friends; what kinds of relationships there were that impacted things, yes, from the greenbelt, with that RCMP investigation and further issues, potential scandals, that we’re waiting to learn about.
So we just don’t know exactly how much there is there that we are missing, but one thing for sure is, they are definitely trying to hide whatever is in, say, the Premier’s cellphone, that was ordered to be released, and the lengths that they’re going to, to protect that information from going public, is frightening.
The Acting Speaker (MPP Andrea Hazell): Question?
Mr. Anthony Leardi: Speaker, under the previous Liberal government, the major credit agencies not only downgraded the credit rating of the province of Ontario once, but they downgraded it twice.
But under our government, the major credit agencies have upgraded our credit rating not only once, but twice. That is two major upgrades of our credit rating, according to the major credit agencies for Ontario.
My question to the member opposite is this: Will she join the major credit agencies that have upgraded our credit rating, by endorsing our government’s budget?
MPP Stephanie Smyth: Sorry, that’s the half-a-trillion-dollar debt that we’re looking at right now with this government?
What I am endorsing right now is what I’m talking about: freedom of information. So that’s your answer. I’m talking about freedom of information right now. Ask me anything about it.
The Acting Speaker (MPP Andrea Hazell): Question?
MPP Wayne Gates: I don’t know if you noticed, but in the budget, this government is amalgamating the conservation authorities, from 37 down to nine. We know that we won the battle on forcing this government to stop developing on the greenbelt. This is nothing more than a backdoor way to get at the greenbelt. If you amalgamate all the conservation authorities, it’s going to allow their friends and their developers to develop on the greenbelt. That’s what this is really about.
Niagara—we’re going to be amalgamated with Toronto. Can you imagine? With all the greenbelt we have and everything that’s going on down in Niagara, they’re going to amalgamate us with Toronto. I don’t understand that.
So my question to you is clear: Do you agree with the statement I just made—that it’s nothing more than another way to develop on our greenbelt and our protected lands?
MPP Stephanie Smyth: I would have to say that is a very strong suspicion. I would absolutely say the purpose—when you put in measures to restrict access to something, to restrict the availability of information that highlights decision-making, I would absolutely suspect anything and every motivation this government has.
Second reading debate deemed adjourned.
The Acting Speaker (MPP Andrea Hazell): I will move right now into members’ statements.
Members’ Statements
Riding of Mississauga East–Cooksville
MPP Silvia Gualtieri: I rise today to share a snapshot of the incredible community spirit alive in Mississauga East–Cooksville. Over the past several weeks, I have had the privilege of connecting with residents of all ages, backgrounds and cultures, with each experience reinforcing the strength and diversity of our community.
In February, my constituency office launched a free community skate at the Burnhamthorpe Community Centre. Week after week, families, friends and neighbours came together, filling the ice with laughter and connection.
I also welcomed students from Brian W. Fleming Public School right here at Queen’s Park.
Our seniors, too, continue to lead with strength and clarity. I was honoured to address the Mississauga Seniors’ Council, representing more than 50,000 members, hearing directly about their priorities.
I attended the launch of a regional bakery program at Father Michael Goetz Catholic Secondary School, equipping students with hands-on skills and pathways to a rewarding career.
February also brought celebrations. I marked Chinese Lunar New Year and Vietnamese Tết at city hall, highlighting our rich cultural fabric.
I recognized the very first hospitality workers of—
The Acting Speaker (MPP Andrea Hazell): Members’ statements?
Services for persons with disabilities
Ms. Jessica Bell: I’d like to share a story about a constituent who recently came into my office, Daniel. Daniel came into my office exhausted and frustrated with how this government is treating people with developmental disabilities.
Daniel cares for his sister Nancy, who is 43 and developmentally disabled. She will always need support, and much of that responsibility falls on him. Recently, her disability support payments were suddenly cut off due to an administrative error. Daniel spent hours—days—trying to fix it in a system that does not treat him or his sister with respect. It’s not because the caseworkers don’t care. It’s because they’re overwhelmed and managing impossible caseloads.
But what troubled Daniel most was not the bureaucracy; it was Nancy’s quality of life. Programs have been cancelled for Nancy; activities have gone. In his words, “People are being warehoused, not supported.”
He’s also worried about her safety. He shared reports of abuse in care settings, including an assault in Nancy’s own building.
He said to me, “We are failing an entire cohort of vulnerable people who can’t speak for themselves ... I can’t take much more of it.”
Daniel’s story is not unique. There are over 250,000 people in Ontario who have developmental disabilities, and just as many family members carrying that care. They need more support. They need dignity. They need safety—
The Acting Speaker (MPP Andrea Hazell): Members’ statements?
Community safety
Ms. Stephanie Bowman: Constituents in my riding of Don Valley West are very concerned about the rise in break-ins and car thefts in our community.
One constituent wrote: “There have been countless home invasions and car thefts in our immediate neighbourhood ... it has become an almost nightly occurrence in recent weeks.”
Last month, I held a town hall with our city of Toronto councillor, Rachel Chernos Lin, and our member of Parliament, Rob Oliphant. I’d like to thank them and the Toronto Police Service for their collaboration and for the police’s attention to this issue.
But Speaker, this government is not giving enough resources to our provincial courts to process cases quickly enough.
The Ombudsman of Ontario says that the overcrowding in our provincial jails has led to reduced sentences and early parole “due to unlawful treatment behind bars. Some inmates have applied to have their charges—even murder charges—stayed.”
Unfortunately, this year’s budget shows that the justice sector will not get any more money for at least three years.
It’s past time for this Conservative government to fix the system, which will be one real way for them to protect Ontario.
Mental health and addiction services
Mr. John Jordan: In December, I was honoured to welcome the Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions to my riding of Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston. We were part of a very special day in Smiths Falls, as one of 28 HART hubs this government announced last March opened its doors. This HART hub is a welcome addition to health services in Lanark county. The Lanark Leeds and Grenville HART Hub is led by Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health.
My sincere congratulations to Kim Gifford and her incredible staff for all their hard work and dedication over the last several months.
This funding represents vital partnerships and collaboration between this government; Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health; the town of Smiths Falls; Lanark County Mental Health; Rideau Community Health Services; the Saumure Group of Companies; and other organizations.
I want to thank the great member from Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes for his advocacy and support.
The Lanark Leeds and Grenville HART Hub brings together mental health and addiction services, along with primary health services, transitional housing and social supports—all under one roof. It not only gives some of our most vulnerable residents a way out of crisis, but a pathway towards stability and hope.
Already, the Lanark Leeds and Grenville HART Hub has brought meaningful and lasting benefits to Smiths Falls and surrounding communities by creating a safe, welcoming space where individuals can access supports, resources and compassionate care.
Lutte contre les incendies de forêt
M. Guy Bourgouin: Aujourd’hui marque le début de la saison des feux de forêt en Ontario. Alors que les feux deviennent plus fréquents et plus destructeurs, ce gouvernement coupe 121 millions de dollars dans la lutte contre les feux de forêt. Chaque année, la fumée force la fermeture d’autoroutes, menace notre santé et pose de sérieux risques pour les communautés du Nord et les Premières Nations.
Au-delà de la lutte contre les feux de forêt, on a besoin d’une stratégie de prévention pour mieux contrôler leur intensité. Faute de marché pour la biomasse, la fibre de bois n’est pas transformée et demeure dans la forêt, augmentant ainsi le risque des feux. Sans une stratégie forestière adéquate, nous n’avons pas les moyens de gérer nos forêts, de retirer la fibre morte et sèche, de prévenir les feux de forêt, de les combattre efficacement, ni de développer des forêts durables.
En réduisant directement le budget consacré à la lutte contre les feux de forêt, le gouvernement compromet le développement futur de nos forêts. J’espère que le gouvernement réalise que sa négligence met à risque les communautés du Nord et les Premières Nations.
Events in Markham–Unionville
Mr. Billy Pang: Madam Speaker, I’m pleased to share some of the meaningful opportunities where I connected with the residents of Markham–Unionville during the recent winter recess. It was a privilege to meet with families, seniors, youth at their doors, and small business owners, through a variety of community events and visits, from a meet-and-greet at Markville mall to a mall walk at First Markham Place with the Premier and fellow MPPs, as well as many cultural and neighbourhood gatherings. These conversations were invaluable and ensured that the voices of our community are heard at Queen’s Park.
I was also delighted to host a March break dim sum concert, bringing families together to celebrate music, culture and community spirit.
In addition, my office organized two Queen’s Park tours for local families, helping residents better understand Ontario’s legislative process and civic engagement.
Winter recess is always a meaningful time to reconnect and reflect, and I remain committed to serving the diverse and vibrant community of Markham–Unionville.
Stay connected.
Merrittville Speedway
Mr. Jeff Burch: It’s an exciting time in my riding, as the Merrittville Speedway kicks off its 75th-anniversary season.
Opened on July 1, 1952, Merrittville Speedway is Canada’s longest continuously operating racetrack. It was also the favourite pastime of legendary Welland MPP Mel Swart.
Owners Lorraine and Don Spiece have done a fantastic job of giving back to the community through their annual Christmas toy giveaway, bike giveaways and, in 2024, the distribution of 500 pizzas from Merrittville Wood Fired Pizza to individuals experiencing homelessness, in coordination with community organizations across Niagara.
This Saturday, April 4, is the third annual Merrittville Speedway Easter Eggstravaganza, offering free admission for families and children throughout the Niagara region. Every child aged 13 and under will receive free candy from each community partner station they visit.
These events have become cherished traditions in Niagara—including Victoria Day fireworks, nostalgia nights, wall of fame inductions, and Civic Holiday weekend celebrations in August; in September is the fourth annual Drive Dreams car show, and in October the ninth annual fall craft and vendor market.
Merrittville Eats is located in front of the speedway and offers ice cream and wood-fired pizzas, along with beef brisket, ribs and fried chicken from the smokehouse.
Come join us for a fantastic anniversary season at the Merrittville Speedway. Everyone is welcome.
Shilo Rousseau
MPP Bill Rosenberg: It has been a productive and eventful winter, including great funding announcements across Algoma–Manitoulin. I’m now looking ahead with anticipation to the arrival of spring.
Today I’d like to talk about my hometown, Thessalon, recognizing our very own athlete Shilo Rousseau, who had an incredible opportunity to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milano Cortina. Shilo made her Olympic debut at the 2026 Winter Olympics in the sport of biathlon, competing in the women’s 15K individual event, where she finished 78th, and placing 80th in the women’s sprint. Shilo also had great World Cup results in the early part of the season, placing 26th and 21st.
Shilo is an emerging talent, demonstrating a strong combination of endurance, precision and competitive determination. With ongoing dedication and support, Shilo has the potential to make a meaningful impact in the sport and serve as an inspiration to developing athletes.
Shilo has applied to medical school and is awaiting a decision from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. She has also had her undergraduate research published in Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular and Integrative Physiology, a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
It was truly wonderful to see our community come together in support of her journey as a rising athlete. We are also incredibly proud of Shilo’s academic achievements and wish her continued success in all she does.
Emergency services
Mr. Sheref Sabawy: During this season of Holy Week, Good Friday and Easter, we remember the miraculous story of sacrifice, hope and love. To the Christian community, happy Easter.
Speaker, I have had the opportunity on a few occasions to visit the Peel police communications centre and meet with the 911 dispatchers.
Ontarians know that when there is an emergency, there is one number to call: 911. Unfortunately, too often 911 is also being used for non-emergencies. In some areas, between 35% and 45% of 911 calls per day are non-emergencies.
Local police agencies have a 10-digit phone line for non-emergencies. But each region has its own number, so it’s very difficult to remember.
That’s why I introduced my private member’s motion which would, if passed, propose standardizing an easy-to-remember three-digit non-emergency phone number. The advantages are clear. If Ontarians remember the new non-emergency number, they will call it instead of 911. Since I first discussed this issue in 2021, we have had consultations and meetings to put this into action. Inspired by the idea, Toronto police piloted the *877 number last year and received over 11,000 phone calls in the first four months. This is a great success. We can do the same province-wide.
I look forward to discussing this more when we debate my motion next month.
Agri-food industry
Ms. Bobbi Ann Brady: We have heard loud and clear in this House that budget 2026 is a disappointment for families looking for affordability and government to meet them in a time of dire need.
But do you know who else is disappointed with this government? Our farmers.
The members opposite quite frequently position themselves as the primary advocate in government for rural Ontario.
I called on this government to act, decisively, and invest in Ontario’s agri-food industry when talk of trade issues surfaced. This sector contributes nearly $51 billion to our provincial GDP and supports close to one million jobs. Let’s be clear: That rivals the economic impact of the auto manufacturing sector.
Speaker, food manufacturing is a unique strength for the provincial economy, but without investment it cannot deliver its full potential.
Straight from the OFA’s news release: “We are disappointed by the absence of direct policy aimed at expanding food processing capacity in Ontario. The budget did not introduce any targeted policies aimed at expanding Ontario’s food processing sector.”
Speaker, agricultural mentions in the budget are largely recycled news.
We could be changing the economic landscape in this province today if we established a dedicated agri-food processing growth fund, enhanced the risk management program, strengthened foodland and local initiatives, modernized wildlife damage compensation for farmers, and strengthened the agricultural impact assessment framework and resources.
This government continues to overlook and undervalue the very people who put food on our tables.
Introduction of Visitors
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Folks, he’s not here yet, but he was just in my office, so I know he’s on his way. Soon to be in the Speaker’s gallery today, we will have the former MPP for Stoney Creek from the 39th, 40th, 41st and 42nd Parliaments: Paul Miller.
And in the Speaker’s gallery is a dear friend of mine, a former colleague—we used to share the anchor desk at CHCH—and she’s also the former MPP for Stoney Creek, from the 38th Parliament: Jennifer Mossop. With Jennifer is the Honourable Robert King, MP—he is the shadow minister of national security, MP for constituency 10, the Parliament of Bermuda—and his wife, Miriam Shaya-King.
Also in the Speaker’s gallery today: a cohort of interns from the Parliament of Canada’s Parliamentary Internship Programme. They are here to learn about Ontario’s Legislature and meet with their counterparts in the Ontario Legislature Internship Programme.
Please join me in warmly welcoming our guests to the Legislature.
Also here today: a constituent of mine from the riding of Flamborough–Glanbrook, Michael Treadgold, who is also the executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Grand Erie, Halton and Hamilton.
Welcome to Queen’s Park.
MPP George Darouze: I would like to extend a warm welcome to the Carleton University students from the Carleton Campus Conservatives: Daisy, Matthew, Benjamin, Lauren, James, Evan and Colin. You represent the future leaders of our province, and it is wonderful to have you here today as you explore how our Legislature works.
I would also like to welcome the Carleton PC riding association’s CFO, Reynold Peters.
And finally, I have the great pleasure of welcoming my amazing constituency office staff here at Queen’s Park, who make sure things run smoothly in Carleton: Stephanie, Jane, Candice, Ethan and Owen, as well as my legislative assistant here at Queen’s Park, Katherine.
I’m excited to have you all here today. Welcome to your House.
Ms. Teresa J. Armstrong: I want to welcome visitors here today for EDS and CCI advocacy day: Dr. Mendes Pereira, Dr. Laurent Bozec, and Susan Carleton of Canerector Foundation.
I want to also acknowledge the Gesualdi family: Sydney, Kimberley, Giuseppe, Maria and Santo.
Welcome to the Legislature.
Hon. Kevin Holland: Visiting us today from Thunder Bay, as part of Big Brothers Big Sisters, is Jackie Knough. Welcome.
Mr. Ric Bresee: I’m very excited today to rise to recognize someone very special in my riding. Our page captain today, Lily Smith, is here—a proud student of Tweed Elementary School. She’s here alongside her mother, Suipa Warner, and her little brother Dean Smith, here in the members’ gallery.
Lily, I know your family is very proud today, and so are we all. Thank you for giving us this opportunity.
M me France Gélinas: J’aimerais souhaiter la bienvenue aux membres de l’Association des gestionnaires de l’éducation franco-ontarienne. On a Olivier St-Maurice, qui est le président; Nya Njeuga, qui est le vice-président; Marc Bertrand, Amine Aïdouni, Jean-François Bélanger et Nicolas Cardinal, les quatre sont administrateurs; Jennifer Lamarche Schmalz, qui est directrice générale; Éric Foisy, qui est coordonnateur de projets; et Jean-Guy Fréchette, associé principal. Bienvenue à Queen’s Park.
Ms. Mary-Margaret McMahon: I’d like to introduce two wonderful people from beautiful Beaches–East York: bubbly Barry Pausey and lovely Lee Pritchard.
Welcome to your House.
Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: I’m just over the moon to be able to welcome today Sam Snobelen from Bruce county. He’s a wonderful business person and a very thoughtful family member who has had a cousin sit in this very House back in the day: John Snobelen.
Mr. Guy Bourgouin: I want to welcome the sisters from United Steelworkers Local 1-2010: April Chernosky, Naomi Nowlan, l’inoubliable Annette Matte and Local 1-2010 president, Jacques Jean. Welcome.
Mrs. Michelle Cooper: I would like to welcome Sam Lambert, who is up here in the gallery. He’s a grade 10 student, and he’s here to job shadow me today for his career day, for grade 10. Welcome to Queen’s Park.
Mr. Brian Riddell: Today, I’m introducing Julie Phillips, who I think a lot of, from Big Brothers Big Sisters. She has a wonderful job. She’s also a part of my riding staff.
Welcome.
Hon. Sylvia Jones: It’s my pleasure to introduce the Ontario Pharmacists Association, which represents over 20,000 pharmacists, technicians and students from across Ontario.
Welcome to Queen’s Park.
Mr. Tom Rakocevic: I am proud to introduce members from my community: Shundell Critchlow and Sabrina Rodriguez, with their daughter Melinda Gutierrez.
Welcome to Queen’s Park.
MPP Mohamed Firin: I would like to welcome today Randolph Scott, the father of page Quentin Luong-Scott.
I’d also like to wish a happy birthday to Achilles Nayyar, who’s one of the pages, from Brampton South.
Mr. Dave Smith: I’d like to introduce a great friend of mine who is with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough, and she plays for Team Canada on the Gaelic football team: Zoe King.
Mr. Aris Babikian: Here with us today is His Eminence Archbishop Papken Tcharian, prelate of the Armenian Prelacy of Canada; Right Rev. Father Karekin Shekherdemian; Rev. Father Shahe Yaacoubian; and chairperson of the prelacy board, Ms. Zovigs Terzian. Welcome to Queen’s Park.
Mr. Terence Kernaghan: I want to welcome visitors here today for the EDS/CCI advocacy day: Gabrielle Gallant, Karen Powers, Kristine Hughston, Tina Williamson and Nicole Cancelliere, as well as many other visitors. Thank you very much for your advocacy.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): To our members who were not introduced, my apologies, but I hold a fast and hard line on time—but to our members in the chamber, you may come back at 1 o’clock if you would like to read in the record.
Jeremy Hansen
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Before I go to you on a point of order and before we begin question period, I would like to take this opportunity to wish astronaut Jeremy Hansen, a proud native of London, Ontario, all the very best as he prepares this evening to embark on an extraordinary journey around the moon. His dedication, courage and commitment to exploration has inspired Canadians from coast to coast to coast. As he reaches new heights, he carries with him the pride of a nation.
We wish you safe travels, clear skies and a safe return home. Godspeed.
Applause.
Stephen Lewis
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The Leader of the Opposition on a point of order.
Ms. Marit Stiles: Speaker, yesterday we lost a great Canadian, a great Ontarian. I seek unanimous consent of the House to observe a moment of silence in remembrance of Stephen Lewis, former MPP for Scarborough West, leader of Ontario’s first NDP official opposition and, of course, Canada’s ambassador to the UN and UN special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, who, very sadly, passed away yesterday, March 31, 2026.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): MPP Stiles is seeking unanimous consent of the House to observe a moment of silence in remembrance of Stephen Lewis. Agreed? Agreed.
The House observed a moment’s silence.
Question Period
Government accountability
Ms. Marit Stiles: Speaker, here in Ontario, we have right now our country’s most secretive government. First, they tried to use personal Gmail and code words to make it harder and harder to search for records under freedom-of-information laws. Now they are changing the law to keep records of government business completely out of reach.
So I want to ask the Premier of this province if there is any length that he and his government won’t go to keep information from the people of Ontario.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement.
Hon. Stephen Crawford: It’s always a pleasure to speak in the House. I certainly appreciate the question from the member opposite about this legislation that strengthens privacy, protects people and preserves transparency where it matters the most: on decisions, outcomes and spending.
Speaker, let me talk about FOIs. Ontario processes approximately 25,000 FOIs every single year. That’s double what all the western provinces do combined—every single year.
The member opposite talks about FOIs and whether this will continue. I can assure the House and the people of Ontario that over 95% of the FOI requests that come in today will still be processed. All decisions made by government, all outcomes made by government will still be FOI-able. The people of Ontario will be able to see what the outcomes are that this province has put forward.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the Leader of the Opposition.
Ms. Marit Stiles: Speaker, I’d say to the government that you give the people of this province a lot of reasons to make requests for information, let me tell you.
To the minister: A lot of the excuses this government has given for why they are making these changes are incorrect. The law already protects cabinet confidence. Most other provinces do not exclude members’ offices from being searched. But as usual, this government is aiming as low as they can. It is always a race to the bottom with this government.
The Premier buried these sweeping, undemocratic changes to freedom-of-information laws in their budget. It’s like he is holding the entire province hostage until he gets what he wants.
So my question is, what is the Premier so desperate to hide?
Hon. Stephen Crawford: Yes, this legislation is a part of the budget, but I went out several weeks ago in front of the media and the public to talk about what we’re doing. What we’re doing is aligning legislation with the majority of the provinces in Canada, whether it’s NDP BC, Conservative Alberta, CAQ in Quebec—different political parties—Liberals in New Brunswick, or the Liberal federal government. What we’re doing is aligning legislation, uniform across Canada—and not only Canada; other jurisdictions within the Westminster democracy too, whether it’s Australia, New Zealand, the UK or Ireland.
What we’re doing is not different, and it crosses across different political parties. This is not a partisan issue.
Some 95% of what people are able to FOI will still be FOI-able. Outcomes, decisions made by government, the most important aspects of what we do as a government are open to the people and will continue to be, and the people will judge us on that. By the way they’re judging us today, I think we’re doing a pretty good job.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the Leader of the Opposition.
Ms. Marit Stiles: Well, that is incorrect. Actually, it is certainly not what the Information and Privacy Commissioner is saying.
If this budget passes, the changes to freedom-of-information laws are actually going to be retroactive. This government will be closing the vault on nearly four decades of government records with a stroke of a pen.
The Premier is building a fortress around himself, and every single MPP sitting here on the government side is letting him do it. The courts have ruled that the Premier needs to serve up his phone records. He doesn’t want to do that, and he is changing the laws of this province to prevent it.
Will it take a police investigation to get the truth out of this Premier?
Hon. Stephen Crawford: The courts have ruled, and they’ve ruled in our favour. In 2024, when the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in favour of cabinet confidentiality, it codified what we’re doing. The legislation we are putting forward in the budget, which has been very open and transparent to the people of Ontario, is something that the Supreme Court of Canada has codified.
Having said that—
Interjection.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Order. The member for Windsor West will come to order.
Hon. Stephen Crawford: Having said that, this government, under Premier Ford, has been the most accessible in the province’s history. I don’t see the phone number for the Leader of the Opposition out there. I don’t see her talking to the people of Ontario. The Premier of Ontario talks and takes calls from thousands upon thousands of Ontarians. We have led the way. I have never seen a leader, in fact, in the history of this country who has been more open and accessible than he. I challenge the Leader of the Opposition to put her phone number out there and hear from the people of Ontario.
Hospital funding
Ms. Marit Stiles: Honestly.
Speaker, this question is for the Premier.
Patients in Ontario are now waiting an average of 20 hours in emergency rooms—20 hours. The number of patients being treated in hallways has doubled under eight years of the Premier and his government. If Ontarians are wondering why—it is because this government fired 700 nurses last year.
Can the Premier explain how firing nurses and cutting staff is supposed to make emergency room waits shorter?
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Minister of Health.
Hon. Sylvia Jones: Speaker, even in this chamber, facts matter. The facts are that there is a 15% increase in the number of nurses who are working in our publicly funded system—15%. We have licensed an additional 100,000 nurses in the province of Ontario to work in Ontario. We are currently training 30,000 nurses in our colleges and universities so that they can have those opportunities in our publicly funded system.
And yes, again, I will repeat: a 15% increase in the number of nurses who are working since Premier Ford and our government took office—a 15% increase.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Leader of the Opposition.
Ms. Marit Stiles: What the minister fails to acknowledge is that they are losing nurses quicker than they can actually hire them.
And instead of fixing hallway health care, it sounds to me like what the minister is doing is just making it easier to treat people in hallways. Is that the standard of care that this minister thinks is acceptable?
It’s simple: To end hallway health care, to put an end to these long wait times in emergency rooms, we need the staff to do it. To even get to the average of the rest of Canada, we would need to hire 48,000 more hospital staff. But you are not doing that. No. In fact, what you are doing is, you are laying off health care workers—
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Through the Chair.
Ms. Marit Stiles: This year, 1,000 jobs are being eliminated in hospitals in North Bay, in Hamilton, in London, in Ottawa, in Niagara, and in the GTA.
Why is the Premier choosing cuts and layoffs instead of getting people the care they need?
Hon. Sylvia Jones: Again, I will say, the facts do matter.
The truth is, as they are fearmongering about North Bay, they know that there have been no changes in terms of individuals who have been redeployed. Those were vacant positions that the organization decided they no longer needed, and so they actually eliminated the position, not the individual. We have union representatives in North Bay who are acknowledging that fact.
When I look at the expansions that we are doing across Ontario, whether it is new hospitals, whether it is expansion in our colleges and universities, ensuring that we have not only a pathway to train additional primary care and clinical staff, but we’re actually putting the money in those investments and ensuring that as we expand capital, as we expand hospitals—$60 billion in 50 different hospital builds—we have the exceptional care and the exceptional clinicians that—
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The member from London West.
Ms. Peggy Sattler: Yesterday, we learned that 288 registered nursing positions will be cut at London Health Sciences Centre. These cuts, which amount to more than 500,000 hours of RN care, will of course have an impact on patients and will also increase workloads on already overburdened nursing staff.
Mandatory safe-staffing ratios are urgently needed to protect patients and support nurses, but this government refuses to put them in place.
Speaker, how can this Premier possibly think that cutting nursing positions is going to do anything to improve patient care?
Hon. Sylvia Jones: I think it’s important for that member to have those conversations with London Health Sciences Centre and make sure that she understands exactly what they are proposing.
When we invest in our primary care physicians, when we invest in our nurses, when we invest in our lab technicians, we are actually getting that world-class care.
And I will never talk down the world-class health care that we have in the province of Ontario. SickKids is the number one pediatric hospital in the world. UHN is the number two publicly funded hospital in the world. I will not talk down our hospital systems because we have world-class, we’re training world-class—people want to live and be working in these world-class systems.
Health care
Mr. John Fraser: My question is for the Minister of Health.
These Ford Conservatives are tired, out of touch and out of ideas—hallway health care, ER closures, increasing wait times. And if you listened to the finance minister’s remarks last week, you wouldn’t hear much about those or very much about health care, if you listened to his speech. You certainly wouldn’t hear about the two million people who don’t have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, or you wouldn’t hear about all those people having to use their credit card instead of their OHIP card to get the basic primary care that they need.
My question is simple. To the minister: Why does she think it’s okay for families to have to use their credit card instead of their OHIP card to get basic primary care in this province?
Hon. Sylvia Jones: As we continue our expansion of primary care—$3.4 billion—we’re already seeing results. Last year alone, 330,000 people across Ontario have an opportunity and are connected to a primary care clinician now. We are ensuring, through our investments, that those continue.
The member opposite asks what we have been doing. I’ll tell you what we’ve been doing.
We have a Learn and Stay program that didn’t exist when the Liberal government was in power. It’s a program that is actually training lab technicians, northern Ontario primary paramedics, nurses.
We are ensuring that we are not only putting in place the education for individuals to train, who want to practise in the province of Ontario, but we’re actually welcoming the world. We’ve directed the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and the College of Nurses of Ontario to quickly assess, review and ultimately approve and give a licence to internationally trained people who want to come to Ontario. Why? Because we have a world-class system and they want to work—
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the leader of the third party.
Mr. John Fraser: That answer just shows how tired and adrift this minister and this Conservative government is.
Two years ago, when this issue was raised of nurse practitioners not being able to bill OHIP, the minister said that her hands were tied, that it was the federal government’s problem.
My colleague from Don Valley East put forward a bill that said, “Well, no, actually, it’s not the federal government’s problem, that’s stopping this. Here’s something we can do so that families don’t have to use their credit card.” These folks, and some of them over here too, voted it down. They’re perfectly okay with people having to use their credit card instead of their OHIP card.
Back to the minister: I don’t really understand why they believe, in the middle of an affordability crisis, that people should have to pull out their credit card to get an appointment, when they’re just trying to pay the bills. So can the minister tell us if she’s really okay with that?
Hon. Sylvia Jones: Our Premier and our government have never been more clear: People do not have to use anything but their OHIP card to get access in the province of Ontario.
Do we see the value of nurse practitioners? Speaker, 100%, we do. We’ve seen 170 new seats available for nurse practitioners.
I spoke to a mother this weekend, and she said, “Thank you for expanding nurse practitioner seats in the province of Ontario, because my daughter got in, and she’s starting in September.” That was at the Orangeville home show this weekend.
People know that there are changes coming and that there are improvements happening in our system.
And we absolutely believe that nurse practitioners are 100% part of those multidisciplinary teams. We welcome them in Ontario.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the leader of the third party.
Mr. John Fraser: This minister is clearly out of touch, because more and more Ontarians are having to pull out their credit card instead of their OHIP card.
The federal government, 15 months ago, removed the barrier that the minister said was there and then mandated that nurse practitioners be covered under OHIP provincial plans by yesterday.
You missed the deadline; you didn’t meet it. People are still having to use their credit cards. I know it’s April Fool’s Day. It’s not a joke, Minister. The thing you said prevented you was taken away—it didn’t—and now you’ve been told you need to do this, and you’re in contravention of the Canada Health Act.
Speaker, how can this minister sit there and tell us everything is okay? People are having to use their credit card when they’re having a hard time paying for groceries. Can the—
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Minister of Health.
Hon. Sylvia Jones: I want to be very clear: We will be in compliance with the federal government. But what the federal government has done, without any additional funding, is actually say, “It’s your problem, provinces and territories. You go figure it out.” So, yes, Ontario is a leader, and we will figure it out.
I also want to highlight the nurse practitioner-led clinics—one in Cambridge alone that is actually expanding services—because we as a government see their value and are continuing to expand their funding.
Nurse practitioner-led clinics, multidisciplinary teams where nurse practitioners work with physicians, work with nurses, work with dietitians and mental health workers—that is where Ontario is going.
Speaker, with the greatest of respect, I do not want to go back to where we were when the Liberal government was in power.
Nurse practitioners
Mr. Adil Shamji: Simple question: Should patients always pay with their OHIP card, not their credit card? Should they? Because that’s not a question—that is a supposed promise that this Premier has repeated over and over and over again. But after eight long, expensive years under these guys, Ontarians are paying more for health care than ever before—even getting invoiced for massive bills when getting medically necessary care delivered by nurse practitioners.
The federal government ordered nurse practitioners to be fully funded for medically necessary services by today—they haven’t been, and now patients are paying the price.
Will the Minister of Health look into the camera and tell patients who are seeing nurse practitioners as we speak that they will always pay with their OHIP card—even as they are being forced to pull out their credit cards right now?
Hon. Sylvia Jones: An expansion of nurse practitioner-led clinics, as a result of our primary care investment of $3.4 billion; an expansion of nurse practitioner seats available in our post-secondary schools, as a result of our investments and the investments of the minister of universities and colleges—we know that multidisciplinary teams are the key.
And as a member of the Ontario Medical Association, I would respectfully suggest that the member opposite also knows that multidisciplinary teams where physicians work with nurse practitioners, work with nurses, work with dietitians and mental health workers are what patients want and are what clinicians want. And we have given that opportunity, with a $3.4-billion enhancement to primary care. Even the member opposite’s numbers are changing because—
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Question?
Mr. Adil Shamji: Madam Speaker, if your parents were slowing down and beginning to forget their words, shouldn’t you be able to see a nurse practitioner or a physician?
If your baby won’t stop crying or has a fever that just won’t break, wouldn’t it be great to see an MD or an NP?
And if you’re down to your last dollar or couldn’t make ends meet, should you have to ask yourself whether you’ll pay for a meal or pay for an appointment?
These are the questions that Ontarians are being forced to ask every day, after the Premier failed to meet today’s deadline to publicly fund nurse practitioner services.
After eight long years, patients are paying more for things that they’ve already paid for once with their taxes. They shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket to see their nurse practitioner.
When will the Minister of Health choose to stop private billing and fund nurse practitioners as generously as this government funds its Premier’s office?
Hon. Sylvia Jones: Allow me to quote: “The Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario (NPAO) is thrilled by the recent announcement from the Ontario Ministry of Health regarding the allocation of additional funding towards”—wait for it—“expanding interprofessional primary care and existing programs.” That’s Michelle Acorn and Barbara Bailey from the Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario.
Even nurse practitioners understand the importance of working within our systems. And whether they are in our hospitals, our primary care teams, or our long-term-care facilities, nurse practitioners play an incredibly vital role as part of that clinical community of care that we so value in the province of Ontario.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Final supplementary?
Mr. Adil Shamji: Speaker, nurse practitioners would be even happier if all of their services were funded.
But after eight long years under this government, Ontarians have little to show. ERs are closing, hallways are overflowing, and millions of people don’t have a family doctor. If their primary care action plan was working, nurse practitioners would be already funded by now.
This government is out of touch and out of gas. And beginning today, it’s out of line, because a federal deadline to fully fund nurse practitioner services has officially passed and there’s no plan to take action for an entire year. The Minister of Health has gone from non-compliance with the Canada Health Act to open defiance.
I will remind her that
section 13 of Ontario’s Commitment to the Future of Medicare Act specifically states that patients shall be reimbursed for any unauthorized health care charges.
Will she reimburse every single one of the patients who has paid for nurse practitioner services today or will she continue to defy the law?
Hon. Sylvia Jones: What I will do today is remind the member opposite that there are 330,000 people in Ontario who last year did not have access to a primary care clinician and now do.
I will point out to the member opposite that we have made a $3.4-billion investment that ensures that every single Ontario resident will be connected to a primary care provider in 2029.
Speaker, I know the member opposite doesn’t want to hear the numbers and the facts, because they don’t jibe with his narrative. But the truth is, we are making progress. Whether it is through education, whether it is through welcoming internationally trained physicians, clinicians, nurses and nurse practitioners, and, yes, whether it is expanding access through our primary care action team, we are making progress, and we will see that progress continue through 2026.
Entretien hivernal des routes / Winter highway maintenance
M. Guy Bourgouin: Ma question est pour le ministre des Transports. Depuis des mois, nous demandons de l’information sur le manque des réserves de sel et l’entretien hivernal.
Malgré des conversations et deux lettres envoyées depuis décembre, le ministre n’a toujours pas répondu.
Monsieur le Ministre, pourquoi refusez-vous de répondre et nous forcer à l’accès à l’information?
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The member for Hastings–Lennox and Addington.
Mr. Ric Bresee: Thank you very much, Speaker, but unfortunately, I have to indicate that my translation did not come through. Could I ask the member, through the Speaker, to repeat the question?
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the member for the question.
Interjections.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): No, it doesn’t matter. We’re going to go back to the member.
Nous devons maintenant passer par l’accès à l’information. Par contre, votre gouvernement veut réduire ce droit essentiel. Sans transparence, les concitoyens, les journalistes et les élus ne peuvent pas effectuer leur travail et tenir le gouvernement responsable. Donc, monsieur le Ministre, qu’avez-vous à cacher?
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Did the member hear the question?
Mr. Ric Bresee: Partially.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Is your earpiece working? Is your translation working?
Mr. Ric Bresee: Unfortunately, the audio is very, very quiet, and hearing that over the rest of the noise—the translation was there, but it’s so quiet that I have a great deal of difficulty hearing it.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Can you answer the question?
Mr. Ric Bresee: Unfortunately, I can’t; I can answer in generalities, Speaker.
To the member opposite: This government has nothing to hide. This government is working towards improving transportation networks all across this province, including the northern highways. Our minister is working every single day to make sure that northern highways are supported, are expanded, are growing and are maintained in the best way possible.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the member for Nepean.
Interjections.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Stop the clock.
You had two opportunities to speak. You had two questions.
The member for Nepean.
Start the clock.
Health care
MPP Tyler Watt: My question is for the Minister of Health.
This morning, we’ve heard about how facts matter. Well, here are some facts: In my riding of Nepean, over 30,000 people don’t have access to primary care through a nurse practitioner or family doctor. Millions in Ontario still do not have access to primary care. So where do they go when they need to see a nurse practitioner or family doctor? They try to go to a walk-in clinic. In my riding, they’re often closed by 10 a.m. You have people lining up at 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. in the morning in the hopes of seeing a doctor. Where do they go from there? They go to the emergency room. What if the emergency room is closed?
We’re seeing emergency room closures in every region across this province. Let’s say they’re lucky enough to get in there. I just worked in the emergency room a couple of weeks ago, and I can tell you how bad hallway medicine has gotten. Hallway bed 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7—it just goes up and up. I saw a patient in a storage closet. That was the premium spot because at least they had some privacy.
Speaker, this so-called transparent government is withholding data on how many patients are receiving care. Why are they hiding hallway health care wait time data from the public?
Hon. Sylvia Jones: As we see expansions in primary care, we’re actually seeing diversions away from our emergency departments, with programs, again, that didn’t exist under the Liberal government, where 911 models of care—paramedics connect with, and, upon approval with a patient, take individuals to where they are best served, making sure that the treatment is happening quickly and expeditiously. We have dedicated offload nursing programs now, where individuals are actually assigned to our emergency departments to make sure that they can assess and quickly review and get those patients triaged and in appropriate care.
Again, I will never talk down our Ontario health care system, because I see the incredible innovation that is happening in our hospitals across Ontario. It is indicative to me that, while we are enhancing and encouraging that innovation, the member opposite wants to keep with the status quo. And as I said previously, I have no—
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the member for Nepean.
MPP Tyler Watt: I don’t know why the minister’s response is to always say that we’re talking down hospitals. I’d like to remind the minister that I am a registered nurse who works at a hospital. We do more with so little from this government. I’m not talking down the hospital; I’m advocating for our hospitals and for our patients and our health care workers in the system that you are actively destroying.
That response was so out of touch with what is happening on the ground. Has this minister actually spoken to a health care worker recently? Have you spoken to a patient recently? Seriously.
A physician from Perth said, “We’re frankly sick of it. I saw somebody last year in a toilet. In a physical toilet, I examined a patient because I had no other space to see them.” That’s your system.
Again, I ask, why is this government hiding hallway health care wait times and refusing to be transparent with the public?
Hon. Sylvia Jones: As recently as last week, I was stopped on a street in Toronto, and they said, “You’re a really busy lady. You’re doing a lot of great things. Keep going.”
I’ve worked 20 years in the health care system. Respectfully, clinicians see it—they see those investments. They know that Ontario has the highest rate of attachment in all of Canada, with almost 90% of Ontario residents attached to a primary care clinician. We know that with our $3.4-billion investment in primary care, we’re going to continue to see that number creep up, to 2029, where 100% of Ontario residents are attached to a primary care physician. Why does that matter?
It means that people have choices and they can actually go and have a long-term, committed relationship where they understand and their clinicians know what their issues are and they can manage those. Whether those are high blood pressure, whether it’s diabetes, having that long—
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Question?
Ontario economy
Mr. Lorne Coe: My question is for the Minister of Finance.
In my riding of Whitby and across the province, workers, families and job creators are playing close attention to the global economic picture. With ongoing trade tensions, supply chain disruptions and uncertainty affecting economies across the world, people want to know that their government has a responsible plan—a plan that protects Ontario, supports growth and keeps life affordable. The minister has made it clear that Ontario is choosing a different path than many other jurisdictions.
Through you, Speaker: Can the minister tell this House how our government’s budget plan is helping protect Ontario’s economy and strengthen the foundations that communities like mine depend on?
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the PA to finance.
Mr. Dave Smith: Thanks to the member for Whitby for that question.
Speaker, the reality is that we’re in global economic uncertain times, and it’s affecting every single jurisdiction across Canada. How the government responds to it is really what matters. When we look at other jurisdictions across the country, they’re raising taxes, they’re cutting services, they’re running record deficits.
But Ontario is choosing a responsible and balanced approach. Because of prudent fiscal management, our economy continues to grow, private sector jobs are increasing, and Ontario remains one of the few provinces with a clear path to balance. That strong foundation allows us to cut taxes. It allows us to put money back into people’s pockets, support businesses and, at the same time, make historic investments in public services.
Speaker, this is what it means to protect Ontario, for today, and for the long term.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the member for Whitby.
Mr. Lorne Coe: Thank you to the parliamentary assistant for this encouraging update. I know the people in my community appreciate that our government is staying focused on economic growth while keeping costs down for hard-working families and businesses.
We know that protecting Ontario’s future means continuing to make strategic investments in competitiveness, in innovation, and in good-paying jobs. We must also ensure that our public services remain strong and, yes, sustainable.
Through you, Speaker: Can the parliamentary assistant explain how our government is building long-term prosperity and resilience so that Ontario remains a place where businesses invest, workers succeed, and communities like Whitby continue to grow?
Mr. Dave Smith: Again, I want to thank the member for Whitby for it, because the reality is, I’m probably one of the few guys who geeks out on some of this stuff. It absolutely is fantastic for me, working directly in it.
Protecting Ontario means strengthening our competitive advantages, supporting Ontario-owned businesses and investing in the sectors that are going to drive the economy and growth for generations to come.
That’s why, through our budget, we’re proposing new tools like the $4-billion Protect Ontario Account Investment Fund, historic tax relief for small businesses, and measures that lower the cost of investing and doing business in this province.
At the same time, we’re making record investments in infrastructure, skills training, health care, housing, community safety—all at the same time as managing our province’s finances responsibly. It’s delivering the growth, resilience and confidence that Ontario needs right now.
Health care funding
Ms. Teresa J. Armstrong: Speaker, in 2023, the Minister of Health advised that there would be additional neurosurgical funding and resources for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome—EDS—patients with craniocervical instability. Yet there’s still no clear path for these patients to access neurosurgical care here in Ontario.
Can the minister explain where the allocated funding was spent and why it has not resulted in improved access to neurosurgical care for EDS and CCI patients, as was promised?
Hon. Sylvia Jones: Speaker, the member opposite raises a really important issue, and of course it’s related to rare diseases. The funding that she highlights was actually used for research, because there is still a lot of work that has to happen at the research level, at the clinical level to ensure that we are providing the most appropriate service for EDS patients. We constantly have conversations and challenges as we work through the rare disease strategy with the federal government.
We know that as fewer and fewer people are impacted, it is so challenging to get the diagnosis and to have the pathway to treatment. But we really, truly need that clinical advice, and that is why the research that we’ve provided to both UHN and SickKids is absolutely critical .
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the member for London–Fanshawe.
Ms. Teresa J. Armstrong: This is not a rare disease.
Last year, the head of the GoodHope EDS clinic confirmed that there’s currently no neurosurgeon in Ontario accepting EDS and CCI patients and no established referral pathway. However, treatment is available at specialized centres in the United States. But since 2018, every single out-of-country prior-approval application for EDS-related CCI has been denied by the ministry.
Where does the minister expect patients to go to access care if experts are confirming it is not available in this province?
Hon. Sylvia Jones: I’m sure the member opposite appreciates and understands that decisions made about whether out-of-country access is appropriate are clinical decisions. These are not political decisions. These are not decisions that should be left to anyone but clinical experts.
As we continue to fund the research, as we work with the University Health Network and SickKids, who are currently operating a joint two-site specialized EDS clinic, we need to make sure that we are following all of the clinical advice. It is what we deserve, it is what the patients deserve, and it’s what we must do when we are both accessing out-of-country and ensuring that we’re putting the appropriate investments where the clinical advice lies.
Hospital funding
Mr. Ted Hsu: Kingston General Hospital is the oldest in Ontario. They’ve established hallway beds in the jammed-up emergency room and throughout the rest of the hospital. Everybody knows that this 188-year-old hospital cannot be restored or rebuilt.
To the finance minister: In the budget, you predict a $14-billion budget deficit next year—almost as big as during COVID 19. People in the five ridings who depend on Kingston’s hospital look at that deficit, are worried and want to know, did you leave any money to build the urgently needed new hospital in Kingston?
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Minister of Finance.
Interjections.
Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Thank you, Minister of Social Services and Minister of Labour. I got two.
In all seriousness, it’s a very important question.
Of course, the member opposite being such a learned man—and I’m sure he has gone through the budget—would be very in tune with the fact that we’ve increased funding for the health care sector, from about $62 billion to over $100 billion, since we took office.
And more than that, we have a plan to build more acute-care beds. Unfortunately, the member opposite is part of a party that, when they were in power for 15 years—supported at times by the NDP—built nothing. They built absolutely nothing, and we inherited—the member opposite knows full well—the deficit in building acute-care beds.
Thanks to the leadership of this government and thanks to the support of the people of Ontario, we’re building those hospitals.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the member for Kingston and the Islands.
Mr. Ted Hsu: Speaker, unfortunately, in the budget document there is no mention of the new hospital in Kingston, even though nine other places are mentioned.
Two years ago, the budget predicted a surplus for fiscal year 2026-27. Last year that turned into an $8-billion deficit, and in this year’s budget the 2026-27 deficit has ballooned to $14 billion—nearly as big as during COVID.
After eight years, this tired government has developed a scary habit: Future surpluses melt away into deficits as their spending meets the reality of their misplaced priorities, like the fantasy tunnel under the 401.
So I ask the finance minister, is there money left to pay for the new Kingston hospital? What hope—real hope—can we give to my constituents and everybody between Ottawa and Toronto?
Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Well, with respect to the member opposite, I don’t know what world he’s living in.
The world we’re living in is—we’ve gone through a pandemic, we’ve gone through very high inflation, two-million population growth, a tariff-related economy, and now a global conflict. And notwithstanding all that, this province is leading the country in terms of investing in infrastructure, investing in our people, investing responsibly so we take care of every single Ontarian.
I might add, in that hospital that we’re talking about—this Minister of Health is leading the country and getting everyone attached to a primary care physician.
I’m sure the member opposite read the document to see that another $3.4 billion is invested into primary care, to make sure that every Ontarian is attached to a family doctor.
Firearms control
Ms. Bobbi Ann Brady: My question is to the Premier.
Yesterday was the deadline for Canadian gun owners to declare their prohibited firearms to qualify for compensation under the federal buyback program. Concerns over property rights, the effectiveness of the policy, logistical hurdles and the potential criminalization of previously law-abiding owners is creating a great deal of anxiety here in Ontario.
Last month, the Premier praised a homeowner who used a firearm to defend himself against an intruder. I agreed with the Premier’s sentiments, and we agree that the buyback targets legal gun owners and hunters rather than criminals.
But there has been no official statement from this government, so I would say this is precisely the moment that calls for real protection, not sound bites.
Speaker, I see the buyback as an unconstitutional attack on the rights of Ontarians. So through you, to the Premier: Will he commit to using every provincial tool available, including legislation, to protect the rights of Ontario firearms owners?
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the Solicitor General.
Hon. Michael S. Kerzner: I appreciate the question.
I can’t be clearer. The Premier has been very clear: We in the province of Ontario do not support the federal government’s gun buyback program. I’ll tell you why, Madam Speaker. Not one gun that’s used in an illegal activity in Ontario will be surrendered by this program.
We will work with the federal government to make sure that they will have grants and investments that will work with our police services to get our illegal guns off the street. And I’m waiting for the phone to ring.
Interjection.
The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the member for Haldimand–Norfolk.
Ms. Bobbi Ann Brady: I’m questioning why the minister would allow our firearms owners to wait. It’s not enough said—like one of the members yelled across the way.
I want to point out that both Saskatchewan and Alberta are leveraging provincial legislation to protect gun owners from federal confiscation—including Saskatchewan’s new certificate of exemption and Alberta’s prohibition on local law enforcement involvement. I have the legislation right here; it’s already done for us.
This government is building a reputation on tough talk when it comes to the buyback. But I will remind you, Minister, rhetoric does not lawfully protect a single Ontario firearms owner.
While the OPP is opting out, not all municipal services are. Waterloo Regional Police has announced it will take part.
Once again, to the Premier: Why is this government leaving Ontarians exposed to a patchwork of enforcement instead of delivering real province-wide protection like Premiers Smith and Moe?
Hon. Michael S. Kerzner: The member opposite knows that the federal government has a right to enact federal law.
The member also made reference to the fact that almost every single police service in Ontario—led by the OPP—said, “We will not participate in the gun buyback program.”
You could ask the member from Waterloo opposite why her service thought it was okay to join the program. I’ve spoken to the chief.
I’ll say this—again, for the record. I said it in four FPT meetings with the Attorney General present and this past year in Kananaskis with the Associate Solicitor General present. Ontario do