role="main" class="main-container container js-quickedit-main-content" id="main-content">

June 5, 2024

43rd Parliament, 1st Session

< Previous sitting day

Next sitting day >

Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcript 2024-Jun-05 (PDF)

L167 - Wed 5 Jun 2024 / Mer 5 jun 2024

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Wednesday 5 June 2024 Mercredi 5 juin 2024

Orders of the Day

Preventing Unethical Puppy Sales Act, 2024 / Loi de 2024 sur la prévention de la vente de chiots contraire à l’éthique

Report, Financial Accountability Officer

Members’ Statements

Mental health services

Anti-racism activities

Government investments

Labour dispute

Skilled trades

Colleen Wake

Thornhill Presbyterian Church

Events in Ottawa–Vanier

D-Day anniversary

Toniata Public School

Annual report and statistical report, Information and Privacy Commissioner

Introduction of Visitors

Wearing of poppies

D-Day anniversary

Visitors

Question Period

Government spending

Special education

Children’s mental health services

Taxation

Pharmacare

Taxation

Mental health services

Government spending

Taxation

Front-line workers

Government spending

Taxation

Ministry spending

Taxation

Deferred Votes

Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, 2024 / Loi de 2024 pour réduire les formalités administratives afin de construire plus de logements

Patient-to-Nurse Ratios for Hospitals Act, 2024 / Loi de 2024 sur les ratios patients-personnel infirmier dans les hôpitaux

Reception

Correction of record

Mark Stoddart

Reception

Introduction of Bills

Municipal Accountability and Integrity Act, 2024 / Loi de 2024 sur la responsabilité et l’intégrité au niveau municipal

Sacred Spaces, Safe Places Act, 2024 / Loi de 2024 pour des lieux sacrés sécuritaires

Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice Month Act, 2024 / Loi de 2024 sur le Mois de la justice reproductive et de la santé maternelle chez les personnes noires

Motions

Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs

Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs

Committee sittings

Petitions

Social assistance

Endometriosis

Addiction services

Land use planning

Addiction services

Police in schools

Social assistance

Mental health services

Education funding

Social assistance

Injured workers

Sexual violence and harassment

Education funding

Public transit

Tenant protection

Orders of the Day

Homeowner Protection Act, 2024 / Loi de 2024 sur la protection des propriétaires de logements

Report, Integrity Commissioner

Homeowner Protection Act, 2024 / Loi de 2024 sur la protection des propriétaires de logements

Homeowner Protection Act, 2024 / Loi de 2024 sur la protection des propriétaires de logements

Homeowner Protection Act, 2024 / Loi de 2024 sur la protection des propriétaires de logements

House sittings

Private Members’ Public Business

Electric vehicles

The House met at 0900.

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

Prayers.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Next we’ll have a moment of silence for inner thought and personal reflection.

Orders of the Day

Preventing Unethical Puppy Sales Act, 2024 / Loi de 2024 sur la prévention de la vente de chiots contraire à l’éthique

Resuming the debate adjourned on June 4, 2024, on the motion for third reading of the following bill:

Bill 159,

An Act to amend the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019 / Projet de loi 159, Loi modifiant la Loi de 2019 sur les services provinciaux visant le bien-être des animaux.

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

Mrs. Jennifer (Jennie) Stevens: Good morning, Speaker, and good morning, everyone. It is always an honour to speak on behalf of the residents of Niagara and St. Catharines and, in this case, to be able to debate some of the issues with Bill 159.

Preparing for a committee to deliberate and determine the amendments, I was struck by two parallel revelations. The first is that when speaking with stakeholders for animal justice, front-line service providers, societies and shelters, the theme of government consultation for this bill—from their perspective—was consultation and submissions by force, as they were not asked by the ministry for their expertise. On their own, without prompting, they came together to submit their own reports to the ministry.

The second revelation is that this is a recurring, disappointing theme of this Conservative government—the severe and considerable lack of consultations leading to decisions in a silo. This is why I know we can improve on this bill already.

Now, putting aside my latter, more high-level observation about the degree of collegiality of this government, with the legislation for Preventing Unethical Puppy Sales Act, 2023, we find ourselves at a crossroads. This legislation, now at its third reading, represents a precipice, and it’s our collective duty to ensure that when we are addressing the welfare of animals in our province, it is done right. It is a moment that demands that we listen, then act—doing those two things exactly in that order.

Bill 159 seeks to amend the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act by imposing further penalties and measures to eliminate puppy mills, to eliminate unethical breeding, particularly those associated with unregulated and often cruel, cruel practices. These facilities exist because of a lack of enforcement, driven by large amounts of profit while at the expense of animal welfare, and epitomize the darker aspects of our relationships with domestic animals. We can all agree that puppy mills are really bad. I am a dog and cat owner myself. My dog’s name is Lucy; we call her lovely lady Lucy.

She really is part of our family. We love her. She welcomes us with unconditional love. I know that many of the members in this Legislature have similar connections with their pets. It is why legislation to further reduce and ultimately attempt to remove puppy mills is just. Yet, our intentions must not be morally inconsistent with our actions.

Strengthening regulations and penalties without the proper funding for enforcement and staffing we are only accomplishing what my grandmother would have called out as, “Doing something as useful as putting a screen door on a submarine.” This is because producing puppies in a wholesale environment, which tends to mean you’re focusing on quantity first and using the least amount of resources possible, is menacingly profitable. It means if creating a disincentive is not done right, then it wouldn’t get done at all. The incentive for profit will still overweigh its disincentive to getting caught.

For all of our success, it will just be like playing whack-a-mole: You knock it down in one area, and they spring up all over province.

This legislation is a reminder of the delicate interplay between the rule-making and the rule-enforcing, and if we do not address the issue of puppy mills meaningfully, there will remain pockets where suffering and neglect persist unchecked and unaddressed, which could be quite shameful.

In the role of the official opposition and as the critic for the Solicitor General, it is incumbent upon us to examine this legislation with a watchful and critical eye. The goal in principle is to enhance, to ensure that this bill not only addresses the symptoms of the problem but also tackles the grassroots causes. This is because we all must recognize that intent alone is insufficient without robust and enforceable mechanisms.

Speaker, when this legislation was coming up for third reading, I reached out to the executive director of the Humane Society of Greater Niagara, Tanya Firmage—who, by the way, I would like to formally welcome from Niagara in this chamber. Welcome, Tanya.

Tanya moved to Niagara from Kawartha Lakes, and after spending 30 years in animal welfare sheltering and investigations, holding positions from inspector to chief of humane services for the province, is now the lead in Niagara. I am glad we have that experience at the helm in Niagara.

Over Tanya’s career, she has seen some of the worst puppy mills in all of Ontario. She would describe one of the largest she was involved in, with over 300 dogs. She would go on to describe to me the deplorable conditions: dogs covered their own feces, injured, missing eyes and starving to death. They were without veterinary care—and so, so many puppies. As she told it, the triage took them over 24 hours.

The next one that came to her mind was a case when she was an inspector herself for the province, where he removed 80 dogs. Many of them were pregnant. In her words, “I will never forget how long they had to stay in our care before we could adopt them out. This person was also a repeat offender and would simply look for any and all loopholes to keep doing what they were doing.”

Speaker, with so many investigations, Tanya told me she had often had to revert to calling the CRA to report people for unclaimed income because there was nothing we could do under the legislation to stop the unethical breeding.

Tanya said it was never only about the rules but the ability to have the time and the resources to act. And like so many of her fellow investigators, it broke her heart. What that means is that we must do better than what we have been doing in Ontario. The Legislature and the Ontario government not only create the rules that regulate sectors like animal welfare; we also hold the purse strings. We have the ability to fund this sector to improve it drastically.

There’s a light at the end of the tunnel, but that by no means will happen without real substantial funding support.

Ontario has over 400 known puppy mills. Ontario humane societies’ intake of puppies surged from 788 in 2022 to nearly 1,200 last year. Humane Canada reports 10,000 puppies die in puppy mills every year. This is horrific.

The message from advocates and experts and so many compassionate dog-loving residents across Ontario about going to a shelter to adopt a dog has penetrated the public’s consciousness, but we all know that this is not enough. So let’s make sure we get it right.

When this bill inevitably passes, it doesn’t mean policy-making for animal welfare is going to stop—far from it. As Ontario’s upper chamber provides new rules and regulations, we are also beholden to resist the consequential actions of this legislation to be pushed down to the service and municipal levels without also providing the proper resources. A significant portion of the debate should focus on feedback from stakeholders, particularly the Ontario Animal Welfare Network, from experts with lived experience like Tanya and others that have their insights, drawn from front-line experience in animal rescue and rehabilitation.

We also need to revisit the amendments proposed during the committee stage. These amendments, as described earlier as forced consultation, are essential and directly aimed at closing loopholes and ensuring comprehensive protection for animals. Among these are proposals to mandate pet stores to source animals from shelters and rescue groups and to establish minimum standards of care for breeders—standards inspired by leading jurisdictions such as Quebec.

Finally, but I would say most importantly, the importance of enforcement cannot be overstated. Effective legislation is predicated on the ability to enforce it. This means adequately resourcing the provincial animal welfare services, ensuring that inspectors are not only well-trained but also sufficiently numerous to cover the vast expanse of our province. The current shortfall in enforcement capabilities is a glaring gap that must be addressed if we are to see real, lasting change.

Speaker, to fully grasp the imperative of Bill 159, it is essential to understand the historical context of the landscape in Ontario. Animal welfare organizations, including Ontario Animal Welfare Network, OAWN, have long been crystal clear about the situation for puppy mills in our province of Ontario—we have many dogs that are bred and sold. These organizations have consistently reported on the prevalence of puppy mills, and their stories are very heartbreaking to anyone that hears them.

The COVID-19 pandemic supercharged these issues. As demand for pets skyrocketed during lockdowns, breeders found themselves in an even more favourable, fruitful market, taking advantage of the situation, leading to an increase in the number of dogs entering the market under deplorable—deplorable—conditions.

Post-pandemic, we’ve seen a dramatic rise in the intake of puppies at humane societies across this province, with numbers surging from 788 in 2022 to 1,192 in 2023. This sharp increase indicates a troubling trend and underscores the urgent need for regulatory intervention.

The call for stronger legislation was hitting a fever pitch. Donna Powers, president and co-founder of Stop the Mills, emphasized that, “Dogs are simply a commodity and they’re only looking at profit. They don’t do any testing, there’s no health concerns, there’s no standards of care, there’s no quality of life.”

In a recent

article by the CBC, the founder of ARF Ontario describes the bill as “required” but emphasizes that it is “long overdue.”

The Wellington Advertiser chronicled concerns from animal advocates who believe that the proposed law still falls short in some areas, particularly in enforcement and clarity of

definitions. Camille Labchuk of Animal Justice echoed this sentiment, stating that the bill, “will do little to nothing to stop the abuse of puppy mills in Ontario,” cautioning against a false sense of security for the prospective pet owners.

Speaker, multiple times during second reading my colleagues raised these very concerns and pointed out that the CBC investigation found that inspections were significantly down since the law was changed. Now, under the OSPCA, inspectors issued between 16,148 orders and laid 1,946 provincial criminal charges. That was between 2015 and 2018. However, since the PAWS law has been passed, PAWS inspectors only laid 6,970 orders and laid 667 provincial and criminal charges between 2020 and 2023. That’s a significant reduction in holding people, organizations and bad players to account for how they’re treating animals.

In other words, the concern about impact and effectiveness is considerable and real. In the cases these questions were raised in the House, it is unfortunate that the members opposite chose to ignore them.

The legislation is imperative. Given this backdrop, Bill 159 is public policy with a moral obligation. It aims to address these long-standing issues by introducing stringent measures that prohibit the unethical breeding of dogs, mandate comprehensive record-keeping, and impose severe penalties for non-compliance. The bill’s provisions include specific

definitions of puppy mills, breeding limitations and care requirements, which are critical for its effective enforcement.

It is clear that the background and necessity of Bill 159 are very clear. It is a response to a pervasive problem that has persisted for way too long, and it represents a crucial step toward ensuring the humane treatment of animals in Ontario. Our debate today must focus on strengthening this bill, making suggestions to ensure it fully addresses the issues that happened and sets new standards for animal welfare in our province.

As we debate and will debate Bill 159, the Preventing Unethical Puppy Sales Act, 2023, to its close, I will now present and fully review some of the provisions in this bill, while pointing out what experts have time and time again said is missing. I will highlight for the record what is not included in this bill, as identified by stakeholders and experts and, at multiple times throughout this debate, aspects that have been raised by my colleagues in this House.

One of the foundational elements of Bill 159 is its attempt to define and prohibit certain practices associated with puppy mills. The bill introduces specific breeding limitations:

Age and frequency restrictions: It prohibits breeding female dogs under the age of one year and limits the breeding of female dogs to no more than three times within two years or more than two litters from consecutive heat cycles.

Health and isolation requirements: The bill mandates that dogs with illnesses and environments have a specific standard in Ontario. These provisions aim to address the heartbreaking situations when dogs are overbred, kept in deep, deep unsafe conditions, and not provided with adequate medical care.

Record-keeping and traceability: Another significant provision in Bill 159 is the requirement for comprehensive record-keeping by dog breeders. This includes maintaining detailed records of each dog’s breeding history, health status and transactions related to their sale or their transfer.

Penalties for non-compliance: The bill sets forth stronger penalties for those found operating puppy mills or violating its provisions.

Financial penalties: A minimum fine of $10,000 for operating a puppy mill, with penalties increasing to $25,000 if the operation results in the death or euthanasia of a dog.

Enforcement measures: The bill grants animal welfare inspectors enhanced powers to conduct investigations and enforce the law, including authority to impose liens for costs associated with investigations.

Speaker, it is critical that these penalties are only as good as the ability to enforce them. I will repeat that: It is critical that these penalties are only as good as our ability to enforce them. We have learned lessons about long-term care and tenants’ rights, as it is simple economics. If you want to change behaviour, we need a clear disincentive for those actors by making them know they are at a big risk of being caught. This part requires substantial resources.

Bill 159 also expands the regulatory authority of the Lieutenant Governor in Council to develop further regulations related to the sale and transfer of dogs.

What’s missing, Speaker? Despite these provisions, stakeholders have raised several concerns about what’s missing from Bill 159.

Lack of clear definition of a puppy mill: Advocates argue that the bill does not provide a sufficiently detailed definition of what constitutes a puppy mill, which could complicate enforcement efforts. A more explicit definition that includes conditions of care, socialization and medical treatment is much needed to ensure effective prosecution of bad actors and offenders.

Enforcement and resource allocation: Time and time again, this point has been raised. There is significant concern about whether the provincial animal welfare services, PAWS, have the necessary resources and staffing to enforce the new regulations effectively. Historical data indicates a decline in inspections and charges under PAWS compared to the predecessor, the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, OSPCA. Speaker, we can all agree that this is not a desirable outcome. Small or big policy tweaks will not be enough if we are not allocating the resources to get the job done.

The bill does not establish a provincial registry or licensing system for breeders, which many advocates believe is essential for tracking and regulating breeding operations. Such a system would help ensure that breeders adhere to ethical standards and make it easier to identify and shut down illegal operations.

Bill 159 does include several measures aimed at curbing unethical breeding practices and improving the welfare of dogs in Ontario. And yet, as pointed out already, to fully achieve its goals, the bill must address the gaps identified by most stakeholders. By incorporating a clear definition of a puppy mill, ensuring adequate resources for enforcement and establishing a comprehensive registry and licensing system, we can strengthen this legislation and make a significant impact on the fight against unethical breeding.

As the official opposition, we have a responsibility to be a watchful eye on legislation that is presented and passed through this chamber. In terms of Bill 159, we must not only ensure it fulfills its intended purpose, but also advocate for the necessary enhancements that will make this legislation as effective as possible. While we support the overall intent of Bill 159, we have several significant concerns that need to be addressed to ensure the bill fully achieves its goals.

One of our primary concerns is the lack of active consultation to begin with, and then later to strengthen this bill. My colleague from Toronto–Danforth, during the debate on the second reading, stood up with a clear question: “Could you tell us the genesis of this bill? Was there a particular event or a particular organization that inspired you to bring this forward?” This is a good question. The question was to the point: Who did you consult? The ministry was unable to really provide an answer. This is really, deeply problematic.

The lack of consultation is a thread that runs through the decision-making of this government far too often on too many important bills like this one. It is very disappointing when no consultation is done.

My colleague in the north, a member of this committee who participated in providing clauses for this bill—many good ones that strengthened the legislation that were turned down by this government, might I add—made good points during the debate: “Ontario’s animal welfare models and services take almost no consideration, if any, for on-reserve communities in the province of Ontario....

“We need First Nations voices to be heard at the transition council when regulations are being crafted to ensure that there are not barriers for First Nations Indigenous communities and that systemic racism does not occur.”

Speaker, that’s why I heard this time and time again: “consultation by force,” a term I heard often when speaking the experts. This is how they felt their expertise was being treated—consultation by force.

It has led to some shortfalls, like concerns about a clear, comprehensive definition of what constitutes a puppy mill. The current bill outlines certain breeding practices that are prohibited, but it does not provide a clear definition that is so, so important for effective enforcement and prosecution. As noted by the Ontario Animal Welfare Network, without explicit criteria, it will be challenging to hold violators accountable.

Additionally the bill’s reliance on future regulations to set conditions for the sale and transfer of dogs leaves a significant gap in immediate enforcement capabilities. It has been years already on revisions on how the province handles puppy mills and animal welfare. Why wait any longer?

The need for detailed regulation cannot be overstated. Human Initiative co-founder Donna Power has criticized the bill for being “pretty weak” and has pointed out that the current provisions would not significantly change the situation for the animals involved.

It is essential that the government commits to significantly increasing funding and resources for PAWS. This includes hiring more inspectors, providing them with comprehensive training and ensuring they have the necessary tools to conduct thorough investigations. Without these resources, the enhanced enforcement provisions in the bill will remain largely theoretical and ineffective.

It is also essential that we recognize that a registry would not only help in identifying and shutting down illegal operations but also in supporting ethical breeders to gain trust in our within our communities and our province.

Advocates, including Camille Labchuk of Animal Justice, have emphasized the importance of a licensing regime coupled with enforceable care standards. This approach would provide a framework for ongoing oversight and accountability, which is currently lacking. As Labchuk noted, “This bill will do little to nothing to stop the abuse of puppy mills in Ontario” without these critical elements.

The Ontario Humane Society has called for the inclusion of specific standards of care based on best practices from other jurisdictions, such as Quebec’s Animal Welfare and Safety Act. These standards should include requirements for adequate food, clean shelter, veterinary care and socialization for dogs.

Additionally, the implementation of mandatory micro-chipping for all puppies sold would add a layer of traceability, making it easier to track the origin of puppies and ensure they are coming from ethical sources.

Speaker, in Niagara, locally, if you will, the heart-wrenching experience of Mrs. Jane Thompson from St. Catharines: Mrs. Thompson recalls the day she found a frail, shivering puppy abandoned in a cardboard box outside of her local grocery store. The puppy later was named Lucky. Lucky was of a victim of a nearby puppy mill that was eventually uncovered in the south end part of Ontario.

These stories not only come from individuals, but also, organizations like the Ottawa Humane Society have been on the front lines, rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming these vulnerable animals. Sharon Miko, president and CEO of Ottawa Humane Society, has often highlighted the increased number of puppies being surrenders to their care, many of whom are too young and sick to survive. In 2023 alone, their intake of puppies surged to 1,192, a clear indication of the rampant issue of puppy mills in our province.

The voices of animal welfare advocates have been clear and consistent. Camille Labchuk—as I’ve quoted before—executive director of Animal Justice, has articulated that while Bill 159 is a step in the right direction, it must go further to be truly, truly effective.

The Animal Justice blog on the PUPS Act also brings forward the need for a provincial registry and licensing system for breeders, which would create a framework for ongoing oversight and accountability. Such a system would not only help in identifying and shutting down illegal operations but also support ethical breeders who adhere to high standards of care.

Speaker, statistics from 2023 are telling. Humane societies across Ontario have seen a significant increase in the number of puppies admitted into their care. This year alone, intake numbers have surged to 1,192 puppies, highlighting the scale of the problem and the need for action that goes beyond policy. It also comes along with the province opening the purse strings to provide adequate resources.

Speaker, our task today is quite clear. It is time to stop puppy mills—it’s hard to say “puppy mills” when you haven’t had a coffee. It is time to stop puppy mills, but the need to get this right is paramount.

Let us remember the stories and the statistics, the dedicated advocates and the suffering of all animals. So many of us in this chamber own pets of our own. As I mentioned, we have lovely lady Lucy, a Boston terrier. My husband and I actually won her in a custody battle with my daughter after my daughter left home. She’s been the best part of our life, may I say.

So many of us in this chamber own our own pets, but in order to be just and ethical, we need to breathe consciousness into the fact of what that means and where our pets may have come from. Those can be difficult conversations, but the debate in this chamber in order to get this right should not be one of them.

Speaker, thank you for listening this morning. I look forward to continuing opportunity to help strengthen this legislation for the benefit of all Ontarians, especially our fur babies and the animals we strive to protect.

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Donna Skelly): Questions? Questions?

Further debate?

Mr. Mike Schreiner: It’s an honour to rise to speak to Bill 159, an important piece of legislation. I want to begin by just saying that I’ll be voting in favour of this bill, because—

Interjections.

Mr. Mike Schreiner: Quit while I’m ahead, eh? Well, I’ve got to do my job. I’ve got to do my job over here.

I think it’s important to bring in penalties to address puppy mills; there’s no doubt about it. But, Speaker, if we’re going to do this, we have to make sure we have a proper enforcement regime.

I’m the proud dog parent of a rescue dog named Helix. Helix was an abused pup that my family rescued and we’ve taken care of for many years, and I can tell you, Helix is still dealing with the trauma. Even though he’s been with our family and loved for about five or six years, you can still see the trauma Helix experienced. It highlights for me why so many pet lovers and dog lovers want puppy mills shut down.

But if we’re going to do that, we have to listen to the experts who want put on the record—and when say I’ve got to do my job, I’ve got to put a few things on the record—that if we don’t have a proper licensing and enforcement regime in place, this legislation won’t accomplish what we all want it to accomplish, and that’s shutting down puppy mills.

Penalties without enforcement will not provide the protections that puppies deserve and that Ontarians want. I think that is highlighted by the experience we’ve had with the PAWS Act,

an act I supported but want to point out that, in an analysis comparing enforcement under PAWS verses previous enforcement under OSPCA, there were 64,000 inspections done under OSPCA, 69,000 done under PAWS. But issues ordered were 16,148 under OSPCA, only 6,970 under PAWS. Charges laid: 1,946 under OSPCA; 667 under PAWS, even though the budget under PAWS is $21 million and under OSPCA was only $5.57 million. We’re paying more for less enforcement.

If this bill is going to have the teeth it needs, we need to ensure that enforcement is in place, and a key part of ensuring that enforcement is in place is having a licencing regime with transparent data for the people of Ontario.

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Donna Skelly): Questions? Questions?

Further debate? Further debate? Further debate?

Mr. Kerzner has moved third reading of Bill 159,

An Act to amend the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019. 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.

Report, Financial Accountability Officer

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Donna Skelly): I beg to inform the House that the following document was tabled: a report entitled Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services: Spending Plan Review from the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario.

Orders of the day? I recognize the deputy government House leader.

Mr. Nolan Quinn: Good morning, Madam Speaker. No further business at this time.

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Donna Skelly): Seeing there is no further business at this time, we will stay recessed until 10:15.

The House recessed from 0937 to 1015.

Members’ Statements

Mental health services

Mr. Nolan Quinn: Last week, the Mental Health Commission of Canada hosted their first Father’s Day at the Park reception here at Queen’s Park. Not only did this reception focus on men’s mental health and the unique challenges they face; it also offered a safe environment for guests to gather and have conversations about mental health.

We were honoured to have Steve Jones as a guest speaker sharing invaluable insights into his personal journey contributing to destigmatizing mental health.

As Father’s Day approaches, let’s make a concerted effort to check in with our fathers, sons and brothers. The stigma surrounding mental health often deters men from seeking help, contributing to higher rates of suicide among men.

It is critical to recognize that while women attempt suicide twice as often as men, men die by suicide three times as often. Societal expectations of toughness and just dealing with it can discourage men from seeking help, leading them to resort to destructive coping mechanisms.

Our government has improved and expanded the supports in our Roadmap to Wellness. Since 2019, we’ve invested $525 million in new annualized funding for mental health and addictions services.

I’d like to thank Minister Tibollo, MPP Gretzky, MPP Bowman and MPP Schreiner for their attendance and contributions to this event. This important topic is not a partisan one and extends across all party platforms.

Thank you to all members, staff, guest speakers and stakeholders who were able to attend, even if it was just for a brief moment. Your support truly matters.

Anti-racism activities

Ms. Jessica Bell: This week I met with the National Council of Canadian Muslims to discuss the rise of Islamophobia in Ontario; of the multiple incidents of violence targeting Muslim communities and mosques; of the hundreds of cases of mistreatment of Muslim and Palestinian staff and students in schools across Ontario, often directly connected to the conflict in Gaza.

Their experience mirrors the calls and emails we are receiving in our office from residents who are devastated by the loss of life and security in Gaza and fear the worrying rise in discrimination here in Ontario, which is far bigger than official statistics, because most hate crimes and hate incidents in Ontario go unreported.

Public dialogue about the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza has been so divisive, and it has harmed relationships between neighbours, colleagues, friends and Ontarians.

The National Council of Canadian Muslims has been clear in what they want Ontario legislators to do: Take proactive steps to halt the harassment and discrimination of Muslim, Arab and Palestinian Ontarians by reviving and passing the Our London Family Act, which includes an anti-hate strategy for the province and changes to education. It is a request that I support. It is a move that many of us in the Legislature support. It is a concrete step we can take to advance peace and diversity here in Ontario.

Government investments

Mr. Amarjot Sandhu: I rise in the House today to share two significant milestones for the residents of Brampton. The first milestone I want to celebrate is our government bringing a second hospital to Brampton. Our request for qualifications has been issued to select a qualified team to design and build the project, which will include a multi-storey patient tower, expanded clinics and Brampton’s second emergency department. Once complete, the community will be well served by a world-class hospital which will deliver the comprehensive health care that the residents of Brampton deserve.

The second milestone I’m pleased to the share is the progress being made on bringing the first school of medicine in the province in 15 years, and in over 150 years in the GTA. It will find its home at Toronto Metropolitan University. Our government is ensuring the next generation of medical professionals will be trained in Brampton, in Ontario, for Ontarians.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the partners involved in these projects. Thank you to Dr. Frank Martino from William Osler Health System and Mohamed Lachemi from Toronto Metropolitan University. Your visions and collaboration have made these advancements possible, and the people of Ontario will be better supported because of our work together.

Labour dispute

M me France Gélinas: Mine mill Unifor Local 598 members from Sudbury, including the member from Sudbury’s dad, travelled to the headquarters of Jarlette Health Services on Monday to hold an information picket in support of the workers at the Elizabeth Centre in Val Caron. Why did union members from Sudbury get on a bus early in the morning and travel three hours to Midland, Speaker? Because the workers at the Elizabeth Centre have been without a collective agreement since 2022—two long years. This is happening under this government’s watch.

With so little resources at the Ministry of Labour, once an employer asks for arbitration, it doesn’t take days, weeks or months; it takes years.

That’s right, Speaker: Retirees and workers on their day off travelled down to the headquarters to remind management that these workers are without a contract.

The Elizabeth Centre is a long-term-care home in my riding. They house 128 residents. The Unifor members working there look after frail, elderly residents. They are dealing with the same cost-of-living challenges that every other Ontarian faces. Many of them can barely afford rent, never mind a car payment. They need a new collective agreement now. But here we are, two years after their last contract ended. These workers are left to wait, wait and wait some more.

I hope this government agrees that this must stop. These workers need a new collective agreement, and they need a collective agreement right now.

Skilled trades

Mr. David Smith: I commend our government’s efforts to integrate youth into skilled trades amid high unemployment and labour shortages. This is a big game-changer to Scarborough Centre youth.

Significant enhancements to the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, supported by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and the Ministry of Education—we’ve launched 68 new pre-apprenticeship programs for 2024-25, now engaging over 1,700 participants, with women comprising 30% of the skilled trades labour force.

We have also expanded the apprenticeship program to include recruiters across 800 schools and introduced a mandatory technological education credit for high school graduates, beginning in September 2024.

Our Premier; the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development; the Minister of Education; various unions; community partners have been instrumental in achieving this. Now, 1.3 million people work in skilled trades, with over $1.5 billion invested since 2020.

Colleen Wake

Ms. Teresa J. Armstrong: I rise today to pay tribute to a dear friend, Colleen Wake. As the youngest of six siblings, she was lovingly referred to by her family as the baby sister. Her sons, Alex and Collin, along with her family, are deeply saddened by the loss of their beloved mother and sister.

Colleen joined Kinsmen London club in 1996. She immediately took on roles of leadership in public speaking, was elected to an executive level and then as a governor. Under her leadership, the district 1 team launched Portraits of Honour. As well, the Kin team received the Decew-Phee district award for outstanding leadership and administration.

In 2022, she received the Kin lifetime membership.

Beyond her volunteer work, Colleen was an NDP supporter. Colleen worked at CAMI automotive. At work, she learned sign language to support a colleague with hearing challenges to demonstrate her dedication to her co-workers. Her many accomplishments reflected her heart, her hard work, intelligence and fun-loving spirit.

Despite her leadership qualities, Colleen always said she wouldn’t run for politics. She would tell me, “I can’t put up with that stuff.” Our thing was going to movie nights, and that was filled with laughter. I always bought a noisy bag of licorice candy to open during the movie because she would shush me, and that was a joke between us.

If she knew I was making this statement about her, she’d say, “Don’t make a big deal about me.” And I would say to her, “You meant so much to everyone you connected with, and you changed lives without even knowing. Your kindness and willingness to help others and your relentless honesty, whether we wanted to hear it or not, made a difference.”

Colleen never gave up on people and never gave up on love. Rest in peace, my dear friend.

Thornhill Presbyterian Church

Ms. Laura Smith: Last week, the Thornhill Presbyterian Church celebrated their 175th anniversary, marking 175 years as a vibrant, multicultural and intergenerational congregation. From its humble beginnings on Yonge Street to its current location just down the road from my office, the church is a testament to a solid and historic area with almost two centuries of community stewardship.

Historically, picnics were literally gala events and one of the social highlights at the TPC. Football matches, bicycle races, strawberry socials—it all happened on the grounds.

This congregation played a pivotal role in the foundations leading to modern day Thornhill. In 1885, Toronto’s first commuter railway, the Metropolitan radial railway York-Simcoe, was opened just steps away from the church. If we look back as early as the 19th century, the location served as a critical junction for transportation. It was the natural pit stop for travellers moving north. A member of the congregation who also worked at the Ontario Department of Highways ensured that local pictures of the radial car included a photo of the church.

E.J. Sand elementary school was named after Eilert Sand, also a member and school superintendent back in the 1950s. His son Richard, who I’ve met, later when on to be a minister at the church.

There is so much history in Thornhill. As my father used to say, sometimes you have to look behind you before you know where you’re going.

Thank you, Reverend Heather and the congregation, for your hospitality as we celebrated 175 years at Thornhill Presbyterian. May there be 175 more.

Events in Ottawa–Vanier

M me Lucille Collard: Last week, I joined the residents of Ottawa–Vanier as they kicked off the summer with festivities across the riding. I attended the popular summer fest in Beacon Hill alongside Mayor Sutcliffe, MP Fortier, city councillor Tim Tierney and community association presidents Heather Scott and Jeff Kaluski. Everyone enjoyed the weather, the activities, the free hot dogs and, of course, the traditional cake, which I had fun serving.

At the Beechwood Market summer opening, I connected with neighbours and bought local goods, witnessing vibrant community spirit.

The VeloFest in Vanier, hosted by Club Optimiste, was again a hit this year with several families winning brand-new bicycles. A special thanks to Club Optimiste for their constant contributions to our community.

The wonderful lobster dinner organized by the Club Richelieu was also very successful. Several volunteers and students from l’école élémentaire publique Le Prélude tended to all the guests, and the band performance by the school was simply a delight.

June will continue to be busy with AGMs, graduation ceremonies, fundraising events, tea parties and so much more. As we are nearing the end of our parliamentary session, I want to wish to all my colleagues here in the House a great summer in your respective communities.

D-Day anniversary

Mr. John Yakabuski: After the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill knew that victory over Germany would only be achieved with a future invasion of continental Europe. After the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor and the subsequent declaration of war by the United States against the Axis powers, that invasion and the planning of it became a reality.

The attack, code-named Operation Overlord, began on June 6, 1944. Approximately 150,000 Allied troops landed or parachuted into the invasion area on D-Day, including 14,000 Canadians on Juno Beach. It was the largest seaborne invasion ever attempted in history.

After securing the beaches at a great cost, the Normandy campaign began. As the Americans battled on the western end of the front and struggled to take the prized port city of Cherbourg, the British and Canadians waged war around the Norman capital city of Caen. My father was one of those soldiers.

The Normandy campaign finally ended on the 21st of August 1944, with Canadians playing an important role in the closing of the Falaise gap. After D-Day, more than two million soldiers landed in France, ensuring an Allied victory and the defeat of Nazi Germany.

Tomorrow, we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. Let us all take time to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and also those who came home to build the great country we know today, securing the freedoms that we sometimes take for granted, but are ever grateful for.

Lest we forget.

Toniata Public School

Mr. Steve Clark: Today, I rise to recognize a very special anniversary in my riding of Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. This past Saturday, Toniata Public School celebrated their 60th anniversary and I was pleased to attend the celebration with the current students, staff, faculty and alumni. There were 13 special speakers that shared remarks and memories, including Hugh Bates, who was the very first principal at that school in 1964. He also opened the school’s time capsule.

Speaker, I was even more thrilled to attend the celebration with two of my grandchildren, Mila and Georgy, who are proud Toniata Tigers. My wife, Deanna, and I were very proud that, in addition to Mila and Georgy, all five of our children attended this amazing school.

Speaker, the celebration was emotional, knowing that it’s Toniata’s final anniversary. At the end of the school year, Toniata will merge with Commonwealth Public School to form the brand new Swift Waters Elementary in Brockville, a state-of-the-art facility that will open its doors in September.

I want to congratulate Toniata’s principal Tania Stover and all the staff there for this amazing milestone in your history. I want to thank you for all the great things you do for our kids and our communities. I felt really privileged to be able to represent it.

Happy anniversary, Toniata Public School.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): That concludes our members’ statements for this morning.

Annual report and statistical report, Information and Privacy Commissioner

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I beg to inform the House that the following document was tabled: the 2023 annual report and 2023 statistical report, entitled Beyond Imagination: Planning for Ontarians’ Digital Future, from the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.

Introduction of Visitors

Mr. Stephen Crawford: Good morning. I have the pleasure of welcoming former pages Monica and Michelle Crawford, who are here to see their sister Farah Crawford.

M me France Gélinas: They are making their way in. They are paramedics and dispatchers from all over Ontario, from Thunder Bay to Kingston to all over, making their way into the Legislative Assembly. Welcome to your House. Paramedics are very important to all of us.

MPP Andrea Hazell: Welcome to the House, Carlos Cabaneros from the Filipinos in the 6ix organization, who is hosting today’s Filipino Heritage Month event in room 228 at 5 p.m. You’re all welcome to attend.

Please welcome Carlos Cabaneros to your House.

Mr. Sam Oosterhoff: I have the privilege of welcoming to the Legislature today five members from the member for Hamilton East–Stoney Creek’s constituency office, people who are working tirelessly on behalf of those constituents in Hamilton East–Stoney Creek. We have Julian Pecchia, Jane Neal, Tony Lemma, Kenya Maughn and John Gillis. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Mr. Tom Rakocevic: I’m really proud to welcome my family again to Queen’s Park: my wife Aleksandra, my son Aleksandar and my son Ilija. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Ms. Mary-Margaret McMahon: Good morning, everyone. I’d like to introduce my new intern for the summer. Her name is magnificent Mikaela Taylor, and she’s actually from Scarborough–Guildwood, so I’m borrowing her. Welcome to your House.

Mr. Graham McGregor: Speaker, I beg your indulgence for two groups to introduce this morning. First off, we have Brampton North’s own Guransh Ghai, who is operating as page captain today, and we’re joined by his family: his mother, Shaminder; father, Manpreet; and sister, Hasrat Ghai. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Also, I’d like to welcome Aggarwal Sabha Canada to Queen’s Park—I had all the names, and I just clicked “X.” I’m very happy to have a whole whack of people, and thanks to my friend Ashwani Aggarwal for organizing. We have Satpal Gupta, Parmod Goyal, Vinod Bansal, Mrs. Gazal Bansal, Yash Rani Goenka, Ashwani Aggarwal, Suresh Aggarwal, Ajay Gupta, Sanjeev Gupta, Shiv Par Kash Bansal, Pardeep Goel, Ashok Aggarwal, Sandeep Aggarwal, Deewan Chand Goyal, Bajrang Gupta and Salil Aggarwal from Aggarwal Sabha Canada. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

MPP Jill Andrew: I want to welcome Filipinos in the 6ix to Queen’s Park, to your House. I also want to say congratulations on a wonderful Filipino Heritage Hoop Fest. Congratulations.

Hon. Vijay Thanigasalam: I would like to welcome my summer intern, Tamileni Vijay, from Scarborough–Rouge Park.

Also, I would also like to welcome Supothanam Jeyakumar, my operations adviser, and also would like to welcome Filipinos in the 6ix and Carlos to the chamber. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Mrs. Daisy Wai: I would like to thank my husband, Albert Wai, for 45 years of happy marriage. Happy anniversary, Albert.

Mr. Deepak Anand: It’s always a pleasure to introduce our parents, the people who took care of us. It’s an absolute pleasure to welcome Puneet Sharma, Sheelu Sharma and Sheelu Sharma’s parents, Satya Naryan Sharma and Lad Sharma, for their first time to Queen’s Park. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): With the indulgence of the House, I’d like to continue with the introduction of visitors.

M me France Gélinas: Rob Moquin and Kyle Stamler, paramedics from Thunder Bay, made it to the House. Mike Merriman, Steve Rocks, Joel Usher and Keri Irving made it to the House. Welcome to your House, paramedics coming to visit us.

Hon. Stephen Lecce: I want to introduce Warren and Ramona Ehlert, who are with us today: the parents of our page Tristan Ehlert, who is from King–Vaughan. Welcome to the Legislature.

I also would like to welcome two distinct individuals from the Youth Association for Academics, Athletics and Character Education, Devon Jones and Marina Nguyen, who are with us. This amazing organization, founded at Jane and Finch, supports young education in inspiring them to pursue their dreams. Thank you, and welcome to Queen’s Park.

Mr. Chris Glover: I just want to wish our colleague Jeff Burch a very happy 39th birthday.

Hon. David Piccini: I want to welcome some friends from Helmets to Hardhats here to Queen’s Park today: James Hogarth, who is also a great advocate for the construction sector. And also, I think—my eyes, Speaker; I’m getting up there. But Darryl Cathcart, I think, is here as well. Thank you for being here and thank you for being such a strong voice for military veterans and their families.

Miss Monique Taylor: Point of order.

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

Miss Monique Taylor: I would like to wish another one of our colleagues a very happy birthday, Ms. Jennifer French. It’s her birthday today too. Happy birthday.

Wearing of poppies

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Point of order, the government House leader.

Hon. Paul Calandra: I’m seeking unanimous consent to allow members to wear poppies today, Wednesday, June 5, and tomorrow, Thursday, June 6, in remembrance of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Mr. Calandra is seeking the unanimous consent of the House to allow members to wear poppies today, Wednesday, June 5, and tomorrow, Thursday, June 6, in remembrance of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. Agreed? Agreed.

D-Day anniversary

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): A second point of order by the government House leader.

Hon. Paul Calandra: First, let me just thank all colleagues for this. As you know, the end of a session can be very fluid, so all members wanted to make sure that we had an opportunity to recognize D-Day, even if it is a day in advance.

Speaker, if you seek it, you will find unanimous consent to allow members to make statements in remembrance of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, with five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s loyal opposition, five minutes allotted to the independent members as a group and five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s government.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Mr. Calandra is seeking unanimous consent to allow members to make statements in remembrance of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, with five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s loyal opposition, five minutes allotted to the independent members as a group and five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s government. Agreed? Agreed.

I recognize the member for St. Catharines.

Mrs. Jennifer (Jennie) Stevens: I rise again to recognize the great privilege to stand to participate in representing my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in this Legislature as we collectively lead an important moment of reflection for Canada’s military history. It is the veterans who sacrificed it all for our communities. They have made it so we all can enjoy and respect the freedom we enjoy today.

Today, I stand to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the Normandy landing. When those who served our country first enlisted, they did so as ordinary citizens, some lying about their age. They felt pain and joy. They made memories with their friends and loved ones back home in hockey rinks and schoolyards, in living rooms and community centres. They lived a life here as we all do today. Eighty years ago, they left as ordinary people; when they marched onto the beaches of Normandy, they were forever changed. They became our heroes.

On June 6, 1944, Canadian soldiers, sailors and airmen were sent into the bloodiest battle of World War II—1,074 Canadians were injured and 359 did not make it through the battle that day. To put that number into perspective for those of you sitting in this room, the lives lost on that day is more than double the number of elected individuals we have sitting in this chamber.

By the end of the Battle of Normandy, we lost more than 18,700 Canadians. What sets them apart is their unwavering service, their willingness to risk and, for some, give the ultimate sacrifice to each and every one of us. In donning a uniform, they represented us; they fought for us; they gave their lives for us. We are honour-bound to remember them. In each of our own ways, we honour those who have defended our freedoms and made the ultimate sacrifice.

My colleague from Ottawa Centre visited those beaches recently, honouring his grandfather, and the feeling and the emotions that would overcome him with grief, pride and honour.

My community in Niagara, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in Canada and across Ontario have deep roots that will be expressed in events and memorialization. I encourage all of the members of this House and this chamber to attend their own local events.

I am proud to live in a province where our government, the official opposition and the independent members of this Legislature will always stand by our service members, be it past, present or future. We honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for Canada 80 years ago on the beaches in Normandy. We honour those sacrificing every day in some way in active duty right now, defending our freedoms on the front lines. For that, we owe them a debt that we can never repay. We owe them the honour of remembering them today, tomorrow and in the future. We will remember them.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’ll recognize next the member for Kanata–Carleton.

Mrs. Karen McCrimmon: D-Day, the 6th of June, 1944, was the largest amphibious invasion in the history of warfare. The Allies used over 5,000 ships and landing craft to land more than 150,000 troops on the beaches of Normandy.

The Allies banded together more than 80 years ago to put an end to the tyrannical rule of a dictator—a dictator who convinced his countrymen to abolish the rights of minorities, to turn a blind eye to crime, stoking the fires of hate and division while fighting to eliminate democracies across Europe. Through populist propaganda and simplistic slogans, attacks on education, experts and the media and a constant effort to hide the truth and to hide their true intention, fascism prevailed.

There are lessons to be learned as history is always perilously close to repeating itself. Notwithstanding a century of civic progress, some current-day leaders have launched attacks on individual freedoms and rights. We must challenge this at every opportunity.

Speaker, we owe our freedoms to those who landed on the beaches at Normandy. One such hero is a long-time Kanata–Carleton resident, Dr. Roly Armitage, who is 99 years old. He landed at Normandy and fought bravely for his country. He returned home and became a long-time community leader and veterinarian in West Carleton and the Ottawa Valley. When asked what he remembers about landing in Normandy on D-Day, he humbly says, “I got my feet wet, and I wasn’t welcome.”

Like so many, Roly doesn’t see his selfless service as anything extraordinary. His service is a constant inspiration, and I am privileged to call him a friend.

To my colleagues, to my friends, to all Ontarians, I ask you—I implore you—to honour Roly’s service to our country, to honour the sacrifice made by thousands of Canadians who never returned from war. Our democracy is a priceless legacy paid for in blood and sacrifice. It is our constant duty, our responsibility, to raise our voices in protest wherever and whenever we encounter the tools of tyranny. Lest we forget.

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

Mr. Mike Schreiner: It’s an honour to rise today to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a pivotal moment in Canadian and world history.

On June 6, 1944, British, American and Canadian troops stormed the beaches of Normandy in the largest seaborne military invasion in history, which played a central role in ending the Second World War and the march of tyranny across Europe.

Canadian soldiers, sailors and aviators were instrumental in D-Day’s operation. Some 14,000 Canadians bravely landed on Juno Beach and pushed further inland than any of the Allied forces. Their bravery and sacrifice played a critical role in the Allied invasion, which ultimately led to victory in Europe and the end of the Second World War, the horrors of the Nazi regime and the Holocaust.

There were 1,096 Canadian casualties, of whom 381 lost their lives. Many of those heroes still remain laid buried in France, while others suffered injuries to body and mind that they would carry for the rest of their lives. Eighty years later, it is imperative that we remember the ultimate sacrifice they made.

Speaker, all of us in this House have a duty and a responsibility to honour their sacrifice by defending the freedom and democracy they fought for and died for, so today we honour the men and women who risk their lives on the beaches of Normandy, and we take time to reflect on the many privileges we have today as a as a result of their sacrifice. Lest we forget.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Sadly, what most of us feel we know about D-Day is, quite frankly, what we see in the movies today, Saving Private Ryan the most notable example. It’s hard to get through those opening scenes. The horror of war is on full bloody display, but so is the bravery, the courage and the humanity of those who were fighting to make and keep the world safer for us at home.

These movies that we watch in the comfort of our homes, surrounded by family and friends, are about real people, in real places, doing real things. They weren’t safe, they certainly weren’t comfortable, but they all wanted to come home to be with their family and friends. For 4,414 of them, that didn’t happen. For more than 350 Canadians, that didn’t happen. For them, it was real.

Months of top-secret planning took place—new tactics, misdirection, decoys, raids—all to distract and mislead the Nazis about the timing and location of this eventual attack. Even then, with all the planning, the success of the operation was far from guaranteed, with some giving it a 50-50 chance of success. But as we’ve heard, on June 6, 1944, the Allies launched Operation Overlord, the long-anticipated invasion of Normandy in France.

Soldiers from across the US, the UK, and, of course, Canada and other Allied nations faced Hitler’s formidable Atlantic wall. As they landed on the beaches of Normandy, 50,000 troops spread across five beaches. The operation was made increasingly difficult due to landings that were marred by challenging weather and very difficult terrain, with many of the Allied landing craft affected by enemy mines, the Allied soldiers having to establish positions on exposed beachheads—I can’t even imagine this—all under very heavy enemy fire.

By the end of the day, over 14,000 Canadian solders had landed or parachuted into France. Those in that first wave suffered the heaviest with nearly every other soldier being a casualty. In the end, Canada suffered over 1,000 of those casualties, and on June 6, more than 350 were fatalities.

The price paid by the Allies on that day cannot be overstated. Across all the five beaches, the Allies suffered over 10,000 casualties; 4,414 did not answer the roll call the next morning. As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we remember them, Speaker, and we honour them.

While it was not clear at the time, with the foothold on the continent now secure, the Allies would begin their march towards Berlin. Less than a year after D-Day, the war in Europe would be over.

Every year, Canadians pause to reflect and remember our veterans and the sacrifices they made for those freedoms that we talk about, those freedoms that we enjoy. These gatherings remind us of the human cost of war and provide the chance to see and interact with the veterans who bravely and courageously served. Some are here today. Today, 80 years removed from D-Day, we are blessed to still have some of those who stormed the beaches of Normandy with us. Thank you for highlighting one of them.

We have a moral responsibility, a human responsibility, to ensure that those stories live on through us. The average age of these vets closes in on 100 now. We are faced with the reality that, for many, this 80th anniversary, this milestone, may be the last anniversary they experience. Let’s embrace the time we have with these heroes. Let’s use it and learn from them, to offer our unending thanks for their sacrifice, and to assure them that we will carry the torch. We will carry that torch forward to be remembered for generations to come.

To the veterans here today—namely, Commander Paul Smith and Lieutenant Commander Stefan Pohl from HMCS York—and representatives from the Juno Beach foundation, Historica Canada, Helmets to Hardhats, True Patriot Love, Coding for Veterans and Together We Stand who travelled here to Queen’s Park this morning to commemorate this important day with us, we thank you and we do salute you.

To all of our vets who served in World War I, World War II, Korea, Afghanistan and as peacekeepers around the world in conflicts, their bravery and courage represents the best—the best—of who we are as Canadians. They have made our country and the world a better place, and we’re all forever grateful. Lest we forget. Lest we forget.

Visitors

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I wish to inform the House that we have some special guests with us today, former members of the Legislature: The member for Hamilton East–Stoney Creek in the 39th, 40th, 41st and 42nd Parliaments, Paul Miller—welcome back; and the member for Windsor–Tecumseh in the 40th, 41st and 42nd Parliaments, Percy Hatfield.

I’m pleased to say that we also have with us the Poet Laureate of Ontario, Randell Adjei, and his mother, Esther Ablorh; his father, Fawkins Ablorh; and his friend Mark Stoddart. Randell has done a superb job as Poet Laureate, and we thank him for his service to the Legislature and the people of Ontario.

Question Period

Government spending

Ms. Marit Stiles: Good morning, Speaker. This question is for the Premier.

This government knows how to spend big on vanity ads and projects that favour their friends. In fact, their fiscal plans are going to see Ontario’s deficit triple this year. Across Ontario, meanwhile, people are wondering what they’re getting for that money. Rural emergency rooms are closing, northern highways are shutting down, and schools are running out of buckets to catch the leaks.

How can the government justify spending nearly a billion dollars to break a Beer Store contract that is already set to expire?

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

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Thank you for the question, to the member opposite.

Through you, Mr. Speaker: The number that she’s putting forward, of course, is a hypothetical number that you can only get to—get this—if you raise taxes and raise fees. Which side of the House wants to raise taxes and fees? I would submit that it’s that side of the House and that side of the House, except for the middle here. This side of the House wants to cut fees and cut taxes for the people of Ontario and the businesses of Ontario.

As we saw last week, we had a number of businesses say that this was a good thing. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business said, “Speeding up the process to allow more Ontario small retailers to sell beer and wine is a very positive move for entrepreneurs and consumers.”

What does the member opposite have against—

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

The supplementary question.

Ms. Marit Stiles: Speaker, the government themselves have said it’s going to cost at least $225 million to break that contract, but for me, and I think for all of us over here, it’s about where that money is being spent. The Premier is spending hundreds of millions of dollars to subsidize a private luxury spa in downtown Toronto, while 2.4 million Ontarians can’t get a family doctor. He won’t pay nurses what they deserve, but he’ll pay three times as much to private, for-profit nursing temp agencies. And while rural emergency rooms are shutting their doors, he’s spending $25 million on partisan ads to gaslight people about how good they have it—and let me tell you, people know it ain’t good.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’m going to ask the member to withdraw the unparliamentary comment—

Ms. Marit Stiles: Withdraw.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): —and to conclude her question.

Ms. Marit Stiles: My question to the Premier is, can the Premier let the people know what they have to do to become his priority?

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: I’m sure the member opposite has read the budget. Of course, we all know she and her party voted against the budget, but if she had looked at the budget, she would have noticed that health care spending over the last few years has gone from $75 billion to $85 billion, an increase of $10 billion. If you do the math, $10 billion over two years, over $75 billion—that’s a significant increase.

And where is this money going? Through this Minister of Health and the whole team on this side, this money is going to build more hospitals and acute-care beds across the province. Fundamentally, also, this Minister of Health led the charge to increase the funding for primary care—$600 million—so that there are more patients being taken care of.

But she didn’t stop there. Do you know what she did? She put in a request, and we’re funding $2 billion more for home and community care so we can take good care of people at home.

That’s what we’re doing for the people.

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

Ms. Marit Stiles: Well, if people have it so great, why are there emergency rooms closing?

It’s the Premier’s priorities that are completely out of whack with where Ontarians are at. If he spent some time talking to them instead of for them, he might learn something.

I want to take that Beer Store contract again, for example—even people who are looking forward to having beer in convenience stores are asking why we would ever fork over as much as a billion dollars to make it happen when the contract is going to expire anyway. They want to know why there’s no money to fix the air conditioners in their kids’ schools, but they have hundreds of millions of dollars for that.

Does the Premier think that this billion dollars is money well spent?

Interjections.

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

Minister of Finance.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: As I said yesterday and I’ll repeat here in the House, those numbers are part of Boondoggle Bonnie’s math over there. You can only get there, supported by the math over here, through increasing taxes and fees, which we’re not doing on the people of Ontario. We’re not going to put the costs through to consumers. We’re going to let the businesses thrive here.

Let’s continue to look at some of the support here from the Ontario Craft Brewers: “These changes are critical to the success of the new system so craft beer operators have a chance to compete and thrive in Ontario.”

The Grape Growers of Ontario: They want to expand their grape growing in Ontario.

The Convenience Industry Council of Canada: They want to increase the ability to sell beer and wine across the province.

One concept that I think the member opposite can’t seem to handle is that we can be fiscally responsible and grow the economy at the same time. This party is getting it done.

Special education

Ms. Marit Stiles: The Ontario deficit is triple again this year, Speaker, I remind the minister.

Anyway, back to the Premier: In February, we saw the loss of 300 school board positions that support children with special needs in Mississauga, in Brampton and in Caledon. A new report from People for Education found that nearly half of our schools are experiencing a shortage of educational assistants every single day.

Students with disabilities have a right to education in safe and supportive classrooms. So my question to the Premier is, why are children in Ontario being shortchanged by this government?

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

Hon. Stephen Lecce: We are firmly committed to the safety and security of those very children, which is why, in the most recent budget, we increased the staffing and increased the funding for special education. Speaker, to the member opposite, we’ve now increased spec ed funding to the highest levels in provincial history. It is up over $110 million this year compared to last year.

There are 3,500 additional EAs within our schools as a consequence of our Premier and government’s investment. This year, we launched a new investment to train our staff specifically dealing with a plan of care co-created by the school and the parent for children that have prevalent medical conditions—a new investment we announced some months ago and put in place.

We are committed to the success and safety of children. The funding is there. We’ll continue to increase it and the staffing and the training to keep our kids safe in our schools.

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

Ms. Marit Stiles: People across the province are mourning. They’re calling for action in the wake of the very tragic death of Landyn Ferris. He was a vulnerable child who died after being left alone at school. That is an unimaginable nightmare for anyone and, I will say, any parent in this place, I’m sure. We’ve been asking about this all week, and nobody out there is satisfied, least of all us, with this government’s answers.

You don’t need to wait for a coroner’s inquest to start right now to make sure that kids don’t die at school. So my question back to the Premier is, what changes will this government be making today to ensure that no other parent has to go through what Landyn’s mom, Brenda, is going through right now?

Interjections.

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

Minister of Education.

Hon. Stephen Lecce: Mr. Speaker, we’re dealing with the loss of a child, a tragedy, and I would urge the member opposite to allow an independent, fulsome investigation to get under way and to resist the inclination of trying to exploit this opportunity. Because there is an investigation under way, and in order to ensure the integrity of that investigation, we should all stand by with the assurance that we will work together to protect children within our schools.

The school board in question, as required by the province, has a plan of care. They actually have a plan for any child with medical conditions. They are required to implement it. This year, to the member’s question of what’s new, we added an investment specifically to deal with consistent training of our staff when we’re talking about children that have these issues. We’ve developed training modules and new investments put out this year to help those very children in our schools.

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

Ms. Marit Stiles: This was a preventable tragedy. This is not about political games; this is about political choices. This is about political choices.

The minister hasn’t even said Landyn’s name. He is not a data point; he was a child and he was Brenda’s child.

There is a theme here of a government that is cutting funding and programs that support children. We used to have a children’s advocate in this province until this government got rid of him. Families have been coming here to this place for the last six years warning about the risks and the consequences of this government’s choices.

I want to ask the Premier: Will he contradict his minister and agree that you do not need to wait for a coroner’s inquest to do right by Landyn and other kids like him?

Hon. Stephen Lecce: When dealing with a tragedy of a child, the responsibility of government and Parliament is to make sure that there is an independent, fulsome investigation, which the coroner of Ontario is leading, supported by the OPP. That young man, Landyn, has every right and deserves this investigation for his family and for his mother.

That’s why, to the member’s question of what is new, this government stepped up with an investment that took effect this year, specifically to deal with the consistent training of our staff with respect to children that require a plan of care. Every school board is required to have that.

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Hamilton Mountain, please come to order.

Hon. Stephen Lecce: And this year, we added an investment in addition to the 3,500 EAs and the new funding and the increase in spec ed. This specific year, there is a $250,000 investment to develop training modules, develop the Ontario physical health and education association to ensure consistent application of these policies and the safety of our children.

I would hope the members opposite would allow that investigation to take place without the inclination of trying to exploit it for their own political—

Interjections.

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

Miss Monique Taylor: Shame on you.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order.

The next question.

Children’s mental health services

Mr. Sol Mamakwa: Speaker, this year’s Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario survey reveals high levels of violence in our schools: 77% of their members have experienced violence in the classroom.

It’s worse in the north. The wait-lists are up to 24 months to access mental health supports. Some students must travel four to eight hours to access service.

Will the Premier commit today to addressing the student support deficiency in the north?

Interjections.

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

The Minister of Education.

Hon. Stephen Lecce: Mr. Speaker, we appreciate the question from the member opposite. We know how important it is to access mental health services, particularly in remote parts of Ontario, for First Nation, Indigenous and Métis people.

We have expanded the Rapid Response Northern School Teams, with an $800,000 expansion this specific year, to assist with respect to connecting access to mental health supports for families and communities, particularly for our children in the most remote parts of Ontario.

We have stepped up with an overall investment in mental health. Because of the parliamentary assistant and the member from Burlington, we have expanded a mental health module developed by SickKids in school mental health. We also have ensured there is culturally responsive mental health services for Indigenous peoples.

We will continue to work with the member opposite and all members to ensure the safety of those in the most remote parts of Ontario.

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

Mr. Sol Mamakwa: The fact of the matter is, we are still waiting four to eight hours to access those services. The education in the north is in deep trouble.

Teachers working in Kiiwetinoong school boards recently told me that the classrooms get evacuated so often because of violence that the students are desensitized. Class sizes and wait-lists for support have only increased under this Premier.

Will the minister commit to increasing the per-student funding for students in the north?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): And to reply, the Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs.

Hon. Greg Rickford: I appreciate the advocacy of the member from Kiiwetinoong and the Minister of Education and, frankly, the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, who collectively have worked with us to build a very effective partnership with Nishnawbe Aski Nation. We recently committed $2.6 million in funding to support a number of activities to ensure that children in school, especially from the Far North, get the mental health supports that they need.

Part of that funding went to Keewaytinook Okimakanak to lead the NAN Hope program that provides community-driven, culturally appropriate services for young people in crisis. Other supports included students who have come from the isolated communities to places like Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay and ensuring, whether it’s crisis teams or just partnering with a mentor, they have the resources in those schools for mental health supports.

Of course, to the member’s question about the immediacy of support, especially for youth in crisis, part of those resources was dedicated to make sure that Nishnawbe Aski Nation as an organization had the vehicles necessary to get to locations to meet students coming from the north or in cities—

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

The next question.

Taxation

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Brampton North.

Mr. Graham McGregor: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, gosh, Mr. Speaker, you look great today.

My question is for the Minister of Energy. I don’t need any political spin; I want a straight answer. My question is: At a time when inflation and the cost of living continue to rise, the federal government has decided to further burden Ontarians and hike the carbon tax by 23%. Time and again, the federal Liberals and their buddies in the Ontario Liberal Party, led by the carbon tax queen herself, Bonnie Crombie, have continued to put failed policies that show a lack of empathy for Ontarians who are struggling with the cost of gas, groceries and heating their homes.

When the carbon tax queen, Bonnie Crombie, was mayor of Mississauga, she hiked taxes, just like her federal buddies are doing now. Ontarians cannot afford this Liberal tax grab. The carbon tax must come to an end.

With summer quickly approaching, could the Minister of Energy please explain how the carbon tax continues to affect—

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

Minister of Energy.

Hon. Todd Smith: The spin stops here. We are now in full force in our farming season in Ontario. The farmers are out there, and that includes, in my riding, the grape growers, those great wineries like Huff Estates and Rosehall Run and Sandbanks that we all enjoy. They’re out there producing great Prince Edward county wines.

Since day one, our government has been focused on bringing costs down. Even in our recent budget, the Minister of Finance cut the wine tax by 6.1%, a great step. We’ve also focused on cutting energy costs, and that’s a break of 10.7 cents a litre at the pumps.

Not only are our farmers out there in the field every day, but they need to get their products to market. The Grape Growers of Ontario, with a group of farm organizations not too long ago, with the Premier and agriculture minister, said that they just can’t survive the federal carbon tax supported by our provincial Liberals, NDP and the Green Party.

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

Mr. Graham McGregor: I want to thank the minister for his response. The hard-working men and women in my riding of Brampton North and across the province want an immediate end to the carbon tax.

The queen of the carbon tax, Bonnie Crombie, knew well when she was mayor of Mississauga the cost of the carbon tax, particularly on public safety. The carbon tax costs a police car $6,500 per year; for a fire truck, $15,000 per year. We haven’t done the numbers, but I imagine the carbon tax is pretty pricey for private jets as well.

All parties in this Legislature, including the Ontario Liberals, including the NDP, should be calling on the federal government to abolish this punitive tax. Instead, the opposition NDP and the independent Liberals, led by the carbon tax queen, Bonnie Crombie, are choosing to do nothing. Ontarians deserve better. That’s why our government will continue to fight this disastrous tax until it is scrapped for good.

Can the minister explain what our government is doing to stand up against the carbon tax and put money back into Ontarians’ pockets?

Hon. Todd Smith: We’ve cut the gas tax, as I mentioned, by 10.7 cents a litre. We’re reducing fees: One Fare for transit riders right across the GTHA. We’ve cut licence plate sticker fees. We’ve cut the Drive Clean program that was just a grab—oh, my goodness; it was driving up the price for everyone. We brought in all of these accomplishments, and more, for the people of Ontario. But the queen of the carbon tax, Bonnie Crombie, and Gang Green here and the NDP, they’re in full support of Prime Minister Trudeau’s federal carbon tax, which is driving up the cost of everything, from the pumps to home heating to groceries that we buy every day.

We’ve taken a different approach. We’re continuing to build on our clean energy system that we have in Ontario. As a result, we’re seeing multi-billion-dollar investments in our province. The 300,000 jobs that left under their watch? Seven-hundred thousand of them have come back to Ontario.

Our economy is thriving. We can do this without a costly carbon tax, Mr. Speaker.

Pharmacare

MPP Jill Andrew: This week, Canadians are celebrating the introduction of universal pharmacare. A big part of this commitment includes access to contraception. This will make a huge difference to realizing reproductive health and equity for women, queer, trans and non-binary people. We can make it easier for people to plan their pregnancies and improve maternal and child health care outcomes. We could eliminate the cost burden for these communities at a time when cost of living is becoming unbearable. But this government is refusing to make this happen.

My question is to the Premier: How long will Ontarians have to wait for this Ontario government to commit to universal pharmacare?

Interjections.

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

Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: Frankly, we’re still trying to figure out when the federal government is going to share their plans.

We have been in the pharmacare space in Ontario for many, many decades; the member opposite would know this. We have OHIP+—25-and-under individuals who have access to free pharmaceuticals. We have a seniors-plus program. We have a Trillium drug plan program. We have ensured that we fill those gaps where we see the need in our community, and we’ll continue to do that.

I think if the member opposite would like to be of assistance, she could actually talk to the federal NDP and say, “Why are you supporting a program that has no details and no benefits?”

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

MPP Jill Andrew: This government has no plan. They keep passing the buck.

But anyway, back to the Premier: This government is playing political games with people’s health. They don’t care about the health and safety of women, queer, trans and non-binary people. Just ask them. If they did, they would understand the urgency of bringing no-cost contraception to Ontarians. They’re ignoring the problem, just like you’ve done with $10-a-day childcare.

This government has shown community members and their families their well-being is not their priority. Ontarians deserve better. So I’m going back to the Premier: When will this government start prioritizing the things that actually matter to Ontarians, stop playing political games and stop prioritizing beer and wine? Prioritize the people.

Interjections.

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

Minister of Health.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: Respectfully, Speaker, that’s bunk. Where were the NDP when we announced in Peel region a Peel Black Health and Social Services Hub? Nowhere; nothing. They don’t care. They don’t talk about it because they see that we are making the investments. We will continue to.

Speaker, earlier this morning, I had an opportunity to talk to over 600 providers who are working in community health centres doing the work that this member is, frankly, dismissing. We will continue to make those investments, because we see that when we work with people, when we work with communities, when we make those investments, that’s when you see a difference—not when the NDP members spew facts that, frankly, have no reality.

Taxation

Mr. Andrew Dowie: It’s always a great day when Percy Hatfield is in our presence, so welcome.

Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, or as I dub him, the minister for green automotive production, Windsor-Essex.

The carbon tax is hurting businesses and families back home and right across the province. As the Premier has repeatedly said, it is truly the worst tax. It is an inflationary tax that penalizes the hard-working men and women who are the backbone of our economy.

Ontario is home to a wealth of skilled workers in key sectors that will be vital to the province’s economic success and prosperity in the years to come. The last thing a government should be doing is hiking taxes on workers and chasing them away.

Speaker, can the minister please explain what he is hearing from companies and workers about the carbon tax?

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Speaker, we just returned from the BIO International Convention to promote Ontario’s thriving life sciences ecosystem. We talked about companies around the globe, and they’re intrigued by how rapidly Ontario life science is continuing to grow.

Ontario has the best talent pool with over 70,000 STEM grads annually coming out of our renowned post-secondary institutions. We want those workers to stay here in Ontario and succeed, which is why we’ve taken action to lower taxes, so they can keep more of what they earn.

But with the Liberal carbon tax, the federal government is moving in the opposite direction. They’re making life less affordable and risking the progress that we have made, Speaker. We need them to come around. Follow our lead. Scrap the carbon tax today.

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

Mr. Andrew Dowie: Truly, the people of Ontario want a government who will stand up for them and work to make their life more affordable, not more expensive.

They had a clear choice in the by-elections in Milton and Lambton–Kent–Middlesex. Certainly, knocking on those doors, I received that message loud and clear. They could vote for our government, who will always have their backs and fight to keep costs down, or they could vote for the Liberals and NDP, who endorse the carbon tax and will never stand up to their federal cousins in Ottawa. It’s no shock that they chose to elect two excellent, new PC MPPs, who are already important members of our government, as we fight against unnecessary Liberal tax hikes.

Speaker, can the minister please elaborate on why Liberals need to scrap their carbon tax?

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Speaker, when businesses are choosing where to invest and expand, they look for jurisdictions with lower costs. That’s why, under the previous Liberal government, we saw businesses looking outside of Ontario.

The Liberals put up mountains of red tape. They hiked tax after tax after tax and they scared businesses away: 300,000 manufacturing jobs fled the province and key industries were on the brink of collapse. And now, the federal Liberals are trying to do this all over again with their carbon tax.

We need the Liberals to reverse course. Speaker, we ask them: Listen to the hard-working people and businesses in Ontario. Scrap the carbon tax today.

Mental health services

Mr. Terence Kernaghan: Speaker, when people have the courage to reach out for mental health help, there must be someone there to listen and guide them to proper services.

When Amanda called a 24/7 hotline, and despite the receptionist exclaiming, “Wow, that’s a lot,” there was no one Amanda could talk to in that moment.

Children’s mental health wait-lists are years long. Students aren’t getting any mental health supports in schools. There are just so many other areas where this government can’t get their act together.

Why is this government underfunding CMHA and disregarding their wise funding requests in budget 2024?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.

Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: I’m not aware of there being issues with respect to funding CMHA. As a matter of fact, we spend a great deal of money working with CMHA to provide the great services they do throughout the province of Ontario.

In fact, we partner up with them in many of the services that are being provided. Whether it’s the mobile crisis response teams, whether it’s providing the supports and services in our children and youth sector, whether it’s in the youth wellness hubs, whether it’s their centres where they’re dealing with crisis, whether it’s in the crisis centres that they’re operating for us around the centre, we are investing. And this government continues to invest in building a continuum of care that’s based in all the communities, so that the supports and services are provided close to home to individuals.

The government has made incredible investments—over $500 million a year—to build this system, and it’s continuing to build the system, notwithstanding the neglect of the past government, supported by the NDP. The government is making investments and creating that continuum of care, and it is making a real difference, thanks to the partnerships—

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

Supplementary question?

Mr. Terence Kernaghan: Speaker, the minister says this government is building, and we are here to say that this government needs to build faster.

It seems to me that there’s more interest from this government in billion-dollar buck-a-beer—while London’s mobile crisis response COAST program is not funded at all by this government.

Mental health funding isn’t making it to people when and where they need it. People like Amanda deserve to get supports in times of need.

When will this government admit they’re failing when it comes to addressing the mental health needs of Ontarians?

Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: Again, I’m surprised that that would be a comment coming—that we’re failing. If you look at what we inherited from the past government and the investments that we’re making, building a system that did not exist in the past, one of the things you should be saying is the accolades that we should be getting for the work that we’re doing. To build a system, you don’t do it overnight.

The investments we’re making are sizable, given the fact that we are making significant changes throughout the system, not just in providing the supports and services that are desperately needed throughout the province, but also trying to reduce the demand and the needs for those services by investing in innovation, like youth wellness hubs—27 of them, to be exact—throughout the province of Ontario. Making upstream investments will ensure that in the future the services that are being developed today are going to be sized to the needs of the province.

That’s what this government is doing. It’s focused and will continue to build a system of care for everyone in the province.

Government spending

Mr. Stephen Blais: My question is for the Premier.

Mr. Speaker, over the years, I’ve received numerous emails, phone calls and letters about the state of our education system. Recently, Catholic teachers reached out to articulate concerns about the teacher shortage, the billions in repair backlog, and the lack of per pupil funding. But what I’ve rarely been asked about is greater access to the sale of beer and wine.

I don’t mind selling beer and wine at the corner store, but as a fiscal conservative, I do mind the billion-dollar price tag that comes along with it. I wonder how this government is going to make up the billion-dollar shortfall, already having ballooned the provincial debt by nearly $100 billion. Taking on more debt is not a fiscally responsible approach.

My question: To avoid taking on massive amounts of new debt, why won’t this government auction licences to sell alcohol and beer, like Conservative governments in Alberta and Saskatchewan, and use that money to better fund our education system?

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

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Mr. Speaker, what the member opposite is really saying is that what their party would do is they would increase the taxes and the fees on the consumers and the small businesses of Ontario. Is that the right thing to do? I don’t think so.

We heard from people, we heard from businesses, and they want to stimulate the economic activity of Ontario. The convenience store association said this will create thousands of jobs. The grape growers, the wine growers, the craft brewers, the cideries across Ontario—this is good for Ontario.

I don’t know what the member opposite has against Ontario businesses. I don’t know why the member opposite would want to increase fees and taxes.

This is a government that cuts fees and taxes.

We’ll update the numbers this fall, for sure.

I’ll remind the member opposite, this member’s party also increased the debt to the highest subnational debt in the world. Their government got downgraded—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order.

The supplementary question.

Mr. Stephen Blais: Mr. Speaker, with $100 billion added to the debt, it is still the highest subnational debt in the world, under this Conservative government, so much so I actually think he’s applying to run for Justin Trudeau in the next election, not Mr. Poilievre. This government is so fixated on beer and wine and booze that health care is an afterthought.

How can they justify two million Ontarians going without a family doctor? Imagine, Mr. Speaker, every resident of the combined cities of Ottawa, Windsor, London, Kingston and Guelph—no family doctor.

Is the price tag of a billion dollars really worth the opportunity to go buy a six-pack at the corner store? Is that really what’s going to solve our problems? How about a billion dollars to reduce the surgical backlog that a quarter-million Ontarians are facing?

Auctioning the licences like true conservative governments in Alberta and Saskatchewan have done would raise hundreds of millions of dollars, money that could be invested—

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

Minister of Finance.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Mr. Speaker, did that member opposite vote for or against cutting the gas tax?

Interjections: Against.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Mr. Speaker, did that member opposite and their party vote for or against the budget?

Interjections: Against.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: But one thing they did do: When they were in power, they got downgraded by the credit rating agency DBRS. And guess which government has a positive credit watch, not just from DBRS, not just from Moody’s, but also S&P? It’s this government that’s lowering the borrowing costs for the people of Ontario.

In fact, that’s reversing the trend. It took 15 years to bury this province. It’s taken us six short years to turn the economy around.

As my colleague here says, 300,000 tail lights leaving Ontario, 700,000 headlights bringing jobs back in Ontario.

This just never occurred to the member opposite, that you can be fiscally responsible—

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

The next question.

Taxation

Mr. Sheref Sabawy: My question is for the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. The Liberal carbon tax is driving up the cost of everyday essentials and making life unaffordable for Ontarians. With summer fast approaching, many families are looking forward to taking some time off and exploring our province with their loved ones, but the carbon tax continues to wreak havoc on our economy, including our cherished and world-class tourism sector.

Just last week, Bonnie Crombie’s federal cousins suggested that the cost of a family road trip is akin to letting the planet burn. It is shocking to hear how out of touch the Liberals are with Ontario families.

Speaker, could the minister please tell the House how the federal Liberal carbon tax is impacting summer plans for Ontarians?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The parliamentary assistant, member for Niagara West.

Mr. Sam Oosterhoff: I want to thank the member for Mississauga–Erin Mills for his leadership on ensuring that we have a strong tourism sector here in the province of Ontario.

But I have to tell you, Speaker, when I heard that the Liberal members of Parliament were saying that people shouldn’t be going on road trips this summer, my jaw hit the floor.

And I’ll tell you right now, when we talk to the people of Ontario, we know that they want to get out there, and they want to hit the road, but I’m thinking that right now the federal Liberals should be hitting the road, too, because when you look at the fact that we have a long tradition here in Ontario of people being able to get out and enjoy small towns and big cities across this province, whether you’re going up to Kenora, whether you’re stopping by Lanark county, whether you’re visiting Kingsville, we know that the people of Ontario have the right to be able to enjoy those opportunities.

We, unlike the federal Liberals, believe in the rights of the people of Ontario to go out, enjoy a road trip and ensure that they’re spending a little bit of money on the road as well to support our local businesses. So we’re going to continue to cut costs for those families and encourage them to be able to get out, make a road trip.

Come down to Niagara. We’d love to have you.

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

Mr. Sheref Sabawy: Thank you to the parliamentary secretary for the response. The Liberal carbon tax is hurting people in my riding of Mississauga–Erin Mills and across Ontario. It is driving up inflation and increasing the cost of everything.

Speaker, it’s perplexing how the Liberals and NDP can ignore the heavy burden the carbon tax puts on families. Every day, we hear more about how people are struggling with the increasing cost of basic necessities. Parents taking their kids to hockey practice or on a road trip are now paying more at the gas pump. That’s not right. Ontarians deserve to enjoy the summer season with their loved ones and explore our province without worrying about extra costs.

Speaker, could the parliamentary assistant please explain to the House what our government is doing to get people on the road and support summer tourism?

Mr. Sam Oosterhoff: I think that the member opposite really spoke very eloquently about the benefits of the people of Ontario getting out and enjoying some of the incredible sights and attractions that this province has to offer.

We know that unlike the federal government, our government is not penalizing those who want to have a summer vacation or who want to spend a few days on the road. We’re actually encouraging that. We’re encouraging those people who have the opportunity to get out and visit small towns, spend a few bucks on a nice meal, take their family out for a visit to the beach, and maybe visit one of the sights, sounds and small businesses that make up this beautiful province.

So what we’ve done is taken a different approach. We’ve actually cut the gas tax. We’ve cut licence plate sticker fees, because we know that the majority of the people of this province are drivers and we want to encourage them to be able to enjoy every single corner of this province. And it’s not only that; it’s the millions of dollars that we’ve devoted to the Experience Ontario program, the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, our Sport Hosting Program. In so many ways, we are ensuring that the people of this province have the opportunity to enjoy every square inch of this beautiful province, and we’ll—

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

Front-line workers

M me France Gélinas: Ma question est pour la ministre de la Santé. Today, paramedics and dispatchers from Thunder Bay to Kingston and all across our province have come to Queen’s Park to share with us legislators the challenges they are facing on the front line of emergency care here in Ontario.

All political parties are sending representatives, but a month after the invitations were sent, only one representative from Mr. Ford’s government is confirmed to attend. Will the minister accept the paramedics’ invitation and join them any time between 1 and 3 this afternoon right here at Queen’s Park?

Hon. Sylvia Jones: You know, I hope as you do the round table with the paramedics, you are able to highlight some of the incredible investments that we’ve been able to do, working with our community paramedicine.

When we do 911 models of care where we ensure that patients voluntarily can be diverted to other places to get service in community, it is actually working directly with paramedics and paramedic organizations. When we do the Dedicated Offload Nurses Program, embedding individuals paid 100% by the province of Ontario to ensure that paramedics could get back out into community faster, it’s as a result of conversations that we have had with paramedics and their organizations.

We’ll continue to listen and respond to their input. We have done that since 2018. And I have to say that paramedics have stepped up every step of the way to ensure—

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

Supplementary question?

M me France Gélinas: The paramedics have set quite the straightforward agenda. These front-line workers want to talk to us about the mental health challenges that they face and the education barriers with the preceptorship. They want to talk about practice standards and, of course, staffing.

The paramedics are not just bringing concerns from the front line; they have solutions to offer. They need the ears of decision-makers like yourself, the minister; like your parliamentary assistant; like your ADM for emergency services, who were all invited to attend.

Minister, paramedics want to know: Will you come today and listen to the concerns of the people who answer the call and help us often on the worst day of our life?

Hon. Sylvia Jones: Perhaps the member opposite has not been paying attention as we invest and increase paramedic opportunities for training in northern Ontario, expanding them and including them into the Learn and Stay program, where their tuition and books are covered as they agree to practise and continue their service in parts of the province that are underserviced.

We have done a lot of work with community paramedicine. I have seen first-hand how it impacts our communities, particularly our seniors, who are staying at home and have more confidence because they have that community paramedicine program.

We’ll continue to do this work; we’ll continue to invest. Of course, we are a 50-50 per cent partner with our municipal partners and paramedic services, and we will continue to do that.

Government spending

Ms. Mary-Margaret McMahon: If I had a billion dollars

If I had a billion dollars

Well, I’d buy you a house

I would buy you a fourplex in this housing crisis

And if I had a billion dollars

If I had a billion dollars

I’d buy equipment for your house

Maybe a nice heat pump with a rebate!

But, seriously, Mr. Speaker, how can this government possibly think getting booze in convenience stores one year early would be a priority for Ontarians in an affordability crisis, in a housing crisis, in a health care crisis, in a climate emergency?

My question to the Premier: Are you that nervous about the next election that you have to resort to games and gimmicks?

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

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Mr. Speaker, through you, thank you for the question from the member opposite. Colleagues, do you know why we’re here? It’s her party that signed one of the worst contracts in the history of the province: a 10-year monopoly, a 10-year bad contract.

Interjections.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: I see the member is agreeing with that.

Let’s take a look at what this is going to do for our economy, because clearly the economy is paramount on this side of the House—economic prosperity, good jobs for people. The study from the Convenience Industry Council of Canada projects 7,000 to 7,500 new jobs in Ontario and $165 million to invest in convenience stores. The study also estimates up to $213 million in new annual tax revenues, 69% of which will go to the province.

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

Ms. Mary-Margaret McMahon: If this government is looking for areas to spend money, I have a good list for things in Beaches East–York:

—a new Secord public school, which I talked to you about last week—they’ve been waiting forever;

—funding for Michael Garron’s redevelopment—hospitals aren’t that important these days, are they;

—cooling systems for our schools with extreme heat upon us;

—operational costs for TTC;

—family doctors for everyone;

—more affordable housing, especially assisted living.

If I had a billion dollars, I would invest in Ontario.

My question, through you, Mr. Speaker, to the Premier: Why are you spending a billion dollars on booze? Why are your priorities so skewed?

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: I’m going to correct the member opposite, Mr. Speaker: We’re not spending $1 billion; we’re spending $200 billion on health care, on education and on social services. I’m going to correct the member opposite: We’re investing $190 billion on capital over the next 10 years to build hospitals, to build schools, to build long-term care, to build highways and to build transit. No government has ever spent that kind of money to invest. You know why? Because we are investing in the future. We’re making up for the time that the previous Liberal government didn’t get it done.

This government has the priorities of the people of Ontario. We’re building the economy, we’re building the infrastructure and we’re supporting the workers in this great province to get it done.

Taxation

Mr. Stephen Crawford: My question is for the Associate Minister of Housing. All Ontarians deserve to find a home that best meets their needs and budget. The previous Liberal government, supported by the NDP, failed to plan ahead for the future needs of Ontarians, and now the provincial Liberals are supporting a tax that is only pushing Ontario families further away from their dream of home ownership. This is simply unacceptable. Our government, under the leadership of Premier Ford, remains laser-focused on getting more homes built faster and helping more Ontarians find affordable housing, and we are doing it as we continue to fight against the costly carbon tax.

Can the associate minister tell the House how our government is working to build the homes that Ontario families need, despite the federal carbon tax?

Hon. Rob Flack: Thanks very much, Speaker, to the member from Oakville. Always good to hear from him.

Our housing crisis is only made worse because of the federal carbon tax—and this government has delivered to offset it. We delivered $1 billion in the last provincial budget to enable housing. We delivered $1.2 billion in the Building Faster Fund and are seeing tangible results. We delivered the elimination of the HST on purpose-built rentals. And we delivered unprecedented reductions in red tape to make shovels in the ground happen faster.

Speaker, we are supporting community home builders—unlike the carbon tax coalition opposite, led by Bonnie Crombie. They are not supporting community home builders and frankly, Speaker, they are taxing the dream of home ownership out of the reach of all Canadians.

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

Mr. Stephen Crawford: Thank you to the associate minister for that response. Young families should not have to struggle to pay for a down payment. Seniors on fixed incomes should not have to worry about being displaced. Everyone in Ontario deserves to have a place to live that meets their needs and their budget, and the Liberals are making it more and more unaffordable by supporting that carbon tax. It is essential for all governments to provide real solutions in addressing the housing and affordability crisis. Unfortunately, our government is fighting this battle alone.

Can the associate minister please explain why the Liberals and NDP must join us in calling for an end to the carbon tax and making housing more affordable again?

Hon. Rob Flack: As we all know, the federal carbon tax has always been a burden for Canadian home builders. It’s inflationary and it’s punitive. In fact, the Bank of Canada governor last year stated that, of total inflation, the carbon tax contributed 16%. That means higher interest rates for families and higher mortgage rates, and it also means higher capital costs for community home builders. It means all costs related to building a house go up. It’s wrong, and what makes it worse is the compounding nature of this carbon tax.

The cost of living is hurting all Ontarians and hurting Canadians. If the federal government really wants to help Ontarians, I think the carbon tax coalition next door should understand that the carbon tax in this province is wrong, and most importantly, Bonnie Crombie and the coalition is wrong on housing, wrong on the carbon tax and, frankly, wrong for all Ontarians.

Ministry spending

Miss Monique Taylor: My question is for the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

The Financial Accountability Office released a report this morning which projects the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services has allocated $3.7 billion less than what was needed in program spending from 2024 to 2026-27. The ministry is responsible for everything from funding developmental services, child protection, Ontario Works, ODSP payments, the autism funding and much more—all of the programs which are required to serve and support vulnerable Ontarians.

Can the minister explain why there is a $3.7-billion shortfall?

Hon. Michael Parsa: I thank my colleague for the question.

As I’ve said it many times here in this House, the FAO opinions are not representative of actual government spending, as the FAO uses different methodology. I’d be more than happy to share some facts and some numbers with my colleagues across. The funding for the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services increased by $600 million this year. Last year, the funding for this ministry increased by $900 million. The year before that, the funding for the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services increased by $1.2 billion. So, I’d be more than happy to share some facts.

My honourable colleagues talk about developmental services. Mr. Speaker, it’s this government that is providing more than $1 billion for developmental services across the system, something the previous government didn’t do, that the NDP supported along the way.

When we say we’re not going to leave anyone behind—

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

Supplementary question?

Miss Monique Taylor: I will take the Financial Accountability Officer’s word over this minister any day.

Speaker, $3.7 billion is a huge shortfall for programs that literally keep some of Ontario’s most vulnerable populations alive. The FAO projects that $120 million announced this year in autism funding is one-time funding and that that budget will continue to be $600 million year over year. That would only be enough to enrol 10,000 kids in core clinical services, not even close to the 20,000 that the minister’s binder suggests.

With 60,000 and growing waiting for autism services, does the minister think that this is going to be enough?

Hon. Michael Parsa: Again, I thank my honourable colleague for the question. When it comes to the Ontario Autism Program, I’ll tell you one thing, Mr. Speaker: After the previous government, supported by the NDP, failed the people of this province, it was this government, under the leadership of Premier Ford, that said we’re not going to stand with the status quo. This program that we have in place now is built by the community for the community.

Mr. Speaker, when it comes to funding, the member struggles and the opposition struggles with often—

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order. The member for Hamilton Mountain, come to order.

Hon. Michael Parsa: We’ve seen that before.

We doubled the funding of the Ontario Autism Program. We added another $60 million to the program. This year, Mr. Speaker, we added $120 million to the $600 million, bringing our total to $720 million. What does that mean, Mr. Speaker? Instead of the 8,500 families who were receiving services and supports before, now more than 40,000 families are receiving supports and services—

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

The next question.

Taxation

Mr. Dave Smith: My question is for the Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Northern Development. The Liberal carbon tax is harmful to every single person in this province. It does nothing for the environment, and it only punishes the people of Ontario with higher costs for daily necessities. Families in the north are especially affected by this regressive tax as they already pay more for groceries and for fuel.

Speaker, the opposition NDP and the independent Liberals have an opportunity to advocate on behalf of the residents of northern Ontario. But rather than joining with our government and calling on the federal Liberals to terminate the carbon tax, they prefer to sit in their seats and watch this tax increase time and time again. That is not what the people of Ontario want or deserve.

Speaker, can the minister please tell the House why northern communities cannot afford the federal carbon tax?

Hon. Greg Rickford: Here’s the thing, Mr. Speaker: It’s summertime. I know I can’t wait to get back to Lake of the Woods. But with over 500 seasonal lodges, outfitting camps and campgrounds, of which I know there are quite a few in the member’s—as he likes to say—God’s country, Peterborough–Kawartha, families are going to make some tough choices. I was talking to one of my neighbours the other day, and I said, “Now, where are you going to take that big trailer this year?” Every summer, he just kind of spins the campground wheel and takes his family somewhere in another part of northern Ontario.

He said this year—do you know where he’s going, colleagues, through you, Mr. Speaker? Camp Backyard. Yes, it’s a campground in his backyard. He’s just going to open the trailer there because he can’t afford to hitch that thing up to his pickup truck and go and spend some money in another part of northern Ontario.

Clearly, outfitters, lodge owners, campground owners and families in the thousands who just want to explore our vast and beautiful region are saying one thing: Scrap the tax.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Mr. Dave Smith: Thank you to the minister for that response. While the Liberal members in this Legislature believe that Ontario stands to benefit from more taxes, the reality couldn’t be more different. Residents in the north who already struggle to pay their bills are now being forced to pay more for food and for fuel. With the weather warming up, it’s just not fair that families have to cancel their summer plans because they’re stretched at the pocketbook.

Speaker, Ontarians need more relief, not a 23% tax hike on the carbon tax. The federal Liberals and their provincial counterparts need to do the right thing and get rid of the carbon tax immediately.

Speaker, can the minister please elaborate on why the Liberals need to scrap their carbon tax?

Hon. Greg Rickford: Well, let’s start here, Mr. Speaker: When seven out of 10 Canadians oppose the carbon tax—from myriad polls, Mr. Speaker; when the Parliamentary Budget Officer says, “Not so fast, king of the carbon tax,” and he says that this is going to cost families up to $1,000 more—and this message, through you, to Mr. Green, because it’s time to come clean, after the rebate which he loves so much—we’ve got a problem here.

All I can tell you is that the carbon tax royalty is beginning to abdicate their throne, except for one exception: The queen of the carbon tax chooses to be a buttinsky. Not only is she interested in keeping the carbon tax alive, she has a history of raising other taxes.

Listen to the voice of seven out of 10 Canadians and the Parliamentary Budget Officer, if no one else, and scrap this tax.

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

I’m going to ask the Minister of Health to withdraw an unparliamentary comment that was made earlier during question period.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: I withdraw.

Deferred Votes

Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, 2024 / Loi de 2024 pour réduire les formalités administratives afin de construire plus de logements

Deferred vote on the motion that the question now be put on the motion for third reading of the following bill:

Bill 185,

An Act to amend various Acts / Projet de loi 185, Loi modifiant diverses lois.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Call in the members. This is a five-minute bell.

The division bells rang from 1201 to 1206.

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

On June 3, 2024, Mr. Calandra moved third reading of Bill 185,

An Act to amend various Acts.

On June 4, 2024, Ms. Khanjin moved that the question be now put.

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

Ayes

Anand, Deepak

Babikian, Aris

Bailey, Robert

Barnes, Patrice

Bethlenfalvy, Peter

Bouma, Will

Bresee, Ric

Byers, Rick

Calandra, Paul

Cho, Raymond Sung Joon

Cho, Stan

Clark, Steve

Coe, Lorne

Crawford, Stephen

Cuzzetto, Rudy

Dixon, Jess

Dowie, Andrew

Downey, Doug

Dunlop, Jill

Fedeli, Victor

Flack, Rob

Gal