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March 29, 2005

38th Parliament, 1st Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcripts 2005-Mar-29 (PDF)

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L'ONTARIO

Tuesday 29 March 2005 Mardi 29 mars 2005

INTRODUCTION OF MEMBER FOR

DUFFERIN-PEEL-WELLINGTON-GREY

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

HOCKEY

CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES

FIREFIGHTERS

GOVERNMENT'S RECORD

HEALTH CARE

FIREFIGHTERS

DOCTORS' SERVICES

GREENBELT

VISITORS

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

ADOPTION INFORMATION DISCLOSURE ACT, 2005 /

LOI DE 2005 SUR LA DIVULGATION DE RENSEIGNEMENTS SUR LES ADOPTIONS

MOTIONS

COMMITTEE SITTINGS

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY

AND RESPONSES

ADOPTION DISCLOSURE

AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY

ADOPTION DISCLOSURE

AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY

ADOPTION DISCLOSURE

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION /

CHEF DE L'OPPOSITION

ORAL QUESTIONS

PROVINCIAL DEFICIT

HEALTH CARE

HEALTH CARE AND

EDUCATION FUNDING

NATIONAL CHILD BENEFIT SUPPLEMENT

GREENBELT

LABOUR UNIONS

AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY

ONTARIO BUDGET

TUITION

EQUESTRIAN FACILITIES

EDUCATION

SOCIAL SERVICES

PETITIONS

PHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICES

REGIONAL CENTRES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK

REGIONAL CENTRES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

HIGHWAY 17

HEALTH CARE FUNDING

ÉLEVAGE INTENSIF

VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS

WASTE MANAGEMENT

LONG-TERM CARE

ONTARIO FARMERS

REGIONAL CENTRES FOR THE

DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

ORDERS OF THE DAY

LABOUR RELATIONS STATUTE LAW

AMENDMENT ACT, 2005 /

LOI DE 2005 MODIFIANT DES LOIS

CONCERNANT LES RELATIONS

DE TRAVAIL

The House met at 1330.

Prayers.

INTRODUCTION OF MEMBER FOR

DUFFERIN-PEEL-WELLINGTON-GREY

The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): I beg to inform the House that the Clerk has received from the Chief Election Officer and laid upon the table

a certificate of the by-election in the electoral district of Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey.

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Claude L. DesRosiers):

"Mr. Claude L. DesRosiers

"Clerk of the Legislative Assembly

"Room 104

"Legislative Building

"Queen's Park

"Toronto, Ontario

"M7A 1A2

"Dear Mr. DesRosiers:

"A writ of election dated the sixteenth day of February, 2005, was issued by the Honourable Lieutenant Governor of the province of Ontario, and was addressed to

Terry W. Sutton, returning officer for the electoral district of Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey, for the election of a member to represent the said electoral district of

Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey in the Legislative Assembly of this province in the room of Ernie Eves who since his election as representative of the said electoral district of

Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey hath tendered his resignation. This is to certify that, a poll having been granted and held in Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey on the seventeenth day of March, 2005,

John Tory has been returned as duly elected as appears by the return of the said writ of election, dated the twenty-fifth day of March, 2005, which is now lodged of record in my office.

"John L. Hollins

"Chief Election Officer

"Toronto, March 29, 2005."

Mr. Robert W. Runciman (Leeds-Grenville): Speaker, I have the honour to present to you and the House John Tory, member-elect for the electoral

district of Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey, who has taken the oath and signed the roll and now claims the right to take his seat.

The Speaker: Let the honourable member take his seat.

Mr. Tory, member for the electoral district of Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey, is recognized as leader of Her Majesty's loyal opposition.

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

HOCKEY

Mr. John Yakabuski (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke): What a pleasure for me to rise on the day that we welcome our new leader, John Tory, into the

House. But that is not the purpose of my statement today. The purpose of my statement today is to talk about what a great weekend it was in my riding of Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke for hockey.

On Friday night, the Pembroke Lumber Kings of the CJHL, Yzerman division, fought back from a 3-1 deficit in games to the Brockville Braves from my colleague Bob

Runciman's riding, defeating the Braves in overtime and moving on to take on the Nepean Raiders. I'm hoping to disappoint John Baird and Jim Watson in the same way as they defeat that team.

On Saturday, the tournament of champions from the Bantam division for the Ottawa District Minor Hockey Association began in Barry's Bay -- a two-day event, and

the only way to get there was to earn the way there. On Sunday, the final was fought between Renfrew and the Valley Storm, two teams from my riding. The Valley Storm also was victorious, like the

Lumber Kings, in overtime.

Also on Sunday, Dominik Ha_ek, "the Dominator," was the star attraction at the Pembroke Memorial Centre for the Relay for Life cancer fundraiser. Some $30,000

were raised. John Leslie, a young boy who has lost his leg to cancer, was the first one to go after the Dominator on a shootout. The total raised was $30,000. I want to congratulate Jimmy Lapointe

and Lapointe Auto for spearheading this drive.

CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES

Ms. Jennifer F. Mossop (Stoney Creek): I too would like to welcome the newest member to the House, but that's not what my statement is about

either.

One of the things our government did that speaks volumes about its long-term visionary thinking is the creation of a Ministry of Children and Youth Services, an

entire ministry devoted to nurturing, protecting and serving our future. Premier Dalton McGuinty made a brilliant appointment to lead this new signature ministry. Dr. Marie Bountrogianni grew up

above a day care, she was a psychologist in the public school system and for years she dreamed about creating the kind of supportive and nurturing environment that would benefit all children from

all walks of life.

Her new post was the opportunity of a lifetime to have an impact on so many, many lifetimes. A couple of weeks ago the minister, who can best be described as a

glamorous earth mother, strode into Sir Wilfrid Laurier Elementary School in Hamilton and greeted the people she refers to as "boss," a group of tiny tots. She was announcing the launch of

Ontario's Best Start program.

This fall, throughout the province, junior and senior kindergarten children will have access to an affordable, quality early learning program that wraps around

their school day, mostly in the school setting or very near by. Over the next 10 years, the program will be expanded to include a half-day of learning for children as young as two and a half years,

largely in the school setting, where it will be easier for parents to pick up and drop off all the various-age children they have. There will also be supports for new parents and their younger

children and screening for newborns. I'm delighted to say that the east end of Hamilton, which includes part of my riding, will be one of three areas in the province that will have the full Best

Start program.

FIREFIGHTERS

Mr. Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North): When the Liberals came to power in 2003, they promised a new era of democratic renewal. The Minister of

Community Safety also promised to resolve the double-hatter issues with our fire services. Over one year ago, Minister Kwinter promised to bring forward a new mediation process, and if that process

failed, he promised he would bring in new legislation.

So far, there's been no mediation and no legislation -- and of course we know there are no new police officers -- just broken promises. The minister now says

that the office of the fire marshal advises him on double-hatter issues. The double-hatter issue continues. Talk about dithering.

But imagine our surprise on March 22, when, after cancelling the $40-million promise of the former Conservative government, when questioned, ministry staff

Interjections.

Mr. Dunlop: So far, they could not prepare any press releases. What we're saying is that none of the official opposition or the third party were

advised of a $30-million announcement for fire training equipment. I think this is completely irresponsible and disrespectful of this House. It shows partisan politics at its very, very worst being

played by the government. All the government members were allowed to see the press releases on the announcement last week, on March 22. It's very unfair, and it's irresponsible of this minister to

come forward with an announcement like that and not include all members of this House.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): Order. I'm having a lot of disruption in the House. Those who wish to speak may do so outside, so I can listen

to the members' statements as they go forward.

GOVERNMENT'S RECORD

Ms. Marilyn Churley (Toronto-Danforth): New Democrats are glad to be back at work at Queen's Park today. We look forward to fighting to make

things better for ordinary Ontario families on the issues that matter most to them, like health care, education and the environment. We're going to do our best to make this a positive, productive,

progressive session of the Legislature, aren't we, Peter?

Interjections.

Ms. Churley: We hoped Dalton McGuinty would share these simple goals. We hoped he would use his time off to reflect on his broken promises and

to make a new commitment to keeping his commitments. Unfortunately, though, it looks like we will see more of the same from the Liberals: more broken promises and still no plan to keep

promises.

Over the last few weeks, while members of the McGuinty government were busy writing offensive notes to journalists and defending helicopter trips to the cottage

by Hydro CEOs, we learned disturbing new details about the McGuinty government's not being straight with ordinary Ontario families. The Auditor General caught the Liberals fudging the books. They

said they had a $2-billion deficit; now they have a $6-billion deficit. Now people are calling Dalton McGuinty the Six Billion Dollar Man. They are calling him the big red machine. More

importantly, they're wondering, "Where's the plan to keep those election promises now?"

The New Democrats are putting the Premier on notice. In the last election, people voted to wipe out massive social deficits created by eight years of

Conservative cuts. They voted to rebuild our public services. Dalton, the time for excuses is over. It's time to deliver, for a change.

HEALTH CARE

Mrs. Linda Jeffrey (Brampton Centre): I too would like to welcome Mr. Tory, my neighbour to the north, in Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey, but

that's not the subject of my speech. I would like to speak today, like I have on many occasions in the House, about the health care needs in my riding of Brampton Centre.

In September 2003, Dr. Bajinder Reen, a nephrologist with the William Osler Health Centre, had a dream. He wanted to find a way to engage the South Asian

community in helping with the redevelopment plans of the William Osler Health Centre. The announcement by our government to construct a new community health care facility has provided the William

Osler Health Centre Foundation with an opportunity to recognize the South Asian community's contributions to the hospital foundation and the city of Brampton in a meaningful way.

In recognition of the size, scope and contribution to our society by the Canadian Sikh and the South Asian community, the board of directors announced that the

emergency department for the new hospital will be named the Guru Nanak Emergency Services Department. At the naming ceremony on Sunday 6 March 2005, there was a personal financial commitment of

$914,000 made by members of the Sikh subcommittee. I would like to highlight that $500,000 of this commitment was donated by Mr. Harpreet Sethi, a member of this committee.

I would like to thank this volunteer committee for its generosity and strong sense of citizenship. The subcommittee, the board and the hospital foundation serve

as ambassadors who are willing to work on behalf of others to ensure quality health care. As well, I would like to thank Minister Smitherman for showing up that day. It's deeply appreciated.

Mr. John R. Baird (Nepean-Carleton): I want to say to our new leader, John Tory, that he's got very big shoes to fill of the former Leader of

the Opposition, Bob Runciman, who I know we'd all like to congratulate for an exceptional job.

I'm pleased to rise today and speak on behalf of the millions of people in Ontario who are tremendously concerned about the health care system in Ontario. Our

party, under the leadership of John Tory, has begun accepting questions through our Web site from the people of Ontario in order that we may bring their concerns to this minister and to this

government. I just hope that the McGuinty government will listen and will hear those concerns.

I want to start the process today. People calling in to CFRA in Ottawa, to the Lowell Green Show, are saying that this minister doesn't have a plan and that this

government is incompetent.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): Order. I would like to hear the member from Nepean-Carleton. I'm hearing a lot of noise and disruption from

the government side. Don't make me start calling names already.

Member for Nepean-Carleton.

Mr. Baird: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. People calling in to CFRA say that this government is incompetent and has no plan. People called in

to Bill Carroll's show on CFRB. Ian, who called in from the 404, said the McGuinty Liberals don't have their priorities straight, that they're too focused on banning pit bulls. Bill, from downtown

Toronto, talked about the need for the government to properly fund the operation of health care equipment. David, who was calling from the 401, said that the health care system is a mess, that the

waiting times are too long and that this government isn't making health care the priority that it should be.

I hope and pray that this government will listen to the hard-working taxpayers of the province of Ontario and fix the mess they've created in our health care

system.

FIREFIGHTERS

Mr. Tony C. Wong (Markham): I also want to welcome Mr. Tory to this House.

For the very first time in 22 years, the Ontario government is investing $30 million for training and equipment for municipal fire departments. In my riding of

Markham, the Markham fire department will receive $300,000.

Every day, our firefighters risk their lives to protect our communities. While most people run out of burning buildings, these brave men and women run in to save

lives and property. We must ensure that Ontario's firefighters have the best training and tools possible.

In response to last week's very welcome announcement, John Brassard, the president of the Markham Professional Firefighters Association, said that his

association is extremely pleased to see the McGuinty government follow through on its commitment by providing Ontario firefighters with $30 million toward training and equipment.

Don McClean, Markham's fire chief, praised the McGuinty government for the $300,000 the Markham fire department received. He identified that the money will help

accelerate and enhance current programs to provide Markham residents with the best possible services and expertise to reduce public safety hazards.

Once again, the McGuinty government has shown its commitment to protecting Ontario's communities and its residents. Our firefighters are true heroes in every

sense of the word, and I am pleased that this funding will help reduce work-related risks while protecting these brave men and women and the communities they serve.

DOCTORS' SERVICES

Ms. Judy Marsales (Hamilton West): I rise today to commend the McGuinty government for increasing Ontario's supply of family physicians by

creating 70% more family medicine residency positions in Ontario's five medical schools. This will result in increased care for hundreds of thousands more Ontarians.

As a result of the mess left by the previous government, Ontario needs more family doctors, and we are making that happen. As a result of this McGuinty

government initiative, there will be 141 new family residency positions in Ontario by 2006, meaning 337 more family doctors ready to practise by 2008.

In my own riding of Hamilton West, this new investment will enable McMaster University to train 50% more family doctors and encourage fresh graduates to set up

practices in the community.

The funding will create 22 more first-year family medicine positions at McMaster University by 2006, resulting in 63 spots, compared to the current 41. Next

year, McMaster will receive an additional $3 million for the construction of more spaces to accommodate a higher number of residents.

Dr. Cheryl Levitt, chair of McMaster's department of family medicine, told the Hamilton Spectator that this is the first major increase she has seen in 10 years.

According to Dr. Levitt, this new funding means "a change on the horizon," as it "will have a dramatic impact on family practice in the community."

I'm proud of this new initiative. I'm also proud of the hard work and dedication of the Minister of Health for reinvesting in public health care across Ontario

and in my own riding of Hamilton West.

GREENBELT

Mr. Ted McMeekin (Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Aldershot): I want to add my voice of welcome to Mr. Tory and then talk a bit about the

greenbelt.

This government is proud to say that we are permanently protecting over 1.8 million acres of green space for generations to come.

Establishing the greenbelt will significantly improve Ontarians' quality of life in a variety of ways.

Food sovereignty is important, and prohibiting urban expansion on to farmland in the greenbelt will play a significant role in assuring adequate food supplies

for future generations.

Last week we heard from the municipal leaders within the greenbelt, and they've given the McGuinty government's greenbelt an "A." Glenn De Baeremaeker, a

Toronto city councillor and co-chair of the group, said, "The greenbelt is spectacular. It's bigger than the Oak Ridges moraine and the Niagara Escarpment combined. It took environmentalists

decades to protect those areas and the Liberals protected an even bigger area with the stroke of a pen."

The greenbelt is already doing its job. Ajax mayor Steve Parish, one of the three other co-chairs, said this: "Suddenly there's a realization that this

underutilized land is now very valuable and must be looked at seriously."

VISITORS

The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): We have with us this afternoon in the Speaker's gallery William G. Davis, the former Premier for our

provincial Parliament from 1971 to 1985. He represented the riding of Peel in the 26th and the 27th Parliaments. Welcome.

We also have the great honour and pleasure this afternoon to have in the gallery Barb Fisher, Helen Johns and David Tsubouchi, all former members of our

provincial Parliament. We want to join together to welcome them as well.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

ADOPTION INFORMATION DISCLOSURE ACT, 2005 /

LOI DE 2005 SUR LA DIVULGATION DE RENSEIGNEMENTS SUR LES ADOPTIONS

Ms. Pupatello moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 183,

An Act respecting the disclosure of information and records to adopted persons and birth parents / Projet de loi 183, Loi traitant de la

divulgation de renseignements et de dossiers aux personnes adoptées et à leurs pères ou mères de sang.

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

MOTIONS

COMMITTEE SITTINGS

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Energy, Government House Leader): Mr. Speaker, I believe we have unanimous consent to move without notice a

motion regarding the standing committee on public accounts.

The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): Do we have unanimous consent? Agreed.

Hon. Mr. Duncan: I move that notwithstanding the order of the House dated June 17, 2004, during the months of March, April and May 2005, the

standing committee on public accounts may meet on Thursday mornings until 1 p.m. and on Thursday afternoons following routine proceedings.

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

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY

AND RESPONSES

ADOPTION DISCLOSURE

Hon. Sandra Pupatello (Minister of Community and Social Services, minister responsible for women's issues): The bill I am presenting today

regarding adoption disclosure has been a very long time coming. It was 78 years ago today, March 29, 1927, that the Legislature amended the Adoption Act and began sealing adoption records in

Ontario.

Today I'm informing the House that our government has a plan to move Ontario's adoption information laws into the 21st century. It's a plan that draws upon the

experiences of other provinces, the United States, Europe and Australia, and reflects the best adoption disclosure practices in Canada and abroad.

Over the last 17 months, I have met with stakeholders from the adoption community, including the Coalition for Open Adoption Records, the Ontario Association

of Children's Aid Societies, Parent Finders and legislators. As well, most of us as legislators have met with individuals in our own ridings. These people have pleaded with us over the years to do

right by them.

Some of these tireless advocates are with us today in the Legislature, and I'd like to thank them personally for their dedication and hard work on this issue.

Maybe I could ask them to stand: Dr. Michael Grand, Wendy Rowney, Monica Byrne, and Karen Lynn, along with her two sons. Thank you for your tireless efforts.

One of our legislators, Marilyn Churley, has relentlessly pursued this issue. We thank her for bringing this issue before the floor of this very House numerous

times, along with her colleague Tony Martin at the time. Although it passed unanimously as a private member's bill, it never became law for a whole host of reasons. Marilyn Churley was able, over

the years, to make this issue very personal for all of us as well.

I would particularly like to thank Premier McGuinty. May I say that he led all ministers on this initiative: children and youth, consumer and business

services, the Attorney General, and community and social services. He helped by giving his commitment personally to see this bill come forward today. It did involve several ministers' leadership,

consultation and compromise, and I thank them for that.

My sincere gratitude must go to the staff at my own ministry, some of whom are here today, and from my own office. In one word, they are just great, and I

thank them personally.

I have heard from adult adoptees as well, many who are in this House, who have asked for the same rights as non-adopted individuals. They've asked for the

ability to know their own history and their own identity. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states that every individual has the right to know his or her identity, his or her

ethnicity. We agree.

When Ontario began sealing adoption records in 1927, it was because that was what societal norms and attitudes dictated at the time. That was over 80 years

ago. It was a time when we had orphanages and insane asylums. It was a time when unwed mothers were often sent away or given ultimatums by their parents. Ontario has changed, and it's time that we

change our laws as well.

Currently, there are 57,000 adopted individuals and birth relatives on the adoption disclosure register waiting to be reunited. Right now, searches to reunite

families can take up to three years. Last year, only 887 of the adopted individuals and birth relatives on the register were reunited. We believe that individuals who are trying to learn about

their identity and personal history should be able to do so without unnecessary hardship and delay.

Our plan will give individuals whose adoptions were finalized in Ontario the right to know about their identity and history by:

-- allowing adoptees over the age of 18 to have access to copies of their original birth records that will provide them with the original birth name and may

identify birth parents;

-- allowing birth parents to have access to birth records and adoption orders once the adoptee has reached 19, providing the name that the child was given

after the adoption;

-- making all disclosure provisions for adoptions finalized in Ontario retroactive to cover all records; and

-- in exceptional safety-related circumstances, allowing an adoptee the right to apply a non-disclosure order to prevent identifying information from being

released.

It must be clear that the right to information is simply not the same as a right to a relationship. This is extremely important: The right to information is

not the same as the right to a relationship.

That is why our plan would also respect the right of an individual not to be contacted, giving all parties the right to put a no-contact notice on their file.

This means that the individual receiving identifying information would commit in writing not to contact the birth relative who requested a no-contact notice. This also means that individuals who

violate a no-contact notice may be fined up to $50,000. I would like to point out to this House that we are not aware of any individual breaching a no-contact notice anywhere in Canada or abroad.

When a person files a no-contact notice, they would be asked to fill out a form that voluntarily requests family history, medical information and any other information that the person would wish to

disclose.

We would also like to emphasize that while an individual would not be required to provide their medical history, it's the right thing to do, and they will be

asked. This assigns the same rights and responsibilities to adoptees and birth parents as the rest of the citizenry. Every individual should know about his or her medical history, and in all

jurisdictions, we cannot find a single episode where those who did not want to be contacted did not then forward medical information and any other information surrounding the circumstances of the

adoption when asked. I think this sends a tremendous signal for us.

Our plan is to move forward in a way that is both thoughtful and responsible. It is a carefully considered balance that will allow adoptees and birth parents

to get the information they want and will protect their rights should they not want to be contacted.

One woman, an officer of this Legislature -- our privacy commissioner, Ann Cavoukian -- was extraordinarily helpful in the development of this bill. The back

and forth between our offices has led to a much better proposed bill. I thank her for her interventions, and I thank her for her thoughtfulness. While Ann could not be here in the House today, her

assistant commissioner, Ken Anderson, is here. Ken, please take our sincerest thanks back to her when she returns.

We will have the opportunity to discuss, and to enhance if required, the components of this proposed legislation. I hope all of us in this House will step

forward and do our part on behalf of so many people who have waited so long.

I ask this House to support this bill. Thank you.

AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY

Hon. Steve Peters (Minister of Agriculture and Food): It was my pleasure to speak to a group of Ontario's elected farm leaders and municipal

and rural representatives this morning. They came to Queen's Park today at my invitation to hear some excellent news, which I would now like to share with this House: Our government is boosting its

support for Ontario's agricultural industry through two separate initiatives that will inject $129 million into this industry.

Today, I announced the creation of a $50-million tobacco community transition fund, an initiative that will assist Ontario's tobacco growers who wish to exit

the industry and encourage much-needed economic diversification in tobacco-growing communities. We are working in partnership with the Ontario Flue-Cured Tobacco Growers' Marketing Board -- I'm

pleased that Fred Neukamm, the chair of the board is here today -- and the Community Futures Development Corp. to deliver this assistance. Their knowledge of issues ensures that the funds will be

used effectively to develop new businesses and new markets and to promote innovation. This approach recognizes the value of local solutions to local situations and will build upon the many

strengths of Ontario's tobacco farmers and our communities in those tobacco-growing regions.

The McGuinty government is also taking steps to address the precarious financial situation that our grain and oilseed producers find themselves in through no

fault of their own. We will provide the province's full 40% share of the market revenue program benefits to eligible producers for the 2004 crop year. In addition to the $88 million that we

delivered earlier this month, the McGuinty government will provide $79 million to boost payments in support of Ontario's grain and oilseed sector, bringing the provincial share to $167 million.

These additional funds will be in farmers' hands prior to planting this spring.

We're doing this because we recognize that Ontario's grain and oilseed producers face a particularly difficult marketing year for 2004 crops. But we recognize

too that this is a short-term solution and are committed to working with the industry to develop a longer-term approach.

We've witnessed commodity prices fall to some of the lowest levels in years, and we know that farm incomes are depressed right across the country. But we've

listened, and we've heard the voice of Ontario's agricultural community telling us that without some immediate assistance, there will be farmers who simply can't afford to plant a crop this spring.

This government knows that we can't allow that to come to pass, and in light of the difficult financial situation producers find themselves in through no fault of their own, this government decided

to make additional, much-needed funding available to eligible producers.

This government recognizes the tremendous contribution that the agri-food sector makes to all of our social well-being: more than $30 billion a year in

economic activity, 650,000 jobs and some of the world's safest, finest, high-quality and nutritious foods.

Agriculture, though, does more than just feed us. Ontario farmers are great stewards of our environment. Ontario's farmlands have the potential to provide us

with renewable energy, building materials, functional foods and pharmaceuticals.

We are committed to supporting the industry and to working with its elected representatives to ensure that we build a stronger, more sustainable future, not

just for our farmers, food processors and rural communities but for every person who wants to make this province the best that it can be.

I've said this before and I'll say it again: There's one thing that each and every one of us can do -- and I send this message to the viewing audience and to

those who are in the gallery. We need to do what we can to support farmers, and you can do that with a consumer choice when you go into a restaurant, when you go into a grocery store. Buy local.

Buy Ontario. Buy Canadian. Ask if it's a Canadian product. That is one way that each and every one of us can, day to day, help our farmers.

The McGuinty government is committed to rural Ontario. It's committed to our farmers. We've demonstrated that today and we'll continue to demonstrate that into

the future. We are there to support Ontario farmers.

The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): Responses?

Mr. Ernie Hardeman (Oxford): Minister, I want to thank you for the announcement, on behalf of 25,000 grain and oilseed producers, on behalf of

800 tobacco farmers and on behalf of the agricultural communities.

As you are aware, it has been four full weeks since the March 2 rally here at Queen's Park -- four full weeks of no reply for our farmers; four full weeks that

they've had to struggle with the thought of not being able to plant their seeds. Our farmers want to plant their seeds, they want to pay their taxes and they want to be part of our economy. When

7,000 distressed farmers drive to Toronto to meet and ask for assistance, it's nice to see our government, finally, returning with some results and some needed money. But it's not what's

needed.

Our tobacco farmers were going to receive $35 million -- 70% of what they asked for and were promised by you. You and I both know this amount is not enough and

does not solve the problems being faced today by our tobacco farmers.

You announced $79 million for our grain and oilseed producers. This is not the $300 million you and I both know they need to fund the market revenue program

that our farmers have paid for and have a right to expect full payment from. That's not what they're getting. It's very concerning to see, after this long time for money to flow, that they are not

going to get paid what is owed to them. You tell us that you're looking for money from the federal government to help pay it, yet in this House on February 28, you said that market revenue was one

of the casualties of your signing the agricultural policy framework, that farmers would not be getting any federal money for the market revenue program.

Obviously, this money will simply help our farmers get the crops in the ground this season. But our farmers are still waiting on programs to help safeguard

prices and replace various provincial programs that have been eliminated. Our three biggest crop growers -- soybean, corn and wheat -- have been practically wiped out by consistently low prices.

It's obvious, with all the decisions that you've changed your mind on lately, all the announcements, reannouncements and the like, that you have no understanding of what is happening to our

farmers. It's obvious that you have no plan for our farmers. This is a serious concern.

It's nice to see some money trickling down from your ministry, but how about a plan? How about some firm ideas on how to handle the industry? Where is your

plan? Where is your plan for our provincial farmers?

ADOPTION DISCLOSURE

Mr. Cameron Jackson (Burlington): I'm very pleased to stand in the House today and commend the minister for the tabling of this long-awaited

legislation that will open Ontario's adoption disclosure system, giving access to adoptees and to their parents. I also am very pleased to see that we have protection put in the legislation for

those who, unfortunately, for whatever reason, determine that they do not wish to have a relationship with their biological parent or their biological children.

As one who has had occasion to speak in this House on at least five occasions, because that's the number of times these private members' bills and others have

been before the House, and I've worked closely with the member from Toronto-Danforth in the past -- one thing I did say that I want to put back on the record is that the search for our roots and

background is recognized as a crucial component to help us discover and affirm our personal identities. An inseparable part of this is the knowledge of one's biological, genetic roots by adoptees

who choose to try to discover the hidden side of their earlier lives.

I'm pleased to see this legislation before the House today, but I do wish to indicate that there are some concerns still lingering with this legislation.

Obviously, the reference to the Information and Privacy Commissioner and her concerns has been put on the record. There are concerns about access to medical histories; perhaps the government may

wish to consider amendments that are tied to the no-contact rule as a condition of providing that.

I note that we'd better look at the impact this legislation will have on children's aid societies in Ontario, who today are struggling with about a $70-million

budget deficit because your government has capped revenue going to that. Today, the children's aid societies are laying off child protection workers all over the province.

Finally, nothing in today's announcement makes any reference to the resources that will be required in order to put this legislation in effect. Those resources

are substantive, and history has shown that when our party had to inject almost $3 million in 2000 in order to reduce the waiting time for those bills.

Minister, I just want to say that the PC caucus and our new leader, John Tory, will be pleased to work with you in making this the most effective legislation

anywhere in the world.

AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): In response to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, I think even the minister will be

forced to accept the fact that there is a real crisis for farming in general across the province. Was there anything in today's announcement that would address the needs of beef farmers, the BSE

crisis or the closure of the border? Nothing. Was there anything in this announcement to address the problems of the horticulture sector? Nothing.

Then let's address the situation of oilseed and grain farmers, because what there was in this announcement today is too little and too late. There's no plan

here; this is simply another band-aid that will last for six months. It's enough money to provide oilseed and grain farmers with a little bit of liquidity -- they can go in and pay off their loans

from the last couple of years and maybe get a loan for this year -- but there is no plan for them. There is no assurance that even six months or nine months from now they will be able to pay their

bills. It is a band-aid solution by a government that still doesn't have a plan for Ontario's agricultural sector.

I noted with interest the comments the minister made in his press conference and the comments he made here with respect to tobacco farmers. Here, the minister

wants us to believe that the $50 million for tobacco farmers is to be about the transition out of growing tobacco. But in his press conference earlier, he said that this will enable tobacco farmers

in Ontario to compete with cheaper imports. I have to ask the minister, which is it? Is this to help tobacco farmers transition out of growing tobacco and into other crops, or is it to help them

continue to grow tobacco and compete against cheaper imports? You can't have it both ways, Minister, and farmers and farm communities need to know which it is. Most of all, they need to see a plan

from the McGuinty government for the agricultural sector, not a repetition of five- and six-month band-aid solutions.

ADOPTION DISCLOSURE

Ms. Marilyn Churley (Toronto-Danforth): I'm responding to the minister on the adoption disclosure legislation brought forward today. I just

have a couple of minutes today, so I won't go into a lot of detail about the bill before us, and I haven't had a chance to read the whole thing yet, but I have had an opportunity to talk to the

minister on several occasions. I want to say to her today that I thank her very much for moving forward. I remember when we met, shortly after the Liberal government took office. There was a steep

learning curve in that meeting, as is often the case on this issue. She and her staff listened, and listened to the community --

Interjection.

Ms. Churley: Will you be quiet and listen to me, please -- and came forward with a piece of legislation today that closely resembles my bill

and the bills that came before this Legislature before, and I'm very happy to see that.

I'm very happy to see some of my comrades-in-arms here today in the gallery, whom I've worked with for many, many years on this bill, and thank them and

congratulate them for their relentless pursuit of every government in this House for a number of years in bringing this legislation forward. I had a brief opportunity to talk with them a little

about the bill before us today, and I'm pleased that we will have an opportunity to take this to committee briefly to address some of the concerns that I see so far in the bill.

Some of those involve things like access to non-identifying information. What's going to happen to that, now that I understand the management of searching is

going to be removed from the Ministry of Community and Social Services? How will those active searches happen? Are you prepared to license searchers? How is that going to unfold? I understand that

the optional counselling, which was part of my bill -- it didn't have to be mandatory, but it was there for those who needed it -- is not going to be there any more.

There are a few missing pieces of the bill that I'm very pleased I will have the opportunity to address in committee. I do again thank the minister for

bringing this forward today and look forward to fixing some of the pieces that need some tweaking to, indeed, make it one of the most progressive, if not the most progressive, pieces of adoption

legislation in the world.

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION /

CHEF DE L'OPPOSITION

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs): Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent for one member from each of our

three parties to say a few words to welcome the new leader of the official opposition.

The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): Do we have unanimous consent? Agreed.

Premier?

Interjection.

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: I'm just trying to soften him up a bit, Speaker.

I want, on behalf of our government, and indeed our party, to take this opportunity to officially welcome the new member for Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey to

this august chamber.

I think it was Thomas Jefferson who once said, "I have no ambition to govern men. It is a painful and thankless office." But subsequently, even Thomas

Jefferson sang a different tune.

I want to take the opportunity to welcome Mr. Tory. I want to congratulate him on his election. I want to thank him for assuming these responsibilities. I'm

not sure it has ever been out of fashion to criticize all things political, whether our political institutions or our systems of government, for those who would hold themselves out to be

politicians, people who are dedicated to public service. But it is quite a challenge today to convince people to come forward, to put it all on the line, to knock on doors, to look people in the

eye and ask them for their support. I want to thank Mr. Tory for taking on his responsibilities.

I also understand that there may be members of his family present today, and I want to thank them as well, because -- and I speak from some considerable

experience in this matter -- if you are in this, then they are in this too, and you could not do this, sir, without the full support of your family. I thank them for lending their support to

you.

I know how challenging, how frustrating, but how important the role of leader of the official opposition is and how much it matters to the tone of our debates

and the quality of our decisions. It is a vitally important responsibility. It won't surprise the member that I wish him a fulfilling and very long and distinguished career on that side of the

House.

I know as well that the member will discover, as all of us have, how deeply rewarding it is to represent one's constituents and to work on behalf of all

Ontarians here in the Legislature.

Il y a bien des carrières qui offrent bien plus d'appréciation et une meilleure rémunération, mais il y a peu d'endroits où vous

pouvez faire autant de bien pour autant de personnes que dans cette Assemblée.

I was saying that there are many careers that offer more opportunity for praise or remuneration, but there are very few places where you can do more good for

more people than in this House.

So again I say to the member opposite, welcome, thank you, and congratulations. When you put your name on a ballot, you declare your willingness to serve in a

very special way. When your fellow Ontarians mark an X beside your name on that ballot, they put their faith in you in a very profound way. I'm sure that you will agree with me, Mr. Tory, and I

hope not for the last time, when I say that few things could be more rewarding than the work we will do together in this Legislature on behalf of the good people of Ontario.

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): I want to welcome the new member for Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey. On behalf of New Democrats, I

want to congratulate John Tory on his by-election win. Some might say that at long last, finally, after much delay, you are able to take your seat in the Legislature. Some of us wondered how long

this process was going to take.

I want to wish you good fortune as you take on some important responsibilities as a constituency MPP, as leader of the official opposition, and as guardian of

the caucus that Mike Harris left you.

I understand that you want to bring a new sense of decorum to the Legislature, and I welcome that. In fact, I believe that would be a very positive

development. So I wish you well in that endeavour. I especially wish you well with some of the members of your caucus in that endeavour.

Finally, in the days ahead I look forward to the contributions you will make to democracy and to debate in this Legislature. I especially look forward to

finding out where you stand on the issues that matter most to ordinary Ontario families across this province. Welcome, good luck, and I look forward to the debate.

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): It is my honour to rise in this House for the first time as the member for

Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey. I want to most sincerely thank the people of my riding for the warmth with which they received me and for the confidence they have placed in me.

I want to begin by thanking the Premier and the leader of the New Democratic Party for the kind words they have spoken today. I noticed that Mr. Hampton was

very careful not to get carried away. These are likely the last words of their kind that will be spoken any time in the foreseeable future.

I think these two gentlemen will understand what I'm about to say; namely, that while being chosen to lead one's party is a singular honour, nothing can

surpass -- and the Premier alluded to this -- the honour and the privilege of being elected by the public to serve them.

I want to give a sincere word of thanks as well to Bob Runciman for the effective job he did in holding the government to account as Leader of the

Opposition.

I have not made a lot of promises to the people who elected me, other than to say that my voice will be heard on the issues that matter to them, that I will

work hard and be accessible to them, and that I will try my very best to make them proud of me as their representative and to try to restore some degree of faith in the political process. I have

some big shoes to fill, following in the likes of Ernie Eves, David Tilson, Jack Johnson and William Davis, all of whom have served all or part of this great, diverse riding with such

distinction.

I'm particularly honoured that Premier Davis is here today. He taught me so much about balance and integrity and the real meaning of public service. But beyond

all that, I'm honoured that he would be here in this place again today so that we can once again recognize, as was done earlier, the great contributions that he made to the province of Ontario over

25 remarkable years in public life.

I should also say how delighted I am that my friend and fellow Progressive Conservative Ted Rogers is here today. It was an incredible experience, to say the

least -- I'll perhaps have a chance to elaborate on that some other time; I'm not sure when -- to work with him over the years.

The Premier was right when he said that there is nothing more important than the support you have from your family. I'm not sure, even as a veteran campaign

adviser, that I fully understood the sacrifices that people make to be in public life, and I'm not referring so much to the people who serve but to the families who support them. My family,

especially my mother and father, my siblings and our children have been hugely supportive of my entering public life, and I'm grateful to them beyond what words can express. But my absolute

mainstay, my partner in everything that I do, has been Barbara Hackett, my wife of almost 27 years. I'm quite certain that she won more votes in the riding than I did, but a win is a win.

You know, Mr. Speaker, the family dinner table is an amazing place, but when I tried to turn to my family for advice on the first question I should ask the

Premier, they quite seriously suggested to me it should be, "Boxers or briefs -- which is it?" I accordingly decided to seek alternate advice.

I have travelled, since I became leader, to some 90 ridings in the province. Having knocked on thousands of doors this past winter, one theme came up over and

over again, and the Premier made reference to it: People are rapidly losing faith in the system of which we are a part and in the people who make it up, and I include myself in that. Some of them

have given up altogether and think that a better way is impossible, but many still hold out hope, fortunately, that there is a better way. I believe there is a better way. It is a way that doesn't

rely on everyone holding hands and feeling better about each other -- there is room within the better way for honest disagreements on policy, clear disagreements on policy, for firm questions

seeking accountability -- but it is a way which need not always appear as if it is some kind of contest to produce the last woman or the last man standing. By having our focus on that totally

adversarial kind of approach, I think we make this place too much about us, when in fact it should be about them, the people who sent us here to work together, to have honest debate, to get the

best out of each other, to share ideas, and, most of all, to get things done for them.

I've watched this place for years. I think the opportunity for individual members of provincial Parliament to make a real difference, regardless of where they

sit, is at a low ebb today, and I would like to work with the other parties and with all members to see if we can reverse that. When you think of the challenges we have in the province, whichever

ones they are -- all the ones that have been discussed today and all the ones that will be discussed going forward -- and when you think about the talent that exists in this chamber on all sides of

the House to help address those challenges, I think it really is time for us to get all hands on deck.

So I think there is a better way. I think there has to be a better way, and I look forward to working with everyone in this assembly to try to find that better

way and to carry out my first and most important duty, of course, which is to represent the people of Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey.

Thank you very much.

ORAL QUESTIONS

PROVINCIAL DEFICIT

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): My first question is to the Premier. While I assume we'll have a budget in a few weeks' time, given

all the speculation, I wonder if the Premier could tell us his best estimate of the deficit for the current fiscal year as of today.

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs): I'm delighted to have the opportunity to bring home to the leader of

the official opposition the nature of the challenge we have been burdened with as a result of his government's failing to properly address financial issues in the province of Ontario. The member

will know that we have been saddled with a $5.6-billion deficit. Of concern to me -- and the member may desire to make reference to this in a supplementary -- is the fact that that party voted

against the new Fiscal Transparency and Accountability Act, which will require that we have full transparency with respect to the nature of our financial circumstances before the next election. My

concern is that, having voted against that particular piece of legislation, given the opportunity, his party would do the same thing again.

Mr. Tory: I think the people at home must think they're watching the Comedy Channel, if you're giving me a lecture on accountability and

transparency. I cannot imagine a situation in which you are the Premier and the president of the executive council of this province, you are the head of the government, you are the boss, and yet

you cannot tell us what the deficit of this province is going to be, two days before the end of the fiscal year.

I don't think it is unreasonable for us to ask you for this information. I think people have the right to expect this information from the person at the top,

especially when the Toronto Star, for example, referred to some of your government's accounting as "fishy." I think they're understating it at that. Uncertainty and a lack of clarity about this

kind of thing are bad for confidence in the province of Ontario.

Let me try again. As the head of the government in this province, can you share with us today your best information as to the current size of the deficit for

this year and what your plans are to reduce it going forward? Can you share that information with us?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: I know the member is anxious for us to get our budget out, and we will be putting that out in due course. But I want to

remind him that his party, on the day of the election itself, said that the deficit was zero, that the books were balanced. I can say once again that we have been left one heck of a mess to clean

up. We are doing our very best in that particular regard.

We look forward to putting out a budget that will address our financial circumstances in a prudent and responsible way, but that will in addition ensure that

we are able to invest, in keeping with Bob Rae's recommendations, in a very important area that will enhance our future prosperity, and that is in our colleges and universities.

So yes, we look forward to putting out our budget; no, we have not entirely cleaned up the deficit left to us by the Tories; and yes, we will continue to

manage in a prudent and responsible way.

Mr. Tory: Whatever the situation was -- and at least I have been honest enough to talk about what we perhaps should have done -- the fact of

the matter is that you have hundreds of millions of dollars of new revenues from the --

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): Minister of Community and Social Services, could you come to order, please, and also the other members. I'd

like to hear the leader of the official opposition.

Interjection.

The Speaker: Government House Leader, I just asked for order.

Mr. Tory: To the Premier: You have hundreds of millions of dollars of extra revenue from the LCBO, you have billions of dollars from the new

health tax that you brought in and other monies, and yet the deficit is higher today than when you stood here and presented the budget your Minister of Finance did last year.

The people are frustrated by a Premier who says one thing and does another. But almost as much as that cause of frustration is the fact that you have no

apparent plan to deal with the deficit. All you can do is complain about what you were left or what somebody else did.

You have said that the balanced budget commitment for 2007 is out the window. Your Minister of Finance says that it is just being revisited. Can you tell us

right now: What is your best estimate of the deficit for this year, and have you instructed the Minister of Finance to break your promise of balancing the budget by 2007? Do you have any plans? Are

you going to carry forward with them? Tell us about them now.

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: I think Ontarians obviously have a real interest in the performance of the economy and our ability to manage their finances

through their government.

I can tell you that we have created three times as many jobs in our first year as the Conservatives did in theirs. I can tell you as well that under the good

leadership and the solid initiative of my Minister of Economic Development and Trade, we have landed a $1-billion investment from Ford Motor Co. of Canada in Ontario and a $2.5-billion investment

from GM. Those speak to the confidence held by the international investment community in our ability to manage finances and in the future growth and prosperity of this province.

Once again, perhaps the single most important comparator here is that in our first year, we have created three time as many jobs as the Tories did in their

first year.

Mr. Tory: With a $6-billion deficit, higher taxes and more regulations, you'll have those job creation figures looked after in no time.

HEALTH CARE

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): My second question is to the Premier. Premier, the one constant in every survey of public opinion is

that health care is the top priority of people in Ontario. I heard as much every day on the doorsteps across my riding from patients trying to find a doctor and from those who are waiting for

surgery.

Premier, we are only two days away from the start of the new fiscal year. Your government --

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): Order. It's very early in the question period. The member for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Aldershot, can you

come to order. I'm also asking the member for St. Catharines and the House leader to come to order. I'm having difficulty hearing the question coming from the leader of the official opposition.

Mr. Tory: We are only two days away from the start of a new fiscal year, and your government has not yet told the hospitals what operating

funds they will have to work with for next year. Incredibly, most hospitals learned just last month how much money they were going to get for the fiscal year that is now ending two days from now.

This is not really a businesslike approach. It is not any kind of an approach that encourages a sensible plan. Premier, when will you be informing hospitals what their funding will be for the

fiscal year that begins this Friday?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs): I must say I've been looking forward to this opportunity to have this

conversation with my friend opposite.

We put close to $1.7 billion more into hospital operating budgets since we assumed the responsibility and the privilege of government.

The member opposite is saying he will take $2.4 billion out of Ontario's health care expenditures. I think he owes it to the people of Ontario to tell them

exactly where that money is going to come from. If he were to close 10 large hospitals, all that would do is cut the cost by $1 billion. He still has $1.4 billion more in cuts he intends to make. I

think he owes it to the people of Ontario to tell them exactly where he's going to get the $2.4 billion he intends to cut from health care.

Mr. Tory: On your door it says you're the Premier of Ontario. You're here to answer the questions, and I want to ask you this -- the hospitals

will end this fiscal year on Friday, only two days from now, $330 million in deficit.

I want to quote from a speech given to the Kitchener-Waterloo chamber of commerce by the president of the Ontario Hospital Association last Wednesday. She

said, "First, hospitals guess what funding they will receive for the year from the ministry. Then, somewhere near the end of the fiscal year, they find out -- after they've been spending for months

-- exactly what their funding actually is. Caught in this absurd situation, most hospitals turn to banks to cover the difference -- paying their interest using taxpayer dollars -- and increasing

the cost of health care even more."

Premier, this mismanagement isn't acceptable -- not to taxpayers or to patients. Specifically, how will your government address these carry-over deficits, and

what is your plan to resolve this situation? Specifically, what is your plan?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: I can say that we are working well with representatives of Ontario hospitals --

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): Meeting with them today.

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: -- and we will be meeting with them once again today.

I think it would be interesting to compare and contrast what the then head of the Ontario Hospital Association said about the Tory government's approach to

hospitals and what the now president of the Ontario Hospital Association says about our approach.

David McKinnon said, "Everyone can see that there is no game plan....

"Hospital people are ... concerned, because government is making decisions that are not evidence-based and not consumer-focused."

That's what David McKinnon, then president of the OHA, said about the Tory hospital policies.

Here is what Hilary Short, now the president of the Ontario Hospital Association, said about our hospital policies: "So, what does this ambitious and

far-reaching agenda mean for hospitals? Lest anyone think differently, I want to be perfectly clear. Ontario hospitals support this transformation agenda. Full stop."

Mr. Tory: That very same president of the Ontario Hospital Association referred to the situation you've now placed the hospitals in as

"absurd" just last week. Your answer is just not good enough.

Hospitals cannot make plans for the forthcoming year that begins on Friday if they don't know what they're getting from you. They can't possibly plan in a

businesslike way. You seem to think that the more you spend, the better it is, as opposed to looking for ways that you, the hospitals and everybody else in the health care system can do things

better. You found the money to fire the nurses. You found the money for a casino expansion. You even found money last week to partially reverse your privatization of physiotherapy. When are the

hospitals of Ontario going to get a clear message from you with respect to their funding for the fiscal year that begins in two days and the deficit mess that you've allowed to go on all year? When

are they going to get some answers?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: Again, we've just heard from representatives of the Ontario Hospital Association. Like I say, I think this is the

fundamental difference when it comes to funding: We've put in $1.7 billion more so far; my friend opposite wants to take $2.4 billion out of health care. We are investing more in health care,

working with our hospitals. More than half of Ontario hospitals now have their budgets in balance. We will continue to work with those outstanding through to 2006 to ensure that they can all

balance their budgets. I think the important point of contrast here for the people of Ontario is, we have put $1.7 billion more into hospital budgets thus far; Mr. Tory wants to take $2.4 billion

out of Ontario health care.

HEALTH CARE AND

EDUCATION FUNDING

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): My question is for the Premier. Over the break, Ontario's Auditor General caught you trying to fudge

the books using Enron-style accounting tricks in your budget. Ordinary Ontario families want to see real improvements in the funding of education, real improvements in the funding of health care,

not accounting tricks. Premier, now that your Enron-style accounting has been exposed, what is your plan to properly fund health care and education in the province?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs): It seems that virtually every third or fourth word out of the NDP

leader's mouth has to do with Enron, or he keeps picking on Louisiana. I'm not sure what he's got against the good people of the state of Louisiana.

We're pleased to work with the Provincial Auditor and present the accounts in a way that he tells us is most transparent. But it's no secret that we have some

real and pressing financial challenges. We continue to maintain that our most important priorities are health care, education and prosperity for Ontarians.

We have invested significantly more -- and the member opposite knows -- in education. I can speak for a moment with respect to that. We have hired an

additional 1,100 teachers, we have smaller classes in over 1,300 schools and for the first time in a long time -- and I think this is most important when it comes to education -- test results are

beginning to go up. So we are investing more and we're getting results for those investments.

Mr. Hampton: The Enron accounting trick cannot be denied; the Auditor General was very clear about that.

But I ask the Premier, what is the plan for funding health care? What is the plan for funding education? I want to point out a few examples: those parents who

happen to have some of the most vulnerable children in the province, parents who are worried about health care for their children. All five children's hospitals in the province are facing severe

shortages because of your short-sighted approach to health care funding. Last month, because the intensive care beds at the Hospital for Sick Children weren't all available, they were forced to

cancel surgeries for 11 youngsters. In the past two months, McMaster hospital in Hamilton has been forced to turn away 30 seriously ill children.

Premier, sick children are becoming sicker under your watch. Avoid the accounting tricks. What's your plan to properly fund health care in this province so

that more sick children don't face this situation?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: Again, I say to the member opposite that we have invested significantly more money in hospitals, enhancing their operating

budgets. We have, for example, enabled hospitals to hire significantly more nurses. In fact, we've provided funding for close to 3,000 more nurses in the province.

The Minister of Health tells me that we have experienced some unusual, extreme pressures when it comes to the ICUs in pediatric departments in our hospitals.

We're working with our hospitals to help resolve and deal with those issues. But not all stories connected with health care in Ontario are bad, and I know that my friend would not want to

misrepresent that.

Just one small example: Today at McMaster University, at the Hamilton Health Sciences centre, triplets were born. My understanding is that all the extremely

rare triplets are doing well at the Mac neonatal unit. I take the opportunity to offer my congratulations to the parents and family and to all those involved in ensuring that that delivery was

successful. There are many positive stories affecting many of our families, day in and day out, when it comes to their experience in Ontario health care.

Mr. Hampton: Once again, the Premier talks about a plan to hire 3,000 additional new nurses. Premier, your government was issuing layoffs to

nearly a thousand nurses just a month and a half ago. A repetition of promises made but not kept is not a plan.

Here's the reality: Almost a quarter of the 65 pediatric intensive-care beds in Toronto, London, Ottawa, Kingston and Hamilton are not able to provide service.

Why? Because there aren't enough nurses to cover those pediatric intensive-care beds. You've known about this problem since you became the government, but the problem is becoming worse.

I ask you again, Premier: Don't repeat old promises that you've already failed to deliver on. What is your plan to improve the funding of health care so that

children like this, very sick children, aren't turned away from hospitals?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: As a point of relevant information, we're spending $3 billion more on health care.

Hon. James J. Bradley (Minister of Tourism and Recreation): This year.

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: That's this year. That's a very significant new investment in health care across the province. I know the member opposite

is not suggesting, nor would the new leader of the official opposition, that the only thing we can and should do to improve the quality of the health care we deliver to Ontarians is spend more

money.

We are working with our hospitals. We have enabled them to hire more nurses. We have, as well, invested significantly in new MRIs and new CTs. We are now

working with those who run our pediatric ICU departments to ensure that they are able to provide the quality of care to which all our children are entitled.

We're proud of the fact that we've invested $1.7 billion in our new hospital budget. We're proud that we're spending over three billion new dollars on health

care. But there's some work to be done, together with all of those involved in the delivery of health care, and we'll continue to do that work on the ground.

NATIONAL CHILD BENEFIT SUPPLEMENT

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): Premier, you continue to repeat old announcements. The reality out there for sick children is that

they are being turned away. The reality for nurses is that they're not being hired; they're being laid off.

Let me give you another example. The parents of the poorest children expect you to honour commitments you made to them. These are the parents who have to rely

upon the national child benefit supplement in order to put food on the table for their children and clothes on their backs. Before the election you said, "We will end the clawback of the national

child benefit supplement." You said, "The clawback is wrong, and we will end it." But the clawback hasn't ended. As a result, 91,000 families, some of the poorest families in Ontario, are having

trouble paying the rent, having trouble putting food on the table, having trouble putting clothing on their children's backs.

Premier, that was the promise you made. Don't tell us about more accounting tricks. Don't tell us about a repetition of those promises. What's your plan to end

the clawback?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs): I know that the Minister of Community and Social Services will have

more to say in a moment, but let me tell you a little bit about our record and what we've done with respect to helping those in lower income groups in Ontario. We've spent $70 million for 3,400 new

housing units. We've increased the minimum wage twice, on the way to $8 per hour in 2007. We've established a new rent bank and put $10 million in that. We have established a new 3% increase in

disability and social assistance payments; that's the first time in 11 years. We've invested $2 million to enhance homelessness prevention programs, and there are many other items as well.

The fact of the matter is that the member opposite does not have a monopoly on social consciousness. We are working hard and well to ensure that those who find

themselves in positions of disadvantage get a helping hand from this government.

Mr. Hampton: Once again, the Premier repeats promises previously made and promises that haven't been kept. I asked him, what's the plan to

stop the clawback, the clawback of money from the poorest families in this province?

This is what it means: It means $1,500 a year for a child in a poor family; it means $1,300 a year for the second child in a poor family. That is money to pay

the rent; that is money to buy clothes; that is money to put food on the table. And it's your promise. You were the one who said, "The clawback is wrong. We will end it."

Don't give the people of Ontario more accounting tricks. My question, again, is, what's the McGuinty government plan to end the clawback of money from the

poorest children, the poorest families in Ontario?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: The Minister of Community and Social Services.

Hon. Sandra Pupatello (Minister of Community and Social Services, minister responsible for women's issues): I think it's important for us to

note that the moment this government formed a government, we stopped the policy of continuing the clawback for the national child benefit. That is very important, because the federal government

increases that amount every year, with the largest increases yet to come. This year alone that meant an additional $7 million that was not clawed back to families who are on social assistance.

This is a very important point. We have been very upfront about our significant fiscal situation. The NDP wouldn't appreciate the fact that it is very tough to

find the money, considering what the last government left us. It is very hard to implement all of our promises all at once, because we simply don't have the money. So yes, we are working on it

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): Member from Nickel Belt --

Hon. Ms. Pupatello: -- but we've taken the first steps in the right direction; absolutely, we have. I am proud of the record of the Liberal

government, because it has been a year and a half, and we can make a difference.

Interjection.

The Speaker: I'm just waiting for the member from Nickel Belt to come to order, so you can put your question.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Order.

Mr. Hampton: Mr. Speaker, I often get a lot of advice on asking my questions.

I simply want to say to the Premier, remember this? This was your election document: Affordable, Responsible Change. In it, you promised that you were going to

end the clawback. When you made this promise, we knew there was a deficit; your now Chair of Management Board knew there was a sizable deficit; your now Minister of Community Safety knew there was

a sizable deficit. They all knew there was a deficit, yet you said you had a plan to end the clawback.

Your government is taking a quarter of a billion dollars out of the pockets of the poorest families, the poorest children in this province. They've seen your

accounting tricks; they've seen how quickly the McGuinty government comes up with a $3.9-billion accounting trick. What they want to know is, where is the McGuinty government's plan to stop taking

a quarter of a billion dollars away from these, the poorest children, the poorest families in this province?

Hon. Ms. Pupatello: I can't explain why, but the former government decided, upon first receiving the national child benefit, to claw it back.

They were one of eight provinces to do so across the country. Most of Canada did it; I realize that. We think it shouldn't have been done. We believe we have to begin to reverse that. So we as a

government did start reversing that.

What that money is currently doing: $170 million is going out to everyday families for child care tax credits, and $41 million is currently being invested in

children's programs for children at risk. We are talking about the same kids in Ontario.

So let me be clear: We know the child care tax credit is important to many families, and they long to keep that. We know that $41 million -- we get letters

from municipalities saying, "Don't stop that money, because our programs are survival for children."

We do have tough decisions ahead. We have already reversed the decision and stopped future clawbacks. We have a strong record of helping children, and we will

continue on that record as long as we're the government.

GREENBELT

Mr. Robert W. Runciman (Leeds-Grenville): I have a question for the Premier. Premier, there have been many questions raised about the

boundaries of your greenbelt and the basis on which they were drawn. Legitimate, serious questions remain unanswered about the judgment you showed in meeting with developers who had an interest in

the greenbelt while the final boundaries were being drawn. We know that you met with at least one such developer as recently as November 9. Coincidentally, that same developer had a valuable block

of land removed from the greenbelt.

Premier, your Minister of Municipal Affairs has publicly stated that he felt it was inappropriate to meet with developers during this period. Why was it OK for

you to do so?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs): It's no secret that there are some developers who are very, very

unhappy with the fact that we've created, in perpetuity, protected space of some 1.8 million acres. Some people have lost significant amounts of money. I guess, in a sense, we put the uncertainty

back into speculation. Some people will not be in a position to profit from development. But we just think it's more important, and in the greater public interest, that we preserve that land in

perpetuity. We're very proud of the decision we have made. We think it's in keeping with our responsibility to families throughout the province, but particularly those in this community, who stand

to benefit from it.

The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): Supplementary, the member from Erie-Lincoln.

Mr. Tim Hudak (Erie-Lincoln): After four weeks, still no answer from the Premier on some very basic questions surrounding the special

exemption to the well-connected developer in the area of Vaughan.

Premier, let's review the facts. On October 28, your draft greenbelt map excluded Mr. DeGasperis's property in Vaughan. On November 9, you met with Mr.

DeGasperis, whom you will recall from your close encounter at the $10,000-per-person fundraiser earlier that year. When your final greenbelt map was released, Mr. DeGasperis's land mysteriously

received an exemption, resulting in about a $15-million windfall.

Premier, please answer these questions directly. It has been four weeks. Will you reveal the science behind this particular decision? Will you send it to a

legislative committee so that we can do so if you will not?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: I think we should be very direct about this. The member opposite is not in the least bit interested in the science; what

he's interested in doing is smearing the greenbelt. This is a wonderful initiative that serves to the benefit of the people of Ontario. It is good for our society; it is good for our economy; it is

good for our health; it is good for our ability to generate wealth. All of that is connected with the greenbelt that we have established, the greater Toronto area greenbelt that we have put in

place.

With respect to the science, he himself knows -- and I've already listed these documents but perhaps I should do so again: The Natural Heritage Reference

Manual was one of our sources of information; the LEAR report, the land evaluation and area review; A Current Assessment of Gross Land Supply in the Greater Golden Horseshoe; the Growth Outlook for

the Greater Golden Horseshoe; The Application of a Land Use Intensification Target for the Greater Golden Horseshoe; and Toward a Golden Horseshoe Greenbelt, the Greenbelt Task Force report.

There are several documents which were used by us as the basis for our decision on this matter, but the truth of the matter is the member does not, as a matter

of principle, support the preservation of land in perpetuity for Ontario families. That's the difference.

LABOUR UNIONS

Mr. Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): My question is to the Minister of Labour. Card-based certification is hardly a radical proposal. It existed

for decades in Ontario under NDP, Liberal and Conservative governments. It even predates Bill Davis and his government, going back to the days of Leslie Frost. You're prepared to restore it in Bill

144 to building trades workers, but you deny it to all other workers in this province. Many of these workers, mostly women, mostly new Canadians, who are working in places like Wal-Mart, are paid

some of the lowest wages in Ontario. Why won't you extend card-based certification to all workers in Ontario, Minister?

Hon. Christopher Bentley (Minister of Labour): I'll be pleased later this afternoon to kick off second reading debate with respect to Bill

144. It's a very important and progressive initiative that will assist all workers in Ontario because it will provide the ability for all workers to exercise their choice as to whether they wish or

do not wish to be members of a union.

Applicable to all workers, we are restoring the remedial certification power that had existed in Ontario for decades, even for a couple of years under the

previous Tory regime until it was eliminated by that regime. This certification power will ensure that when there is employer misconduct or union misconduct and workers are effectively deprived of

the right to choose, the employer can be subject to certification of the bargaining unit. In other words, if there is a right, it must have an effective remedy.

We are also restoring, for the benefit of all workers, the interim reinstatement power, which again will ensure --

Interruption.

The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): I will have those spectators removed from the gallery, please.

Member for Niagara Centre, supplementary?

Mr. Kormos: Thank you kindly, Speaker.

Minister, people across Ontario are denouncing your legislation as not only inadequate but discriminatory, sexist and -- you heard it -- racist. Workers who

are mostly women, mostly new Canadians, mostly people of colour, mostly people of visible minorities, desperately underpaid workers, deserve the same rights of card-based certification that you're

prepared to give building trades workers.

Minister, will you please commit today to ensuring that upon completion of second reading, Bill 144 is reviewed by the appropriate committee and is reviewed

across the province so that workers can provide input in places like Windsor, Hamilton, Niagara, Oshawa, Thunder Bay, Kenora, Rainy River and Sudbury? Will you commit to public hearings on Bill

144?

Hon. Mr. Bentley: Actually, this government's record with respect to labour legislation is a very strong one for protecting the rights of all

workers, including women, minorities and those in vulnerable positions -- already two increases to the minimum wage, which had not been increased for the previous nine years. We brought in

legislation ending the 60-hour workweek and ensuring that employment standards legislation was actually enforced -- more prosecutions initiated in the last 10 months than in the previous 10

years.

We brought in the legislation for family medical leave, which will assist all caregivers. One would have thought that that legislation, which assists

caregivers -- and we know women tend to be greater caregivers than men -- would have been supported unanimously by all parties in the House, but when the time came, the NDP opposed passage of that

legislation. Why? What great principle was at stake here? It was postage.

AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY

Mr. Pat Hoy (Chatham-Kent Essex): My question is for the Minister of Agriculture and Food. Over the past couple of months, many of our rural

constituents have been telling us about the crisis in agriculture. I have received many calls from the farmers in my riding, and I've met with countless others. They were expressing their concerns

about their financial hardships and a future of uncertainty.

The grains and oilseeds sector is experiencing 25-year lows, and planting season is just around the corner. I was very pleased to hear that our government will

be providing 2004 market revenue benefits. This will come as a relief to those struggling grains and oilseeds farmers in my riding. Minister, would you let the constituents know what this means for

them?

Hon. Steve Peters (Minister of Agriculture and Food): The McGuinty government is committed to ensuring that we have a healthy and prosperous

agricultural sector. We recognize as well the significant challenges that our grains and oilseeds farmers are facing because of a rising dollar, increased subsidies by the European Union and the

United States and increased production in Brazil and Argentina. Those subsidies are actually distorting markets and supporting overproduction.

That's why we announced today, in addition to the $88 million that we flowed previously, an additional $79 million in support of Ontario's grains and oilseeds

sector, an announcement that has just been hailed by the grains and oilseeds sector as a critical first step in moving forward.

We are encouraging the federal government to come to the table with its 60% share of support for the market revenue program.

But, as well, we recognize that this is just dealing with the short term. We need a long-term solution. That's why we've undertaken and made the commitment to

have a comprehensive review of our business management programming, to ensure that our programs meet the needs of Ontario farmers. We're committed to that. We're working with agricultural leaders

to make sure we move forward to position agriculture.

The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): Supplementary.

Mr. Dave Levac (Brant): Today, our announcement proves that our government is listening and actually acting on those concerns that many of our

local constituents have been bringing forward, including to me. My constituents in the tobacco-growing community have brought me their concerns and have expressed their need for assistance as they

are preparing to either exit the industry or downsize. Not only is there an impact on farmers themselves, but there's a concern in many communities where the tobacco industry is driving the

community. Minister, how will the announcement today help deal with the various issues of the tobacco industry, as well as the tobacco communities within my riding?

Hon. Mr. Peters: By this year, 2005, Ontario will be producing 100% of all the tobacco grown in Canada. We recognize, though, as we move

forward with our smoke-free Ontario initiative, that there is a need to provide assistance. We have approximately 750 growers in this province, and as the use of tobacco declines, there is an

obligation on us to assist in helping to ensure there is an orderly and smooth transition. We've recognized that on two fronts: first, by committing $35 million to be administered through the

Ontario Flue-Cured Tobacco Growers' Marketing Board to assist tobacco growers in making that transition from tobacco to alternate crops. As well, we do recognize the economic impact that tobacco

has on five counties in southwestern Ontario. Hence, we've come forward with $15 million that will be administered through the Community Futures Development Corp. to ensure that we provide

assistance for economic diversification in those communities, so that we continue to ensure a healthy and prosperous rural Ontario.

ONTARIO BUDGET

Mr. Jim Flaherty (Whitby-Ajax): My question is to the Minister of Finance. You're fond of talking about your fiscal plan. In the budget a year

ago, you talked about your comprehensive four-year plan for a balanced budget in the province of Ontario. In your economic statement in this place just one year ago, in a six-page statement, on

every page, 1 through 6, you talked about your comprehensive plan for a balanced budget in the province of Ontario.

Now we have the Premier a week or 10 days ago saying, "Oh no, no more balanced-budget plan in the province of Ontario." In your economic statement in this

place just six months ago, you said, "Six months later, we remain on track." When did your comprehensive fiscal plan for the province of Ontario leave the tracks?

Hon. Greg Sorbara (Minister of Finance): I'm delighted to hear, finally, from my friend from Whitby-Ajax. I can tell him simply that we're

still on track. In fact, the province has had, and continues to have, a relatively good year.

If my friend would reread the budget we presented almost a year ago in this Legislature, he will see that we laid out a period of very disciplined spending

over the course of the next three years. And if my friend from Whitby-Ajax does us the courtesy of attending when we present the budget in a few weeks' time, he will see that we are making

determined, resolute progress to eliminate the horrible financial mess that he helped create while he was a Minister of Finance in the previous government.

Mr. Flaherty: I was wondering whether the Minister of Finance was going to blame the federal government or the previous government. Why don't

you look at yourself? You've been the government in the province of Ontario for almost 18 months. You've come before this House twice now to talk about your comprehensive fiscal plan, taking into

account the federal government situation, taking into account what went on before you became the government.

You're the government now. You're the Minister of Finance. You said you'd balance the budget. You said just six months ago that you had -- what was it, in your

economic statement on page 6, Minister? I'm sure you'll remember saying it. You say you're successful. You say, "Our success thus far only serves to reinforce our resolve to stick to our plan." If

you're going stick to your plan, stand up in this House now and say that you'll balance the budget within your term in government.

Hon. Mr. Sorbara: I know there's a wide gulf between the economic policies of the Leader of the Opposition, who has just taken his seat here,

and the former Minister of Finance. I think that before these questions get put, the two of them ought to have a discussion. In fact, it was only a few days ago that the Leader of the Opposition

said on Focus Ontario, "It's okay if we take three or four years to eliminate the deficit." I want to tell my friend from Whitby-Ajax that we set out a plan in our budget, we're committed to that

plan and we are going to eliminate the horrible financial mess that you and others left us as a result of eight and a half years of very bad financial administration.

TUITION

Mr. Rosario Marchese (Trinity-Spadina): My question is to the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. You keep saying that you'll be

there for students, but you are leaving them twisting in the wind. They've heard your Premier say that tuition fees were just too high, but they also recently heard him say, "The price of tuition

will go up. The only issue is the pace at which it goes up."

The Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance reminds us that students carry 44% of the burden of the cost of post-secondary education. It has doubled in the last

decade.

Minister, don't you think you should be talking about lowering tuition fees, as opposed to increasing them?

Hon. Mary Anne V. Chambers (Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities): I'm pleased to have the opportunity to answer this question. I'm

really glad that you met with the students today, because I'm sure you learned a lot that you obviously didn't know before. Let me tell you that your government of the day and the Tory government

of the day featured very strongly in Bob Rae's report. He kept talking about the damage you did to post-secondary education in Ontario.

Our students know that our government is interested in their well-being and interested in investing in prosperity through investments in post-secondary

education. Our students know that we, not you, are their friends.

Mr. Marchese: Minister, I hope you read the report, because it said a lot more than what you're saying.

I want to read a quote from an MPP who implored the government of the time not to raise tuition fees: "I'm asking government members ... to understand the real

consequences of jacking up those fees and putting them through the roof; to understand what it means to the hopes and dreams of our young people.... The more we can keep post-secondary education

affordable and accessible, the brighter the future we are going to have in Ontario." I didn't say that. It was Dalton McGuinty who said that.

Applause.

Mr. Marchese: I'm so happy you're all clapping for him, because I've got to tell you that his remarks reflect accurately what students feel,

what parents feel and what I feel.

Minister, are you going to make the investment to bring tuition fees down and fulfill McGuinty's dream, so that our young people can have an affordable and

accessible post-secondary education? Will you do that?

Hon. Mrs. Chambers: I'm very proud to be the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities in the first government in Ontario to freeze

tuition fees for two years. The member across the floor is right: It is our Premier's promise, Premier McGuinty's promise.

Let me also remind the member across the floor that his government promised to freeze tuition, but instead they raised tuition 50%. Thank you for the

question.

EQUESTRIAN FACILITIES

Mr. Wayne Arthurs (Pickering-Ajax-Uxbridge): My question is to the Minister of Finance. A number of my constituents are owners of equestrian

facilities, and they've expressed to me their very serious concern about rising tax bills as a result of recent changes to the property assessment system and tax classification of a number of these

facilities from either farm or residential to commercial. Many of these facilities are small operations that may very well be put out of business if they're required to pay the much higher

commercial rate. What is our government doing to address the concerns of equestrian property owners?

Hon. Greg Sorbara (Minister of Finance): I very much appreciate the question from my friend from Pickering-Ajax-Uxbridge, because there are so

many equestrian facilities in that part of the province.

This is one of the times when things really, really worked out well. When I heard of this problem, I got in touch with MPAC, the Municipal Property Assessment

Corp., and asked them to revisit their assessment criteria for these sorts of riding schools and equestrian facilities. They did their work very quickly. They've reported back to me, and I've

approved their report. They will indeed be putting these new assessment criteria in place, and the result of that will be a much fairer and much more equitable property assessment for these

businesses, some of which operate on very thin margins.

Mr. Arthurs: Thank you, Minister. I'm sure that many of my constituents will be very pleased to hear the actions of our government to address

this particular concern.

My riding is made up of many agricultural properties as well, and they conduct a variety of agriculture-related activities. Minister, what is our government

doing to address the agricultural property owners in Ontario?

Hon. Mr. Sorbara: Again, the steps that we took for the equestrian facilities solved a significant and emerging problem right across the

province. More generally, what we've done for the farm base is to make sure that MPAC is using appropriate criteria in assessing farms. Of course, one of the things that we announced in the last

budget is we postponed the assessment cycle so that not only farm owners but property owners right across the province would have as much as six more months to evaluate the criteria for the

assessment and, if necessary, to appeal to MPAC or to appeal directly to the Assessment Review Board.

So, thus far, I think we've made some really significant progress, and I think it's felt most significantly in the farming communities.

EDUCATION

Mr. Frank Klees (Oak Ridges): My question was to the Minister of Education, but I see that he's not here. I'll ask the Premier in the

minister's absence. Premier, just a few weeks ago, when asked about the strike votes that were taking place across the province, the Minister of Education was asked whether he was concerned about

the implication to the classrooms. At that time, the minister made this statement, and I think you'll recall it: "That's little more than a negotiating tactic," and parents and students shouldn't

be worried. Your Minister of Education continues to talk about peace and stability in the classroom.

Premier, I would ask you or the minister, if he comes to the House, could you inform the House of the following: How many school boards are now in an official

strike position; how many teachers are under work-to-rule orders; and what services are being withheld from classrooms and schools across the province?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs): Speaker, I'm in your hands. I'm prepared to answer this question, but

I've just been informed that the minister is on his way back. If the member wants to stand it down, I leave it to you.

Mr. Klees: I would ask the Premier to respond.

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: I would be pleased to do so. I think one of the things we've got to look at in this regard is our record thus far. We've

had, I would argue, a very good record when it comes to bringing an atmosphere of peace and stability to our system of publicly funded education. It is true that we're going to have some

significant differences from time to time, in particular between school boards and teachers with respect to salaries and other benefits. But we are confident that given the atmosphere that we have

worked so hard to introduce into our public system of education, we will be able to resolve those differences.

Mr. Klees: Either the Premier doesn't know the answer or he's too embarrassed to admit it. The fact is that today more than 46,000 teachers in

30 school boards across the province are engaged in a legal strike.

Minister, here's the elementary teachers' federation's Provincial Takeover Bulletin number 12. It reads as follows: "We are engaged in a legal strike. This is

not business as usual."

It goes on to instruct teachers that they:

"Will not attend staff meetings....

"Will not perform any custodial, secretarial or administrative functions....

"Will not

schedule any new field trips....

"Will not perform the duties of computer site administrator....

"Will not perform the duties of a division chairperson....

"Will not distribute board print material...."

If this is business as usual -- to the Minister of Education, who has returned to his desk -- and if in fact you continue to pronounce peace and stability in

classrooms across this province, I want to know from the minister if this bulletin reflects the kind of peace and stability that this minister endorses in classrooms across the province.

Hon. Gerard Kennedy (Minister of Education): I think that parents and, frankly, students across the province can be grateful it's not business

as usual, at least as typified by his government, which had 25 million days lost to strikes and lockouts -- education denied to students around this province. There is an unfortunate hangover from

the previous era, but what I really want to report is, it only takes the form of language of some of the things that are being talked about; there is no direct impact on students.

What I would say to you is that what people need to be aware of is that teachers, school boards and the ministry are working together to try and create a

resolution that will last for some time. So, 25 million days lost under that approach, attacking people, not creating the environment for learning, not taking responsibility: That era is over, and

very shortly we'll have positive developments to have that reflected in every single classroom across this province. Even as we speak right now, students are getting their education and they leave

with a better future, knowing that an era has changed and we've left those 25 million lost days far, far behind.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Ms. Andrea Horwath (Hamilton East): My question is for the Premier. Today, Hamilton city council once again resumes its budget deliberations.

One of the big problems that I'm sure you're aware of is that my city faces the fact that we are not getting social services funding adequate enough to meet the needs of the social services budget

in Hamilton, to the tune of about $19.5 million. The mayor and council put Hamilton's budget on hold for one full month to give you the opportunity to come forward with the strategies that you had

promised for helping Hamilton afford the social services it provides on your behalf. You said you'd fix the Conservative funding formula that put cities like Hamilton behind the eight ball.

Premier, when Toronto asked, you helped. Hamilton's poverty rate is equal to that of Toronto, but instead of helping Hamilton, you've turned your back, and

your Liberal backbenchers are, in fact, silent on this matter. Are you prepared to saddle Hamilton residents with higher property taxes and make them pay for your broken promise, or what steps will

you take to help Hamilton pay your $19.5-million-in-social-service-delivery bill?

Hon. Greg Sorbara (Minister of Finance): I would simply say to my friend from Hamilton East that I had an opportunity to meet with the mayor

recently. He made a very solid case for the people of the city of Hamilton. He's doing a great job in dealing with some difficult circumstances. In fact, last year, we provided some special

one-time funding for the city of Hamilton.

I don't want to speculate on what might or may not be coming up in my own budget, but I'll simply tell my friend that we are in ongoing discussions with the

mayor. We're very optimistic about the way in which he is managing his own budget. We will soon be announcing a successor to the community reinvestment fund. I think perhaps, with a more equitable

fund, the kinds of problems that my friend from Hamilton East has been talking about will be resolved, at least in part. I just want to tell her that she need not be as concerned as her question

seemed to imply.

Ms. Horwath: I'm a little bit concerned because so far you don't seem to be much better than your federal cousins when it comes to negotiating

a fair deal for Hamilton. It's outrageous that at this point you're still backing off from your commitment to Hamilton and other cities.

Hamilton plays by the rules. It delivers social services programs in good faith. It believes in the promises that were made, that the downloading would be

neutral. Of course, as we know, downloading in Hamilton was not revenue-neutral. Our city has great needs. More than 95,000 people there, 25% of the population, are living below the poverty line.

You refuse to pay, and you reject the social services pooling that we've suggested as a city that we need. By tying council's hands at this point, you're going to force them into a situation of

double-digit property tax increases, and that's just not acceptable. It's a far cry from your election promise of giving cities the tools that they need, and if you don't have a plan for Hamilton

yet, when exactly are you going to have it?

Hon. Mr. Sorbara: I simply say to my friend from Hamilton East that she obviously did not listen to my first answer, and that is, we are

working on a plan. I'll provide her with the details in due course.

PETITIONS

PHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICES

Mr. John R. Baird (Nepean-Carleton): I have a petition submitted to me by the Reverend Canon Derwyn Shea of St. Hilda's to the Legislative

Assembly of Ontario.

"Whereas the current Liberal government of Ontario has indicated its intention to delist physiotherapy services for most seniors; and

"Whereas most residents living in our assisted residential care facility rely upon physiotherapy services for quality of life; and

"Whereas most residents of our assisted residential care facility survive on very modest monthly income and many require subsidized accommodation and cannot

afford to privately pay for physiotherapy services; and

"Whereas the delisting of physiotherapy services for seniors will result in increased strain on Ontario's health care system and budget and will contribute to

deteriorating health conditions and quality of life for seniors and will be viewed as breaking a promise not to reduce universal access to health care; and

"Whereas the care and support of the most vulnerable in our society is surely a social contract of the highest priority for any government with vision and

integrity; and

"Whereas it appears to be the intention of the current government of Ontario to turn its back on the needs of our aging citizens in the delisting of

physiotherapy services;

"Therefore we, the undersigned, respectfully petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

"That the Parliament of Ontario not delist physiotherapy services for the Ontario health insurance plan and that funding for such services not be reduced."

Congratulations to these outstanding seniors, who have got this bully minister to back down.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): Just get it a little bit quieter so we can hear the petitions.

REGIONAL CENTRES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

Ms. Andrea Horwath (Hamilton East): This petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario reads:

"Whereas Dalton McGuinty and his Liberal government were elected based on their promise to rebuild public services in Ontario;

"Whereas the Minister of Community and Social Services has announced plans to close Huronia Regional Centre, home to people with developmental disabilities,

many of whom have multiple diagnoses and severe problems that cannot be met in the community;

"Whereas closing Huronia Regional Centre will have a devastating impact on residents with developmental disabilities, their families, the developmental

services sector and the economies of the local communities;

"Whereas Ontario could use the professional staff and facilities of Huronia Regional Centre to extend specialized services, support and professional training

to many more clients who live in the community, in partnership with families and community agencies;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to direct the government to keep Huronia Regional Centre, home to people with developmental

disabilities, open, and to transform them into `centres of excellence' to provide specialized services and support to Ontarians with developmental needs, no matter where they live."

I agree with this, and I'm putting my name on it.

ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK

Mr. Dave Levac (Brant): This is a petition to the Ontario Legislative Assembly to protect anaphylactic students.

"Whereas there are no established Ontario-wide standards to deal with anaphylaxis in Ontario schools; and

"Whereas there is no specific comment regarding anaphylaxis in the Ontario Education Act; and

"Whereas anaphylaxis is a serious concern that can result in life-or-death situations; and

"Whereas all students in Ontario have the right to be safe and feel safe in their school community; and

"Whereas all parents of anaphylactic students need to know that safety standards exist in all Ontario schools;

"Be it therefore resolved that we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

"That the government of Ontario support the swift passage of Bill 3,

An Act to protect anaphylactic students, that requires that every school principal in

Ontario establish a school anaphylactic plan."

I put my name on this petition with pleasure and hand it over to Alex, our page.

REGIONAL CENTRES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

Mr. Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North): "To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas Dalton McGuinty and his Liberal government were elected based on their promise to rebuild public services in Ontario;

"Whereas the Minister of Community and Social Services has announced plans to close Huronia Regional Centre, home to people with developmental disabilities,

many of whom have multiple diagnoses and severe problems that cannot be met in the community;

"Whereas closing Huronia Regional Centre will have a devastating impact on residents with developmental disabilities, their families, the developmental

services sector and the economies of the local communities;

"Whereas Ontario could use the professional staff and facilities of Huronia Regional Centre to extend specialized services, support and professional training

to many more clients who live in the community, in partnership with families and community agencies;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to direct the government to keep Huronia Regional Centre, home to people with developmental

disabilities, open, and to transform them into `centres of excellence' to provide specialized services and support to Ontarians with developmental needs, no matter where they live."

I am pleased to sign my name to that.

HIGHWAY 17

Mr. Phil McNeely (Ottawa-Orléans): "To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas the past government of Ontario, under the Minister of Transportation, Al Palladini, transferred the responsibility of Highway 17 to the

municipalities;

"Whereas the municipalities do not have sufficient funds for the maintaining and rehabilitating of this highway or the bridges, without mentioning its

widening;

"Whereas in 2001, the administration of the united counties of Prescott and Russell estimated the circulation of 21,000 vehicles per day during the week as you

enter the city limits of Clarence-Rockland ... and has since reached 25,000;

"Whereas this main road transferred to the municipalities is no less than the Trans-Canada Highway, in a despicable state, and continues to deteriorate while

traffic is steadily increasing;

"Whereas the eastern Ontario population demands the same road security services;

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

"That the Ontario Ministry of Transportation hereby take back the responsibility of Highway 17/174 and proceed immediately to its widening from the city of

Clarence-Rockland to the city of Ottawa."

It's signed by 2,932 petitioners in the municipality of Clarence-Rockland.

HEALTH CARE FUNDING

Mr. Tim Hudak (Erie-Lincoln): I'm pleased to present a petition signed by people from Dunnville, Grimsby, Stoney Creek and Jordan, to name a

few of the communities. It reads as follows:

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas the Dalton McGuinty Liberals promised a health care system that gives us all the care we need when we need it; and

"Whereas chiropractors, optometrists and physiotherapists provide the necessary health care to the people of Ontario to maintain healthy and active

lifestyles;

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

"The Dalton McGuinty Liberals should keep their promise to invest in health care and restore funding to cover optometry, physiotherapy and chiropractic care

under OHIP."

And in support, my signature.

ÉLEVAGE INTENSIF

M. Jean-Marc Lalonde (Glengarry-Prescott-Russell): I have a petition provenant de Citoyens pour l'environnement et l'avenir de l'Est ontarien,

et contenant plus de 2 000 signatures.

« Pétition à l'Assemblée législative de l'Ontario :

« Étant donné que les exploitations d'élevage intensif de porcs sont incompatibles avec la préservation de l'agriculture

familiale conventionnelle et avec la protection de nos communautés rurales et d'une qualité de vie durable pour tous les résidants ruraux;

« Étant donné que la

Loi sur la gestion des éléments nutritifs adoptée en Ontario n'aborde pas les conséquences

environnementales, sanitaires et sociales liées aux exploitations d'élevage intensif;

« Étant donné que le gouvernement du Québec a prolongé son moratoire contre toute nouvelle porcherie et toute expansion de

porcherie existante...;

« Étant donné que l'Association médicale canadienne a exhorté le gouvernement fédéral et les gouvernements

provinciaux/territoriaux à décréter des moratoires contre l'expansion de l'industrie porcine, et ce jusqu'à ce que des études scientifiques fiables puissent démontrer

si cette industrie n'a pas d'impacts néfastes pour la santé humaine;

« Nous, soussigné(e)s, demandons au gouvernement de M. Dalton McGuinty de décréter immédiatement un moratoire contre la

construction ou l'expansion de toute exploitation d'élevage de porcs. Nous demandons qu'un examen général d'ordre scientifique et médical soit effectué pour déterminer

si les exploitations d'élevage intensif de porcs sont susceptibles d'affecter la santé et la sécurité des communautés qui vivent à proximité, ou de

détériorer l'eau potable et l'environnement. L'examen scientifique et médical devrait être suivi d'une ronde de consultations publiques sur les résultats obtenus, pour

déterminer les meilleurs moyens de soutenir des communautés rurales viables et saines. »

J'y ajoute ma signature avec plaisir.

VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS

Ms. Laurie Scott (Haliburton-Victoria-Brock): "To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas many volunteer fire departments in Ontario are strengthened by the service of double-hatter firefighters who work as professional, full-time

firefighters and also serve as volunteer firefighters on their free time and in their home communities; and

"Whereas the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association has declared their intent to `phase out' these double-hatter firefighters; and

"Whereas double-hatter firefighters are being threatened by the union leadership and forced to resign as volunteer firefighters or face losing their full-time

jobs, and this is weakening volunteer fire departments in Ontario; and

"Whereas Waterloo-Wellington MPP Ted Arnott has introduced Bill 52, the Volunteer Firefighters Employment Protection Act, that would uphold the right to

volunteer and solve this problem concerning public safety in Ontario;

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

"That the provincial government express public support for MPP Ted Arnott's Bill 52 and willingness to pass it into law or introduce similar legislation that

protects the right of firefighters to volunteer in their home communities on their own free time."

It is signed by hundreds of people from my riding, and I support this as well.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Mr. John R. Baird (Nepean-Carleton): This is a petition addressed to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. This petition has been submitted to

me by the Richmond Village Association. It reads as follows:

"Whereas it has been clearly pointed out to you that in choosing a force main through Richmond's water supply rather than on-site treatment of Munster sewage

you have violated a fundamental principle of risk management as well as the precautionary principle applied in matters of public health. You have been made aware that there is a legal opinion that

the class environmental assessment addendum for addressing Munster's waste water treatment was illegal in that it was not conducted in accordance with Ontario's Environmental Assessment Act;

"We, the undersigned, ask that the environmental assessment be reopened and see that it be conducted in a legal and principled manner."

I've added my own signature to this petition.

LONG-TERM CARE

Mr. Lorenzo Berardinetti (Scarborough Southwest): I have a petition, and it reads:

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas funding has only been increased to provide better long-term care for people in long-term-care facilities ... but not to any self-directed programs

that help seniors live in their own homes (because they either choose to live at home or because they are not suited to live in LTCFs); and

"Whereas the current policy continues to use the community care access centre ... model to look after all long-term care in this province; and

"Whereas" -- it continues on quite a bit here and I know you're going to cut me off, Mr. Speaker. The final "whereas" is:

"Whereas our seniors need stability in home caregivers and not a different one each day, as is the practice found in the current CCAC private agency model;

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

"That the government consider amalgamating the five separate CCACs in Toronto and create one CCAC that will indeed follow its own motto of `Helping People Live

at Home' and, if necessary, create a new self-directed LTC model, perhaps like the one instituted in Germany in 1994 and adopted by other European countries, to allow seniors, our parents and

grandparents, to live at home if they choose. This model has proven to be more caring because it is family-based, while eliminating the frustration of bureaucracy and the wasteful and inefficient

management of health care funds. Our seniors and the disabled would get what they always wanted: the choice to stay at home."

That was presented to me by one of my constituents, and I present it to the Legislature today.

ONTARIO FARMERS

Mr. John O'Toole (Durham): I'm pleased to present a petition on behalf of my constituents in the riding of Durham; for instance, August

Giesberger and Ross McMaster, just to name two.

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas thousands of Ontario farmers and rural Ontarians have been forced to take their concerns directly to Queen's Park due to a lack of response from the

Dalton McGuinty government; and

"Whereas the Rural Revolution believes that rural Ontario is in crisis due to lost property rights and a crushing regulatory burden, and they will be

demonstrating their resolve and determination at Queen's Park" -- as they have -- "on March 9;

"Therefore we, the undersigned, ask the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to consider the issue of municipal jurisdiction brought forward by the Rural

Revolution's resolutions to respect property rights and prosperity as follows:

"Resolution number 5: Municipal governments shall be constituted to take control and jurisdiction over matters that pertain to their constituents.

"Resolution number 9: All municipalities forced or coerced into amalgamations shall hold a binding referendum on de-amalgamation at the next general

election."

I'm pleased to sign this on behalf of my constituents.

REGIONAL CENTRES FOR THE

DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

Mr. Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North): "To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas Dalton McGuinty and his Liberal government were elected based on their promise to rebuild public services in Ontario;

"Whereas the Minister of Community and Social Services has announced plans to close Huronia Regional Centre, home to people with developmental disabilities,

many of whom have multiple diagnoses and severe problems that cannot be met in the community;

"Whereas closing Huronia Regional Centre will have a devastating impact on residents with developmental disabilities, their families, the developmental

services sector and the economies of the local communities; and

"Whereas Ontario could use the professional staff and facilities of Huronia Regional Centre to extend specialized services, support and professional training

to many more clients who live in the community, in partnership with families and community agencies;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to direct the government to keep Huronia Regional Centre, home to people with developmental

disabilities, open, and to transform them into `centres of excellence' to provide specialized services and support to Ontarians with developmental needs, no matter where they live."

I am so pleased to sign my name to that.

The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): Petitions? The member for Simcoe North.

Mr. Dunlop: "To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas Dalton McGuinty and his Liberal government were elected based on their promise to rebuild public services in Ontario; and

"Whereas the Minister of Community and Social Services has announced plans to close Huronia Regional Centre, home to people with developmental disabilities,

many of whom have multiple diagnoses and severe problems that cannot be met in the community;

"Whereas closing Huronia Regional Centre will have a devastating impact on residents with developmental disabilities, their families, the developmental

services sector and the economies of the local communities; and

"Whereas Ontario could use the professional staff and facilities of Huronia Regional Centre to extend speciali