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June 14, 2006

38th Parliament, 2nd Session

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Hansard Transcripts

vol. A

Hansard Transcripts

vol. B

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcripts 2006-Jun-14 (PDF)

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L'ONTARIO

Wednesday 14 June 2006 Mercredi 14 juin 2006

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

DENNIS GUDBRANSON

STREET RACING

FOREST INDUSTRY

MATALCO

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

SCIENCE PROJECTS

ELDER ABUSE

KENNETH THOMSON

VISITORS /

VISITEURS

REPORTS BY COMMITTEES

STANDING COMMITTEE ON REGULATIONS AND PRIVATE BILLS

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

AUDITOR GENERAL AMENDMENT ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006 MODIFIANT LA

LOI SUR

LE VÉRIFICATEUR GÉNÉRAL

SHEENA'S PLACE ACT, 2006

MOTIONS

HOUSE SITTINGS

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY AND RESPONSES

STUDENT LITERACY /

COMPÉTENCES LINGUISTIQUES

CHEZ LES ÉLÈVES

SOCIAL ASSISTANCE /

AIDE SOCIALE

STROKE AWARENESS MONTH /

MOIS DE SENSIBILISATION

AUX ACCIDENTS

VASCULAIRES CÉRÉBRAUX

STUDENT LITERACY

SOCIAL ASSISTANCE

STUDENT LITERACY

SOCIAL ASSISTANCE

VISITORS

WOMEN'S REPRESENTATION IN PROVINCIAL PARLIAMENT /

REPRÉSENTATION DES FEMMES

AU PARLEMENT PROVINCIAL

ORAL QUESTIONS

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

NUCLEAR WASTE

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

HOSPITAL FUNDING

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

ONTARIO ECONOMY

NORTHERN ONTARIO

ENERGY CONSERVATION

ILLEGAL TAXI OPERATORS

PRIX DE LA FRANCOPHONIE

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

NATIONAL CHILD

BENEFIT SUPPLEMENT

PETITIONS

SCHOOL FACILITIES

CHILD CUSTODY

ROAD SAFETY

IDENTITY THEFT

GASOLINE PRICES

IMMIGRANTS' SKILLS

EDUCATION FUNDING

MACULAR DEGENERATION

LONG-TERM CARE

EDUCATION FUNDING

ORDERS OF THE DAY

MORTGAGE BROKERAGES, LENDERS

AND ADMINISTRATORS ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006 SUR LES MAISONS

DE COURTAGE D'HYPOTHÈQUES,

LES PRÊTEURS HYPOTHÉCAIRES ET

LES ADMINISTRATEURS D'HYPOTHÈQUES

The House met at 1330.

Prayers.

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

Mr. Norm Miller (Parry Sound-Muskoka): One hundred and six days after protesters occupied a residential building site in Caledonia, and the

McGuinty government is still showing no leadership. By the government's inaction, this situation has been allowed to go on for far too long. The McGuinty government maintains that the conflict

centres on an outstanding land claim. The government is trying to shift full responsibility to the federal government rather than showing real leadership.

Public sources and documents show the Six Nations council agreed to surrender the land on January 18, 1841, on the agreement the government would sell it and

invest the money for them. On May 15, the land currently occupied was sold to George Ryckman and a crown deed was issued to him. The same land was purchased by Henco Industries in 1992 and

registered on title in July 2005.

There is a lawsuit by the Six Nations with regard to the land; however, the McGuinty government is on the record as saying, "The dispute really is an accounting

claim, by and large." Six Nations council agreed on August 20, 2004, to discussions with Canada and Ontario to explore reaching an out-of-court settlement as an alternative to litigation. None of

this relates to an active land claim.

What kind of precedent is the McGuinty government setting for all of Ontario by its taking the position that any existing land treaty or agreement can be

reopened or ignored?

DENNIS GUDBRANSON

Mr. Phil McNeely (Ottawa-Orléans): I rise in the House today to commend a courageous young boy who has become an inspiration to everyone

around him. Anyone who has been exposed to or who has gone through treatment for cancer themselves will understand the magnitude of eight-year-old Dennis Gudbranson's character.

Dennis Gudbranson was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia a little over two years ago. He underwent several weeks of chemotherapy and radiation treatment at

CHEO before the specialists realized that nothing less than a bone marrow transplant would save Dennis's life.

After waiting 10 weeks for a suitable donor, a match was found and Dennis underwent this serious procedure with the strength and courage that one would not

normally associate with a child so young. Merely months later, Dennis and his mother Donna Leith-Gudbranson joined the Tour Nortel 2006 in support of the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. He

and several other young cancer survivors showed their enthusiasm as representatives of the McDonald's CHEO Dream Team.

Dennis was too sick to participate in the tour last year, but this year, according to his mother, Dennis has been chomping at the bit to participate ever since

his transplant. Dennis's enthusiasm does not stop there. Mrs. Leith-Gudbranson says she is encouraging him to do only what he wants to do. According to her, he wants to do everything.

Since his transplant, Dennis has returned to school. He has even been practising with the Blackburn Stingers, a junior hockey team in Orléans.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Dennis for his courage and enthusiasm while battling a sickness that could have taken away his spirit, if

not his life. Dennis is an inspiration to us all.

STREET RACING

Mr. Frank Klees (Oak Ridges): On May 27, 2006, Rob and Lisa Manchester lost their lives in a crash that left their seven-year-old daughter Katie

an orphan. One week later, on June 3, Allison Hickey and Mark Radman were seriously injured in a reported street race and are today fighting for their lives at Sunnybrook Hospital. And just last

night, another street race in Etobicoke left the driver involved in critical condition.

I'm calling on the government today to immediately call Bill 122, the street racing bill, for second and third reading and to move without delay to implement its

provisions and send the message that street racing is illegal and dangerous and will not be tolerated in Ontario.

The street racing bill includes provisions that would empower police officers to issue on-the-spot licence suspensions and vehicle impoundment. For those

convicted of street racing, the bill provides for fines of up to $2,000 and six-month jail terms. Furthermore, nitrous oxide systems used by street racers to transform their vehicles into deadly,

out-of-control killing machines are banned from public highways.

We cannot legislate responsibility, but as legislators, we do have the responsibility to ensure that our police officers and the justice system have the

authority and resources to protect innocent lives and ensure that irresponsible and dangerous actions have the appropriate consequences in law.

FOREST INDUSTRY

Mr. Gilles Bisson (Timmins-James Bay): Yet again the Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Ramsay, along with Premier Dalton McGuinty, is pounding

salt in the wound of northerners. You would know that last year the Kap survival group, the United Steelworkers of America and others took this government to court on its decision to allow timber

companies such as Tembec and Domtar to take wood from local communities to send to large supermills in other parts of northeastern Ontario. That is a policy that all communities don't support.

Communities have always said that you have to take into consideration the socio-economic factors when making those decisions.

MATALCO

Mr. Kuldip Kular (Bramalea-Gore-Malton-Springdale): I'm absolutely delighted to rise today to acknowledge yet another accomplishment for my

riding of Bramalea-Gore-Malton-Springdale. Just last week, MATALCO Inc., owned primarily by the principals of Triple M Metal Inc., celebrated its grand opening.

MATALCO, a company engaged in the remelt and manufacture of aluminum billets, has proven itself a leader in the aluminum extrusion industry. Using advanced

technology, it takes difficult-to-recycle materials such as mixed-alloy products and produces a uniform, primary-grade product. Its environmental and energy-efficient processes result in virtually

no generated waste, helping to ensure the health and well-being of our environment for generations to come.

Without hesitation, MATALCO is a welcome addition to the Brampton business community. It raises the bar for both environmental and customer care and leads the

way in exceptional business practices. I have every confidence that Matalco will continue to thrive as it makes Brampton its new home.

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

Mr. Tim Hudak (Erie-Lincoln): Today marks day 107 of the crisis in Caledonia. Dalton McGuinty's weak and ineffective leadership has seemingly

led to the rule of law being suspended. The problem, as the people of Caledonia and Six Nations and families and businesses from Dunnville to Mount Hope have learned, is that by not showing strong

leadership, a swirl of violence, destruction and reprisal begins. I cannot even imagine how long it will take for the wounds in these communities to heal.

What is most disturbing is the conclusion that people in Caledonia, Binbrook, Hamilton and Niagara are reaching, if not explicitly then implicitly: The Dalton

McGuinty government has sent the signal to the Ontario Provincial Police not to enforce the law in Caledonia.

Today's developments include local neighbours saying they're going to take the law into their own hands because they say they have lost faith in the OPP.

According to the Hamilton Spectator online version, the hereditary chiefs are refusing to co-operate with the OPP in apprehending seven aboriginals, six of whom have been charged with last Friday's

assaults on an elderly couple, a CH-TV cameraman and the police. One of them is wanted for attempted murder of a police officer.

People also wonder where David Peterson has gone. Maybe he's now gone undercover, trying to help find these wanted individuals, because he has certainly

disappeared from the scene.

Sadly, Dalton McGuinty has turned the OPP into the Ontario political police.

SCIENCE PROJECTS

Mrs. Carol Mitchell (Huron-Bruce): I rise today to congratulate Matthew Underwood from Wingham on his winning science fair project, Superior

Soy. This project won the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada award. It also won the Sponsor's Choice Award at the recent Sci-Tech Queen's Park reception. I hope many of you had the opportunity to see

it on display. At the regional level, Matthew's project won the Pfizer Award for Excellence and the Best in Fair Award as well. This is the third year that his projects have made it to the

Canada-wide finals.

I also want to congratulate three other students from the riding who received honourable mentions for their projects: Solomon Appavoo and Patrick Kloeze from

Goderich for their project called The Next Pandemic, and Brock Hodgins from Wingham for his project called Sleuthy Solutions.

The recent Sci-Tech reception showed us that there's plenty of young talent across the province. I'm very pleased that these students have taken an interest in

science and research. Their bright minds are our future. I know this government recognizes the importance of investing in research and innovation. It certainly is encouraging to see such innovative

minds, especially when those innovative minds come from the riding of Huron-Bruce.

ELDER ABUSE

Mr. David Zimmer (Willowdale): Whether it's age discrimination, neglect, harassment, financial exploitation or physical harm, elder abuse is a

serious problem. Our government is committed to maintaining safe, strong communities for all Ontarians, including seniors.

I want to take this opportunity to recognize Willowdale's many seniors' advocates whose efforts have made a huge difference in raising awareness about elder

abuse in Willowdale and North York.

Last Friday in Willowdale, I was pleased to host an elder abuse awareness seminar with the help of many North York seniors' advocates, among whom were Jane

Teasedale, Robert Shank, Andrew Teasedale, Stan Buell, Charles Goeldner, Simon Kim, Bill Steed, Monita Persaud, Bok Sil Shin, Young Lee Ha, Sang Im Kim, Sam Wilks and Jeffrey Cole. The seminar

looked at ways we can prevent, recognize and eliminate elder abuse.

I was proud when all parties of this Legislature endorsed my proposal to recognize October 19 as Elder Abuse Awareness Day throughout this province. Inspired by

the passion and dedication of these Willowdale and North York seniors' advocates, I'm proud to recognize them and recognize their significant contribution to this issue.

KENNETH THOMSON

Ms. Monique M. Smith (Nipissing): On Monday of this week, Ontario lost a leader of industry, an amazing philanthropist and a great citizen. When

he died, Kenneth Thomson was considered the ninth richest man in the world, but he will be remembered for so much more than that.

As many members of this Legislature know, the Thomson family had a long history in northern Ontario. His father, Roy Thomson, started his newspaper empire in

northern Ontario and owned a string of radio stations in the north, including CFCH in North Bay. We recently celebrated 75 years of radio in North Bay, and the Thomson legacy figured prominently in

that celebration.

Young Ken Thomson arrived in North Bay with his family when he was only five years old. He spent his childhood in North Bay, and in an interview in 2003, he

remembered his life in the Bay as riding bicycles, exploring the woods, fishing for pickerel in the summer and skating on the frozen lake in the winter. He credited these happy childhood memories

for his later fascination with Cornelius Krieghoff and the Group of Seven.

It would take much longer than the time provided to list all of his contributions to our province, but his contributions to the art world do stand out for me. An

avid art collector, he held one of the largest private collections in the country and recently donated $70 million to the Art Gallery of Ontario for renovations and donated in trust the bulk of his

art collection, roughly 2,000 works of art, to the Art Gallery of Ontario for everyone to enjoy.

Locally, over the last three years, Mr. Thomson visited North Bay and, together with his sister Audrey Campbell, made a $250,000 donation to the North Bay

Hospital Foundation towards the construction of our new hospital, which is scheduled to start in the fall. He noted at the time that it was in memory of his childhood there.

Today we remember a great citizen of Ontario. To his family, we send our condolences, and we want them to know that the community of North Bay remembers a great

man, a generous man and a great Ontarian.

VISITORS /

VISITEURS

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): I would like to welcome to the Speaker's gallery Dr. Maurice Foster and his wife, Jan, who represented the

fine riding of Algoma in the House of Commons from 1968 to 1993.

On a point of order.

M. Jean-Marc Lalonde (Glengarry-Prescott-Russell): Merci, monsieur le Président. J'aimerais souhaiter la bienvenue aux élèves de

la huitième année de l'école Terre des Jeunes d'Alexandria, qui sont avec nous aujourd'hui. Merci aux accompagnateurs, et nous espérons que vous allez aimer votre séjour

ici à Toronto.

Mrs. Maria Van Bommel (Lambton-Kent-Middlesex): I would like the House to join me in welcoming members of my family to the gallery. This is the

first visit for them. I have my sister-in-law, Mary, and brother-in-law, Bill; Ted and Trudy Thuss; René the First, my husband; and visitors from Holland, Gerrit and Edward Van Bommel.

Mr. Michael Prue (Beaches-East York): In the same spirit, I would like to introduce Allison Clarke and her friend Wendy, who are winners of the

by-design contest to spend a day with Michael Prue. They are here to watch us all.

The Speaker: On a point of order. I started something.

Hon. Christopher Bentley (Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities): We wouldn't want to leave out my fine constituency assistant, Ashley

Conyngham, who's here from London to observe the fine proceedings. She's over there. Stand up, Ashley.

REPORTS BY COMMITTEES

STANDING COMMITTEE ON REGULATIONS AND PRIVATE BILLS

Ms. Andrea Horwath (Hamilton East): I beg leave to present a report from the standing committee on regulations and private bills and move its

adoption.

The Clerk-at-the-Table (Mr. Todd Decker): Ms. Horwath from the standing committee on regulations and private bills presents the committee's

report as follows, and moves its adoption:

Your committee begs to report the following bill without amendment:

Bill Pr27,

An Act respecting Thunder Bay International Airports Authority Inc.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Shall the report be adopted? Agreed.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

AUDITOR GENERAL AMENDMENT ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006 MODIFIANT LA

LOI SUR

LE VÉRIFICATEUR GÉNÉRAL

Mr. Sterling moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 129,

An Act to amend the Auditor General Act / Projet de loi 129, Loi modifiant la

Loi sur le vérificateur général.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

The member may wish to make a brief statement.

Mr. Norman W. Sterling (Lanark-Carleton): As chair of the public accounts committee for the Legislature, I'm introducing a bill which gives more

flexibility to the Legislative Assembly with regard to the appointment of the Auditor General of Ontario. While maintaining a maximum 10-year term for any one individual, this bill allows for

interrupted terms and alternate pension arrangements.

By passing this bill, it is our hope that the assembly will be able to convince the most recent auditor to serve as Auditor General past October 4, 2007, the

expected date of the next election. This would mean that he would be responsible for the pre-election audit of the 2007-08 provincial budget. The new Parliament elected on October 4, 2007, would

choose his successor. I want to assure all members of the Legislature that the members of the public accounts committee, including those from all three parties -- the Progressive Conservative

Party, the Liberal Party and the NDP -- continue to have the utmost respect and confidence in Mr. McCarter. It is my intention too, as soon as the bill has been printed and members have had an

opportunity to review it, to ask for unanimous consent for second and third reading without debate.

SHEENA'S PLACE ACT, 2006

Mr. Marchese moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr29,

An Act respecting Sheena's Place.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Shall the motion carry? Carried.

Pursuant to standing order 84, this bill stands referred to the standing committee on regulations and private bills.

MOTIONS

HOUSE SITTINGS

Hon. James J. Bradley (Minister of Tourism, minister responsible for seniors, Government House Leader): I move that pursuant to standing order

9(c)(i), the House shall meet from 6:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14, 2006, for the purpose of considering government business.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry?

All in favour will say "aye."

All opposed will say "nay."

In my opinion, the ayes have it.

Call in the members. This will be a five-minute bell.

The division bells rang from 1353 to 1358.

The Speaker: All those in favour will please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

Ayes

Arnott, Ted

Barrett, Toby

Bentley, Christopher

Bradley, James J.

Broten, Laurel C.

Brownell, Jim

Bryant, Michael

Cansfield, Donna H.

Chambers, Mary Anne V.

Craitor, Kim

Crozier, Bruce

Delaney, Bob

Di Cocco, Caroline

Dombrowsky, Leona

Duguid, Brad

Duncan, Dwight

Dunlop, Garfield

Elliott, Christine

Flynn, Kevin Daniel

Fonseca, Peter

Gerretsen, John

Hardeman, Ernie

Hoy, Pat

Hudak, Tim

Jackson, Cameron

Klees, Frank

Kular, Kuldip

Kwinter, Monte

Lalonde, Jean-Marc

Marsales, Judy

Matthews, Deborah

Mauro, Bill

McNeely, Phil

Meilleur, Madeleine

Miller, Norm

Mitchell, Carol

Mossop, Jennifer F.

O'Toole, John

Orazietti, David

Peters, Steve

Phillips, Gerry

Pupatello, Sandra

Qaadri, Shafiq

Runciman, Robert W.

Ruprecht, Tony

Sandals, Liz

Scott, Laurie

Smith, Monique

Smitherman, George

Takhar, Harinder S.

Tory, John

Van Bommel, Maria

Watson, Jim

Wilkinson, John

Wynne, Kathleen O.

Yakabuski, John

Zimmer, David

The Speaker: All those opposed will please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

Nays

Bisson, Gilles

Horwath, Andrea

Kormos, Peter

Marchese, Rosario

Prue, Michael

Tabuns, Peter

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Claude L. DesRosiers): The ayes are 57; the nays are 6.

The Speaker: I declare the motion carried.

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY AND RESPONSES

STUDENT LITERACY /

COMPÉTENCES LINGUISTIQUES

CHEZ LES ÉLÈVES

Hon. Sandra Pupatello (Minister of Education, minister responsible for women's issues): I've had the privilege of rising in this House a

number of times recently to tell its members about the McGuinty government's commitment to student success and improved achievement. I'm delighted to be able to rise again today to recognize some

concrete results.

Ce matin, l'Office de la qualité et de la responsabilité en éducation a publié les résultats du Test provincial de compétences

linguistiques que plus de 180 000 élèves ont passé en mars 2006.

terms of today's student population, that would mean an additional 13,000 students passed the test.

Quant aux élèves francophones, le taux --

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): There's just way too much noise in here. I'm having great difficulty hearing the minister. Could we just

take the conversations outside if they need to take place?

Minister of Education.

Hon. Ms. Pupatello: They're all excited about the test results, Mr. Speaker.

Quant aux élèves francophones, le taux de succès provincial se situe à 81 %, soit une augmentation de 14 % par rapport à

2002, ou plus de 750 élèves supplémentaires ayant réussi le test.

That's just the start of the good news. In the five years since the test was introduced, Ontario students have made substantial progress. The success rates for

Et bien qu'il ne s'agisse que d'un des outils utilisés pour surveiller de près les progrès des élèves, j'estime qu'il prouve que les

élèves profitent de l'engagement pris par le gouvernement McGuinty envers un système solide d'éducation financé par les deniers publics et du soutien d'enseignantes et

d'enseignants dévoués.

On behalf of the Ontario government, I want to thank our teachers, offer my congratulations to all the students who were successful on the test and give my

encouragement for future success to students who weren't.

Nous avons fixé des normes élevées pour nos élèves. Nous voulons que 85 % d'entre eux obtiennent leur diplôme d'ici 2010,

alors que ce pourcentage n'était que de 68 % à l'arrivée au pouvoir de notre gouvernement.

We want a substantial increase. Our comprehensive student success strategy will allow all students to customize their education based on their individual

goals, skills and interests. This strategy includes initiatives to help Ontario students have a successful high school career, such as dedicated student success teachers and board-wide leaders,

innovative lighthouse programs, class size limits in key courses, revisions to the grade 9 and 10 applied math curriculum, six new locally developed compulsory credit courses and expanded co-op

programs.

As well, our government has proposed legislation that would keep students learning until age 18 or graduation. We've implemented a strategic high school

transition plan for struggling grade 8 and 9 students that includes more teachers, intensive professional development and improved tracking of students and their progress.

Les résultats publiés aujourd'hui nous prouvent que les élèves de l'Ontario bénéficient de cette stratégie et de l'ère

nouvelle qui s'est ouverte dans le secteur de l'éducation.

With the end of June fast approaching, I wish our students a very happy and successful summer vacation. I can assure everyone that our education Premier,

Dalton McGuinty, ministry staff and I will be hard at work to help our students achieve even greater success in the future.

SOCIAL ASSISTANCE /

AIDE SOCIALE

Hon. Madeleine Meilleur (Minister of Community and Social Services, minister responsible for francophone affairs): I am announcing the two

most recent steps the McGuinty government has taken to help social assistance recipients get into the workforce and on the path to a brighter future.

En 2004, notre gouvernement a élaboré un plan en vue de rétablir l'intégrité du système d'aide sociale de l'Ontario. Nous avons

fait de grands progrès dans ce sens en apportant les changements recommandés par ceux et celles qui connaissent le mieux le système : notre clientèle, notre personnel

chargé de cas et nos partenaires communautaires.

Par exemple, nous avons mis en place des prestations transitoires pour les médicaments et les soins dentaires et de la vue à l'intention des

bénéficiaires qui quittent l'aide sociale afin d'occuper un emploi. Nous avons rétabli le supplément pour le régime spécial des femmes enceintes

bénéficiaires d'aide sociale. Nous avons créé le programme ActionEmplois, un projet pilote innovateur qui a déjà permis d'aider plus de 2 000

bénéficiaires d'aide sociale à trouver un emploi stimulant.

Today, I am pleased to announce that we are removing even more barriers in the social assistance system to help people improve their lives through better

education and job opportunities. We are eliminating the counterproductive, quit/fire rules so recipients will no longer be afraid to accept a job for fear of losing financial support if that job

does not work out; allowing Ontario Works recipients to have a vehicle worth up to $10,000 so that they have a reliable mode of transportation to help them get to and from jobs; giving all 16- and

17-year-old Ontario Works recipients, whose assistance was cut off because they dropped out of high school, the opportunity to reapply for assistance if they return to school and get back on the

path to success; and allowing dependent adults who are in high school full-time to keep the money they earn from their jobs if it is put toward their future education.

Notre gouvernement a travaillé fort en vue de supprimer les obstacles à l'emploi par le système d'aide sociale. Et, je suis fière

d'annoncer que dans le cadre d'une autre mesure importante instaurée récemment, nous invitons les entreprises à travailler avec nous pour trouver de nouveaux débouchés vers

la réussite.

Today, our government launched a new employment innovations fund. This fund will engage employers in expanding employment opportunities for people on social

workplace.

Employers in Ontario should be benefiting from the potential, skills and talents of all Ontarians, including those who face social, economic or physical

barriers to employment. It just makes good business sense.

Nombre de bénéficiaires d'aide sociale sont des travailleuses et travailleurs pleins de bonne volonté, prêts à travailler -- des

hommes et des femmes doués qui ont les mêmes rêves et aspirations que les autres. Tout ce qu'ils nous demandent, c'est simplement de leur donner les mêmes possibilités, des

opportunités que nous prenons souvent pour acquis.

That's why we're calling on the business community to get involved. The employment innovations fund invites organizations, including employer associations,

chambers of commerce and boards of trade, to submit proposals for new initiatives that will help businesses to grow and people on social assistance to achieve their potential, because everyone

benefits when people on social assistance find meaningful jobs. It's good for recipients and their families -- c'est bon pour nos bénéficiaires et leurs familles; it's good for businesses

-- c'est bon pour les affaires; it's good for the economy -- c'est bon pour l'économie; and it's good for the prosperity of our province -- c'est bon pour notre province.

In closing, I would like to thank Deb Matthews, the member from London North and my parliamentary assistant, for her good work in this area. Thank you very

much.

STROKE AWARENESS MONTH /

MOIS DE SENSIBILISATION

AUX ACCIDENTS

VASCULAIRES CÉRÉBRAUX

Hon. Jim Watson (Minister of Health Promotion): June is Stroke Awareness Month in Canada. Stroke, as many know, is a devastating illness and

exacts a tremendous toll on Ontario both in human and financial terms. About 16,000 people in this province suffer a stroke each year. It's the third leading cause of death in Canada, and it costs

Ontario's economy about $1 billion a year.

As we celebrate Stroke Awareness Month, it's important to remind members and Ontarians about the fact that there are steps we can take to reduce the risk of

stroke. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, being overweight, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, staying physically inactive, smoking and

stress.

Ces facteurs de risque peuvent être contrôlés. Des preuves scientifiques nous montrent que l'on peut prévenir les AVC et même en

réduire la fréquence de moitié en mangeant des aliments sains, en restant actifs, en ne fumant pas et en buvant de manière responsable.

That's why it's important during Stroke Awareness Month to remind Ontarians and members of the House of the warning signs for stroke. They are:

-- Weakness. This includes a sudden loss of strength or sudden numbness in the face, arm or leg, even if temporary;

-- Trouble speaking: For example, sudden difficulty in speaking or understanding, or sudden confusion, even if temporary;

-- Vision problems. This includes sudden trouble with vision, even if temporary;

-- Headache. This includes a sudden severe and unusual headache; and

-- Dizziness. For example, a sudden loss of balance, especially if this is combined with any of the above signs.

I want to congratulate our partner, the Ontario Heart and Stroke Foundation, and its president, Rocco Rossi, for their excellent work on both advocacy and

research into stroke. I'm pleased that Mr. Rossi, along with his colleagues Laura Syron and Krista Orendorff, are in the gallery. We welcome them and thank them very much.

Même s'il est important d'informer les membres de l'Assemblée et la population ontarienne sur les signes d'un AVC et sur les mesures que les gens

peuvent prendre pour réduire leur risque, notre gouvernement va plus loin.

Every year, the McGuinty government invests $30 million in the Ontario stroke strategy. The Ontario stroke strategy is a comprehensive and integrated approach

to stroke in this province. It educates Ontarians, including those Ontarians from culturally diverse and vulnerable populations, about the risk factors for stroke and how to prevent stroke. The

stroke strategy also makes sure that stroke patients and their families are able to get high-quality stroke services, quick access to diagnostics and rehabilitation and community services.

The Ministry of Health Promotion invests $4.6 million into the Ontario stroke strategy every year. These funds are invested in public awareness campaigns,

programs that address the risk factors for stroke, health promotion tools that serve culturally diverse and vulnerable populations, and community-based prevention initiatives for older adults and

underrepresented groups.

One of our government's key partners in developing and implementing the Ontario stroke strategy is the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. I'd like to take

this opportunity to thank the Heart and Stroke Foundation for the good work they do to help our government and the people of Ontario. In fact, Mr. Rocco Rossi, whom I introduced earlier, is

actually going to be kayaking all the way from Toronto to Ottawa to raise funds for the organization. We wish him the very, very best.

The Ontario stroke strategy is clearly getting results for the people of this province. For example, at the World Stroke Congress in June 2004, the Ontario

stroke strategy received national and international recognition, and in June 2000, the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences estimated that the programs under the Ontario stroke strategy will,

when fully implemented, save more than 7,000 lives and $500 million over a five-year period. In fact, a report today from the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Stroke Network indicated

that the projections of savings from organized stroke care are based in part on the experience in Ontario, where a coordinated stroke system has been in place. The Ontario stroke strategy is

already showing significant results.

Our findings show that the number of hospitalizations for those who have suffered a stroke in Ontario has declined. What's more, Ontarians are being discharged

from hospitals sooner after suffering a stroke, and fewer people are returning to hospitals after suffering another stroke. The mortality rate associated with stroke has declined from 17.2% in

1997-98 to 15.1% in 2004-05.

Les membres de l'Assemblée législative de l'Ontario conviendront sûrement qu'il s'agit d'une excellente nouvelle.

Le fait d'apprendre comment on peut prévenir les maladies joue un rôle important dans le maintien de la santé.

I encourage members to share what they have learned today with their families and friends during Stroke Awareness Month. Learning more about the risk factors

and symptoms of stroke and what we can all do to minimize our chances of getting one is an important part of staying healthy in Ontario.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Responses?

STUDENT LITERACY

Mr. Frank Klees (Oak Ridges): In response to the Minister of Education: The fact that Ontario students continue to show improvement in these

literacy tests is proof positive that the implementation of the EQAO tests was the right thing to do. I'm glad to see that even the McGuinty government recognizes the value of these tests as a

measurement of student achievement.

As we all know, the EQAO was established by the former PC government as an independent, arm's-length organization to develop, administer and report on

province-wide literacy for Ontario students. The initiative was opposed at that time by the Liberals and the NDP, but no move has been made -- thank goodness -- toward the dismantling of these

tests, although most of the education reforms implemented by the former government have in fact been repealed or watered down. While ESL and special-needs students continue to lag far behind, there

are measured improvements even among these students.

The evidence is clear that student results can improve if given the necessary resources. Teachers and students have benefited from these tests and knowing how

students are doing. It has enabled the government to add the resources to those areas where the resources were needed, which was the intention of those tests.

A great deal of credit must be given to what was at the time a very controversial issue -- namely, making it a requirement that students must pass the literacy

test as a condition of graduating. That was opposed by both the Liberals and the NDP. However, we're now seeing the results of that policy. That policy has forced schools to ensure that the

additional help that some students need is in fact available, and that is the reason we continue to see improvements on the part of students right across this province. It was this very policy that

has driven alternative courses, peer teaching and a number of other initiatives that are now available for students across the province who were struggling to achieve the basic literacy standards

set by the tests.

The fact that the Liberals have not cancelled this policy, which they so firmly opposed while in opposition, is encouraging. My only concern is that they don't

interfere with the integrity and independence of the EQAO in an attempt to compromise those standards and to lower the standards of those tests. We continue to hear of their efforts to do exactly

that, and we condemn them for it. We call on the government not to lower the standards for Ontario students, but to ensure that those standards continue to motivate our students to strive for

excellence.

SOCIAL ASSISTANCE

Mr. Cameron Jackson (Burlington): I'm pleased to comment on the announcement by the Minister of Community and Social Services today. I read

with interest the press release which documents what these changes are all about, but I want to suggest to the minister opposite to be very, very careful about reintroducing student welfare and

routinely, by the stroke of a pen, could announce that they were living somewhere else and go immediately on to social assistance. Some elements of your announcement today are worthy of applause,

and we encourage that, but I ask you to look very carefully at the message you're giving to our young people.

Secondly, on the quit/fire rule, you have to be careful with the potential amnesty that people who currently have jobs are going to be seeking or who will use

the occasion to suggest that they have the signal from this government that it's okay to hold employment beyond what the guidelines currently permit.

Minister, I reiterate the concern that my colleagues on this side of the House have raised with you about ODSP and access to services. I still have a large

number of citizens who have been cut off their special nutritional supplements because of the manner in which you, through the OMA, have worked out the complicated application process for this

benefit. Many of my constituents have been disenfranchised by that. I have a blind constituent who, because he lives with his caregiver, has been unable to obtain social assistance under your

program. Quite frankly, he received it in 2000. We found him a job, but now that he's unemployed and can't find employment, he cannot get assistance.

Those are the reforms we're looking for in the House --

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Responses?

STUDENT LITERACY

Mr. Rosario Marchese (Trinity-Spadina): I am so impressed by the test that I'm hoping the minister will answer these questions. Why do the

people marking the education quality assessment office tests have to sign a confidentiality agreement when there are no identification indications on the test papers? Is it possible to get a copy

of the confidentiality agreement? Why is it not possible to get a complete copy of all past EQAO tests and booklets to allow for objective comparisons from year to year? And why is the government

not prepared to send copies of these tests to parents so they can review them?

What qualifications do the test markers have? Is it possible to obtain a list of the markers and their qualifications, particularly those who have marked the

secondary math and language tests; in other words, are all those marking the tests certified teachers?

Who sets the standards for the tests? Who decides what a level 1, 2 or 3 is? And why have the criteria been known to change partway through the marking,

depending on the results that are being achieved?

Do the tests reflect in any way the instructions that the markers are given, or do they really reflect the achievement of students? What happens to markers who

disagree with the standards that are imposed? Do the tests have any diagnostic value, or are teachers simply given a score: one, two or three?

We know the minister is immensely interested in these questions, and if she seems as interested as she purports to be at the moment, I hope she will find the

time to answer these questions in any way that she deems fit. Perhaps she can write the answers to me, or she might let the deputy minister simply send a list of the answers so that I can feel good

about the kinds of results that we are given.

SOCIAL ASSISTANCE

Mr. Michael Prue (Beaches-East York): I rise to respond to the Minister of Community and Social Services. When I heard you were going to be

making an announcement today, I held my breath just for a second, thinking about the 38% of all welfare recipients who are children; that maybe you were going to end the clawback; maybe those kids

would go to school without being hungry; maybe there was some more money for them or they would have decent clothes. But in fact that is not what's happening.

How do these reforms affect the 38% of welfare recipients who are children? I will tell you, it does not affect them in any way whatsoever. How does it affect

the many people who go to school hungry? It doesn't affect them. How does it affect the people who have disabilities, whether those disabilities be mental or physical or emotional, who cannot and

probably never will be able to work and, in their wildest dream, would never be able to own a car? It doesn't help them either. How is it going to affect single women whose greatest need is to get

some quality daycare so they can go back to work? It's not in there either.

There's nothing there that's going to help the overwhelming majority of people who are on Ontario Works or disability. They're never going to get back to work

with reforms like the ones you've suggested today. These are for the elites. These are for the elite of those who are on social welfare assistance, those who have been temporarily without jobs,

those who still have some resources like a car, those who are very young, like 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds who can go back to school.

I tell you, this is a very narrow program. It does not assist the overwhelming majority of people who unfortunately find themselves on Ontario Works or

disability. There's nothing here for the majority. As you admitted yourself in estimates, the people who do not have children who are on social assistance are actually worse off today under your

government than in the deepest, darkest days of Mike Harris.

When are you going to end the clawback? When are you going to start doing things that really help? When are you going to make announcements that cost some

money instead of what you're saying here today? It's wonderful, in the end, that you invite the business community to get involved. We welcome the business community getting involved, trying to

find jobs for people. But you know, you're asking them to do something that you're not prepared to do yourself. You should be out there trying to find jobs for them. You should be providing

assistance and benefits for them. It's sad that this government continues to be missing in action on this file.

VISITORS

Mrs. Christine Elliott (Whitby-Ajax): I ask my colleagues to join me, please, in welcoming two guests to the west gallery. They are Mrs.

Deanna Meikle and Mrs. Pat Douglas, who are the mother and grandmother of our terrific page Tommy Meikle and are also fellow Whitby residents. I hope you'll please join me in welcoming them

today.

WOMEN'S REPRESENTATION IN PROVINCIAL PARLIAMENT /

REPRÉSENTATION DES FEMMES

AU PARLEMENT PROVINCIAL

Hon. James J. Bradley (Minister of Tourism, minister responsible for seniors, Government House Leader): Mr. Speaker, I believe we have

unanimous consent for each party to speak for up to five minutes on the issue of greater representation of women in the provincial Legislature.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Mr. Bradley has asked for unanimous consent for each party to speak for up to five minutes on the issue

of greater women's representation in Parliament. Would that be correct? On the issue of greater representation of women in the provincial Legislature. Agreed? Agreed.

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): I rise today to speak on the importance of increasing the representation

of women in this Legislature. As I do so, I'm reminded of something that Margaret Thatcher once said. She said, "If you want anything said, ask a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman." The

quote is appropriate in today's context because, while I and the leaders opposite will talk today about the tremendous contribution women can make in political life, the fact is we have, on all

sides of this House, women who are making that tremendous contribution right now, right here. I want to take this opportunity, on behalf of all Ontarians, to thank them for their continuing

contribution.

Le travail qu'elles accomplissent en cette Chambre et la différence qu'elles font au sein de leurs collectivités font d'elles bien plus que de

simples députés. Cela en fait des leaders.

Ici, au sein de cette Assemblée, nous avons encore besoin de plus de leaders de ce type.

The work that women do in this chamber, the difference they make in their communities, makes them more than members. These things make them leaders. What we

need is more leaders like them here in this assembly. Women, of course, are succeeding in many walks of life. They're running businesses, they're contributing to the professions and trades, they're

volunteering in their community and they're raising their children.

The remarkable thing, for those of us who find multi-tasking somewhat challenging, is that thousands and thousands of Ontario women are doing many, if not all,

of these things at the same time in spite of the heavy responsibilities they already bear. All of us need to ask women to do one more thing, and it's this: Consider choosing political life. Yes,

it's challenging and yes, the cynics have done their best to tarnish the work we politicians do, but we in this assembly can tell you there are few places where you can serve so many, so often. A

teacher works magic when she ignites the imaginations of her students, but we in this place, working with teachers, parents and students, can invigorate education itself. A physician with a caring

heart and a healing hand can comfort a patient, but we in this place, working with physicians, nurses and other health care providers, can help improve health care itself. An entrepreneur with a

keen eye and the courage to take risks can start a business, but we in this place, working with entrepreneurs in all sectors, can help build the investment climate that allows an enterprise to

survive and the workforce that will ensure it thrives.

This is what we get to do here, and this place matters. It matters that we encourage more women to share in this work, because we work best when we truly

represent Ontario, not just its regions but its people in all their diversity, and both male and female, because it helps us understand Ontarians, their experiences and aspirations.

Nous avons donc joint des groupes tels que Equal Voice, qui est représenté ici aujourd'hui et qui croît dans le service public de même que

dans l'importance d'un rôle accru des femmes dans ce secteur.

Speaker, I was saying that we join groups like Equal Voice, which is represented here today, who believe in public service and the importance of a growing role

for women in it. The party I lead, the Ontario Liberal Party, a party that is proud to have had Lyn McLeod as its leader, a party that is proud to have my colleague the member for London North

Centre as its president, is committed to attracting and welcoming more women candidates. The percentage of women in our caucus has risen from 6% in 1985, to 13% in 1995, to 24% today. What's more,

almost one third of our cabinet ministers are women. So we've made progress, but we have much work left to do. To that end, our party is striving to seek out and nominate capable women in half of

the ridings that we do not currently represent in this Legislature. It's just one more step, but it's a step forward.

I often say that if Ontario is to succeed, we need every Ontarian at his or her best. It's equally true that if we are to succeed in this chamber, we need the

best of Ontarians, male and female, working together. Let this be a goal that we all share and work towards.

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): On behalf of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party, I want to express the strong support of all

of us who believe as deeply as all of us do in this House in the process in this place to take tangible and practical steps to increase the participation of women in politics, to increase the

number of women who stand as candidates for election to the Legislature and to see more women sitting in the Legislature after October 4, 2007.

C'est une priorité très importante pour moi et pour notre Parti progressiste-conservateur.

Since my becoming leader some 20 months ago, our party has held seminars for women interested in seeking public office where they can come to better understand

the good and not so good, and whatever else we might convey to them about the life we have all chosen. Two weeks ago, more than 200 women attended a fundraising event in support of Women in

Nomination, an organization that we have which supports women who want to seek nominations for the Progressive Conservative Party.

I'm proud to say that in the five by-elections that have taken place in the life of this Parliament, the PC Party has nominated women in all five. We were

delighted to see elected this spring two women to our caucus, the member for Whitby-Ajax, who is sitting here beside me, and the member for Nepean-Carleton, to add to our ranks and to add to the

number of women in this Legislature.

Our candidate search rules have made very clear my own determination that we simply have to do better, for our own part as a party and, I believe, on an

all-party basis as well. Why is it important? In speaking to the women at the Women in Nomination event the other day, I cited a number of reasons. It's not the complete list but I think it's a

list of some of the important considerations.

First, I don't think we can really say that we have achieved what we set out to do with important laws like the Charter of Rights and other human rights

legislation when the body which makes laws in Ontario so underrepresents women. The same comment could be made in respect of a number of other groups, but that is an issue to be discussed another

day.

Secondly, I believe that women bring a different perspective to bear on many issues. They often look at issues, policies and politics in a different way: not

better, not worse, but just different. How can we really ensure that we're making the best decisions, with those different points of view taken into account, if women are not equitably represented

on the floor of this Legislature, in committees and at the cabinet table?

Thirdly, I have a very genuine concern, which I've expressed many times, about what I believe to be the increasing dysfunction of the Legislature itself. Some

of it -- not all of it, but some of it -- stems from and is illustrated by the lack of civility and decorum that we often see in the Parliament itself. While I believe that having more women here

won't, in and of itself, solve that problem -- I will avoid making any comment about the proficiency of some of the champion hecklers here and their gender; that is in reference to no particular

person -- I do believe it will help. My wife, Barbara, is a very straight talker, and she has a way of summing these things up which often works quite well. She says the place may well be just too

testosterone-injected, and I think she might well be right about that.

I think we're going to have work hard not just to get the candidates but to get them elected, because I think it will make a fundamental difference to the

legitimacy of this place. It will make a fundamental difference to the quality of the laws that we pass. It will ensure that one of the two biggest groups in all of society is represented more

equitably here. I think it will lead to a better Parliament. I think it will lead to a higher level of confidence in us and in what we do here. I think it will be a place where we can work better

together in the public interest and it will serve the interests of the political process as whole. Thank you.

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): Despite the gains that have been made by women in electoral politics, there is a great distance still

to go before true equality is realized for women in the field.

On the world stage, of 85 countries studied, 22 have women as their leaders or monarchs. The past few years recorded some historic firsts for women in

politics: Angela Merkel was elected Chancellor of Germany; Michelle Bachelet was voted President of Chile in 2006, and her cabinet is 50% women; Portia Simpson Miller won as Prime Minister of

Jamaica in 2006.

In Canada, women make up more than one half of our population, but occupy little more than one fifth of elected positions at all levels of government combined.

It's an interesting scenario, and it's not just in government.

One of the things I discovered when I was in the office of the Attorney General of the province was that very often, when vacancies came open for judges, women

lawyers didn't apply. When I asked, "Why don't they apply?" no one had a answer. So I wrote a letter to every woman lawyer in the province who had practised for 10 years and was eligible to become

a judge, and we were inundated with applications. In fact, I received a lot of letters from women lawyers saying, "We never felt we were invited or welcome before." As a result, we were able to

appoint more women as judges than ever before. Simply opening the door and saying, "You're welcome here. This place is for you too," makes a big difference.

Too few women hear the message that they are welcome in politics. Too many obstacles are placed in the paths of women in politics. New Democrats have

recognized that, and we've taken some steps to try to address it. In the political realm, New Democrats are committed to ensuring that women are not only encouraged to run, but are helped to run.

We direct special attention to ensuring that women are approached and recruited to be candidates by all riding associations across Ontario. We set targets and always try to better our best efforts

and get more women elected.

We are proud that Agnes McPhail, for example, who was elected as the MP for York East in 1921, was a member of the CCF, now the NDP. She was the first and only

woman in the House of Commons for 14 years. We're proud that in November 1989, Audrey McLaughlin became the first woman leader of a national political party in North America. We're very pleased

that, with the result of the last federal election, 42% of the federal NDP caucus are women, many of them elected for the first time.

We have decided we must have a formal policy of freezing nominations until there is a member of an affirmative action community, i.e., women, seeking the

nomination. We also decided to provide financial support to all our women candidates, through the Agnes McPhail fund. This fund helps defray the expenses associated with the campaign. Sometimes

it's used for child care, sometimes it's used for transportation costs, but it's generally used to help cover those unexpected costs that arise during election campaigns. We recognize that women

often face added hurdles in running for office. We recognize that, and so we recognize we must do something about it.

We know that we can do something here, and today we've heard three speeches about what's been done, about what needs to be done. I want to put forward a

practical suggestion for Ontario, though. When we look around the world, we notice that those jurisdictions that have proportional representation elect far more women. It doesn't matter if you look

at Europe, Australia or New Zealand, where you have proportional representation you have more women elected.

Maybe we can take heart that Ontario's minister for democratic renewal is a woman. We urge her to make sure that proportional representation becomes part of

Ontario's electoral framework so that we will have more women.

ORAL QUESTIONS

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): My question is to the Premier. Premier, could you provide us with a detailed update as to the status

of the six warrants for arrest issued in Caledonia last weekend? One individual, as I'm sure you know, is charged with the attempted murder of an OPP officer, and I would just like to clarify, for

the benefit of the public and this House, what the status is of those outstanding warrants.

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): I have no specific information in that regard. I know the leader of the

official opposition will understand that this is the subject of an ongoing police investigation. I do know that there is co-operation between the Ontario Provincial Police and the Six Nations

Police, but beyond that, I'm not aware of any of the details.

Mr. Tory: Premier, just two days ago, after more than 100 days of this standoff, we finally heard you stand up and speak to the situation at

Caledonia, and for once you seemed to be very clear about two specific conditions that had to be satisfied before you would return to the negotiating table, and those conditions were (1) "the

barricades must come down, and they must stay down," and (2) "we are asking" the First Nations "leadership to co-operate in any way with the Ontario Provincial Police so that they might apprehend

the individuals involved."

You have made reference today and yesterday to the Six Nations Police co-operating, but we see very opposite signals coming from some of the leadership of the

Six Nations in terms of apprehending these people.

What kind of signal does it send when you don't stand firmly on your own second condition, which referred to co-operation generally, not to co-operation from

the Six Nations Police alone? What kind of signal does that send?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: Maybe the leader of the official opposition just can't stand good news. Let's review what has happened just recently: The

Highway 6 barricades are down, MTO has inspected the road, and it's been reopened to traffic; the railway barricade is down, railway staff have inspected it, and trains are back up and running

today; hydro crews are again working on transmission line improvements; the OPP are working together with the Six Nations to effect the execution of those outstanding warrants.

Clearly, the leader of the official opposition remains unhappy with this turn of events, but I think we're making progress and we will continue to work as hard

as we can to make still more progress.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Final supplementary.

Mr. Tory: If you ask if I'm unhappy with one part of the turn of events, yes, I am. There are some positive developments that have taken

place, but I think there is an issue of real concern, not just to the people who live down there but to the people of Ontario, with respect to your condition with respect to co-operation by the

leadership with respect to the apprehension of these individuals.

The Hamilton Spectator reported this morning on their front page that the Six Nations are refusing to hand over the individuals involved and are no longer

returning phone calls. We were inspired, finally, by your "one rule of law for all" comments just days ago, and we thought that meant we were getting on the right track to restoring confidence and

to dealing with a situation that is very acute, and we hoped that you would actually live up to your own conditions, which you set on Monday.

Why is the Ontario government returning to the negotiating table when there are people who continue to hide and protect those who are sought for alleged

violations of the law? Why won't you stand firm on your own conditions, which you set on Monday, demanding co-operation from the leadership as a whole before you go back to the table?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: I would encourage the leader of the official opposition to read the

article he referenced, because he will see that it

says, "But Six Nations Band Council leader David General said the suspects should be dealt with by the OPP and the Six Nations Police have a duty to uphold Canadian law.... the Canadian law is the

form of law that should be upheld and therefore the arrest warrants are a `police matter,' General said. `I am confident the Six Nations police will do what they have to do,' he said."

Again, we have the barricades down, we have in place a community liaison table, we have in place a permanent table to discuss the land claims issue, we're

working as quickly as we can to get the land out of the scenario by looking to compensate the developer in question, and we are working as hard as we can to resolve this peacefully in a determined

way. I think there is some good news. I think the community should take heart in this, and we will continue to make progress.

The Speaker: New question.

Mr. Tory: My question again is to the Premier on the same matter. I think most people down there would confirm that there is some good news,

but I think we have to be careful not to downplay a very, very grave situation that still exists for a lot of these people. Many of them are feeling as vulnerable as ever today, notwithstanding the

good news we've seen so far.

Arrest warrants have indeed been issued for everything from attempted murder to assault and theft, and yet, I would argue, instead of standing firm on your own

conditions -- and we can all read different quotes from different people -- you've chosen to return to the bargaining table while the rule of law is still seriously in question.

The residents are frightened. They are strung out by endless nights of ATV vehicles going across their property, harassment on their own property. TV media

reports suggest that some people have been threatened and continue to be threatened when they're on their own property, and told they're going to be evicted from their own homes at some point in

time. Premier, what do you have to say to these people, some of whom will not even sleep in their own homes, don't feel secure enough to sleep in their own homes because the rule of law is not

prevalent there?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: I think what the leader of the official opposition is doing right now is making it clear that he is unhappy with the way

the police have approached this situation. I would suggest to him that if he has advice that he would like to tender to the police, he offer that here and now so that we can all understand where

his party is coming from in this particular regard.

Mr. Tory: Premier, some of these people in Caledonia are now so fearful and angry that they've brought a lawsuit against you and your

government for failure to protect their personal interests and their personal safety. The Hamilton Spectator reports that residents have now resorted to organize and form defensive vigilante groups

and have contingency plans to protect themselves. They have lost total faith in the rule of law on your watch. As one resident was quoted as saying in the newspaper, "It is terror there, not just

anger." The homeowners in the neighbourhood told an information meeting of the Caledonia Citizens Alliance yesterday that they are terrified by gunshots in the ravine behind their properties and

attempts to burn wooden fences behind their homes.

Monday, you set out conditions. Tuesday, you seemed willing to set those aside. What are you prepared to do? I would suggest a good start would be to say that

you are in fact not going to go back to the table until the rule of law has been re-established there, and that does count on the leadership you said you'd be counting on co-operation from to

co-operate and to do it.

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: I understand the particular representation the leader of the official opposition is making about my commitment, but I'm

satisfied that it has in fact been met. The barricades are down. We have received word from both the OPP and the Six Nations police that they are co-operating in dealing with those who committed

those misdeeds last Friday. But again, what the leader of the official opposition is saying is that he's unhappy with the police in terms of how they're handling this particular matter. If he has

advice he would like to offer to the police, then I would love to be able to get that on the floor right now so we would all better understand where he's coming from.

Mr. Tory: Just in terms of the selective quotes, there's a quote from the Hamilton Spectator today -- I presume it's even the same

article the

Premier is quoting -- "Six Nations representatives said they are refusing to turn over the six wanted people to the OPP, who are being investigated by the traditional government. They also argue

the Six Nations police have allegiance to their people first." We can read whichever quotes we want.

Premier, this situation appears to have spread or has moved from the roads to people's own personal property. We've received first-hand reports of people

walking into a community member's backyard and simply lighting a bonfire. Now, we all know that if somebody walked into your backyard and lit a bonfire on your property, there would be police

officers there within seconds. I don't accept the fact, nor do I think you should, that any resident of Ontario is meant to live in a situation where the rule of law is in question like this and

where people can come on to their property, light a fire in their backyard and nobody does anything about it.

I just want to know what you say to these people who are experiencing this, and what you're going to do to uphold the rule --

The Speaker: The question has been asked.

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: Again, the leader of the official opposition and his colleagues obviously are very unhappy with the way the police continue

to manage the situation. I continue to have confidence in the Ontario Provincial Police. I also would encourage them, again, if they have advice of any kind with respect to how it is the OPP should

conduct themselves in this or any other matter, then they should make that public. Obviously he's very concerned that there are certain kinds of actions that are taking place which are not being

visited with consequences. If that is his concern and he has advice to the Ontario Provincial Police, again I suggest he make that advice public.

NUCLEAR WASTE

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): A question for the Premier: One of the reasons the McGuinty $40-billion nuclear mega-scheme worries

working families is because it will create more toxic nuclear waste, which remains radioactive for thousands of years and will have to be stored somewhere.

On Monday, your energy minister said, and I want to quote him, "The amount of nuclear waste that we've generated in the last 40 years doesn't approach a

tonne." Is that accurate or is your energy minister playing fast and loose with the facts?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): I want to make it clear to the leader of the NDP, as I have to the people

of Ontario, that there are some downsides to nuclear generation. There's no doubt about that. There are downsides pretty well to every available source of new generation for us.

We have just about tapped out when it comes to exploiting hydroelectric capacity. We're being very aggressive with respect to harnessing wind energy. We're

inviting Ontarians to our standard offer program to participate in the generation of clean electricity that we might purchase and put into our grids. But beyond that we've got to make some tough

choices.

The leader of the NDP says we don't have to make any choices, that we can conserve our way to 2025 and rely on wind and water through to 2025. I just don't

think that is realistic, and I think when Ontarians take the time to consider this, they will understand that what we have put forward is a fair, balanced and responsible plan that is in keeping

with their values.

Mr. Hampton: I'm surprised again that the Premier won't answer the question, because I think it represents a failure of the Premier to be

straight with the people of Ontario. You should know the facts, Premier. They're contained in this study which was done on the whole issue of nuclear waste. It says that Ontario generates 1,632

metric tonnes of high-level nuclear waste every year and, as of December 2004, we had a grand total of 29,455 metric tonnes of nuclear waste here in Ontario -- not the less than one tonne that your

energy minister wants to tell people.

Premier, when your government refuses to be straight with the facts, when you won't even answer the questions, what it says is that you will do just about

anything to force through your nuclear mega-scheme.

My question is this: This is a $40-billion decision, the equivalent of $13,000 per household. Why won't you be straight about how much nuclear waste is

generated and where it will be stored?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: One of the things we had to consider was the various downsides to the different sources of electricity generation. If we

were to continue to burn coal indefinitely, then we would continue to spew toxic emissions into the air and contribute to global warming on an ongoing basis. That is one option -- there's no doubt

about it. We chose something else.

There's a downside to nuclear generation. We produce radioactive waste, and it is true we're going to saddle future generations with this responsibility for

some to come, but I just prefer the notion of containing it. I know where it is. I know how to contain it.

The problem we have with respect to burning coal is that it's spewed into the environment. It may be that we don't see it, but it's causing severe damage to

our health and it's compromising our climate.

We've made a choice. It's the kind of thing the government should have done a long time ago, to look these things in the eye and make the choice. We are

convinced it's a balanced and responsible plan, in keeping with the values of the people of Ontario.

Mr. Hampton: Premier, stop trying to kid people. You're going to be burning coal for a long time too, and generating more nuclear waste.

Where I come from, when you create a problem, you don't say to someone else, "You fix it." You take responsibility for it yourself. It's called leadership.

This morning you told reporters you had a solution: Just stick nuclear waste in a box. People in regions that have been identified as possible nuclear waste

storage sites -- northwestern Ontario, northeastern Ontario, Hamilton, Niagara region -- want you to show us this magical nuclear waste box that you're talking about. Where is this magical box that

you told the press about?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: Obviously, it's more complicated than a box. What I was trying to get at in the context of the scrum is that we know how to

contain this stuff and we know how to contain it indefinitely. I think that's important to recognize. We've got a real challenge when it comes to hanging on to emissions that come from burning

fossil fuels. I think Ontarians are on to this notion that we are, through human activity, now influencing our climate in a negative way. I think they want us to look for alternatives.

Nuclear is hardly perfect. Again, what we're talking about is ensuring that by 2025 we have 14,000 megawatts of generating capacity. Today in Ontario, we have

14,000 megawatts of generating capacity. Essentially, we're talking about holding the line when this comes to nuclear capacity in the province of Ontario. That plan is complemented, beyond nuclear

generation, with more gas, with more conservation, with more renewables. Again, it's balanced, it's responsible and I think it marries together those values that Ontarians would want to have us

incorporate into their energy plan.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): A question to the Premier: You talk about conservation, but that's about all your government does on

energy efficiency and conservation; you talk about it. But yesterday, your energy minister also made some dubious claims about the McGuinty government's record on managing nuclear plant

refurbishments, and specifically the management of the Pickering A unit 1 refurbishment. Can the Premier tell us, what was the Ontario Power Generation review committee's original cost estimate for

the Pickering A unit 1 refurbishment, and what was the final price tag that had to be paid?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): Speaker, to the Minister of Energy.

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Energy): The original price tag, coupled with the final price, was within the construction variances that were

outlined in the report.

Mr. Hampton: I asked the Premier because the Premier should know it's his good friend John Manley who headed up the review committee, and the

review committee said that the Pickering A unit 1 restart would cost $825 million. But then Ontario Power Generation put out a press release dated September 27, 2005, after the restart was in

process, and said the Pickering restart's final price tag was $1 billion, or $175 million over budget. Who pays for that? People pay for it on their hydro bills.

My question is this, Premier: Why isn't your government, your energy minister, being straight about nuclear power, its high cost and its high cost overruns?

Why aren't you being straight with people about the cost of nuclear power?

Hon. Mr. Duncan: The member is not reflecting all of the sequence of events that occurred. The Manley report was not used as the basis for the

decision. The later estimates were, and they came in under the estimated cost. What is important is that this Premier and this government have put forward a plan to ensure that we have a cleaner,

more reliable, more diverse, more secure and safer supply of electricity going forward. As the Premier said, these are not easy decisions, they are not decisions that are without challenge, but

they are decisions we are taking nonetheless. Unlike Howie in wonderland, this government has a plan, and that plan will ensure the security of our electricity system now and into the future.

Mr. Hampton: The only people in wonderland are the McGuinty government, who pontificate like the Pope about coal-fired generation and then

burn coal over and over again. But I want to put the McGuinty government's habit of fudging the numbers in perspective. The $175-million cost overrun at Pickering A unit 4 would buy 100,000

energy-efficient refrigerators and double this year's hydro rebate for low-income Ontarians. But the fact is, Dalton McGuinty hasn't been straight about hydro rates, Dalton McGuinty hasn't been

straight about his promise about coal, and he's not being straight now about the high cost of nuclear power. Premier, why should anyone believe anything you say about hydroelectricity, when you

haven't been straight on anything so far?

Hon. Mr. Duncan: Talk about being straight. What the member just referenced -- what did you do when you had the same chance? Appliance cash

back: You cancelled it. That's what you did. This morning Mr. Prue, the member from Toronto, said, "Increase the R factor in walls and ceilings; they should be looking at that." What did you do

with the R-2000 homes when you were the government? You cancelled the program. We had something called power saver month. What did you do? Project cancelled. We had energy-efficient lighting

programs in the early 1990s. You came to office. What did you do? Project cancelled.

This Premier and this government have a plan for the most aggressive conservation system not only in Canada, but likely in North America. Had one government in

the last 10 to 15 years even begun this plan, we wouldn't be in the mess we're in. We're undoing the mess, we're setting the course for the future and we will reach that future.

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

Mr. Toby Barrett (Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant): Premier, on Monday, as we know, you set two specific conditions to come back to the table:

(1) turn over the suspects, and (2) all barricades come down. But as of 2 o'clock today, the Douglas Creek barricades are still up and there is still no word of arrests. As well, the confederacy chiefs

have accused David Peterson of reneging on the deal with respect to opening Argyle Street.

Premier, have you and Mr. Peterson reneged on those commitments, and are you going into talks devoid of credibility?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): The minister responsible for aboriginal affairs.

Hon. David Ramsay (Minister of Natural Resources, minister responsible for aboriginal affairs): I had hoped that the local member would be

very pleased with the progress we've been making. I understand the hardships that have been caused in your community, and the residents' of Caledonia and Six Nations lives have certainly been

disrupted --

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): I'm having great difficulty hearing the minister.

Hon. Mr. Ramsay: As I said, Mr. Speaker, we are making great progress, and I understand the frustration that the constituents of the member

have. Their lives have been disrupted. We've been employing all the resources of the provincial government to disentangle this particular dispute. We are making progress, and we continue to make

progress. I would ask for the member's patience and, in fact, I would say to the member that I hope he would wish us well on continuing our deliberations in the next few days. We think we can

continue tomorrow the progress we've made to date.

Mr. Barrett: Thank you, Minister. Premier, you will be negotiating after just breaking a promise, and you're in a feeble position to

negotiate. That has raised the concern that you'll be stampeded into giving away the store. The question is, what is on the table? Is it Burtch, is it South Cayuga, is it Townsend, is it the

Brantford casino? Are any of those properties on the table? Have neighbouring communities been asked about this? If you do make a deal, Premier, how will Six Nations know that it won't be like some

of your other promises?

Hon. Mr. Ramsay: It's with great patience that I rise in my place to answer this question and just say to the member that in these long-term

discussions, before we get to the disposition of any properties, we have to work out how we are going to dispose of the accounting claim that is in dispute and some of the land claims that are

there. Many of your members have encouraged us to look at new processes. That's what the long-term table is going to do. The federal government is there, as it is their main responsibility to deal

with these land issues, and together we're going to work this out.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

Mr. Peter Tabuns (Toronto-Danforth): My question is for the Premier. A legal opinion prepared by one of your government's senior policy

advisers says the province's energy supply mix plan is required to undergo a full provincial environmental assessment. Now that you've finally announced your plan and directed the OPA to implement

it, when will you announce the provincial environmental assessment that's required under Ontario law?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): To the Minister of the Environment.

Hon. Laurel C. Broten (Minister of the Environment): I'm pleased to have a chance to speak in this House about the responsibility that I have

to make sure that Ontarians are protected as we build new generation capacity in this province, as we build solar and wind and natural gas to replace dirty coal. Every single one of those projects

will go through an environmental assessment process to make sure of where they should be built and how we can make sure that Ontarians are protected.

When we go forward with a nuclear facility, that will be the subject of a federal environmental assessment. But be clear: The province will be an active

participant at the table to make sure that Ontarians are protected. This makes sense because the environmental assessment process examines concrete projects. We need to decide whether they should

be built, where they should be built, how they should be built and how we can move forward and replace generation capacity in protecting Ontarians.

Mr. Tabuns: It's not surprising that the McGuinty government doesn't want to meaningfully consider alternative power sources to nuclear

reactors, alternatives like efficiency and conservation. It's not surprising that you don't want to put the legacies of cost overruns, unreliability and nuclear waste out there for public scrutiny

by people who are expert in the field.

You have a responsibility as Minister of the Environment. You can read the act. You can do what's right. When are you going to announce that there will be a

full provincial environmental assessment of this plan?

Hon. Ms. Broten: If the member did read the act and did take a look at the opinion, he would understand that broad government policy, abstract

in nature, is not subject to the Environmental Assessment Act; what is subject is project-specific. Let's not bring an omnibus package that's abstract in nature and examine it. We're going to

examine every single project as we move forward. Broad government policy has never been the subject of the Environmental Assessment Act. The opinion of which you speak is an argument for inclusion.

It is not appropriate. The demand-supply plan that my friend is speaking about specifically looked at projects. It did not look at an omnibus package; it was project-specific, wrapped in one. We're

not going to wrap it in one. We are going to take each specific project to the people in this province, and we're going to make sure that they're protected. We're going to bring them to the table,

and they're going to have their say, one by one.

HOSPITAL FUNDING

Mr. Jim Brownell (Stormont-Dundas-Charlottenburgh): My question is to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. Minister, as you are well

aware, the redevelopment of the three hospitals in my riding of Stormont-Dundas-Charlottenburgh has been my number one priority since arriving here at Queen's Park. They were actually one of the

main reasons that I decided to seek this provincial office.

In December, you came to my riding with a commitment for redevelopment, including a new wing at the Cornwall Community Hospital. The first stage of this

project is slated to begin shortly with the installation of a new birthing suite, with further stages continuing in 2008-09.

Minister, you recently announced a new funding policy for hospital capital construction projects. Can you explain how this new funding policy will benefit the

hospital?

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): First, I compliment the honourable member on his excellent efforts in the

riding that he represents. The three facilities there will be replaced in short order, and that area of Ontario will enjoy the most modern health care facilities possible. This is a credit, as

well, to my colleague the Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal, who has worked hard to help upgrade Ontario's hospital infrastructure.

By moving to a 90% cost-share on the part of the government of Ontario with respect to construction costs, and asking our hospitals to take the responsibility

for paying for equipment, we're taking back a very considerable portion of costs and allowing hospitals to raise money on the smaller, bite-sized chunks of equipment, which works very well for them

in local communities.

On the Cornwall project, we're moving from 70% to 90% funding, and I can tell the honourable member that the uptake on the part of the government of Ontario

for the Cornwall Community Hospital will be a net benefit of at least $8 million.

Mr. Brownell: Minister, I was there as a citizen in the community when the former Minister of Health, Tony Clement, came to Cornwall with

empty promises about a cheque in his back pocket, about the development of that hospital. When I came here, I took it as my personal goal to ensure that the future commitments were kept.

Winchester District Memorial Hospital is another hospital in my riding that has a capital project pending. This project will bring new operating room suites, a

new emergency room and new outpatient areas as part of the 50,000-square-foot addition.

Minister, you have already put your money where your mouth is with a $4-million planning and design grant for that hospital, and that commitment has been well

received. Can you tell us what other benefits Winchester District Memorial Hospital can look forward to from the funding announcement that you made?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: I've been very impressed with the work of the people in Winchester. I think that the issue you mention about Mr.

Clement's past role in the run-up to the last election was even criticized by Mr. Tory, who commented on the propensity of that party to run around with rubber cheques in the run-up to the last

election.

In the case of Winchester, where we're going from 50% funding for construction costs to 90%, I can tell the honourable member that the benefit for the

Winchester District Memorial Hospital as a result of the alterations in our funding policy announced last Friday means that that community will benefit to the tune of at least $13 million.

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): I have a question for the Premier and it's on the Caledonia matter again. There's a story out this

afternoon on Canadian Press indicating that the First Nations leaders say that the seven protesters wanted by the police have been removed from the area. A spokesman for the confederacy declines to

say where the seven have been taken -- if they're free or being held in custody elsewhere.

I ask you again: You said the other day, as one of your two conditions, that you expected co-operation from the leadership. You actually didn't say that you

expected co-operation from the Six Nations police, which you're now so fond of talking about; you said you expected co-operation from the leadership. I ask you whether you think this indication

here, coming from the Six Nations people, that they have actually removed these seven people from the area, represents co-operation, and why you don't reconsider and indicate that until they

co-operate completely with the conditions you set, you will not return to the negotiating table, because it's important that they honour the deal you made with them or the conditions that you set

down?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): If the leader of the official opposition takes a good look at the story,

he will note that not a single person is quoted in that story.

The best information we have is that the Ontario Provincial Police are co-operating with the Six Nations police, and we are satisfied with that level of

co-operation.

Mr. Tory: The Premier was repeatedly asking earlier if I had any advice for the police. I have some for him -- because he's the leader of the

government and he is the person whom people in this province expect to make sure that the law is upheld -- and that is that at this time, instead of sending somebody or sending out a press release

or holding a press conference, if you don't want to go there, you should have the people down to your office, both from the residents of Caledonia and from those who are in the First Nations

community, and indicate to them that all of the barricades have to come down, number 1, including the Douglas Creek Estates barricades; number 2, that you expect complete co-operation from all of

the leadership. And I would add a third, if you're going to have them in, and that is that they must all do whatever they can to make sure that incidents like bonfires being lit in people's

backyards, gunshots going off behind people's houses and people being intimidated out of their homes will not be tolerated and that you expect them to bring that to a close. Will you do that?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: I take from that again that the leader of the official opposition is providing advice to our police. He claims that

activities are taking place which are outside the law and he's providing advice to the police. Again, I simply ask that he be more specific with respect to the advice that he wants to provide our

police. I'm satisfied with the approach they are bringing to the matter before us, and we look forward to continuing to work with all the parties involved to bring this to a peaceful

resolution.

ONTARIO ECONOMY

Mr. Gilles Bisson (Timmins-James Bay): My question is to the Premier. Premier, can you tell me how many jobs Ontario lost last month and how

many jobs we've lost in manufacturing since June 2004?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): The member is surely aware that during the course of the last three

years, this economy has been working so well that it has generated 288,000 new jobs. It's a really good news story. I would like to take credit for that, but the fact of the matter is that it's the

good, hard-working people of Ontario who are bringing entrepreneurial spirit, energy and enthusiasm to investing in businesses, creating businesses and expanding existing businesses. This economy

is working well because the people of Ontario are working well.

Mr. Bisson: Unfortunately, Premier, the answer is that 13,000 jobs were lost in manufacturing in the month of May alone, and we've lost over

100,000 manufacturing jobs in Ontario since June 2004. That is all under your watch. What's worse is that your government is doing absolutely nothing to provide the leadership and the plan to deal

with the joblessness happening across Ontario.

In my community, Smooth Rock Falls, we have 300-plus workers who are going to be losing their jobs at the Tembec plant when they idle that mill later in July

-- again, no plan. My leader, Howard Hampton, has proposed a job protection commissioner as a means to give the workers at Tembec and other laid-off workers the ability to deal with trying to find

ways to save their jobs. So my question to you is quite a simple one: Will you take up the offer we've put forward as a concrete suggestion and pass our bill in order to create the job protection

commissioner?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: I say to my friend opposite that he's wrong on all counts. First of all, we have done much to help the manufacturing sector

transition to a point where it is more cost-competitive, more productive. We can speak of the $500-million advanced manufacturing investment strategy. The $500-million auto fund alone has leveraged

$7 billion worth of new investments in Ontario. We have a $900-million strategy for the forest sector. In part, this has helped us land 288,000 net new jobs. Beyond that, we have also landed the

we build a strong, diversified workforce that is better able to seize the opportunities, to exploit the opportunities in this era of a globalized economy.

NORTHERN ONTARIO

Mr. David Orazietti (Sault Ste. Marie): My question is for the Minister of Northern Development and Mines. First, I want to thank the minister

for his tireless efforts in supporting a number of new projects in job creation in Sault Ste. Marie.

Minister, as you know, our government recognizes that we will need more resources to deal with the issue of out-migration in northern Ontario. Over the past

few years, young people have been forced to leave northern Ontario in great numbers in search of job opportunities. Under the previous government's watch, northern Ontario experienced a 19% youth

out-migration rate. Our government understood that we needed a solution and refocused the northern Ontario heritage fund, creating two new youth-focused programs: the young entrepreneur program and

the northern Ontario youth internship and co-op program.

Minister, can you please tell members and my constituents in Sault Ste. Marie about the benefits of these two programs?

Hon. Rick Bartolucci (Minister of Northern Development and Mines): I want to thank the member from Sault Ste. Marie for the question and for

his incredible advocacy for the youth of Sault Ste. Marie.

First, let me tell you that this is a good news story for all of northern Ontario. Since these two new programs were announced in January 2005, we have

created, through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp., 3,505 direct jobs for young people in northern Ontario. We have approved almost $6 million in funding to keep our youth working in

northern Ontario and to keep our communities prosperous.

My colleague David Orazietti's community of Sault Ste. Marie has come to the table to participate in these exciting programs. Through their applications, we

have approved almost $600,000 in funding to Sault Ste. Marie, creating 68 new youth jobs. We are providing our youth with the opportunity to develop their skills and to make the transition from

school to the workplace, encouraging our youth to remain in or return to northern Ontario.

Mr. Orazietti: Thank you, Minister. Last December, we announced an investment in Sault Ste. Marie of $238,000 from NOHFC. This funding from

our government is fostering opportunities for young people in my community by investing in new business start-ups, co-operative education placements and internship placements.

In July of last year, our government announced $2.2 million through NOHFC for 135 internship and work placements. In addition, the northern Ontario young

entrepreneur program, providing $311,000 to youth in our region, has helped Curtis O'Neil with equipment to set up an Internet-based web design business, and Mathew DiBerardino has been assisted

with office equipment and a trailer to create a home remodelling business in Sault Ste. Marie.

Minister, the youth programs are just one component of our northern Ontario prosperity plan. Can you please update us on how the northern Ontario heritage fund

is working to create additional jobs in northern Ontario?

Hon. Mr. Bartolucci: Again, I'm pleased to say that we have met our commitment to refocus the northern Ontario heritage fund and return it to

its original mandate of fostering job creation. Since October 2003, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp. has approved over $162 million toward projects that will help create 5,646 jobs. That's

new jobs. We have funded 667 projects across the north, leveraging investments of almost $550 million into northern Ontario's economy.

As the Premier said earlier, it's all about the people of northern Ontario and their belief in northern Ontario. So I want to congratulate businesses that have

taken the opportunity to apply to the fund, and I especially want to thank those northerners across northern Ontario who sit on the board and make these wise decisions so that finally northern

Ontario can begin growing again, something that didn't --

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Thank you.

ENERGY CONSERVATION

Mr. John Yakabuski (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke): My question is for the Minister of Energy. You rolled out with much fanfare yesterday your

multi-billion dollar plan to achieve 6,350 megawatts of electricity demand savings through conservation. Given the fact that your ironclad promise to shut down all coal generation by 2007 is now in

total shambles, totally discredited, why would anyone believe a single word you have to say about this or any other energy-related subject? This should be called the Liberal preservation plan --

not conservation -- because it is totally based on politics. You even said yesterday it was based on politics when you answered a question to the press. You have offered no details on how you will

reach this goal or what your contingency plan is if you don't. Why don't you just admit that your promise, just as your coal promise, is totally based on politics, nothing else? Come clean with

people in the province of Ontario.

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Energy): We've already begun to see results from our efforts on conservation. Let me take a moment to review

them. Over 150,000 megawatt hours were saved in 2005 as a result of $34 million spent by local utilities across the province. Ottawa had a beer fridge bounty; London and Toronto have had very

successful programs. That's 150 megawatts of power for over 93,000 homes for over 100 hours. An additional $129 million has been set aside for those local utilities.

The member opposite would be aware that a couple of weeks ago everyone in Ontario received their Cool Savings rebate program coupons, which my predecessor

initiated, offering $50 per household, I believe, in various opportunities. This is only a beginning.

There have been over 1,300 megawatts saved in various demand management programs, and this is a beginning. There's no doubt that there's a long way to go, but

we're intent on not only --

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Thank you. Supplementary?

Mr. Yakabuski: Minister, you have no credibility on this issue. You finally rolled out some rebates on swirly light bulbs. But you want to

talk about your record on conservation in this province? You shut down the EnerStar appliance program that the previous government had in place. You shut it down and replaced it with nothing. You

want to talk about your record? Of the top 10 energy-demand days in the history of this province, nine of them have come on your watch. You talk about credibility in energy conservation? You have

none. If I had a record like that, I would resign.

You talk conservation but you don't deliver the goods. You didn't deliver the goods on coal, you won't deliver them on conservation. It's time to pack it in

and hand in your resignation.

Hon. Mr. Duncan: I'm proud that the economy has been growing at the rate it has been growing, and seeing conservation go up. But what would we

expect from a party that has no plan on energy? We've said what we're about; tell us what you're about.

Let me read a quote. There's somebody sitting next to you who had something to say about conservation when he was energy minister: "The private sector asked us

to get out of large-scale government conservation programs. Those efforts "may have made the odd person feel good but they had absolutely no effect."

I found something you said yesterday morning very interesting. You said, "Our position is that the number they've indicated ... cannot be relied on. They're

depending on total compliance with a third party which is the people of Ontario." Unlike the member opposite, I believe in the people of Ontario. The people of Ontario will meet this objective. It

will be hard to get there but I assure you --

The Speaker: Thank you. New question.

ILLEGAL TAXI OPERATORS

Mr. Michael Prue (Beaches-East York): My question is to the Minister of Transportation. Today, Toronto taxi drivers circled Queen's Park

again, honking their horns and protesting your predecessor's flawed, so-called anti-scooping bill. Toronto taxi drivers know only too well that scooping has increased and the city of Toronto is now

totally out of control. Taxi drivers in Toronto need to be assured that airport taxis and limos won't take away their business and their livelihoods, as the flawed bill has precisely done to

them.

You've protected the airport limo and taxi drivers. You've done that and your party has done that. When are you going to protect the Toronto cabbies'

interests? When are you going to amend your flawed law?

Hon. Donna H. Cansfield (Minister of Transportation): I thank you for the question. As a matter of fact, we did it last week with the passing

of the City of Toronto Act --

Interjections.

Hon. Mrs. Cansfield: The city of Toronto now has the authority to amend that bylaw that would prevent scooping from occurring. So it has been

passed and the city has the authority to do that.

Mr. Prue: I now see that the province has no intention whatsoever of being fair to Toronto taxi drivers. Not only have --

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Order.

The member for Beaches-East York.

Mr. Prue: Not only have you failed the Toronto cabbies, but there is growing evidence that the province is allowing additional operators to

provide airport services. We called a group today that advertises widely in the newspapers of Toronto called Airport Terminal Services, and they're just one such company. My staff asked if the

company was licensed in Mississauga or Toronto, and she was told twice that the province, not the municipalities, has granted them a licence. If this is true, under whose authority did they get

licensed? And if it's not true, when exactly are you going to stop this rip-off?

Hon. Mrs. Cansfield: The Toronto cab drivers are protected under both Bill 169 and Bill 53. We wanted to ensure the protection of the

travellers, in particular at the airport, and that is Bill 169. Bill 53 will actually enable the city of Toronto to change its bylaws that would prevent scooping from occurring. That bill was

passed and now we'll be able to proceed.

PRIX DE LA FRANCOPHONIE

M me Monique M. Smith (Nipissing): Ma question s'adresse à la ministre déléguée aux Affaires

plusieurs initiatives conçues pour améliorer la visibilité et la reconnaissance de la francophonie ontarienne. Il y a des Ontariens et des Ontariennes dont l'engagement envers la

francophonie ontarienne est une véritable source d'inspiration. Leur contribution nous enrichit tous, et j'espère que la communauté soumettra de nombreuses candidatures afin de les

reconnaître et d'encourager leurs efforts.

C'est aussi l'occasion de mettre en valeur les réalisations de la communauté francophone et son apport à la prospérité et à la

diversité de la province.

Par conséquent, une des initiatives que vous avez annoncées est celle du Prix de la francophonie de l'Ontario, un nouveau prix organisé de

concert avec le ministre des Affaires civiques et de l'Immigration. Quel est ce prix et qui est éligible?

L'hon. Madeleine Meilleur (ministre des Services sociaux et communautaires, ministre déléguée aux Affaires francophones): Un

grand merci à la députée du comté de Nipissing. On reconnaît tous son appui pour la francophonie.

Les Prix de la francophonie de l'Ontario sont décernés annuellement à un ou une francophone et à un ou une francophile pour leurs

accomplissements et leur apport unique au rayonnement et à la vitalité de la francophonie en Ontario. Ces nouveaux prix du gouvernement de l'Ontario visent à reconnaître la

contribution des francophones et des francophiles non seulement à l'essor de la francophonie ontarienne, mais à l'ensemble de l'Ontario, y inclus l'économie, la culture et

l'éducation de la province.

Les candidats et candidates doivent résider ou avoir déjà résidé en Ontario et avoir mené, au cours des dernières

années, à bien des initiatives bénéfiques pour la communauté francophone. Les élus au gouvernement fédéral et provincial ou municipal ne sont pas admissibles

pendant la durée de leur mandat. Par contre, les fonctionnaires sont admissibles si ce sont des activités qui ne relèvent pas de leur fonction en tant que fonctionnaires.

M. Phil McNeely (Ottawa-Orléans): Merci, madame la ministre. Ces prix serviront à mettre l'accent sur les efforts trop souvent

passés inaperçus des bénévoles et des gens travaillant à l'épanouissement de la francophonie en Ontario.

Plusieurs citoyens de ma circonscription rencontrent ces critères en contribuant de façon fidèle et concrète à l'essor de la

francophonie. Comment peut-on les nommer candidats à ces prix?

L'hon. M me Meilleur: Un grand merci au député d'Ottawa-Orléans, lui aussi un grand francophile.

La période de mise en candidature a commencé le 16 mai 2006 et se poursuit jusqu'à la fin du mois, c'est-à-dire le 30 juin. Les prix seront

remis le 20 novembre prochain lors d'une cérémonie spéciale organisée par le gouvernement de l'Ontario.

Beaucoup de personnes méritent ce geste d'appréciation, et la démarche est simple. Il s'agit de remplir le formulaire de mise en candidature et

de l'accompagner d'une description de la contribution du candidat ou de la candidate à la communauté francophone de l'Ontario, ainsi que deux témoignages écrits de personnes qui

peuvent attester de la valeur de la contribution du candidat ou de la candidate et de son incidence sur la communauté francophone de l'Ontario.

On peut obtenir plus de détails sur la soumission de candidatures ainsi que les formulaires sur le site de l'Office des affaires francophones ou en

communiquant avec le Secrétariat des distinctions et prix de l'Ontario.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): My question is for the Premier. During your Minister of Energy's announcement yesterday, he

miraculously forgot to mention that he had cancelled the conversion of the Thunder Bay coal plant to natural gas, which is the final nail in the coffin for a big part of your cynical coal promise.

In fact, it's going to be the first

chapter in a long and painful death for that promise, which is appropriate, given the incredible cynicism that it represented at the time it was made.

Premier, can you confirm that it will be hydro ratepayers who will be asked to pick up the tab of $30 million that you caused to be wasted in Thunder Bay?

Reports from this morning confirm that Union Gas certainly has a no intention of picking up their part of the tab, not to mention the millions of dollars spent by OPG. Will taxpayers or hydro

ratepayers be asked to swallow this $30 million that was wasted because of your cynical coal promise and your failure to keep it?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): To the Minister of Energy.

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Energy): I can inform the member that, yes, the contract was cancelled on the pipeline. The cost of cancelling

-- and I can assure you it was well below $30 million. The costs will likely be somewhere around $10 million to $13 million. Union Gas has been in discussions with our officials. One reason for

that was that we decided that in terms of the best way and the most cost-effective way to replace coal in that area -- one part of the answer in the northwest was the new research facility that's

going into Atikokan, but it was the view of the government and others that at this point in time it was more prudent not to go further with that approach to the coal replacement. We will be

replacing coal-fired generation throughout Ontario in the most cost-effective way possible.

Mr. Tory: You know, only you people, as part of this great so-called plan of yours, could replace power that is generated by coal with

research. I'm sure when a lot of people come to turn on the lights at some point in time, they're going to be very reassured that you're doing research to replace coal-fired generation.

The fact is that you've now told us it's not $30 million, it's only $13 million -- we'll see what the final tally is when it's all added up -- that you blew

through your incompetence and your cynical promise made by Premier Dalton McGuinty to cancel the coal-fired generating plants by 2007, a promise you never had any intention of keeping. Think of

what that could have done to restore the cutbacks in the tourism budget. What might it have done for autistic children, whom you also promised to help? What might it have done to help a few

farmers?

The bottom line is that we see you replacing power with research and you've blown at least $13 million. My question remains: Who will pick up the tab? Is it

the hydro ratepayers and taxpayers? I'm assuming the answer is yes. Are they going to take it in the neck for another $13 million on your account?

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Energy): The Leader of the Opposition refuses to give a plan.

Let's talk about incompetence on money. I remember Pickering A, unit 4. Projected budget: $400 million for four units.

Hon. Gerry Phillips (Minister of Government Services): What was it?

Hon. Mr. Duncan: It was $1.4 billion for one unit. Your government, sir, could have cancelled that project many times in the leadup.

Let's talk about Ontario Power Generation. That party's policies cost the taxpayers and ratepayers of Ontario $100 million per month. Let's talk about the

price cap that government put on and what it cost the taxpayers over 16 months: $1.8 billion.

Since we took office, we have introduced responsible pricing. We have eliminated the waste of that party, and we're restoring confidence --

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Thank you. New question?

NATIONAL CHILD

BENEFIT SUPPLEMENT

Mr. Michael Prue (Beaches-East York): My question is to the Minister of Community and Social Services. Last night was the 20th anniversary of

the North York Harvest Food Bank, a shameful reminder of how we continue to treat Ontario's poorest children. Last night they said -- and I believe it's true -- that the incomes of our neediest

kids have shrunk by 35% in real dollars. Many of these children are worse off today than they were in the Harris years.

When will you keep your promise to end the Ontario government's clawback of the national child tax benefit, so that poor children don't go to bed hungry and

don't rely on food banks just to eat?

Hon. Madeleine Meilleur (Minister of Community and Social Services, minister responsible for francophone affairs): Thank you very much for

this question. I think it's a very important question, and this government is working very hard to make sure that our children don't go to school or to bed hungry. We have done a lot.

First of all, when there are kids who are hungry, it's because there are also parents who are in need. What we have done is increase social assistance twice

since we came to power. We have done many, many things for children, and I'm going to help the member to recognize what we have done. We have increased the back-to-school allowance for children,

the winter clothing allowance. We have helped --

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Thank you, Minister.

Mr. Prue: The way to end child poverty in this province is to end the clawbacks. You recognized that in opposition. Your Premier said he would

do it, and you have failed miserably. If your government hadn't broken its promise to those poor kids and was really improving their lives the way you like to say, then why are we getting -- I want

to send these over to the minister if a page will come. I have here 1,400 postcards from people asking, demanding, that you end the child benefit clawback. I know that you have received more than

1,400 of them yourself.

Ms. Andrea Horwath (Hamilton East): Who are they from?

Mr. Prue: It's from CAW Local 444. The former minister has a huge collection of her own postcards as well.

The Daily Bread Food Bank tells us that 38% of its clients are children from the poorest families in Ontario. They also remind us that the clawback is

responsible for their hunger. Minister, when will you keep your promise and end the clawback? No talk about anything else -- the clawback.

Hon. Mrs. Meilleur: I would like to remind the member opposite that when we were elected, we stopped clawing back the increase in the national

children's benefit.

But I'd like to remind the member of the opposition about their record, what they left when they left office. One in five children in Ontario was on welfare --

one in five. They cut the children's treatment centres by $2 million. They cut the children's aid societies by $3.5 million. They put 6,000 child care subsidies from Jobs Ontario on the chopping

block. That's the heritage they left to this province, so I'm not going to take any lessons from you, sir.

Mr. Frank Klees (Oak Ridges): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: Given the recent tragic events related to street racing, the deaths of and

life-threatening injuries to innocent people, I seek unanimous consent from the House for the following motion to be adopted:

That the government call Bill 122, the Street Racing Act, 2006, for second reading before the House rises for summer recess; that the House leaders agree to

the allotted time for debate; and that immediately after second reading, the vote be called for third reading.

The Speaker: Does Mr. Klees have consent? No. I heard a no.

PETITIONS

SCHOOL FACILITIES

Mr. Jim Wilson (Simcoe-Grey): "To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas the parents of St. Paul's elementary school in Alliston have raised many issues regarding the security, cleanliness and state of repair of their

school; and

"Whereas a 2003 condition assessment completed by the Ontario government identified the need for $1.8 million in repairs to St. Paul's elementary school;

and

"Whereas the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board has approached the Ministry of Education with the intention of having the school deemed prohibitive

to repair as they believe the school requires $2.28 million in repairs, or 84% of the school replacement cost; and

"Whereas there are ongoing concerns with air quality, heating and ventilation, electrical, plumbing, lack of air conditioning and the overall structure of the

building, including cracks from floor to ceiling, to name a few;

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

"That the Minister of Education immediately deem St. Paul's elementary school prohibitive to repair, secure immediate funding and begin construction of a new

facility so that the children of St. Paul's can be educated in a facility that is secure and offers them the respect and dignity that they deserve."

I agree with this petition. I attended this school myself from kindergarten to grade 8, and my mom taught in this school for 33 years.

CHILD CUSTODY

Mr. Kim Craitor (Niagara Falls): I'm pleased to introduce a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario on behalf of my riding of Niagara

Falls.

"Whereas the people of the province of Ontario deserve and have the right to request an amendment to the Children's Law Reform Act to emphasize the importance

of children's relationships with their parents and their grandparents; and

"Whereas subsection 20(2.1) requires parents and others with custody of children to refrain from unreasonably placing obstacles to personal relations between

the children and their grandparents; and

"Whereas subsection 24(2) contains a list of matters that a court must consider when determining the best interests of a child. The bill amends that subsection

to include a specific reference to the importance of maintaining emotional ties between children and grandparents; and

"Whereas subsection 24(2.1) requires a court that is considering custody of or access to a child to give effect to the principle that a child should have as

much contact with each parent and grandparent as is consistent with the best interests of the child.

"Subsection 24(2.2) requires that a court that is considering custody of a child to take into consideration each applicant's willingness to facilitate as much

contact between the child and each parent and grandparent as is consistent with the best interests of the child.

"We, the undersigned, hereby petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to amend the Children's Law Reform Act to emphasize the importance of children's

relationships with their parents and grandparents," as in the bill introduced by MPP Kim Craitor, Bill 8.

ROAD SAFETY

Mr. Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North): I'm very pleased to present this petition today with thousands of signatures from people in the village of

Coldwater and area. It says:

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas a number of lives have been lost through a history of motor vehicle accidents at the intersection of Highway 12 and Woodrow Side Road over the past

several years;

"Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly to have the Ministry of Transportation install traffic lights at this intersection, along

with a set of traffic lights at the intersection of Highway 12 and Sturgeon Bay Road immediately, before any more lives are lost."

I'm pleased to agree with this petition and give it to Anni to present to the table.

IDENTITY THEFT

Mr. Tony Ruprecht (Davenport): I do keep getting petitions to the Ministry of Government Services and the Parliament of Ontario. This petition

reads as follows:

"Whereas identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in North America;

"Whereas confidential and private information is being stolen on a regular basis, affecting literally thousands of people;

"Whereas the cost of this crime exceeds billions of dollars;

"Whereas countless hours are wasted to restore one's good credit rating;

"We, the undersigned, demand that Bill 38, which passed the second reading unanimously in the Ontario Legislature on December 8, 2005, be brought before

committee and that the following issues be included for consideration and debate:

"

(1) All consumer reports should be provided in a truncated (masked-out) form, protecting our vital private information such as SIN and credit card

numbers.

"

(2) Should a credit bureau discover that there has been a breach of consumer information, the agency should immediately inform the victimized consumer.

"

(3) Credit bureaus should only report inquiries resulting out of actual applications for credit and for no other reasons.

"

(4) Credit bureaus should investigate any complaints within 30 days and correct or automatically delete any information found unconfirmed or inaccurate."

Since I agree, I'm delighted to sign this petition.

GASOLINE PRICES

Mr. Tim Hudak (Erie-Lincoln): I'm pleased to present another in a series of petitions called "Give us a Break at the Gas Pumps."

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas gasoline prices are at the highest level ever; and

"Whereas with higher taxes, higher hydro rates, user fees and now skyrocketing gas prices, working families, seniors and youth cannot make ends meet; and

"Whereas before being elected Premier, Dalton McGuinty promised he had three `solid ideas' to reduce gas prices, but as Premier has done nothing; and

"Whereas provincial tax on gas is 14 cents per litre and federal tax is 10 cents per litre plus 7% GST (a tax on a tax);

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

"The Ontario government and federal government should act to give consumers a break to compensate for skyrocketing gas prices."

With a series of constituents from Wainfleet and Port Colborne, I affix my signature in support.

IMMIGRANTS' SKILLS

Mr. Tony Ruprecht (Davenport): This petition focuses on internationally trained persons and lowering the barriers for them to access

professional work. It reads as follows:

"Whereas the Ontario government recognizes the need to match internationally trained persons with professional work experience in their related fields; and

"Whereas the Ontario government is dedicated to making sure new Ontarians achieve long-term success in developing and sustaining their career goals; and

"Whereas the creation of 24 new bridge programs, bringing the total amount to 60 over the next three years, will help to make these goals a reality; and

"Whereas this funding of $14 million over the next three years will assist more than 3,000 internationally trained persons to increase their language skills,

training and exam preparation;

"We, the undersigned, respectfully petition the Parliament of Ontario a