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February 28, 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-Feb-28 (PDF)

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L'ONTARIO

Tuesday 28 February 2006 Mardi 28 février 2006

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

SAMANTHA BAKKER

IDENTITY THEFT

HIGHWAY 417

MATTAWA GENERAL HOSPITAL

HOMELESSNESS

LOCAL HEALTH

INTEGRATION NETWORKS

ELMDALE PUBLIC SCHOOL

CANADIAN BASEBALL HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM

LOCAL HEALTH

INTEGRATION NETWORKS

VISITORS

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

HEART DEFIBRILLATOR USE

CIVIL LIABILITY ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006 SUR LA RESPONSABILITÉ

CIVILE DÉCOULANT DE L'USAGE

DE DÉFIBRILLATEURS CARDIAQUES

HIGHWAY TRAFFIC AMENDMENT ACT

(BRANDON'S LAW), 2006 /

LOI BRANDON DE 2006

MODIFIANT LE CODE DE LA ROUTE

MOTIONS

PRIVATE MEMBERS' PUBLIC BUSINESS

HOUSE SITTINGS

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY AND RESPONSES

GREENBELT

REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURY

SMOKE ALARMS

GREENBELT

SMOKE ALARMS

REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURY

VISITORS

ORAL QUESTIONS

LOCAL HEALTH

INTEGRATION NETWORKS

MINISTERIAL CONDUCT

LOCAL HEALTH

INTEGRATION NETWORKS

ENERGY CONSERVATION

MURDER INVESTIGATION

TUITION

LOCAL HEALTH

INTEGRATION NETWORKS

MINISTERIAL CONDUCT

REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURY

FOREST INDUSTRY

WESTPORT POND

CANCER SCREENING

SKILLED TRADES DEVELOPMENT

PRIVATE TOLL BRIDGE

FREDERICK BANTING HOMESTEAD

NOTICE OF DISSATISFACTION

PETITIONS

JUSTICE SYSTEM

SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

REGULATED HEALTH PROFESSIONS

WINDSOR CORRIDOR

REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURY

CHILD CARE

FREDERICK BANTING HOMESTEAD

REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURY

CHILD CARE

FISH STOCKING PROGRAM

LOCAL HEALTH

INTEGRATION NETWORKS

CHILD CARE

PROPERTY RIGHTS

LOCAL HEALTH

INTEGRATION NETWORKS

CANCER TREATMENT

ORDERS OF THE DAY

CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES

STATUTE LAW AMENDMENT ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006 MODIFIANT DES LOIS

EN CE QUI CONCERNE LES SERVICES

À L'ENFANCE ET À LA FAMILLE

ADJOURNMENT DEBATE

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

The House met at 1330.

Prayers.

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

SAMANTHA BAKKER

Mr. Ernie Hardeman (Oxford): I want to take this opportunity to congratulate six-year-old Samantha Bakker of Woodstock, in my riding of Oxford.

Samantha is receiving an Ontario Spirit Tsunami Award this afternoon. The award is to recognize her for her generous spirit and desire to help raise money for the victims of the tsunami.

It all started when Samantha was shopping with her parents. She noticed the can on the checkout counter with a big red cross on it. She asked what it was for,

and her parents explained that the Canadian Red Cross was collecting money to send to Southeast Asia to help people who were hit by the tsunami. She put money in the tin and told her parents that

she felt good helping out because she felt sad for these people. Samantha and her parents then discussed how they might help raise money for this very needy cause and decided that selling something

Samantha created on eBay might be the answer. Six-year-old Samantha decided to draw a picture. She used her crayons to draw a picture of the world surrounded by hearts.

Bidding for her drawing quickly hit $10,000, but when the auction closed the buyer turned out to be fake. When Toronto real estate developer Don Darroch heard

what happened to Samantha, he decided to make the contribution himself and handed over a cheque.

Once again, I want to congratulate six-year-old Samantha for her kind heart and efforts to raise money for people in trouble halfway around the world. But I also

want to thank Don Darroch for helping to keep Samantha's dream alive and also, at such a young age, to allow her to continue to believe that there are good people in the world who can be

trusted.

IDENTITY THEFT

Mr. Tony Ruprecht (Davenport): Congratulations today to the Minister of Government Services, who produced a pamphlet on how to protect yourself

against identity theft. Identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in North America. Confidential and private information is being stolen on a regular basis, affecting literally thousands of

people. The cost of this crime exceeds billions of dollars. Countless hours are wasted to restore one's good credit rating. Our citizens need protection.

The consumer federation of Canada has some recommendations in this regard. They say:

"

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

numbers.

"

(2) Should a consumer reporting agency discover that there has been an unlawful disclosure of consumer information, the agency should immediately inform the

affected consumer.

"

(3) The consumer reporting agency shall only report credit-inquiry records resulting from actual applications for credit or increase of credit, except in a

report given to the consumer.

"

(4) The consumer reporting agency shall investigate disputed information within 30 days and correct, supplement or automatically delete any information found

unconfirmed, incomplete or inaccurate."

I know that our ministry is following this up and will protect our consumers.

HIGHWAY 417

Mr. John Yakabuski (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke): I rise today to request in the strongest way possible the support of the Ministers of

Transportation and Public Infrastructure Renewal for a commitment to proceed with the extension of Highway 417 through Arnprior to Renfrew and beyond.

It was the previous Progressive Conservative government that brought the 417 to Arnprior, but that is where it has stopped. I, along with county and municipal

politicians, have been asking when we can expect to see the next phase begin. The positive effects of the extension to Arnprior are already being felt. If the people and communities in my riding of

Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke are going to be able to develop and prosper, then the four-laning of this highway must be given top priority by this government.

It has been shown that in order for an area to attract and retain the businesses, the professionals, the services and the institutions that bring with them a

rising standard of living for everyone, good infrastructure must be in place. This highway project is a must. The condition of the current Highway 17 between Arnprior and Renfrew is deteriorating

rapidly as well, and must see rehabilitation soon.

Ministers, your government has repeatedly snubbed its nose at the needs of rural Ontario. Where is our share of the gas tax? Take this opportunity to right the

balance sheet a bit. In April 2004, Harrowsmith magazine named Renfrew county and the Ottawa Valley one of the 10 prettiest places to live in Canada. Build us a proper highway and let people

experience this beauty for themselves.

MATTAWA GENERAL HOSPITAL

Ms. Shelley Martel (Nickel Belt): It's been one year, eight months and 25 days since the Mattawa General Hospital submitted its request to this

government to go to tender for a new hospital, and still no reply.

It's hard to imagine a community that is in more need of a new hospital. The original hospital was built in 1902 and is used mainly as offices. Patient care is

delivered in wooden portables set up in 1967, when a fire forced a temporary fix until a new facility could be built. The list of building deficiencies is long: no sprinklers, an earth-floor

basement, perimeter heating only in patient rooms, an outdated electrical system, no ductwork for ventilation, etc.

Under these ridiculous circumstances, hospital staff are doing an amazing job, but they have had enough. On December 8, 2005, local ONA president Colleen

Hartwick wrote to Minister Smitherman and said, "Our facilities are completely inadequate and present very serious health and safety issues. We simply cannot fathom why your government continues to

allow this situation to continue for our members and the patients we serve."

On December 16, 2005, the chair of the hospital board also wrote to the health minister and said, "We wish to impress upon you the very serious patient and staff

safety issues which result from continued delay in replacing the existing facilities." Ms. Pierce asked for a meeting with the minister as soon as possible to try to get rapid approval for the

project. No meeting has occurred.

All the technical, architectural and engineering work for the new hospital has been done. The $5-million local share is in place. What is needed is some $9

million from the McGuinty Liberals and the green light to go to tender. It's time these decisions were made so that Mattawa can get the new hospital it deserves.

HOMELESSNESS

Mr. Khalil Ramal (London-Fanshawe): On Sunday, February 19, I and some members of my riding association had the privilege of visiting the men's

mission in London to help serve supper to residents. The men's mission provides shelter to homeless people, and when temperatures reach minus 18 with a wind chill, as they did that Sunday, homeless

shelters become necessary to those without a home. I would like to thank the dedicated staff at the men's mission for their ongoing commitment to providing those who are less fortunate with a place

to stay and helping them get back on their feet.

The McGuinty government has helped them through a 3% increase for homelessness programs and emergency shelters, and in 2004-05, the province spent over $154

million on homelessness initiatives.

Ontarians of all ages volunteer their time to a wide variety of organizations, but after the holiday season, when people get back to their daily routines,

volunteering is not always top of mind. But shelters need more volunteers all year round. I urge Ontarians to volunteer some of their time to a homeless shelter or other organization that provides

services to those less fortunate. If every Ontarian shared some of their time to help others, this province would be a happier, healthier and safer province for all to live in.

LOCAL HEALTH

INTEGRATION NETWORKS

Mrs. Elizabeth Witmer (Kitchener-Waterloo): Despite the McGuinty government's insistence that LHINs are all about giving local communities more

control over health care, there is growing concern and fear in rural Ontario that LHINs are definitely not local and in fact will destroy rural health care.

Hospitals in Wallaceburg, Strathroy and Newbury all face serious challenges with the creation of LHINs. Indeed, tonight in Glencoe, the Friends of Four Counties

Hospitals are hosting a forum entitled Take Back Your Hospital -- Your Voice Makes a Difference. They are presenting five recommendations that address, as they say, the "health care crisis in

Ontario's rural communities":

(1) Implement a rural hospital funding formula that guarantees the continued provision of all essential services at local rural community-based hospitals.

(2) Provide sufficient funding to keep in-patient beds in rural hospitals, ensuring that rural citizens receive care within their communities.

(3) Restore outpatient services in rural hospitals, eliminating unreasonable travel to already overburdened urban centres.

(4) Develop provincial health strategies that recognize the value of accessible health care to a rural community's economic viability.

(5) Establish integrated solutions amongst the ministries.

I urge this government to dispense with the --

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

ELMDALE PUBLIC SCHOOL

Mr. Richard Patten (Ottawa Centre): Elmdale Public School in my riding of Ottawa Centre has been named a recipient of the prestigious Ontario

Spirit Tsunami Award, and will be presented this award this afternoon by the Honourable Mike Colle, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. This outstanding recognition comes from a

fundraising challenge sparked by Sam Arnold, a grade 6 student at the school who wanted to do something to help those affected by the South Asian tsunami.

The ensuing city-wide campaign, which ultimately raised over $350,000 to support relief efforts, succeeded because Sam's challenge truly resonated with other

children. Students were asked to consider giving two weeks' allowance or some money received over the holidays, or to complete additional chores at home in order to earn funds to donate.

"This award is a tribute to the caring nature of our entire school community," says Paula Roy, past chair of the Elmdale school council and key organizer of the

campaign. "Not only did Elmdale's staff, students and parents contribute over $10,000 in just a few days, but many people also brought word of the project to their workplaces, giving the drive a

much broader reach. All the money raised qualified for matching funds from the federal government, so in effect, the campaign actually raised $700,000."

This is not the first time that Elmdale has taken the lead in disaster relief fundraising. In the late 1990s, another student-inspired campaign raised over

$1,200. Then, in the 9/11 tragedy, money was raised for this event, and $84,000 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Elmdale principal Erin Linnen says, "Part of our job in educating young people is to help prepare them for the future, and learning to help others is a lifelong

lesson."

So I say, on behalf of this House, kudos to everyone --

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

CANADIAN BASEBALL HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM

Mr. John Wilkinson (Perth-Middlesex): What do Fergie Jenkins, Gary Carter, Andre Dawson and even Jackie Robinson have in common? They have all

been inducted into the illustrious Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in beautiful St. Marys, located in my riding of Perth-Middlesex.

Now in its 24th season, the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum originally opened in Toronto in 1982. It moved to its current idyllic location in St. Marys

in 1994.

Ontario is no stranger to baseball. Ontario sluggers have over 57,000 at bats in the major leagues and compiled 14,698 hits, including 647 home runs. Our

pitchers, led by Chatham's Fergie Jenkins, won 1,179 major league games and struck out 7,822 batters. We have produced major leaguers as far north as Kapuskasing's Kirk McCaskill and as far south

as Windsor's Reno Bertoia.

In celebration of Ontario's rich baseball heritage, please join my co-hosts, John Yakabuski and Rosario Marchese, and me for a beer and chicken wings reception

in room 230 of the Legislature from 4:30 to 7:30 tonight and be on hand for the introduction of the 2006 induction class to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Confirmed celebrities for

tonight's reception include hall of fame members Jim Fanning, Fergie Jenkins and Don McDougall, as well as Toronto's own Rob Butler, the last Canadian to win a World Series ring, and many, many

more. Finally, I'd like to welcome Tom Valcke and Scott Crawford from the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum to the members' gallery. Mr. Speaker, play ball!

LOCAL HEALTH

INTEGRATION NETWORKS

Mr. Ernie Parsons (Prince Edward-Hastings): I rise to provide some context for the local health integration networks proposed in Bill 36. There

are a lot of rumours floating around about this legislation. Some suggest that the bill serves only to create bureaucracy and privatize health care. The rumours are, to put it generously,

misinformed. Their end result is to cast a shadow of fearmongering and misinformation over what is, in reality, some of the most progressive health policy ever introduced in Ontario.

LHINs are not about creating bureaucracy. Just the opposite, LHINs are about bringing health care policy to the ground level, about letting local health experts

take control of local health care decisions that affect local communities. Consider this: Health is a $33-billion budget. We, as legislators, have a duty to stop pretending we can best manage an

operation that large from one head office.

In response to the other rumour, I could not be more proud of our government's commitment to public health care. In fact, our government is the first to put this

commitment in writing, which we did in the Commitment to the Future of Medicare Act. LHINs are just one more example of the McGuinty government's commitment to accountable, transparent public

health care.

VISITORS

Mr. Tony Ruprecht (Davenport): We have in the gallery today a very prominent person from the Portuguese Canadian community: Mr. Manuel De

Paulos. Thank you for coming.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

HEART DEFIBRILLATOR USE

CIVIL LIABILITY ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006 SUR LA RESPONSABILITÉ

CIVILE DÉCOULANT DE L'USAGE

DE DÉFIBRILLATEURS CARDIAQUES

Mr. Crozier moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 71,

An Act to promote the use of automated external heart defibrillators / Projet de loi 71, Loi visant à promouvoir l'usage de

défibrillateurs cardiaques externes automatiques.

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

The member may make a brief statement.

Mr. Bruce Crozier (Essex): This bill, which I am proud to introduce today, aims to promote the use of automated external heart defibrillators by

ensuring that users of defibrillators and the owners and operators of premises in which they are installed are protected from civil liability. I hope this is a step toward saving lives in

Ontario.

HIGHWAY TRAFFIC AMENDMENT ACT

(BRANDON'S LAW), 2006 /

LOI BRANDON DE 2006

MODIFIANT LE CODE DE LA ROUTE

Mr. Parsons moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 72,

An Act to amend the Highway Traffic Act to require that all school buses be equipped with safety crossing arms / Projet de loi 72, Loi modifiant le

Code de la route pour exiger que tous les autobus scolaires soient pourvus d'une barrière de protection.

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. Ernie Parsons (Prince Edward-Hastings): School bus safety in this province is second to none. The record is exemplary. What we do know

from statistics, though, is that the most dangerous place for a student is outside of the bus, prior to getting on or having just gotten off the bus. There is currently legislation put through by

our government that I'm proud of, which requires that all new buses be equipped with crossing arms. These are arms that open up in front of the bus so that any student passing in front of the bus

can be seen by the bus driver. Unfortunately, there are still a significant number of buses without these crossing arms, so this bill will require that all buses in Ontario be retrofitted with

these crossing arms.

The

short title of this act is, the Highway Traffic Amendment Act (Brandon's Law), 2006, in memory of a student in Trenton who was tragically run over by his

own school bus.

MOTIONS

PRIVATE MEMBERS' PUBLIC BUSINESS

Hon. James J. Bradley (Minister of Tourism, minister responsible for seniors, Government House Leader): I seek unanimous consent to put

forward a motion without notice regarding private members' public business.

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

Hon. Mr. Bradley: I move that, notwithstanding standing order 96(d), the following change be made to the ballot list of private members'

public business: Mr. McMeekin and Mr. Brownell exchange places in order of precedence such that Mr. McMeekin assumes ballot item 68 and Mr. Brownell assumes ballot item 25.

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

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 Tuesday, February 28, 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

Balkissoon, Bas

Bentley, Christopher

Berardinetti, Lorenzo

Bradley, James J.

Bryant, Michael

Cansfield, Donna H.

Caplan, David

Crozier, Bruce

Delaney, Bob

Dhillon, Vic

Di Cocco, Caroline

Dombrowsky, Leona

Duguid, Brad

Flynn, Kevin Daniel

Fonseca, Peter

Gerretsen, John

Gravelle, Michael

Jeffrey, Linda

Kular, Kuldip

Levac, Dave

Marsales, Judy

Mauro, Bill

McMeekin, Ted

McNeely, Phil

Meilleur, Madeleine

Mitchell, Carol

Mossop, Jennifer F.

Parsons, Ernie

Patten, Richard

Peters, Steve

Peterson, Tim

Phillips, Gerry

Pupatello, Sandra

Racco, Mario G.

Ramal, Khalil

Ramsay, David

Rinaldi, Lou

Ruprecht, Tony

Sandals, Liz

Smith, Monique

Smitherman, George

Takhar, Harinder S.

Van Bommel, Maria

Watson, Jim

Wilkinson, John

Wong, Tony C.

Wynne, Kathleen O.

Zimmer, David

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

Nays

Arnott, Ted

Barrett, Toby

Bisson, Gilles

Dunlop, Garfield

Hardeman, Ernie

Horwath, Andrea

Hudak, Tim

Jackson, Cameron

Kormos, Peter

Marchese, Rosario

Martel, Shelley

Miller, Norm

Murdoch, Bill

O'Toole, John

Ouellette, Jerry J.

Runciman, Robert W.

Scott, Laurie

Sterling, Norman W.

Tascona, Joseph N.

Tory, John

Wilson, Jim

Witmer, Elizabeth

Yakabuski, John

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Claude L. DesRosiers): The ayes are 48; the nays are 23.

The Speaker: I declare the motion carried.

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY AND RESPONSES

GREENBELT

Hon. John Gerretsen (Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing): Today I'm pleased to speak about a most important anniversary. It was one

year ago today that our government announced Ontario's greenbelt plan.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): I need to be able to hear the minister. There's a little bit too much chatter in here.

Minister?

Hon. Mr. Gerretsen: I'm pleased to speak today about a most important anniversary. It was a year ago today that our government announced

Ontario's greenbelt plan. The greenbelt is a critical part of our government's plan for managing growth and building healthier communities. It is a lasting legacy for our children and future

generations.

The greenbelt plan preserves natural heritage and water resource systems. It protects prime agricultural and specialty crop areas such as those found in the

Holland Marsh and in the Niagara Peninsula. In fact, it provides permanent protection for approximately 1.8 million acres of environmentally sensitive and agricultural land.

When we started work on our greenbelt plan, we were determined to get it right. Our aim was to permanently protect land around the greater Golden Horseshoe,

from Rice Lake in the east to the Niagara Peninsula. We wanted to safeguard land in the midst of our country's most densely populated region. Many have told us during this last year that indeed we

did get it right.

The greenbelt provides an opportunity for farmers to be self-sustaining in crop production to feed Ontarians, raise livestock and grow the specialty crops that

are a signature of Ontario's fine agricultural reputation. The greenbelt helps retain and create hundreds of thousands of agricultural jobs ranging from assisting farmers in their fields to

technologically advanced food processing and crop research.

We have permanently protected more than 100,000 acres of the Niagara Peninsula's tender fruit and grape specialty crop area. As you know, the Niagara region is

unique in its ability to produce tender fruits and grapes.

Our greenbelt plan has the additional effect of supporting the Niagara area's growth as an international tourism destination, based on its outstanding wineries

and wines.

The greenbelt also provides opportunities for sport and recreation. These opportunities were expanded with the government's donation of over 500 acres of land

for the establishment of the Bob Hunter Memorial Park in the greenbelt's Rouge River watershed.

It also supports the rural communities that contribute so significantly to the Golden Horseshoe's quality of life. These towns, villages and hamlets within the

greenbelt provide economic, social and commercial benefits to the residents in the entire region. I'm proud that we've had the foresight to preserve and protect these unique communities.

The Greenbelt Council, chaired by Dr. Robert Elgie, has been established to provide us with expert advice on the implementation of the greenbelt. Among his

many accomplishments and responsibilities, Dr. Elgie is a former MPP who held a number of cabinet posts. He was also appointed a member of the Order of Canada in 2003. His commitment to his

community and his dedication to serving Ontarians are truly remarkable.

I am also pleased to announce that the Greenbelt Council has selected Howie Herrema as its vice-chair. Mr. Herrema is very familiar with the greenbelt plan,

since he is a member of the Uxbridge council and several agricultural organizations.

We are pleased to have the advice of the Greenbelt Council members, who come from a wide variety of backgrounds, truly reflecting the diverse nature of the

greenbelt.

Last February, we took a major step forward with the greenbelt to protect green space, natural resources and agricultural lands in the Golden Horseshoe. It is

a legacy that all of us can be most proud of. We will continue to build on it, to ensure that Ontario and Ontarians will offer a quality of life that is second to none, for generations to come.

Hon. James J. Bradley (Minister of Tourism, minister responsible for seniors, Government House Leader): I am pleased to rise today to mark the

first anniversary of our government's greenbelt legislation. As my colleague the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing has said, the greenbelt offers residents great natural beauty, provides

clean air and water, and protects lands that generate some of the highest-value agricultural products in the world, creating valuable benefits for Ontarians now and into the future.

Among those benefits is the enhancement of a vibrant tourism industry based on recreation, bed and breakfasts, agri-tourism and culinary tourism.

The governing council of the United Nations environment program recently reported that tourists worldwide are increasingly looking for more attractive and

unpolluted places. Tourists want to do more hiking, cycling and skiing in a natural setting. The greenbelt promotes recreation, sport and tourism with its extensive trail systems, open spaces and

parklands.

Recently, I attended a Ministry of Tourism seminar, one of three that provided tourist operators an opportunity to discuss how they can benefit from increased

business due to their location in the protected greenbelt area. As a result of their response, we will organize a greenbelt marketing committee to help greenbelt tourism operators reach their full

potential.

I am also pleased to say that the Greenbelt Foundation has begun accepting grant applications from non-profit groups for projects that support agriculture,

vibrant rural communities, tourism, recreation and environmental protection. The foundation grant program was designed after consultation with farmers, civic leaders, naturalists and community

groups to make it fit their needs. I understand the foundation has budgeted $5 million this year to support local initiatives.

The greenbelt is great news for our food security, our environment, our health and the tourism industry. It is a remarkable permanent legacy for our children

and all Ontario.

REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURY

Hon. Steve Peters (Minister of Labour): Today is International Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day. This day is recognized annually to

raise awareness of ergonomic-related issues.

These types of injuries are of major concern to workers in workplaces in this province. They are, though, not the type of injuries that show up in the news,

like falls off scaffolding or chemical explosions. They are common, everyday injuries like back pains and muscle strains. They are caused by repetitive, stressful or awkward movements on bones,

joints and ligaments. It is precisely because these injuries are so common, so everyday, that they are of such concern.

The health and safety of Ontario workers is our number one priority. Ergonomic-related injuries account for 42% of all lost-time injuries across the province.

These injuries are taking a tremendous toll, both in human and financial terms. They are the number one reason for lost-time injury claims reported by the WSIB. They result in huge direct and

indirect costs to employers, estimated at a staggering $12 billion over the past eight years, and they result in untold pain and suffering for Ontario workers.

Our government is acting to solve the problem. We recognize that progress is being made, but there is more work to be done. One year ago today, our government

marked RSI Awareness Day by forming an ergonomics advisory subcommittee to recommend ways to better protect Ontario workers. Made up of representatives from labour and management, the panel

examined best practices and policies for addressing this serious cause of injury. I want to thank the representatives for their hard work and their dedication.

In September, they submitted their initial report, and we are moving forward on that report. In January, I launched the government's Pains and Strains campaign

and announced that we are committed to addressing all of the Minister of Labour's specific recommendations. The campaign deals with such areas as awareness, education and prevention, as well as

improved training, more resource materials, increased expertise and better tracking of ergonomic-related injuries.

Almost everyone we talked to supports education and awareness as an important first step in prevention. The Ministry of Labour and the Workplace Safety and

Insurance Board worked together to develop an ergonomics tip sheet. It raises awareness of the importance of ergonomics in the workplace, and it provides facts, prevention tips and links to a

wealth of information.

As well, beginning in April of this year, ministry inspectors will focus on the basic risk factors during inspections of high-risk workplaces. This will happen

in the industrial and health care sectors. They will distribute copies of our tip sheets to these employees. At the same time, each organization's experience with ergonomic-related injuries will be

reviewed along with the preventative steps they have taken. This will help employers identify ergonomic risks and help to prevent them. Our inspectors will encourage employers, especially small and

medium-sized businesses, to connect with their safe work associations to implement inexpensive, cost-effective solutions. By doing so, we will enable these employers to take action to implement

solutions.

We believe a safe workplace is a good workplace and that it just makes good business sense. Frankly, healthier workplaces make for healthier bottom lines. Here

in Ontario, we are creating a corporate culture that makes workplace health and safety a top priority.

Our long-term plan, which will be carried out over the next 18 months, includes more enhanced ergonomic training for inspectors. The training will allow them

to actively look for and better recognize ergonomic hazards as part of an inspection. This will ensure that if employers have not taken action, our inspectors will have the knowledge to better

enforce the employer's obligation with respect to ergonomics. Ontario workers will be protected.

I am pleased to tell the members about the next phase in the government's Pains and Strains campaign to support our education and awareness focus. Today, we

are launching a new

section of the ministry's website, dedicated entirely to ergonomics. The website supports the Pains and Strains campaign by providing simple, straightforward information to

employers and to workers. The sometimes technical nature of ergonomic-related terminology is written in plain language so that it's easy to understand by the audience.

Last week, I had the privilege of meeting once again with the ergonomics subcommittee. As part of their initial discussions, the panel was unable to agree

whether or not an ergonomics regulation was necessary. They committed to going back and taking a closer look at the issue, and I now have that report. I want to thank the members of the

subcommittee for their hard work and thoughtfulness. We are now in the process of reviewing that report. I will be meeting with the committee once again in March to discuss their deliberations. In

the meantime, though, we plan to move forward with our plan.

We are working to end the suffering that these types of injuries create for Ontario workers. We are working to reduce the financial burden that these types of

injuries create for employers. We will continue to work with our health and safety partners to provide more information and better resources. We will make sure that the necessary technical and

field support are in place to support our work. Our inspectors will have the knowledge to better enforce the employer's obligation with respect to ergonomics.

If we work together, we can achieve our goal of safer workplaces in the province of Ontario. We are going to continue to move forward on fulfilling our plan to

protect Ontario workers.

SMOKE ALARMS

Hon. Monte Kwinter (Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services): I rise today to speak to the issue of new smoke alarm

requirements in Ontario. Many Ontarians owe their lives to courage and exceptional bravery demonstrated by the thousands of our career and volunteer firefighters. Day in and day out, they put their

lives on the line. Their superb efforts to protect us from the ravages of fire make Ontario one of the safest jurisdictions in North America. But we, as individuals, homeowners and tenants, have

the means to reduce even further the risk of loss from a disastrous fire.

Experience shows that smoke alarms can give occupants the precious seconds they need to escape a fire, provided there are enough working smoke alarms in the

home. It is a fact that most fatal fires occur at night when everyone is asleep. Many people are alive today because they have working smoke alarms. We need to get this message out to all

Ontarians: Smoke alarms save lives.

Previously, the Ontario fire code required that smoke alarms be installed and maintained between sleeping areas and the remainder of the home. I'm pleased to

announce that effective tomorrow, March 1, 2006, in addition to existing requirements, a smoke alarm must be installed on every storey of a home, including those floors that do not have a sleeping

area. We have amended the Ontario fire code to make this change. We're doing this to save lives. It's just that simple.

Statistics show that there was no smoke alarm warning in approximately half of all fatal fires in Ontario over the last 10 years, and that is simply not

acceptable. By having smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas, occupants will be alerted earlier to a fire, greatly increasing their chances of getting out safely. More working

smoke alarms also mean that firefighters will not have to risk their lives as often in attempting to extinguish out-of-control fires. By making smoke alarms mandatory on every storey of a home and

outside sleeping areas, we can reduce the number of such tragedies in Ontario.

Municipal fire departments across Ontario are aware of the new smoke alarm requirements and will be enforcing them. They are also working very hard to increase

public education efforts to encourage homeowner compliance.

Smoke alarms are inexpensive. Additional smoke alarms can be purchased for less than $10 each. That's a small price to pay to keep our loved ones safe.

In 2005, Ontario's fire death rate was the lowest in history. The partnership between the Office of the Fire Marshal and the Ontario fire service has

contributed to this continued decline in our fire statistics. The decline is also a strong indicator that the three lines of defence -- fire prevention and public education, emergency response and

fire code enforcement -- produce results.

We hope that the new smoke alarm requirements will improve these statistics and make our communities safer. Our goal is to make sure that every home in Ontario

has a working smoke alarm on every storey. This small change to the fire code will go a long way to saving more lives in Ontario. It is a reflection of our commitment to building stronger, safer

communities in the province of Ontario.

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

Mr. Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North): I'm very pleased today to respond to the announcement by the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional

Services. Certainly our caucus, and I hope every member of this House, would agree that smoke alarms save lives. If some of the regulations have to be tightened up in the building code or in any

other code, we want to make sure that that is done. It's very similar to the education we've done with the general public on things like drinking and driving, the use of airbags in cars, the safety

of seatbelts and safety seats for young children. We have a responsibility, and I think it's a positive step.

If I could say one thing as we go down the road of smoke alarms, I'd like to pay special tribute to the four fire departments in the west end of my riding --

the Penetanguishene, Midland, Tiny township and Tay township fire services -- that came up with a very unique idea called the safe babies program. What that meant was a smoke alarm for every baby.

Those four fire departments went together and made sure that for every new baby born in the Huronia District Hospital in Midland, there was a smoke detector in each and every baby's bedroom. That

might be an area where we could go even one step further. As we go down that road, maybe we should have smoke alarms in every bedroom in every home in the province. These four fire services went

together on this step, and I think it was a very positive step.

I wanted to also add that one of the partners in that program was the Central North Correctional Centre, which actually purchased smoke alarms for all of these

families that were having new babies in the area.

I thank the minister for making this announcement today. I hope that every member of this House would be very supportive of any law that makes it better for

our young children.

Mr. Speaker, while I have the floor, if I may, I have a couple down today from my riding and I'd like to point out that they're here. Jen and Andrew Hill are

in the audience.

Mr. Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): And what does Jen do?

Mr. Dunlop: You won't believe this, everybody, but Jen is the federal NDP candidate in the riding of Simcoe North. I welcome Jen and Andrew

here today.

That's all I have to say on this. We do appreciate and support stronger rules on fire safety.

GREENBELT

Mr. Tim Hudak (Erie-Lincoln): I'm pleased to respond with respect to the Greenbelt Act. I would say, with all due respect, that to bring

forward a law -- and the government, by their majority, can pass a law. But it takes real leadership to make it a success and to implement that law. I would point out, for example, that the Bill

Davis government brought forward the Niagara Escarpment Commission Act with a plan to make it work, and based on science. I would point out it was the Mike Harris government that brought forward

the Living Legacy program based on science, with a plan and funds to make it work. It was the Ernie Eves government that brought forward the Oak Ridges moraine plan with funding and a plan to make

it work. So I stand proudly on the record of Progressive Conservative governments over the last couple of decades in making green initiatives work.

What have we seen in the past year, however? I know the Minister of Tourism sent signals over to that Greenbelt Foundation to get them off their plush leather

chairs in that swanky office in Yorkville, the most expensive real estate in the city of Toronto. Twenty-five million dollars has been dedicated to the Greenbelt Foundation. All that we've seen so

far is a couple of million dollars that have been given for contracts to Liberal-friendly advertising firms for somewhat annoying advertisements, polling and for these swanky offices in downtown

Toronto. So I'm pleased to see that the Minister of Tourism has pushed them back and they'll finally start investing in worthy projects.

I don't want to dwell on it, but let's look over the past year. Who can forget the greenbelt map that included a cemetery and a garbage dump as tender fruit

land? Who can forget the greenbelt map that cut the Beverly marsh in half, but put already serviced land in Grimsby as part of the protected area? Who can forget the fundraiser at the swanky

Sorbara estate, where the Premier allegedly made promises to developers on the greenbelt? Who can forget the cuts in municipal funding to greenbelt municipalities like Pelham, Grimsby, Lincoln and

Niagara-on-the-Lake while their growth has been frozen? And who can forget a Minister of Municipal Affairs hounded by reporters, trying to explain the science? I think at the end of the day he did

admit -- I hope it was political science -- the reality. This has been an inauspicious year. It's been the year of the greenbotch. Let's hope they do much better in the time ahead.

SMOKE ALARMS

Mr. Gilles Bisson (Timmins-James Bay): It's interesting that the government brings forward a bill to deal with smoke detectors. I support, I

think with all other members, the initiative to expand the use of those. But I remind the minister that we had two gentlemen die in a fire in the local jail in Kashechewan, where there was no fire

suppression, no fire detection systems whatsoever.

I asked the minister across the way the simple question: Why is it that we have jails in the Nishnawbe-Aski region that don't have the same standards as those

that are situated here or in any other community in Ontario? Why is it that a jail in Timmins or a jail in Toronto or a jail in Belleville is very clearly identified as having to have a fire

suppression system and has to meet certain standards, but because those jails happen to be situated on First Nations lands, we don't have to follow any of those regulations?

So I say to the government across the way, your initiative is a good thing to bring forward, but it doesn't deal with the issues that are facing people in

First Nations communities. Maybe you should start dealing with those issues so that in the future we can save some lives.

REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURY

Mr. Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): To the Minister of Labour: New Democrats find it very, very strange that you would stand once again

recognizing an International Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day; furthermore, acknowledging that ergonomic-related injuries account for 42% of all lost-time injuries, that they are the number

one reason for lost-time injury claims reported to WSIB, that they result in huge costs to employers and that they result in untold pain and suffering for workers. And what do you have for those

workers? You've got a website.

Let me tell you, Minister: Those workers don't need to be educated about what repetitive strain injuries do to them, their futures and their families; those

workers don't have to be told what repetitive strain injuries do to them in terms of creating permanent disabilities, preventing them from ever working again in a workplace and subjecting them to a

WSIB regime that causes them to live out the rest of their lives in poverty.

It is criminal that when the evidence is in, when the facts are clear, when other jurisdictions -- British Columbia, Saskatchewan, European jurisdictions --

have clear ergonomic regulations that have prevented these types injuries, you would continue to drag your heels.

You talk about a committee that's divided. We know where that divide is. You chose to park yourself firmly and clearly with the bosses and ignore the workers

and their injuries in the process.

This isn't a matter of any more consultation, Minister of Labour. This is a matter of providing leadership and acknowledging that the recommendations that have

been made clear about the need for ergonomic regulations would in fact provide respite, some comfort and some relief for these workers, who stand to have a greater likelihood of repetitive strain

injury than not.

You've been the recipient of any number of letters, hundreds of them, and I've got copies for you here. Page, come on over here. Let the Minister of Labour

read these, if he hasn't read them yet: letters to you, Minister, from injured workers across this province explaining that ergonomics are very important if we're going to prevent musculoskeletal

injuries from occurring among workers in Ontario.

"These strains and sprains injuries represent more than 40% of lost-time injuries" here in this province.

"Voluntary approaches to protection from musculoskeletal injury," which is what you're advocating, "have not worked. In our province, the rate of strains and

sprains injuries in relation to all other workers' compensation claims has been the same over the last eight years.

"British Columbia, Saskatchewan and many European and other countries have ergonomics regulations in effect. Why shouldn't Ontario workers have the same

protection?" I echo that request: Why shouldn't Ontario workers have that same protection?

"Ontario has many important occupational health and safety regulations to protect workers yet has no ergonomics regulation to protect Ontario workers. The time

for an ergonomics regulation is now."

These people are pleading with you to demonstrate leadership, to demonstrate your commitment, however modest and temporary, to workers and their interests, and

to implement ergonomics regulations now. The question to be put by these workers to you is, just whose back pocket are you in that prevents you from taking that action to protect these workers from

those injuries?

Interruption.

The Speaker: Order. I would remind our guests that we're very happy to have you with us, but any demonstrations within the chamber are not

permitted.

VISITORS

Mr. Bill Mauro (Thunder Bay-Atikokan): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: I would like to take a minute to introduce to the Legislature,

visiting from Thunder Bay, the home of Eric Staal -- who was inexplicably left on the taxi squad in Turin -- the mayor, Lynn Peterson, and the CAO, Mr. Bob Petrie.

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

ORAL QUESTIONS

LOCAL HEALTH

INTEGRATION NETWORKS

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): My question is for the Premier. Over the past several months, our party has asked you and your

Minister of Health fairly detailed questions about your LHINs legislation. In our last exchange, I think the people of Ontario were left with a very mistaken impression by you about the vast powers

of centralization this bill gives to your minister: the power to merge and close hospitals, the power to shut down services in hospitals and the power to transfer charitable gifts -- no oversight,

no hearing, no nothing. Why are you spending $160 million on another layer of bureaucracy which will essentially be rendered completely powerless by the vast new powers being given to your

minister? Why are you doing that?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): I'm pleased to have the opportunity to speak to this issue again and to

help the leader of the official opposition better understand what it is that we are doing here.

Specifically with respect to the issue of ministerial powers, I think it's important for the leader as well as Ontarians to understand that those powers are

not to be exercised unless and until the minister receives advice in that direction from the local community. This represents an incredible transformation. What it does is it gives the local health

integration network, that committee, unprecedented authority to have influence with respect to the delivery of health care in the community by giving advice to the minister in this regard. So the

minister looks forward, as he has already done, to continuing to work with those local health integration network committees.

Mr. Tory: The Premier's answer is not in accordance with the facts. If you look, for example, at

section 30 of the bill with regard to

charitable gifts, it says specifically that there is no consultation with anybody, not even the poor old donor who gave the money. The minister can just issue an order transferring a charitable

gift to another hospital. In the case of the other things, the merging and closing of hospitals and the shutting down of services, it says that he has to get the advice of the LHINs; he doesn't

have to follow it. As the leader of the third party pointed out yesterday, these are all people you put there anyway.

You brought in the largest tax hike in Ontario's history under the guise of improving health care. I had a chance to see some of this so-called improvement

when I was at the Peterborough hospital. I can tell you that at the Peterborough hospital they're thinking about furniture, but they're thinking about hospital beds, not new desks for bureaucrats.

Why are you wasting this health tax money on centralizing power, buying new furniture and putting together new offices for expensive bureaucrats? Why would you do that to the people of Ontario and

waste their money when they're looking for hospital beds, not bureaucratic --

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): The question has been asked. Premier?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: I really fail to understand the leader of the official opposition's confidence in Ontario communities. What he is

effectively saying throughout all of the criticism that he's levelled at our government in connection with local health integration networks is that he doesn't trust local communities to have

influence for the first time in a real way when it comes to the delivery of health care in their community. We see things differently.

He would take over $2 billion out of Ontarians' health care. We have increased funding for health care. Also, as an expression of our confidence in local

communities, we're saying to those communities that we're going to put in place 14 local health integration networks, and for the first time in the history of this province, you will have a real

say in how health care is delivered in your community. We think that is progressive. We think that's a step forward. And we think it finally recognizes that when it comes to health care, nobody

should be more influential than Ontarians themselves.

Mr. Tory: I say to the Premier, if you really meant a word you said, you would be saying that the local people, whose advice you say you value

so much, would get to make these decisions, subject to a veto by the minister, instead of simply having the minister ask for their advice and then proceed to issue an order regardless of what they

say.

On my visit to Peterborough, I made another visit. I decided to visit the LHIN responsible for Peterborough on the way back. It's in Ajax, an hour away from

Peterborough. I was going to talk to them about patients lying on stretchers in the hallways of the Peterborough hospital. The doors were locked; the lights were out. All you could see through the

door was all the new furniture. All the other businesses on that floor were staffed and open.

If the minister is not going to exercise these new powers to close hospitals, merge them, shut down services or transfer charitable gifts, why do you have to

give him these powers if you're really trying to place that responsibility with the local people? Why does he need those powers if he's not going to use them? Why?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: Again, so Ontarians are clear as to where we're moving on this front, overall the number of positions will in fact be

reduced as a result of this local health integration network strategy.

With respect to new furniture, it is quite true that some new furniture has been acquired. But I can tell you, it's going into boardrooms where, for the very

first time, decision-making will be subject to the light of day at the local level. The leader of the official opposition says, let's make those decisions in downtown Toronto in some office tower,

remote and far removed from Ontarians. Again, what I think this boils down to fundamentally is that I have confidence in the people of Ontario at the community level to lend good and positive shape

to the quality of health care they receive. The leader of the official opposition hearkens back to a bygone era. He wants all those decisions to be made in some office tower in downtown Toronto. We

see things differently.

MINISTERIAL CONDUCT

Mr. Jim Wilson (Simcoe-Grey): My question is for the Minister of Transportation. In the Integrity Commissioner's report on page 2, when

referring to Chalmers Group you said, "I was never actually involved in this business, ever." And again, on page 17, "I had no involvement...." Yet, Minister, in Hansard on February 16, just two

weeks ago, Minister Pupatello told this Legislature how well she got to know you when she recruited you to be a candidate for the Liberal Party and how she had a very good window to watch you and

see you. She said three times during that debate that the Chalmers Group of companies was your second home. Minister, having someone describe Chalmers as your second home doesn't jibe with your

sworn statement. We also have a letter from a former Peel school board employee who says he saw you at the Chalmers Group headquarters dozens of times.

Which is it, Minister? You told the Integrity Commissioner you had no involvement, yet Minister Pupatello says it was your second home and it was the empire

you built. Who's telling the truth here, Minister?

Hon. Harinder S. Takhar (Minister of Transportation): The Leader of the Opposition made some accusations to the Integrity Commissioner, and

the Integrity Commissioner has ruled on that. I have said in this House that I accept his report entirely. That issue has been dealt with.

Mr. Wilson: Your campaign literature here says that you were the president and CEO of these companies. You now say that's not true. You

accepted awards from the Mississauga Board of Trade, the chamber of commerce, the New Pioneer Award. Your ministry website brags about how wonderful you were at Chalmers. Now you say that's not

true, that you hardly went there. Minister, here's a picture of you inside your factory, taken in 2001, and I'll send that over to you, a place you say you were, quote, "never involved in." The

same

article says you oversaw three additional companies. Now you say this isn't true.

Minister, when it suits you, you oversee this company. You brag about it during your campaign and you accept awards for the Chalmers Group, but the Integrity

Commissioner is told an entirely different story. Can you tell us which one of the many stories you have woven is actually the truth?

Hon. Mr. Takhar: I think the party on that side is becoming desperate. Let me say this: I always said, that I had a majority shareholding in

this company. I always said I held the title of president and CEO of this company -- always maintained that. Every document will show that. Now they are trying to recreate what has already been

dealt with by the Integrity Commissioner. I think they need to move on. I am moving on. I am proud of the work that company did when I was the president and CEO of that company, and I can take some

credit for that.

Mr. Wilson: Minister, you spent a great deal of time telling the Integrity Commissioner that you really had nothing to do with that company.

Why would you need a parking spot there full-time, then, if you really had nothing to do with that company and your wife ran it all? The evidence you've given the Integrity Commissioner seems to be

in doubt. He's dubious about it, I'm dubious about it and I think the people of Ontario are dubious about it. You were reckless and negligent in your dealings with your company, and you're now

reckless and negligent with the truth. Minister, I give you one more opportunity: Why don't you tell the people the truth in this matter? Clear your conscience, come clean with the people of

Ontario, something you have yet to do in this matter.

Hon. Mr. Takhar: All these issues have been totally dealt with by the Integrity Commissioner and I accept his report entirely. That is the end

from my point of view, and I'm moving on to do my job and focus on my job.

LOCAL HEALTH

INTEGRATION NETWORKS

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): My question is for the Premier, and it's about the Premier who promised a more democratic Ontario but

who is breaking that promise yet once again today. I'm talking about your LHINs bill, Premier. We know that people across Ontario have very serious concerns about your LHINs bill and what it will

do to patient care. People across Ontario want more debate, not less. They want more discussion, not less. But instead of listening to them, you have brought in a motion to choke off debate and

discussion, a guillotine motion that will shut debate down. Premier, when you were in opposition, you said cutting off debate "diminished our democratic institutions." Can you tell us what's

different now?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): I'm pleased to take the question. I want to remind the leader of the NDP

that the announcement on the part of our government concerning LHINs was first made on 6 October 2004. I have a copy of the release that was put out on that date. We have, since that time,

introduced a bill. By the way, back then we announced the first in a series of ongoing bulletins to keep the stakeholders and the public informed, and we set up -- and I think this is without

precedent -- a LHIN website so that people could always stay informed.

Beyond that, the bill was introduced; we've had five days of debate, 10 days of committee hearings, and 56 amendments were adopted, 10 from the opposition,

including some from the NDP themselves. So we think we've had a very good opportunity, as have Ontarians, to thoroughly consider the implications of this legislation, and we look forward to moving

ahead.

Mr. Hampton: The Premier wants to pretend that this bill has had a lot of debate. Premier, you introduced this bill on November 24. Do you

remember that? That was about when the federal election was called, and all eyes were focused elsewhere. You had second reading debate during the federal election, when all eyes were focused

elsewhere. You limited public hearings to only seven days on a bill that will centralize power over local health services in the hands of the Minister of Health and will allow him to order the

transfer, order the shutdown, order the privatization of important health and hospital services.

Premier, you used to say that we should have debate and discussion about these important issues. Can you tell the people of Ontario now why you introduced this

bill at a time when all eyes were focused on a federal election, and why now you're bringing in a guillotine order to shut down debate and ram it through?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: I'm not sure about the leader of the NDP, but I am confident that Ontarians can manage federal issues and provincial

issues, that they can cope with an ongoing federal campaign at the same time as they pay attention to provincial government initiatives.

Again, we've had five days of debate so far on this. Today will be the sixth. We've had 10 days of committee hearings, all kinds of amendments introduced, many

of which have been adopted. This idea was first broached in an official way by our government back in 2004. Beyond that, there have been workshops in each and every LHIN, involving over 4,000

people from a variety of backgrounds. So we think we've given all kinds of opportunity to Ontarians who are interested in this issue to provide us with their very best advice, and much of that

advice had been incorporated in the legislation itself. Again, we look forward to moving on.

Mr. Hampton: Premier, just some of the measures included in your LHINs bill: You will set up LHIN boards and LHIN areas in northern Ontario

that are larger than most European countries, yet you call this local decision-making about health care; you will give the Minister of Health the authority to order the privatization, for example,

of things like hospital cleaning and hospital food services, which directly impact patient care; and you want to do this at a time when the public has spent most of the last eight or nine weeks

focused on events in Ottawa.

Premier, do you really think that's fair to the people of Ontario? Do you really think it's fair to ram through a bill that really hasn't had the kind of

public attention, public debate and media coverage that health care issues deserve? Do you really think that's fair, Premier?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: What I believe to be unfair is when the leader of the NDP needlessly frightens Ontarians. I think we have a shared

responsibility here to talk about the facts as they exist. The leader of the NDP says that this somehow represents some kind of a conspiracy to introduce more private delivery of health care. I

want to remind Ontarians that this is the same Mr. Hampton whose government privatized services at the following hospitals: St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital in 1993, the Trillium Health Centre in

1994, the Halton health care centre in 1992 and the Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital in 1991.

I am proud to say that on our watch, as a result of investments we have made, there are now 13,000 more people working in health care in the province of

Ontario. If anybody is committed to better health care for more Ontarians, it's this government.

ENERGY CONSERVATION

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): I wonder what the Premier fears from more democratic debate.

Premier, in December, when the Ontario Power Authority released its $40-billion scheme for more nuclear power plants, you promised "a full, open and public

debate." Instead of a full, open, public debate, what we've seen is an attempt at a sales job by your government.

Today, a report by the Sierra Club says that there are serious data gaps in the Ontario Power Authority's supply mix report that bias the report against energy

conservation and against energy efficiency. Before you try to ram through your $40-billion nuclear boondoggle, will you instruct the Ontario Power Authority to go back, do its homework and present

a fair and balanced report that looks seriously at energy efficiency and energy conservation targets?

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

Hon. Donna H. Cansfield (Minister of Energy): Thank you for the question. We received the report from the Ontario Power Authority after they

had invested seven months and dealt with many stakeholders over a long period of time, engaging also the Sierra Club and the Pembina Institute, in addition to individuals who wished to participate.

That then came to us and we posted it on the Environmental Bill of Rights website. We actually extended the date. We've done 12 cities. We have participated in putting out a new brochure where

every Ontarian will have the opportunity to speak with some anonymity around what they see the future of electricity and power will be in this province. And then we will put together some

recommendations that will go forward to the Ontario Power Authority, which, in turn, will develop an integrated supply plan. That plan will then go to the Ontario Energy Board.

The Ontario Energy Board will take anywhere from six months to a year to look at prudent and responsible measures with that plan. Then each project will

undergo whatever is required --

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

Mr. Hampton: I think the Premier didn't want to answer the question and the minister failed to answer the question.

This is a quote from the Ontario Power Authority report, and they admit what the Sierra Club has charged: "The first requested recommendation is for

conservation targets for the long term." Then they say, "The Ontario Power Authority is not in a position to recommend long-term conservation targets at this time." This report doesn't even answer

one of the principal demands that was placed upon it by the McGuinty government.

The Sierra Club is simply suggesting: Send it back to the Ontario Power Authority and instruct them to answer the demand. What do they recommend as long-term

energy conservation and energy efficiency targets? Don't just try to sell the public on a $40-billion nuclear mega-scheme.

Hon. Mrs. Cansfield: Actually, the member just made some huge assumptions. The Ontario Power Authority is one set of recommendations. We have

been listening to Ontarians right across this province. We haven't finished. As a matter of fact, Ms. May is coming in to see me very shortly, and it will be about the fourth time she has been in

to see me, along with Pembina, along with Greenpeace and many other individuals who still choose to.

It is the collective that will ultimately help us make decisions as we move forward and make determinations on what is in the best interests of the people of

Ontario. Then there still will be a very fulsome process that people will have an opportunity to continue to consult and engage their opinions in.

I believe that we have put in place a process that is inclusive, that encourages participation, unlike a previous government that actually cancelled

consultation on conservation, or another government that chose to sell everything and didn't need to do any consultation because the private sector would pick up everything.

So we have put together a very comprehensive approach --

The Speaker: Thank you. Final supplementary?

Mr. Hampton: Premier, you may be happy with the report that the Sierra Club says is biased in favour of mega-nuclear power and is biased

against energy efficiency and conservation, but I think it's pretty clear that people across Ontario want a fair and balanced report; they want consideration of energy efficiency and energy

conservation.

My question to the Premier is, are you simply going to allow the Ontario Power Authority to say, in response to your government's demand, "Oh, we're not going

to set energy conservation and energy efficiency targets. We're not going to do that; we're simply going to go straight for nuclear power"? Do you think it's an acceptable response to the people of

Ontario, to allow that kind of report, which the Sierra Club says is clearly biased and unbalanced in favour of nuclear power and against energy efficiency and energy conservation?

Hon. Mrs. Cansfield: May I reiterate -- obviously the member didn't understand. How about, no?

MURDER INVESTIGATION

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): My question is to the Premier. Given that the two victims involved were both from Ontario, I wonder,

by offering to help Ottawa or doing things on your own, what has your government done to assist on the investigation and getting to the bottom of the recent murders that took place in Mexico?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): I was asked about this this morning by members of the media and indicated

that, on behalf of Ontarians, our expectation is that all authorities will co-operate to the fullest extent possible in order to ensure that the investigation is nothing less than absolutely

thorough. We stand at the ready. If there's any role that we can play, any role whatsoever, if we can be of any assistance in any regard, we are more than prepared to do so.

Mr. Tory: I appreciate that answer, because there seem to be a lot of unanswered questions about this and concerns that haven't yet been fully

satisfied.

I wonder, beyond indicating to the press and here in this Legislature that you would offer any assistance, has there been even a phone call made to Ottawa or a

consultation between the Minister of the Attorney General and the foreign affairs department? I think there are Ontario residents who are concerned about this, both because there are two Ontario

residents who are involved who were the victims, but also because there are a lot of Ontarians who are planning to travel in the next few weeks. I just think it's the kind of thing that, when they

see these things in the news media, they worry about. I think anything we could do to be of help to whoever is leading the charge is something we should do. Have we made a proactive offer of

assistance to Ottawa in this regard?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: Speaker, I think the Attorney General has something to say.

Hon. Michael Bryant (Attorney General): Yes, we have. We want to be able to assist the victims' families in any way, shape or form, so the

Ontario Victim Services Secretariat has contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs and the justice ministries to indicate that if there is any way that the Ontario government can assist victims or

victims' families, of course we want to do that.

Obviously, our government offers condolences to the families. If there's any way that we can provide additional assistance, we'd accept any suggestions from

the official opposition and the third party, as all of us want to do everything we can to assist victims and, if in any way, assist the federal government as the foreign affairs department and the

justice ministries continue to handle this.

TUITION

Mr. Rosario Marchese (Trinity-Spadina): To Mr. Bentley, the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities: Before the last election,

Monsieur McGuinty and many other Liberal MPPs ranted and raved about the high cost of education for college and university students. Now you're planning on imposing yet another round of tuition

hikes on students and their families.

At first you denied it; you promised to consult. But then, before consultations even began, the Premier announced that there would be no discussion. Minister,

the cost of education in Ontario has risen by 139% in the last decade. Why are you adding to the cost?

Hon. Christopher Bentley (Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities): I don't know why you go back just 10 years, because of course you

started that when the NDP promised a freeze in 1990 and increased fees by 50%. That's part of the legacy. A part of the legacy is, since 1990, rapidly increasing fees, little government investment

-- in some years, disinvestment -- and no improvements to student aid. What we said was that we'd freeze fees for two years while we assessed the needs.

The Rae review assessed the needs. We would make substantial investments in post-secondary education to support the education of students -- that's the extra

$6.2 billion in assistance for post-secondary education and skills training -- and we would substantially improve student assistance for the many students who were ignored by the NDP or the party

opposite during the previous years. That is $1.5 billion. We made the first improvements this year, and there's more to do. And now we bring in a student tuition framework that will improve both

access and quality.

Mr. Marchese: Mr. Bentley claims that high costs are no barrier to education. When I talk to parents and students, they feel differently. When

they see that medical school tuition fees at the University of Toronto --

Interjections.

Mr. Marchese: Speaker, you've got to help. These people are --

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Stop the clock. Order. I need to be able to hear the member for Trinity-Spadina, and he needs to be able

to ask his question without undue assistance. The member from Trinity-Spadina.

Mr. Marchese: When students see that medical school tuition fees at the University of Toronto are over $16,000 a year, they see a barrier.

When they see law school tuition rising to $22,000 a year, they see a barrier. I see a barrier. Students and parents have made it clear that the high cost of education prevents people from getting

the education they need.

Minister, I've tabled a bill, Bill 12, that would freeze tuition fees until the next election. If you're confident that higher tuition fees would help

students, why not put it to the people in 2007? Will you do that?

Hon. Mr. Bentley: So much passion for people in opposition, so little when they had a chance in government. A 50% increase in fees, and what

did they say to the poorest students from the poorest families? They took away the upfront grants for tuition. We restored them this year -- 32,000.

Did they improve student assistance? Not a penny. We've made improvements benefiting 135,000 students in this year alone.

Did they invest in the quality of their education? Not at all. In the last two years they took money away from students.

Our approach is different. We won't support the type of approach the NDP took. We'll support a different approach: Improve the quality of education through

investments, improve access for the students who need it with improvements to student assistance; bring down the barriers for disadvantaged groups, such as first generation students; and come up

with a tuition framework that actually improves quality and access. That's the right approach, and that's our direction.

LOCAL HEALTH

INTEGRATION NETWORKS

Ms. Kathleen O. Wynne (Don Valley West): My question is for the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. I know that any time there's change on

the horizon, people get a little concerned. When I was travelling with the standing committee on social policy, my colleagues and I heard from a lot of people who were very worked up. They were

concerned about how LHINs would affect them personally, and they seemed to be concerned because they were the victims of a sustained campaign that some parties have put in place that was saying

things like, "LHINs will result in massive job losses," and health care workers being stripped of their pay and benefits.

Minister, we've worked very hard on this side of the House to establish a track record of fairness and even-handedness in labour relations. Can you please tell

me how Bill 36 addresses the concerns of employees in the health sector?

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): I want to thank the honourable member for the work that she and all others did

on the standing committee. It was a challenging task, and we're very grateful for it.

I think it is fair to say that our health care community is still rocked somewhat, if you will, from the work of the Tory legacy, the Harris-Eves days, when

there were meaningful cuts to health care. Change is never easy, and we recognize that. But I think it is important to keep in context that, under our government, there are 13,000 additional people

working in service to Ontarians in the delivery of health care.

On the matter specifically related to labour, we know that in an environment where we have a quarter of a million employees and thousands of various health

care providers there will be opportunities to enhance service delivery. Accordingly, we got advice from unions themselves that Bill 36, the Public Sector Labour Relations Transition Act, known as

PSLRTA to those who are very familiar, will help to cover health integration. We took that advice. And various presenters also brought us recommendations that we include a provision to require

employers to develop a human resources adjustment plan. Any time there is a possible impact on employees --

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Thank you. There may be a supplementary. Supplementary?

Ms. Wynne: Indeed, Minister, the request for that human resources plan did come to us a number of times and it was one of the amendments I was

happy to see that we brought forward.

Years of firing nurses and shutting hospital beds under the previous government sapped the morale of those working in health services. They're eager that the

government move quickly to improve working conditions for those who dedicate their lives to health care. Can you tell me what we're doing to ensure that Ontario is once again the destination of

choice for those interested in establishing a career in health?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: We do think that it's a crucial responsibility of government to create, especially in this competitive environment

related to health human resources, a circumstance where Ontario is a preferred destination, where people want to work in our health sectors. A significant part of our initiatives have been designed

to stabilize funding for our hospitals; as an example, to give them a better capacity to plan and take advantage of the opportunity to make those environments ones that are more welcoming for their

employees and to make progress on the key challenge of having 70% full-time nurses. We've worked hard, as Doris Grinspun from the registered nurses' association recently acknowledged, by increasing

employment in nursing by more than 4,400 full-time nurses. This is evidence of the work we've been doing in addition to the 13,000 employees that we've mentioned have already been added.

I would want to say to the honourable member, and indeed to all members, that forthcoming shortly from Dr. Josh Tepper, our new assistant deputy minister for

health human resources, will be a strategy that seeks to take Ontario even further. We know that we've made some good progress, but there is, of course, more to be done. We're restless to get

there, and we'll be doing that alongside our --

The Speaker: Thank you. New question.

MINISTERIAL CONDUCT

Mr. Tim Hudak (Erie-Lincoln): A question to the Minister of Transportation: As a general rule, if a minister gives false statements in a sworn

affidavit, should he or she resign from their cabinet post?

Hon. Harinder S. Takhar (Minister of Transportation): From my point of view, all the issues have been looked at by the Integrity Commissioner.

I have made the statement that I made to the Integrity Commissioner, we discussed it with him and the case is over.

Mr. Hudak: It's just a simple yes or no question to the minister. I simply asked the minister, if it was found that a minister had given false

statements in a sworn affidavit, should that minister resign from cabinet? I find it interesting and disappointing that the minister chose not to respond to that question.

The reason I asked it, of course, is because the minister in a sworn affidavit said that he received a call on his cell phone at this infamous meeting at

Chalmers. After seven months, we finally received the FOI on his cell phone bills, only to find out that no such call existed on the minister's bills. Minister, how do you rectify your FOI saying

one thing and your sworn affidavit saying the opposite?

Hon. Mr. Takhar: When I said I made a call from my cell phone, I didn't say I made a call from the ministry cell phone. Our family has cell

phones which we use -- I use, my wife uses, my daughters use. So I borrowed a cell phone from my wife and made the cell phone call.

Let me just say this: I think that beliefs and the values are determined in how you are brought up. In our family, everything is not hers or mine; it's ours.

That's what we believe in, okay? When I said "mine," that was our family cell phone.

REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURY

Mr. Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): To the Minister of Labour: Study after study tells us that applied ergonomics and early intervention can

prevent repetitive strain injuries in the workplace if legislation is implemented. When will Ontarians see real ergonomics regulations that will protect the workers of this province?

Hon. Steve Peters (Minister of Labour): I want to thank the member for raising the question today because this is Repetitive Strain Injury

Awareness Day and it's an important day. We recognize the challenges that are out there.

I just want to say to the honourable member that if he thinks he has a monopoly on caring about injured workers in this province, he's very much wrong. We do

care about injured workers in this province. You're the ones that sent us down this course, that put injured workers so far behind with that bill in 1994. Look at Hansard for December 6, 1994. Who

started injured workers down this road?

We moved very actively in moving forward with a joint committee to make sure that we had a balanced approach of both employers and employees. I very much

resent the comment that was made that I'm in the back pocket of the employers. As the Minister of Labour, I'm charged with the responsibility to ensure that we bring a balanced approach. We've

asked for recommendations. There was not a consensus --

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Thank you. The member for Niagara Centre.

Mr. Kormos: All you've done to date is create a website, as if injured workers needed more information about the tragedy of being injured in

the workplace. Look, raising awareness amongst the general public just isn't good enough. British Columbia and Saskatchewan have ergonomic regulations that work. When is your government going to

implement ergonomic regulations that have been tested, that have been tried, that have been demonstrated to be effective? I tell you, Minister, that your efforts to achieve balance betray workers

on a daily basis in this province.

Hon. Mr. Peters: I beg to differ with the member, because we have not demonstrated in any way that we've betrayed workers in this province. I

thank those individuals who were here today. I thank my parliamentary assistant for meeting with them outside of my office today.

We took a balanced approach. One year ago today, the previous minister struck a joint committee to bring forward recommendations to the minister. Those

recommendations were brought forward to me in September. Part of the reporting was for them to come back to see if there was a consensus that could be developed on the creation of a regulation.

There was no consensus developed when they reported back to me a week ago. I've received the report, and I'll be meeting with the committee again in March to look at how we do move things forward.

But for the honourable member to stand here in this House and claim that he is this advocate for injured workers -- I just remind him again, and I remind the injured workers of the province, that

it was the NDP that undermined --

The Speaker: Thank you. New question.

FOREST INDUSTRY

Mr. Bill Mauro (Thunder Bay-Atikokan): My question is for the Minister of Natural Resources. We've heard a lot about the challenges that

northern industries are facing: changing global markets, increasing competition, the high cost of fibre, energy and a dramatic shift in currency rates. All of these combined are taking their toll,

most notably on the forestry sector. Forestry is a vital part of the economy in northern Ontario and in Ontario generally. The sector employs about 80,000 people and contributes about $18 billion

to the economy annually. In my riding, many people make a living from forestry and its spinoff industries. Minister, can you tell me more about what our government is doing to make sure that

forestry continues to be a strong and competitive industry in Ontario?

Hon. David Ramsay (Minister of Natural Resources, minister responsible for aboriginal affairs): I was very proud of the Premier's announcement

last Wednesday of additional assistance to the forest industry of this province. As the member knows, from the spring and the fall, we had announcements totalling $680 million in grants and

guaranteed loans. As the Premier said, we knew we needed to do more in working with the industry, and the Premier announced an additional $220 million. The very important part about that, I think,

was the $75 million a year that has basically uploaded the responsibility of building and maintaining primary and secondary forest access roads, primarily across northern Ontario -- a very

important contribution, as well as a surprise for the industry that we injected $70 million of unexpected capital infusion into the companies to allow them to gain the confidence to make the

investments needed to go forward to make sure we have a strong, sustainable industry in this province.

Mr. Mauro: My supplementary is for the Minister of Energy. Last week's announcement was very good news, as was illustrated by the remarks from

the large industrials themselves. However, they still face other challenges, as we're all aware. Building access roads and reducing stumpage fees will help the sector deal with some of these

challenges, but they still face others like energy costs. In terms of energy, I've been advocating for two years the need to have an electricity pricing policy that ensures the competitive position

of northwestern Ontario's large industrials. This is one option that the government could look at to lessen those challenges. We need to provide the forest sector with stable energy costs. This is

key to ensuring that they remain competitive. They need to know what the price of power will be, to better estimate their production costs. Minister, what are we doing to ensure that the forest

sector has that stability?

Hon. Mr. Ramsay: I'll refer that to the Minister of Energy.

Hon. Donna H. Cansfield (Minister of Energy): First, I would like to say to the member from Thunder Bay-Atikokan that he has indeed been an

extraordinary advocate on behalf of his community. He has not just come forward in terms of the challenges, but he has also come forward with solutions on how we can find different ways to do

business in the north. The north is well served by that member.

We were fortunate enough to listen to our stakeholders. We made a change around the revenue limit. It was previously going to collapse on April 30, 2006. We've

reduced it to 4.6, 4.7 and 4.8 and extended the revenue limit cap until 2009. This is an extension, as I indicated, that has support from the stakeholder groups themselves.

But in addition to that, part of our responsibility is to work with the community. The Premier did indicate that there is a study we will undertake around

regionally-based pricing. We know that it's a very complex and difficult issue, but we are committed to do this --

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

WESTPORT POND

Mr. Robert W. Runciman (Leeds-Grenville): I have a question for the Minister of Natural Resources. I'm not sure you've ever visited the

village of Westport, but the chap sitting in front of you has, on a number of occasions, and he can tell you about the Westport Pond. It's been designated as a sanctuary for approximately 50 years.

Now, under this review of fishing regulations in Ontario undertaken by your ministry, you are indicating that you're going to remove the sanctuary designation. You've been contacted by the Westport

and Rideau Lakes Chamber of Commerce, the village council and many others with respect to their concern. This is a major tourist attraction in this small, beautiful village. There's no cost

associated with maintaining the sanctuary designation, which has been in place for half a century. Will you commit today to retaining that designation for the Westport Pond in that beautiful

village?

Hon. David Ramsay (Minister of Natural Resources, minister responsible for aboriginal affairs): As the member knows, from time to time we

revisit all our regulations in regard to the management of wildlife in Ontario. The member knows that right now we are revisiting our very complicated fishing regulations and reducing fishing zones

from 37 across this province down to 20, at the same time basing those on ecological zones that are sensitive to weather, water temperature and fish species, so that we get a more accurate read and

control of fishing, and doing that to enhance habitat. I think, in the end, when we get through this, we'll have better regulations, a better habitat for fish and a more flourishing fish life in

this province.

Mr. Runciman: That kind of response is what disappoints people right across the province. I asked him a very specific question about the

Westport Pond, and he got up and talked about nothing anywhere related to my question.

I'll go back to the minister. This is a significant concern in this small, beautiful community. This impacts across the whole Rideau Lakes area. I'm asking

you, are you going to retain the sanctuary designation for Westport Pond? Also, in terms of regulations, will you commit to having a public meeting in the Rideau area before you finalize those

regulations?

Hon. Mr. Ramsay: I would want to assure the member that no decision is final there. I obviously will take the member's advice on this. We have

received some letters and phone calls on this particular issue. We obviously want to listen to that local input. I'm very pleased that the member has brought that up to me again today. I will work

with the member and we will resolve this issue.

CANCER SCREENING

Ms. Shelley Martel (Nickel Belt): I have a question to the Minister of Health. On March 9, 2005, I wrote to encourage you to fund a

province-wide screening program for colorectal cancer. In your reply of January 2006, you indicated you were waiting for a final report and recommendations from Cancer Care Ontario in this regard.

Several weeks ago, Cancer Care Ontario released its 2005 progress report and in it recommended a population-based provincial colorectal screening program in Ontario. Minister, will you be funding

this program?

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): I appreciate the question from the honourable member. I was very pleased to be

there on the day when Cancer Care Ontario released its report, calling, as their number one priority, for the development of a colorectal screening program. It was the same day, coincidentally,

that Cancer Care Ontario announced a 16% year-over-year reduction in wait times for radiation. So I think that does mark the terrific relationship we have with them in our desire to do a better job

for people in Ontario.

No other province has so far implemented that. We think it's important that Ontario be a leader. We're working very hard with Cancer Care Ontario on what a

program might look like. I'm not in a position today to make such an announcement, but I can assure the honourable member, as I did the media and others present that day, that we're working very

hard and we do see it as an important priority, of course.

Ms. Martel: Minister, you know that support for the program is very high; it's very strong. In December 2002, the National Committee on

Colorectal Cancer Screening recommended screening for adults age 50 to 74 every two years. The Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario division, said that colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of

cancer in Ontario -- over 3,000 Ontarians died of it in 2005 -- but it is 90% treatable if it's found early through screening. Cancer Care Ontario has submitted an application to your ministry

which would involve a step-by-step implementation plan for a screening program, including wide mass media for both primary care physicians and adults.

Minister, during the 2003 election campaign your party promised a screening program for colorectal cancer. When can we expect you to deliver on this

promise?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: I want to say to the honourable member, and maybe just repeat a little bit of what I said in my first answer, that of

course we're very committed to fulfilling that commitment because we support all of the messaging that was associated with the honourable member's question. We do recognize that we have the

potential to save lives related to a colorectal screening program. We're working very closely with Cancer Care Ontario on what the details of such a program would look like, building on the

information we've all gained as a result of the pilot.

Accordingly, like I said earlier, I'm not in a position today to make an announcement, but I would want to give indication to the honourable member, to all

honourable members indeed, that we do see this as a priority. We're working very hard to the point where we can move forward and be able to offer those enhanced protections to all of our residents

in Ontario.

SKILLED TRADES DEVELOPMENT

Mr. Jeff Leal (Peterborough): My question today is for the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. Recently, in the media there have

been a number of articles discussing the impending shortage of skilled tradespeople in Canada and in Ontario.

Even today, my own hometown paper, the Peterborough Examiner, printed an

article by a faculty member of Fleming college, highlighting the future need for

workers who are training in the trades. It said that Skills Canada is identifying that "40% of new jobs in the next 20 years will be in skilled trades and technologies."

Our economy relies on skilled tradespeople such as plumbers, electricians, chefs and welders, who start out as apprentices in order for the province to compete

in the global marketplace. Minister, what is your ministry doing to help encourage individuals pursue gold-collar trades in the trades?

Hon. Christopher Bentley (Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities): I'd like to thank the member from Peterborough for the question

and for his advocacy on this very important issue over the years. He has spoken to me about it a number of times.

There are several levels at which we're working. First of all, we need to excite young people about the opportunities that the trades present: a fabulous

income, good benefits and job opportunities you can take anywhere in the world. We're working together with the Ministry of Education. They have the Learning to 18 initiative to excite young people

about the opportunities, and specifically support it with the Ontario youth apprenticeship program, which gives high school students a taste of what the trade is like -- this year alone, 20,000

opportunities for young people.

It doesn't end there. We have a scholarship and signing bonus for young people who have left school, decide to come back, finish their high school and then get

signed by an employer. It doesn't end there. We have some enhanced learning initiatives for young people who wish to go on and complete their high school so they can get into a trade. It's not

commonly known, but you do need high school in order to complete a trade. And we have our apprenticeship action table -- employers, business, educators -- that ensures we will make a stronger

system in the --

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

Mr. Leal: As larger numbers of workers reach retirement, it will be important for these new apprentices to receive their education, training

and work experience to keep our skilled trades alive in the province. There are many fine community colleges across Ontario providing excellent apprenticeship training to individuals looking to

become skilled trades workers. There's also a wide range of employers who help apprentices obtain the work experience and mentoring they need to excel in their chosen trade.

Minister, what is the government doing to assist colleges and employers develop and train our next generation of apprentices?

Hon. Mr. Bentley: I just happened to be speaking yesterday to the president of one of those fine community colleges, Fleming college up in

Peterborough, no less.

What are we doing? We're doing several things. First of all, we're supporting the infrastructure for trades training in the colleges with our apprenticeship

enhancement fund, $10 million this year, which we just announced. It doesn't end there.

After years of underfunding, we're improving the funding necessary to support apprenticeship and trades programs in colleges. Fleming College received $2.9

million from the quality improvement fund this year alone. It doesn't end there.

In addition to that, Fleming also qualifies as a college in a predominantly rural area and they received, just recently, another $2 million in additional

funding. We also have co-op diploma apprenticeship programs -- 1,000 students across the province benefit from that -- and we just recently announced 700 more spots for pre-apprenticeship program

The Speaker: Thank you. New question.

PRIVATE TOLL BRIDGE

Mr. Norm Miller (Parry Sound-Muskoka): I have a question for the Premier, to do with the border crossing at Fort Frances and International

Falls, Minnesota. There's a private bridge there and it's currently owned by Boise Cascade and Abitibi Consolidated. They have put that bridge up for sale as they struggle under the economic

reality of northern Ontario under the Dalton McGuinty government. My question is, will the province assist the municipalities financially in purchasing the bridge or, better still, will the

province take over ownership of the bridge, as this is a very important gateway to northwestern Ontario with some 900,000 crossings annually?

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

Hon. Harinder S. Takhar (Minister of Transportation): We are very much aware of this issue. Actually, we met with the mayor of Fort Frances

back in November, along with federal officials. I understand the bridge is now for sale. My officials talked to the mayor this afternoon. He has not made any formal request for assistance of any

sort at this point of time, but I want to assure the member that we'll be more than pleased to work with the mayor and the local municipality, and even across the border, to sort out this

issue.

Mr. Miller: I'm pleased to hear that the government is willing to work with the municipalities. As I say, it's a very important link in the

northwest. The current situation with this bridge is that there's a toll going one way. There's a toll going into Canada, and it's a very expensive toll. In fact, the mayor of Fort Frances, Dan

Onichuk describes the bridge as being one of the most expensive crossings in the country and states, in this recent article, "Cutting the fees could be a huge incentive for companies looking to

relocate to the area."

My question is, will you not only assist, but will you ensure that the bridge, when it moves into public hands, will have no toll at that important crossing

into Fort Frances?

Hon. Mr. Takhar: As I said, when we found out that the bridge might be put up for sale, we started having discussions with the local mayor and

the federal officials. I just said that the mayor has not indicated what kind of assistance he needs. If he needs any assistance, we will be more than pleased to work with him.

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

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): I have a question for the Minister of Transportation. I've been listening to your answers, Minister.

The mayor of Fort Frances, though, tells a completely different version of the events. Just a couple of weeks ago, there was a meeting. The federal government of the United States was there, state

of Minnesota representatives were there, people from the city of International Falls, Minnesota, were there, but no one from the McGuinty government was prepared to come to the meeting and talk

about how this bridge, which is now privately owned and has exorbitant tolls, could become part of the public infrastructure. Minister, can you tell me how it is that the US federal government is

there, the state of Minnesota is there, the city of International Falls is there and the town of Fort Frances is there, but the McGuinty government is nowhere to be found when it comes to this

important piece of infrastructure?

Hon. Mr. Takhar: If I'm not wrong, this bridge has been private since 1979, and I'm sure the NDP government was in power after that. I just

want to know, what did you do to bring this under public control?

Let me tell you what I did. As soon as we heard that this bridge was being put up for sale, we met with the mayor of Fort Frances. We met with federal

officials. We called him today and said, "Do you need any kind of assistance? Can we be of any help?" At this point, he has not indicated that he needs any kind of assistance.

Mr. Hampton: The state of Minnesota wants to turn this into a public asset. The people in northwestern Ontario want to turn this into a public

asset. It's important for the transportation of forest products. It's important for the 500,000 tourists who come from the United States into northwestern Ontario every year. What they can't figure

out is why, when there was a meeting held to talk about how you turn a private bridge with exorbitant tolls into a piece of public transportation infrastructure, the McGuinty government wasn't

interested enough to show up. Can we get a commitment today that the government of Ontario, the McGuinty government, will do everything that is necessary to ensure that this bridge becomes a public

transportation asset and is not sold off to a company which is interested only in raising the tolls even higher?

Hon. Mr. Takhar: Let me say this: The leader of the third party started talking about this bridge when it was put up for sale the other day.

We started meeting with the mayor back in November. Not only that, but we have asked him if he needed any assistance. I asked him again today. He said he has not formally asked for any assistance

from the province. But let me assure you that we think this bridge is important, and we think if the municipality needs any assistance, we will work with them.

FREDERICK BANTING HOMESTEAD

Mr. Phil McNeely (Ottawa-Orléans): My question is for my neighbour, the member for Ottawa-Vanier, the Minister of Culture. In the wake of

Heritage Week, during which we enjoyed celebrations of our heritage across the province, a matter concerning a property has come to my attention. In the riding of Simcoe-Grey it is being said that

the Banting homestead, under the auspices of the Ontario Historical Society, is being neglected and that its roof has collapsed. It has also been said that the OHS and the town of New Tecumseth

have not spoken for over a year. Minister, how can you claim to care for the province's heritage if an organization funded by your ministry leaves buildings and property under your care in

disrepair?

Hon. Madeleine Meilleur (Minister of Culture, minister responsible for francophone affairs): I thank my colleague, the MPP for

Ottawa-Orléans, for his long support of heritage property. I'm glad to have the opportunity to clarify some misunderstandings surrounding this case.

The Banting property was bequeathed to the Ontario Historical Society by the late Edward Knight Banting of Alliston. This is a property that is associated with

the young Sir Frederick Banting, who, as you know, was the co-discoverer of insulin. In order to address the situation involving this property, my ministry has asked the provincial development

facilitator to help develop an approach to preserve the Banting homestead. Negotiations between the town of New Tecumseth and the Ontario Historical Society Foundation are just beginning.

I'd like to remind this House that amendments made to the Ontario Heritage Act last year provide the town of Tecumseth with the tools to protect the Banting

farm from alteration and even demolition. I wanted to say to this House that it was never the intention of the Ontario --

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

NOTICE OF DISSATISFACTION

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Pursuant to standing order 37(a), the member for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke has given notice of his

dissatisfaction with the answer to his question given by the Minister of Energy concerning Portlands Energy Centre and conservation. This matter will be debated at 6 p.m.

PETITIONS

JUSTICE SYSTEM

Mr. Jerry J. Ouellette (Oshawa): I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

"Whereas the Honourable Michael Bryant is minister responsible for democratic renewal;

"Whereas the Honourable Michael Bryant, Attorney General of Ontario, is elected to safeguard our justice system on behalf of the people of Ontario;

"Whereas the Ministry of our Attorney General may not be aware of the serious and important issues facing individuals involved in areas of the justice system

even though the Attorney General's ministry is continually monitoring;

"Therefore we, the undersigned, ask the Honourable Michael Bryant, Attorney General, for his in-depth investigation of the Ontario judicial system and [to]

make the public aware of his findings immediately."

I affix my name in full support.

SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, and it reads:

"Whereas, without appropriate support, people who have an intellectual disability are often unable to participate effectively in community life and are

deprived of the benefits of society enjoyed by other citizens; and

"Whereas quality supports are dependent on the ability to attract and retain qualified workers; and

"Whereas the salaries of workers who provide community-based supports and services are up to 25% less than salaries paid to those doing the same work in

government-operated services and other sectors;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to address, as a priority, funding to community agencies in the developmental services

sector to address critical underfunding of staff salaries and ensure that people who have an intellectual disability continue to receive quality supports and services that they require in order to

live meaningful lives within their community."

This petition has been signed by several people from the town of Fort Frances, and I have affixed my signature as well.

REGULATED HEALTH PROFESSIONS

Mr. Michael Gravelle (Thunder Bay-Superior North): I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

"We, the undersigned, are calling for the government of Ontario to modify an existing piece of legislation, the Regulated Health Professions Act, RHPA, which

places restrictions on social workers' and other disciplines' use of the title `Dr.' when providing or offering to provide health care to individuals in Ontario.

"This RHPA restriction allows use of the title `Dr.' to the following five disciplines: chiropractors, dentists, optometrists, physicians and psychologists.

This restriction is an anomaly and specific to Ontario. It violates the universally respected rights of universities to grant degrees with all the intended rights, privileges and obligations.

"Whereas we, the undersigned, support the review and amendment of the restriction of the title `Dr.' under the Regulated Health Professions Act,

"Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Parliament of Ontario to support this review as follows."

WINDSOR CORRIDOR

Mr. John O'Toole (Durham): I have the pleasure to present, as the transportation critic, a petition to the Legislative Assembly of

Ontario.

"Whereas we, the undersigned petitioners of Windsor and LaSalle, oppose changes to Huron Church, Talbot Road and Highway 3 because no short-term capacity will

be added to the Windsor-Detroit gateway; and

"Whereas infrastructure changes along this corridor will only negatively impact residential neighbourhoods, tourism, retail and wholesale commerce, and

therefore are unacceptable;

"Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Legislative Assembly of Ontario" and the Ministry of Transportation "to recognize that this corridor is made up of

an interconnected, continuous residential road that is home to a number of successful businesses. We request that you act to protect Huron Church, Talbot Road and Highway 3."

I'm pleased to support this, on behalf of the people of Windsor, in my duty as critic of the Ministry of Transportation.

REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURY

Mr. Gilles Bisson (Timmins-James Bay): I have a petition in regard to ergonomics regulations.

"Whereas repetitive strain injuries, back injuries and musculoskeletal injuries are of epidemic proportions and are on the rise at an alarming rate, affecting

workers in all sectors; and

"Whereas the human cost and suffering to workers and loved ones is incalculable; and

"Whereas there have been many workplace ergonomic studies that have provided evidence that applied ergonomics and early intervention could prevent such

injuries if regulations and standards for the workplace were established; and

"Whereas British Columbia and Saskatchewan have provincial ergonomic regulations;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Ministry of Labour, the provincial Legislative Assembly and Parliament as follows:

"That the Minister of Labour introduce ergonomics regulations similar to the British Columbia ergonomic regulation and draft code of practice, to protect the

workers of this province and Canada."

It's signed by literally thousands of organized workers in Ontario.

CHILD CARE

Mr. Khalil Ramal (London-Fanshawe): "To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas provinces and territories negotiated agreements with the federal government to ensure Canadians would have access to early learning and child care

programs that are high-quality, affordable, universally inclusive and developmental;

"Whereas parents in Ontario have demonstrated a high demand for greater access to high-quality early learning and child care programs;

regulated child care spaces in the first three years;

"Whereas Ontario's early learning and child care agreement represents a $1.9-billion investment over five years in high-quality early learning and child

care;

Ontario's early learning and child care agreement, for the sake of the thousands of Ontario families who would benefit from it."

I agree with this petition. I'm going to affix my signature to it and give it to page Anindita.

FREDERICK BANTING HOMESTEAD

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

"Whereas Sir Frederick Banting was the man who discovered insulin and was Canada's first Nobel Prize recipient; and

"Whereas this great Canadian's original homestead, located in the town of New Tecumseth, is deteriorating and in danger of destruction because of the inaction

of the Ontario Historical Society; and

"Whereas the town of New Tecumseth has been unsuccessful in reaching an agreement with the Ontario Historical Society to use part of the land to educate the

public about the historical significance of the work of Sir Frederick Banting;

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

"That the Minister of Culture endorse Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson's private member's bill entitled the Frederick Banting Homestead Preservation Act so that the

homestead is kept in good repair and preserved for generations to come."

REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURY

Mr. Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): I have a petition with thousands upon thousands of signatures, stating:

"Whereas repetitive strain injuries, back injuries and musculoskeletal injuries are of epidemic proportions and are on the rise at an alarming rate affecting

workers in all sectors; and

"Whereas the human cost and suffering to workers and loved ones is incalculable; and

"Whereas there have been many workplace ergonomic studies that have provided evidence that applied ergonomics and early intervention could prevent such

injuries if regulations and standards for the workplace were established; and

"Whereas British Columbia and Saskatchewan have provincial ergonomic regulations;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Minister of Labour, the provincial Legislative Assembly and Parliament as follows:

"That the Minister of Labour introduce ergonomics regulations similar to the British Columbia ergonomic regulation and draft code of practice, to protect the

workers of this province and Canada."

CHILD CARE

Mr. Jeff Leal (Peterborough): I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

"Whereas provinces and territories negotiated agreements with the federal government to ensure Canadians would have access to early learning and child care

programs that are high quality, affordable, universally inclusive and developmental;

"Whereas parents in Ontario have demonstrated a high demand for greater access to high-quality early learning and child care programs;

regulated child care spaces in the first three years;

"Whereas Ontario's early learning and child care agreement represents a $1.9-billion investment over five years in high-quality early learning and child

care;

Ontario's early learning and child care agreement, for the sake of the thousands of Ontario families who would benefit from it."

I'll affix my signature to this petition.

FISH STOCKING PROGRAM

Mr. Jerry J. Ouellette (Oshawa): I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

"Whereas the Ministry of Natural Resources' provincial fish hatchery program annually stocks over 10 million fish into over 1,200 water bodies within the

province of Ontario; and

"Whereas provincial fish hatcheries contain unique genetic strains of indigenous fish species; and

"Whereas recreational fishing is a multi-billion dollar industry and a huge contributor to tourism and the economy throughout the province of Ontario; and

"Whereas the world-class Great Lakes salmon fishery, as well as many local fisheries throughout the province, are dependent on the Ministry of Natural

Resources' fish stocking program;

"Therefore

be it resolved that we, the undersigned, respectfully petition the government of Ontario and the Minister of Natural Resources to refrain from any

cutbacks or cancellations to this provincially significant program."

I affix my name in full support.

LOCAL HEALTH

INTEGRATION NETWORKS

Ms. Shelley Martel (Nickel Belt): I have a petition that has been sent to me by Avery Thurman, who lives in Oshawa, Ontario. It reads as

follows:

"We, the undersigned, are concerned about Bill 36 and want changes before third reading of the bill takes place and it becomes law. Our concerns include:

"There is no protection against OHIP services being cut;

"This is not really local, as Durham region LHIN will be called the Central East LHIN, which will extend from Scarborough to Peterborough to Haliburton;

"Since services will be on a bidding process, like home care, it could be possible that the services we value in the Durham region, like hip and knee

replacements, will be transferred out of the Durham region, making it more difficult for patients and their families if other area bids are lower;

"The potential for upheaval this bill will cause for health care workers may discourage people from entering the field in Ontario, thus further causing

shortages, and there is already a shortage of nurses and other health care workers."

I agree with the petitioners. I have affixed my signature to this.

CHILD CARE

Mr. Kuldip Kular (Bramalea-Gore-Malton-Springdale): This petition is to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

"Whereas provinces and territories negotiated agreements with the federal government to ensure Canadians would have access to early learning and child care

programs that are high-quality, affordable, universally inclusive and developmental;

"Whereas parents in Ontario have demonstrated a high demand for greater access to high-quality early learning and child care programs;

regulated child care spaces in the first three years;

"Whereas Ontario's early learning and child care agreement represents a $1.9-billion investment over five years in high-quality early learning and child

care;

Ontario's early learning and child care agreement, for the sake of the thousands of Ontario families who would benefit from it."

I support this petition and affix my signature to it.

PROPERTY RIGHTS

Mr. Toby Barrett (Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant): This petition is titled "Support the Land Rights and Responsibilities Act," with signatures from

the Oxford-Norfolk-Elgin landowners' association, farmers from Langton, Courtland and Staffordville:

"To the Parliament of Ontario:

"Whereas the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is silent on property rights; and

"Whereas the Alberta Bill of Rights specifically protects the right to the enjoyment of property; and

"Whereas the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms provides that `Every person has a right to the peaceful enjoyment and free disposition of his

property, except to the extent provided by law'; and

"Whereas Ontario no longer has property or land rights;

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

"To pass Bill 57, the Land Rights and Responsibilities Act, 2006."

I also add my signature to this petition.

LOCAL HEALTH

INTEGRATION NETWORKS

Mr. Lorenzo Berardinetti (Scarborough Southwest): I have a petition that I have received from residents of Scarborough Southwest. It's

regarding Bill 36 and is addressed to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. It's a quite lengthy petition regarding the public consultation process regarding Bill 36, and I'd like to table it with

the Clerk today.

CANCER TREATMENT

Mr. Ted McMeekin (Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Aldershot): I have a petition that's been sent to me, having to do with the Velcade issue. It

reads as follows:

"Whereas Ontario has an inconsistent policy for access to new cancer treatments while these drugs are under review for funding; and

"Whereas cancer patients taking oral chemotherapy may apply for a

section 8 exception under the Ontario drug benefit plan, with no such exception policy in

place for intravenous cancer drugs administered in hospital; and

"Whereas this is an inequitable, inconsistent and unfair policy, creating two classes of cancer patients with further inequities on the basis of personal

wealth and the willingness of hospitals to risk budgetary deficits to provide new intravenous chemotherapy treatments; and

"Whereas cancer patients have the right to the most effective care recommended by their doctors;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Parliament of Ontario to provide immediate access to Velcade and other intravenous chemotherapy while these new cancer drugs

are under review and provide a consistent policy for access to new cancer treatments that enables oncologists to apply for exceptions to meet the needs of patients."

ORDERS OF THE DAY

CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES

STATUTE LAW AMENDMENT ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006 MODIFIANT DES LOIS

EN CE QUI CONCERNE LES SERVICES

À L'ENFANCE ET À LA FAMILLE

Mrs. Chambers moved third reading of the following bill:

Bill 210,

An Act to amend the Child and Family Services Act and make complementary amendments to other Acts / Projet de loi 210, Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les

servi