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May 11, 2026

44th Parliament, 1st Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcript 2026-May-11 (PDF)

L072 - Mon 11 May 2026 / Lun 11 mai 2026

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Monday 11 May 2026 Lundi 11 mai 2026

Orders of the Day

Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act, 2026 / Loi de 2026 visant à maintenir les criminels derrière les barreaux

Members’ Statements

Health care funding

Climate change

Athlètes francophones / City of Ottawa

Student Start Up Program

Ron Michaud

Municipalities

Laboratory services

YMCA

Lorie Smith

Introduction of Visitors

Tragedy in Brockville

Question Period

Health care

Government jet

Government jet

Government accountability

Youth unemployment

Government accountability

Ontario economy

Affordable housing

Graduation ceremonies

Agri-food industry

Consumer protection

Government accountability

Indigenous economic development

Government accountability

House sittings

Introduction of Visitors

Reports by Committees

Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy

Introduction of Bills

Access (Assistance for Care, Commuting and Essential Specialized Services) Act, 2026 / Loi «Access» de 2026 (aide au

titre des soins, des déplacements et des services spécialisés essentiels)

Petitions

Health care workers

Child protection

Gender-based violence

Social assistance

Aide sociale

Health care workers

Laboratory services

Health care workers

Collective bargaining

Health care workers

Affordable housing

Health care workers

Government services

Opposition Day

Youth employment / Emploi des jeunes

Orders of the Day

Time allocation

Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act, 2026 / Loi de 2026 visant à maintenir les criminels derrière les barreaux

The House met at 0900.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Good morning, everyone. Let us pray.

Prières / Prayers.

Orders of the Day

Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act, 2026 / Loi de 2026 visant à maintenir les criminels derrière les barreaux

Mr. Kerzner moved third reading of the following bill:

Bill 75,

An Act to enact the Constable Joe MacDonald Public Safety Officers’ Survivors Scholarship Fund Act, 2026 and to amend various other Acts / Projet de loi 75, Loi édictant la Loi de 2026 sur le Fonds Joe MacDonald de bourses d’études à l’intention des survivants d’agents de sécurité publique et modifiant diverses autres lois.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the minister.

Hon. Michael S. Kerzner: I will be sharing my time with the Attorney General, the Associate Solicitor General for Auto Theft and Bail Reform and the parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Transportation.

Madam Speaker, especially today, when we acknowledge Police Week—and I would like to specifically acknowledge the president of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, my friend Chief Mark Campbell, the chief of Strathroy-Caradoc, and I want to say to him and the organization; I want to say to President Mark Baxter, of the Police Association of Ontario, who is with us; I want to say to David Sabatini, my friend, the president of the Ontario Provincial Police Association, how happy I am that they are here especially as we kick off Police Week.

Police Week is another way of acknowledging our first responders, our police officers and everyone who is part of our municipal OPP and First Nations police services in Ontario. All we ask is that everyone who keeps us safe leaves their home early in the morning and comes back at the end of the day, to be with their loved ones, safe. I am so personally grateful to our associations, and I want to also acknowledge the Toronto Police Association, led by Clayton Campbell and his amazing team as well. I want to say for them, they represent the heart and soul of everyone that keeps us safe.

These last couple of weeks in Ontario have been tested. A couple of weeks ago, actually two weeks ago today, we lost Sergeant Brandon Malcolm of the Ontario Provincial Police, Northumberland detachment. Last week we laid him to rest. A week ago, yesterday, we were at the police memorial right outside here, right outside this beautiful hall of democracy, where members of all sides of this chamber gathered to pay respects to those whose names are inscribed on the monument to remind them, as I said in my remarks, Madam Speaker, that they gave their lives so we could live. But they too live, because we tell their names and we tell their stories.

A few days ago, after that last week, we gathered again to remember the correctional officers, probation and parole officers who gave their lives so we could live. And I said in both speeches that when those we remember lived, they walked, they talked and they breathed—everything inculcated in them to do good, to love their profession, to love their families and to keep us safe by loving our province.

Today as we talk about Bill 75, the Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act, we are reminded that there must be a point in time in our lives that somebody stands up in defence of the innocent, in defence of the people who want to go about their lives, because they have this fundamental acknowledgement that their lives matter, and that includes us here in this chamber and everyone in the gallery. What does it mean that our lives matter? Who would believe that we have criminality rooting itself in our world.

It’s not only just here in our jurisdiction of Ontario and our beloved country of Canada, it’s actually in our world, that people think it’s okay to act in a way that violates our rights to go about our lives and—as people have heard me say—to wake up our kids in the morning, see them off to school, check in on our loved ones and seniors, and go to work, shop and play in the park, and to worship. This is our right.

Somebody has to be able to say that in the time they were in this Legislature, they fought for our rights. And I want to acknowledge those not only on our side of the aisle, but those on the other side, who have an equal love of province and an equal love of their constituencies. And how do I know it? Because I visited there. I visit all over our province. I want to say that when a person comes to this Legislature as an elected official, their duty is to serve their province. Their duty is to stand up for their constituents and communities.

Their duty is to make sure that nothing will ever come in the way between our fundamental rights of living in a safe and democratic society—nothing should come in the way.

Bill 75, which I am proud has made it through committee—and I want to thank the members of the justice committee who debated it, reviewed it and allowed this to come here today for third reading. I want to acknowledge my great friend the Attorney General. Getting to know the Attorney General, Madam Speaker, in the fall of 2022 in Halifax, when we went to our first federal, provincial and territorial meeting together, reminded me that he was the sophomore and I was the freshman.

We learned not only a lot about what brought us here in our respective roles—to help Premier Ford keep Ontario safe—but understanding that when we really, really want to do good, we as legislators, as ministers, are unstoppable in bringing forward creativity, imagination, innovation to do good. I want to really offer my thanks to my friend.

I also want to acknowledge our Associate Solicitor General, somebody that, to be quite honest, when he was sworn into his portfolio in March 2025, I couldn’t wait to get going with him and work very hard to make sure that the priorities of this Premier were carried out. He represents his constituency of Milton extremely well—thank you.

And to my friend the parliamentary assistant, who we’re going to hear from later: All you have to do is listen to his story of going from the water to the highlands in one of the most beautiful parts of Ontario, so well represented by the OPP and the incredible members that keep that beautiful part of Ontario safe. I look forward to hearing your remarks.

Madam Speaker, this day is also very significant. We are here with the Cristillo family. We are here with the Cristillo family not because this point in time was necessarily meant to happen the way that it did, but it happened. Andrew Cristillo was a victim who lost his life because some driver thought it was okay to drive recklessly and shatter the lives of others. When I met Jordan Cristillo and his late brother’s wife, Christina, who are with us today, and other members from their family, it changed my life.

I realized that here we are debating and fiercely working hard to ensure that our words, which are transcribed in the history of our Legislature, represent a moment in time where we made a difference.

When we sat with the Cristillo family, myself and others that day—the Premier, the Minister of Transportation—we told them that we have to work hard to make sure that Andrew’s memory lives on—not only by mentioning his name; not only by reminding the world that he lived; not only by reminding the world that he had a wife, three amazing daughters, a brother and other family members. We have to remind the world that what happened to him should never happen to anybody else.

And with dispatch, we came forward and we said that Bill 75 would crack down, and would crack down hard, on dangerous driving. We call this Andrew’s Law, because we want to make sure that if somebody feels that they can get away with it and have a life-altering moment—that maybe they won’t appreciate what they did, but the victims of that sure will—that shouldn’t happen. So we came forward, as part of Bill 75—and again, I want to thank our amazing Minister of Transportation and his staff for the dispatch way that they came forward.

And what does it mean? It means a police officer will have the right to immediately suspend somebody’s driver’s licence, take away the licence for 90 days; that there will be consequences if an accident caused death. And it will raise the spectre across the province: Don’t drive recklessly. Don’t drive impaired. Don’t drive under the influence of drugs, whether legal or illegal, because it doesn’t matter. Just don’t do it. I don’t want to see one other family go through the pain of the Cristillos, what they have had to go through.

I’ve spoken to Jordan Cristillo over the last number of months as we waited for this day. This day is bittersweet and it’s tough. It’s not meant to be easy for the family, but the family has to see light, a crack of light when it’s impossible to acknowledge that light follows night, that light follows darkness. I promise to this family—not just the time I’m in this role, but always—I will stand with them; I will be there for them. I will be there to make sure that Andrew lived and that we tell his story.

Madam Speaker, Bill 75 also strengthens our bail system. The Attorney General will talk about it, but one thing that we said we would do is make it harder for people who are coming out of jail to just say, “Thank you very much,” and go about their way. There has to be a concept of responsibility, and that’s why we’ve moved forward, as part of Bill 75, by ensuring a mandatory security deposit. The Associate Solicitor General will talk more about it. It will be administered by the courts. The judges will decide what is the appropriate security deposit.

But the concept especially, as we kick off Police Week—and police work so hard to do their job. They should know that in the cycle of going through our correctional system—and please God—a person should be released at the end of their time in our correctional system and fulfill the requirements of the courts or the court-ordered conditions, and they should be part of society in a way that they do not reoffend. Having a mandatory security deposit answers that call by saying, “You have a responsibility, too, to follow the rules.”

I want to talk for a minute also about the Police Record Checks Reform Act, and this is something very, very important. Especially now, what we want to make sure, Madam Speaker—and we’ll be speaking about this as we go forward—that as part of the Police Record Checks Reform Act that people know that they can get a police record check or a vulnerable sector record check, and that the police services work to ensure that there are no unforeseen obstacles in making sure that things happen in a relatively organized and fair time for the person who’s applying.

I also want to acknowledge as part of Bill 75, the Constable Joe MacDonald Public Safety Officers’ Survivors Scholarship Fund. I think all members of the Legislature—and I really do appreciate the member from St. Catharines; everybody knows whenever we see each other, and I’ll tell you, my great friend from Niagara, when he was there, Minister Oosterhoff saw the fact that when we went to St. Catharines to cut the ribbon on a fire training tower, that you can reach across the aisle in an underlying love of our public safety and our communities.

What we want to do as part of the Constable Joe MacDonald Public Safety Officers’ Survivors Scholarship Fund is modernize it. It exists, unfortunately, for a reason: because children of officers are reminded that their dads or moms lost their lives while on duty in pursuit of our public safety. This fund exists so that the children of those families can go to university and college, and what we want to do is modernize it further.

We realize that programs have evolved, and that the children of our fallen want to go into post-secondary degrees. They want to take other courses. And we want to modernize this so they will have greater opportunity with the assurance that the province did not leave them behind and that we will be with them every step of the way.

I want to say one more thing, Madam Speaker, which we spoke about, and yes, we are updating other things in Bill 75: the Coroners Act; we’re updating how to explore to strengthen Christopher’s Law and the sex offenders and traffickers’ registry—I’ve spoken about this before. I’ve spoken about the fact that we owe a lot to Premier Mike Harris in his day, that could have left the story untouched in a dark place, but he didn’t. The pain of the Stephenson family was important to Premier Harris, and he came forward with Christopher’s Law.

I want to talk for one minute about barrier-free access. This is a concept, when I kicked off the debate last December, that I brought into perspective. We have work to do on it. We will develop policies around it. We will see a day that people will no longer feel entitled to block places of key infrastructure—our subway stations, our hospitals, our houses of worship, our roadways, our bridges, our on-ramps—just because they feel they can. Those days have to come to an end. We must stand with a person’s right in our society to go about our rights with the freedom and democracy that we have enjoyed.

And I will work hard with my colleagues and at places where we can tell the story. It’s not just that the geo-political conflicts of world find themselves here in our Ontario. It’s more than that. People have a right to feel how they feel. That’s okay. Democracy is about expressing one’s opinion, and that’s okay; that’s great. But we have to come to believe that you have to do it respectfully and not with intimidation by blocking places of key access. And we will work hard to move this narrative into policy and find its way forward.

So at the end of the day, as we commence Police Week, as we remember Andrew Cristillo, as we acknowledge our associations that are with us today and those that are not here but are equally as important, we look to a future generation to be inspired by what they see here, understanding that it’s okay to love our province and to understand the sounds of Ontario. They’re bold. They’re supportive. They’re loving. They’re nurturing. They’re fair, and they’re decent. And Madam Speaker, they’re inclusive.

Et c’est pourquoi, madame la Présidente, en tant que solliciteur général, le plus important pour moi c’est d’assurer la sécurité de notre province.

I’m here because I will do everything that I possibly can, with the voice that I have, with the strength that God has given me, in respect for my parents and those who mentored me to reach this day, to love my province that much more, and to not be afraid. When others tell us it’s time to sit, I say stand. When others tell us lower your voices, I say no. There’s a time to raise your voice so you can be heard. But finally, we must remember where we stand and how we stand: as a simple person that found their way to the floor of the Legislature with a love of province and country.

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Effie J. Triantafilopoulos): I recognize the Attorney General.

Hon. Doug Downey: I’m pleased to rise for third reading of the Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act. I want to thank the Solicitor General not only for his passion but for working alongside with me and with others because the system has to move forward together for it to be effective. I think that under Premier Doug Ford, we’ve shown that we’re not in silos, that as one piece moves so does the other, so I really value my collegial relationship with the Solicitor General.

Also, a special thank you to the people in my office, the dedicated people behind the scenes at the Ministry of the Attorney General who work alongside the people behind the scenes in his: It has been a tremendous team effort. I’m grateful to everyone who worked so hard to make this legislation come forward.

The proposed new measures and comprehensive reforms I plan to talk about today are just the latest step in our government’s work over the years, and they’re all part of our plan to help build safer and stronger communities.

We all see the violent crime in this province. We know more needs to be done to keep people and communities safe. Far too often, dangerous repeat offenders are let back out on the streets because of a faulty and broken bail system that just is not working as well as it should. The proposed changes in the Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act underscore our government’s commitment on cracking down on violent crime and keeping our communities safe. I’ve talked to many people, families, businesses all across the province, and the resounding message is clear: Stronger action is needed to protect communities.

The current bail system needs to be better. It is still allowing dangerous, repeat offenders—and sometimes dangerous, repeating offenders—back on the streets and putting innocent people’s lives at risk each and every day. This has to stop. This will stop.

The changes I am about to speak to build on our latest efforts in the Protect Ontario Through Safer Streets and Stronger Communities Act, which passed last year. For example, we made our intensive serious violent crime bail teams permanent across the province. These teams are made up of dedicated crown prosecutors who partner with provincial and local police services to help prepare the strongest possible case at a bail hearing. They have managed over 4,100 cases since 2023 and are permanent as of spring 2025. They are focused on keeping violent, repeat offenders behind bars.

Just this past spring, we also announced that our government is permanently establishing specialized prosecution teams to work directly with police and provide advice during investigations. This includes the provincial guns and gangs support unit, which supports interjurisdictional gun and gang investigations and prosecutions, but we are going further. Through the Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act, 2025, we are delivering on our promise to fix the broken bail system by making bail more real and consequential for people accused of serious crimes.

Madam Speaker, the first proposed change I’d like to speak to calls for changes that will improve bail collection and modernization of bail liens. We are putting forward tough, new measures that will expand the collection tools available to the province for bail debts of accused persons and their sureties.

But first, let me explain what a surety is: In criminal law, a surety is someone who supervises a person out on bail. A surety is somebody who is supposed to supervise somebody out on bail. For example, they may be required to promise the court money if an accused person does not show up for court or meet their bail conditions, like not possessing weapons, not obeying curfews or staying under house arrest.

Right now, in Ontario, bail money put up by a surety is usually ordered as a financial pledge, or otherwise, a promise. It’s not money upfront, so the bail money is only collected if bail conditions aren’t met and then the court orders that the money be forfeited. If the accused person follows all the conditions, there is no need to worry about collecting the money. But bail conditions are sometimes violated and the court can order payment. However, sometimes those payments, even though demanded, are still not met.

Speaker, if passed, our proposed amendments would help ensure Ontario has increased power to collect bail debts. We are also proposing the same powers for collecting outstanding bail debts—as in, those already in place—to efficiently recover certain other crown debts. I’m talking about collection tools like the seizure and sale of property and garnishment, which is recovering money through a bail debtor’s wages, bank account or other assets. We will also apply to the Canada Revenue Agency to collect bail debts from things like income tax refunds.

Just to go back to sureties for a moment: The Criminal Code requires that sureties provide their full name, date of birth, address and other important information to the court. But the court sometimes dispenses with this requirement. Using the regulatory authority from the legislation passed last year, we will also require sureties to provide up-to-date information so Ontario can more easily collect any money they owe.

You see, Madam Speaker, rights go along with responsibilities. If the surety says that they will do something, there should be follow-through by the province if the individual they are supposed to be supervising does not. Rights and responsibilities go together. It’s another way we are taking steps to deliver a comprehensive bail reform strategy.

Our strategy, that includes enhanced digital tools and the creation of a surety database, will make it even easier for police to track repeat offenders and those not in compliance with bail conditions.

The current system has been around for a long time and it is in desperate need of an overhaul. Key areas we’re targeting include the use of digital technology to track repeat offenders and bail breaches, as well as the creation of a thorough database to streamline and enhance security checks.

We also need to take a closer look at the bail system as a whole. We need more specialized prosecution teams and we need to make sure we have the expertise to meet the challenges of today’s ever-evolving criminal landscape.

Another item we want to put into action is a move to a user-fee system for GPS monitoring. We are talking about electronic tracking devices, like ankle bracelets. They are a great way to monitor people on bail and allow them to remain in the community while they’re waiting for their trial. But these systems are expensive. A user-pay approach would offset the cost of this service, and excess funds, if any, could be used to support victim services and other vital justice programs. Again, rights go along with responsibilities.

I want to turn now to the proposed legislation we’re discussing and how it outlines a comprehensive plan to strengthen our bail system by enhancing compliance and keeping violent, repeat offenders off the streets. The associate minister will also speak further to what the Solicitor General said. But we can’t do this on our own. We can’t strengthen the bail system on our own. We have been relentless in urging the federal government to step up and make real bail reform.

As I previously mentioned, our government has already advanced many legislative and related measures to help make bail more real and consequential for people accused of serious crimes. We will continue to advocate to the federal government to deliver further real Criminal Code and bail reform, including tighter bail requirements, tougher rules and stronger enforcement.

Right now, Madam Speaker, the Senate has Bill C-14 federally and we are waiting for that to come out of the Senate and to be passed by Parliament. I’ve written to the Senate; we have talked to our federal counterparts—both the Solicitor General and I have talked to our federal counterparts. We want Bill C-14 passed and implemented because it will help part of what they need to do to help us do what we need to do.

Public safety is and always will be paramount. We will continue building on our plan to protect Ontario by taking action to keep violent repeat offenders off the streets and out of our communities. If passed, the proposed changes in this legislation will help protect Ontario communities and keep our streets safer by getting tough on crime, strengthening the justice system and holding dangerous offenders accountable. I look forward to further engaging with the people of Ontario and all of our partners as we move forward on this very important piece of legislation. Thank you. Merci. Meegwetch.

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Effie J. Triantafilopoulos): I recognize the Associate Solicitor General for Auto Theft and Bail Reform.

Hon. Zee Hamid: Thank you, Attorney General.

Madam Speaker, as the Solicitor General said, I’ll be sharing my time with the member from Brampton East.

I’m honoured to stand before the House today to voice my support for Bill 75, the Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act. This is the next step in the government of Ontario’s plan to enhance public safety and justice systems across the province. As the Solicitor General mentioned, this was very much a collaborative effort, building on the work of numerous ministries, agencies and organizations. I’d like to thank my cabinet colleagues whose ministries put this whole package together: the Attorney General, the Minister of Transportation, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness and, obviously, the Solicitor General of Ontario.

Bill 75 is ambitious and comprehensive. It builds on a commitment made by Premier Doug Ford to the people of Ontario to protect Ontario streets and neighbourhoods and ensure that criminals are held accountable for their actions. To support this commitment, our government has made historic investments in front-line policing and community safety, as well as supported these investments with sweeping legislative changes.

Before we introduce Bill 75 in the House last year, we had already passed the Protect Ontario Through Safer Streets and Stronger Communities Act. This landmark legislation addressed critical issues like intimate partner violence, child safety and human trafficking. It also streamlined the judicial appointment process, created dedicated prosecution teams to help stop violent crime and gave police the authority to seize electronic devices used in vehicle thefts. I’m particularly proud of measures in the Protect Ontario Through Safer Streets and Stronger Communities Act to strengthen the bail system by making sure sureties are held more accountable for bail breaches.

Bill 75 builds on the foundation laid by earlier legislation by: cracking down on dangerous driving; strengthening bail compliance to make sure people are held accountable for their bail breaches; taking steps to ensure offenders are accountable; providing public safety personnel and their families with additional tools and supports; and enhancing support for victims of crime.

I’m also pleased to say that Bill 75 continues to advance bail reform and will help keep violent and repeat offenders and their sureties accountable by improving the province’s ability to enforce consequences for bail breaches. The bill represents an important next step in strengthening Ontario’s justice and public safety framework. It reflects the reality that the challenges facing our communities and our justice system continue to evolve and our legislation must evolve with them.

This bill helps ensure that the system can respond more effectively to complex and emerging public safety issues while improving collaboration across policing, courts, corrections and victim services. It supports a more responsive and modern justice system, one that is better equipped to manage repeat offenders, address serious crimes and support those impacted by it.

Just as importantly, Bill 75 reflects the feedback we have heard from communities, from victims’ associates, from victim services and front-line personnel across the province. It is clear that public safety policies must be practical, balanced and focused on real-world outcomes. By building on previous reforms and existing strengths, this legislation will help ensure Ontario’s public safety system remains effective, resilient and responsive to the challenges of today and the future. As the bill moves through third reading, it marks another meaningful step forward in our government’s efforts to maintain a justice system that works for the people of Ontario.

I’d like to go into deeper detail on Bill 75 and bail reform, Speaker, but first, I’d like to touch on the issue of auto theft. The relationship between the current broken bail system and Ontario’s auto theft problem is undeniable. In 2024, for example, Peel Regional Police reported that a third of people arrested for auto theft were already out on bail for similar offences. As you all know, auto theft today is a highly sophisticated crime conducted by highly sophisticated criminal operations and organized gangs, targeting high-end luxury SUVs, cars and trucks.

The impact on the province has been enormous. Between 2018 and 2023, the cost of auto theft insurance claims in Ontario increased by an astounding 524%. In fact, stolen vehicle claims in 2023 surpassed $1 billion for the very first time. It is something that impacts every single automobile owner in this province through higher insurance premiums.

But because of our efforts, it’s not all bad news, Speaker. We’ve been making serious progress. In 2024, we saw a sudden and dramatic shift. According to Équité Association, a national not-for-profit and a valuable partner in our fight against crime, vehicle theft in Ontario decreased by more than 17% in 2024. In 2025, we saw a further 22% decline on top of that previous 17% decline. The success of our auto theft initiatives confirms our strategic approach to crime fighting is working. Good things happen when law enforcement and government work together. Targeted, collaborative and informed action does have a significant impact on public safety.

We’re taking the same focused approach in our effort to strengthen the bail system and compliance. Bail reform is essential to protecting public safety and restoring confidence in our justice system. Across Ontario and Canada, communities have seen way too many cases where repeat or violent offenders are released on bail only to reoffend while awaiting trial.

I had the privilege of travelling the province and talking to victim services across the province and I heard stories after stories after stories. Just last week, I met a victim whose ex-partner, who was out on bail after domestic violence, had ended up kidnapping her child and she had to travel to a different country to bring her child back. No mother should have to live through that horror.

Bail reform is essential to protecting public safety and restoring confidence in our justice system. Across Canada and Ontario, as I mentioned earlier, communities continue to see cases where people are released on bail not two, not three, not four, not five times only to reoffend. This creates real risk for victims, front-line officers and the public. Our government believes the bail system must strike the right balance between protecting the rights of the accused, while ensuring those who pose a serious risk are not cycling through the system.

Bail reform helps close gaps that allow chronic and violent offenders to repeatedly breach conditions or commit new crimes while out on bail. It also supports police and prosecutors by strengthening accountability and improving oversight to individuals who are out on bail. Ultimately, bail reform is about keeping our communities safe, supporting victims and ensuring that the justice system works as it was intended, which is to hold offenders accountable while maintaining public confidence in the rule of law.

We’re advocating for stricter bail practices and a justice system that prioritizes safety for all Canadians. Recent federal government changes to the Criminal Code are a step in the right direction. It is great to see that many of our recommendations have been reflected in the bills recently tabled by the federal government. Right now, we’re doing a detailed review of those changes, as we continue to push for a full review of the interim release system. But Speaker, we didn’t stop there. We also put money on the table, including a $112-million investment over the last three years to strengthen bail monitoring and enforcement of high-risk and repeat offenders.

I’m also excited to tell you about the Provincial Bail Compliance Dashboard. This state-of-the-art monitoring tool was developed by Toronto Police Service with help from the Durham police service and is now managed by the OPP. This dashboard helps police monitor individuals on bail for firearm-related charges and others identified as presenting increased risk to the community. For a front-line officer, the Provincial Bail Compliance Dashboard is an operational intelligence tool.

It aggregates information from multiple police services across the province so officers can quickly see if someone is on bail and what conditions they must follow and whether they have a history of breaching bail conditions.

I also had the privilege of travelling the province and seeing this bail compliance dashboard in action, through seeing the officers use the bail compliance dashboard as well as going on ride-alongs with officers to see how they enforce bail conditions and verify that the accused are keeping up with the rules of release.

This system can also provide information on things like warrants and outstanding charges. The goal is to support proactive compliance checks and faster responses to violations. Officer safety is a big part of the equation. The dashboard coordinates data from across jurisdictions, connecting police services from anywhere in the province. We launched the dashboard province-wide just over a year ago after extensive field testing by Toronto Police Service, the Durham police service and the OPP.

The results were impressive: In the final three months of the pilot phase, participating police services saw a 21% increase in the number of high-risk individuals being monitored. As a direct result, police laid 429 new charges.

Today, the dashboard is available to all municipal and First Nations police services across Ontario that choose to participate. As of now, 35 police services are using the system with more coming on board soon. There are now almost 8,000 people listed on the dashboard and in the 15 months since the technology went province-wide, it’s supported 23,600 bail compliance checks. These results show what is possible when we combine better information, strong enforcement and modern tools. This bill, Speaker, builds on that progress.

As I mentioned at the outset, the bill before the House includes a number of measures aimed at enhancing Ontario’s bail system. If passed, the Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act will help improve bail collection and enhance administration of bail debt. It will review the bail system to make sure it’s meeting the challenges of today’s ever-evolving criminal landscape and support the use of technology across the bail system. Another change would give Ontario the authority to effectively garnish wages, seize and sell property and take other steps to ensure that bail debts are collected.

We also want to move to mandatory cash security deposits to back up a pledge of money by accused persons or their sureties. What happens today, Speaker, is accused people or their sureties do not provide money up front. Instead, the system relies heavily on promises, guarantees and conditions. In cases of bail non-compliance, it is often extremely difficult for governments to collect—we’re fixing that. People on bail who have actual money on the table are much more likely to follow the court’s conditions—not to mention, if you already have the cash on hand, there is no longer a debt to collect.

Bill 75 also supports a comprehensive review of the bail reform system. The current system has been around for a very long time, and with the changes in technology and our criminal landscape, is in desperate need of an overhaul. Key areas we need to look at include the use of digital technology to track repeat offenders and bail breaches, and the creation of a comprehensive database to streamline and enhance surety checks. We also need to take a close look at the bail prosecution system. We need more prosecution teams. We need to make sure that we have the expertise to meet the challenges of today’s ever-evolving criminal landscape.

Finally, we need to enable better use of technology in the bail system. I already mentioned databases for sureties and repeat offenders. I’m also talking about things like electronic tracking devices, like ankle bracelets. They’re an effective way to monitor people on bail and allow them to remain in the community while they await trial. But these systems are expensive. A user-pay approach would hold adult offenders and accused individuals accountable and provide funds for victim services and victims of crime.

As you can see, Speaker, this is an ambitious plan that strengthens our bail system. It enhances compliance while keeping violent and repeat offenders off the streets.

Strengthening bail is only one part of the equation. When offenders are held in custody, our correctional system must have the modern infrastructure and capacity to support staff, maintain safety and deliver effective programs. That is why our government is working to modernize and expand Ontario’s correction system. For too long, Speaker, the system was ignored and neglected.

Over the past six years, our government has delivered on its promise to modernize the system, increase capacity and enhance safety for correctional staff and inmates. We back this promise up with—listen carefully—a $3-billion commitment to build new facilities and deliver major updates to correctional infrastructure across Ontario.

And we’re getting the job done, Speaker. Since 2024, we’ve added almost 600 new beds to the system. By the end of 2027, we’ll have increased the capacity by a total of more than 700 additional beds. This includes new facilities in Thunder Bay and Brockville, modular expansions in Sudbury, Niagara and my riding of Milton, a huge expansion of the Toronto South Detention Centre.

These investments ensure that our correctional system has the modern facilities, capacity and resources to do the job safely and effectively, because strengthening public safety requires a comprehensive and coordinated system, one that covers everything from prevention and policing to bail compliance and supporting a modern, secure correctional system.

Speaker, protecting the people of Ontario requires a justice system that is strong, modern and capable of meeting the challenges of today. Bill 75 is an extremely important part of that effort. It strengthens bail compliance. It improves accountability within the justice system. It supports the use of modern technology to track offenders and enforce conditions. It ensures that our public safety partners, from police and prosecutors to correctional officers, have the tools they need to do the job.

Speaker, we’ve heard from the public time and time again that they expect the streets to be safe, they expect their families to be secure and, when a crime is committed, they expect justice to be served. That is what we’re doing today.

Combined with our investment in policing, bail enforcement and correctional modernization, these measures represent a comprehensive approach to protecting Ontario communities. This approach will guarantee safety for the public. It will keep our streets safe, and it will make sure justice is served.

But this bill also sends a clear message to violent and repeat offenders: that you will face stronger consequences, and the safety of Ontarians will always come first.

I’m proud to support the Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act, and I encourage members of the House to do the same.

As I mentioned earlier in my speech, I had the privilege of meeting victim services across the province, and I can tell you that they’re looking for changes like this. Victim services across the province, as they work with victims of crime, have told us repeatedly that they expect us to see repeat and violent offenders held accountable, that they expect to close the revolving door of justice so people who pose a threat to public safety are kept behind bars, so our streets are safe and people’s families are secure. And this is what this bill does.

Now I will share my time with the member from Hastings–Lennox and Addington.

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Effie J. Triantafilopoulos): I recognize the member for Hastings–Lennox and Addington.

Mr. Ric Bresee: I’m really glad to be here today. I want to start by thanking the Solicitor General, Michael Kerzner, not only for introducing this important legislation but for working so hard across the Solicitor General’s office to make sure that we continue to protect Ontario. I also want to thank the Attorney General and the Associate Solicitor General, Zee Hamid, for their work to help keep Ontario safe.

Speaker, our government has been clear from day one: Anyone—anyone—who breaks the law, endangers others or puts public safety at risk must face serious consequences.

That’s why we passed legislation to suspend the drivers’ licences of those who are convicted of auto theft, including lifetime bans for repeat offenders. We also increased the limitation period for careless driving charges and enacted a lifetime ban for anyone convicted of impaired driving causing death. And now we’re moving that forward; we are taking further action to protect people from dangerous and reckless drivers.

Speaker, they’re in the House today. We’ve all heard the heartbreaking story of Andrew Cristillo and his family. My sympathies and my condolences to you.

Last summer, Mr. Cristillo was killed in a collision involving a driver who was already facing charges for dangerous driving and stunt driving. That driver has since pleaded guilty to charges related to the collision, but the damage that he caused can never be undone. Mr. Cristillo left behind a wife and three children, so now those three children are growing up without their dad.

In the wake of that tragedy, Mr. Cristillo’s family launched the Andrew’s Law petition, calling for tougher penalties for dangerous driving and increased driver education to keep Ontario’s roads safe. Madam Speaker, our government is responding to that call.

Through the Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act, we are taking action to help get dangerous drivers off the roads, period. When someone chooses to drive dangerously, they put everyone else around them at risk, and when this leads to a serious injury or death, the consequences change lives forever.

If this legislation passes, police would have the authority to issue a 90-day roadside driver’s licence suspension and impound the vehicle for seven days if they have reason to believe that a person was driving dangerously at the time of the traffic stop. The legislation would also introduce a lifetime driver’s licence suspension for anyone convicted of dangerous driving causing death.

This sends a clear and very important message that dangerous driving will not be tolerated on Ontario’s roads. When a dangerous driver tears a family apart, the consequences for the driver must be severe. This is the kind of action we need to hold dangerous drivers accountable when their actions lead to a loss of life, and we need to keep doing this to keep Ontario’s roads among the safest in North America.

Madam Speaker, this legislation would also take stronger action against people who drive with a suspended licence. If your licence has been suspended, you should not be behind the wheel; it’s really quite simple. The Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act would increase fines for anyone convicted of driving with a suspended licence and introduce escalating roadside vehicle impoundment periods.

We’re also proposing stronger roadside penalties for careless driving, including a seven-day roadside licence suspension for anyone charged with careless driving and a 30-day roadside licence suspension for anyone charged with careless driving causing bodily harm or death.

This legislation will also increase fines for careless driving conditions. As I’ve said, Madam Speaker, if you put people at risk on Ontario’s roads, there will be consequences.

Distracted driving remains a serious concern. According to Ontario’s Road Safety Annual Report, the number of people killed in collisions involving an inattentive driver increased from 75 in 2020 to 83 in 2021. That was an increase of 11% in one year. Over the longer term, fatalities involving inattentive drivers increased by 60% from 2002 to 2021. These numbers show why further action is required.

Today, commercial drivers face the same penalties for distracted driving as any other driver, but we know commercial vehicles are larger and heavier, and collisions involving those vehicles can have much more serious consequences. That’s why our government is proposing stronger penalties for distracted drivers in commercial vehicles. If the Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act passes, it would double the fines and the licence suspensions for commercial drivers convicted of distracted driving.

The legislation would also increase the minimum fine for not having a functional speed limiter in commercial vehicles up to $1,000. We know that speed limiter compliance is important for road safety, and unfortunately, we know that there are commercial vehicle operators and drivers out there who are not following the rules. Our government is taking action to strengthen compliance and improve safety on Ontario’s roads.

Madam Speaker, road safety starts with training and education. That’s why our government intends to launch a comprehensive review of the novice driver training to ensure that drivers are held to rigorous standards. In doing this, we’ll consult with road safety stakeholders to better understand the training processes for new drivers and what they need before they’re fully licensed.

The Ministry of Transportation will also partner with the Ministry of Education to deliver road safety presentations at the secondary school level to raise awareness of the risks and the consequences of unsafe driving, so young drivers make better decisions behind the wheel. This is a practical step to support safer driving habits very early and keep Ontario roads safe.

Ontario has long ranked among the safest jurisdictions in North America for road safety, with one of the lowest fatality rates per 100,000 licensed drivers, but even one is too many, Speaker. We take road safety very seriously, and that’s why our province has continued to set the example for other jurisdictions over the years.

Since taking office, our government has introduced tough new measures to crack down on stunt driving, street racing, impaired driving and careless driving. We’ve introduced legislation to create a provincial offence for registering a vehicle with fraudulent vehicle identification numbers—VINs. Through this legislation, we’re taking the next step to strengthen road safety and hold unsafe drivers to account.

Madam Speaker, every member of this House understands that we have a responsibility to keep Ontario’s roads safe. No family should ever face the heartbreak of losing a loved one or the trauma of a life-changing injury, just because someone made a bad decision and chose to drive dangerously or carelessly. Mr. Cristillo’s family has lived with that loss since last summer. Our government is responding with measures that would help to prevent similar tragedies and improve road safety all across this province.

Madam Speaker, with this legislation, we’re sending a clear message that dangerous driving will not be tolerated in this province. We’re taking action to improve commercial vehicle safety all across the province. These are practical measures to hold unsafe drivers accountable.

Speaker, before I get into my conclusion, I do want to speak a little bit about my own riding. I was actually just telling the Solicitor General that my riding is an hour and a half wide and three and a half hours long. You can tell I’m a rural Ontarian because I measure driving distance in hours. In the last year, I’ve done about 50,000 kilometres in my vehicle. I’m very fortunate. Not to brag, but I live in one of the absolutely most beautiful parts of Ontario, right from the shoreline along Lake Ontario and looking out across at the islands and Hay Bay, all the way north to the highlands.

I’ve got the beautiful Mazinaw Rock at Bon Echo. It’s a 300-foot art museum of Indigenous art. I’ve got some amazing things to be able to see while you’re out on the road all across Hastings–Lennox and Addington.

I’m very, very proud to be able to drive around that representing the people of Hastings–Lennox and Addington, but when I do that, Madam Speaker, there’s a contract. There’s a social contract with every other person on that road: I will drive following those rules. It only works if I have the confidence that everyone else driving on that road is following the same rules.

Madam Speaker, I know 99.9%—whatever the number is—of the people are driving safely, and that’s good. That’s why we have a great traffic safety record in this province. As much as it’s about rules and about the enforcement through the police services, about all of that, it’s also about the good people of Ontario deciding—and it is a decision—to drive safely, to drive conscientiously, following the rules. We need that last very, very small percentage to be added to that group. Through legislation like this, we’re making it harder, we’re making it more severe when they make the bad decision to not follow the rules, because there are serious, serious consequences when that happens.

Again, we have the Cristillo family here in the House today. Truly unfortunately, most of us know somebody personally, most of us know someone in our own ridings, in our own lives, in our own families, who have been affected by people making bad decisions. Whether that’s because they were drunk, whether that’s because they were speeding excessively, careless—whatever the definition is—it’s a bad decision. Madam Speaker, we want those people off the road. It’s that simple.

We will use legislation like this. This is another example of our government’s work to protect Ontario. There are lots of ways that we protect Ontario: through our health care system, through our education, through building our economy. This is one of the ways that we protect Ontario by keeping our roads safe, by keeping our communities safe and ensuring that the good people of Ontario can travel anywhere they want across Ontario safely, conscientiously.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I’ve appreciated your time today.

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Effie J. Triantafilopoulos): Questions?

MPP Jamie West: Thank you to my colleagues across the aisle for all of their shared time. I had a question for the Attorney General or whoever is able to answer.

I really appreciate the passion. You spoke about Andrew Cristillo. It was very important; it resonated with me. Sudbury is the home of the Day of Mourning and we recognize injured workers from all different backgrounds. When you talked about having these conversations, how it’s tough but it’s important to talk about them every single year—through the Speaker: It really resonated with me because we meet with families of injured workers on a regular basis.

I know for years there was a push for the Westray law to hold employers criminally accountable when there is criminal behaviour in a death of a worker. One of the issues we’ve heard from the police chiefs and from police associations is that they don’t have the time and money for the training of officers to investigate these. I’m wondering in the future if the Solicitor General will consider this funding.

Hon. Michael S. Kerzner: To my friend opposite from Sudbury, especially today, Police Week, we acknowledge the incredible work that the chiefs do—that everyone does.

But I believe that there’s never been a more opportune time to acknowledge the fact that today, thanks to strong provincial legislation, the Community Safety and Policing Act, in collaboration with the associations, they are prepared, that the training people receive at the Ontario Police College means that those that are being badged are prepared, that the training that they’re getting in their police services—municipal, OPP or First Nations—that they are prepared and it goes to the standard that we take it. We take protecting Ontario seriously, and I want to acknowledge everyone that keeps us safe every day.

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Effie J. Triantafilopoulos): Question?

Mr. Deepak Anand: A couple of years back, right at the intersection of Derry and Goreway, I got a call from one of the business owners. He called me. He said, “There has been a robbery.” Somebody came. They took stuff from his store. But he was very excited. He said, “Don’t worry, I have the all the videos captured.” I went there. We called the police. The police came. They saw the video and the first thing they said, “Oh, my goodness. That’s Johnny”—by the way, it’s a fake name. “What is he doing here? He should not be here. He is on bail. He is not even allowed to enter Malton.”

To any of the wonderful speakers, just a very simple question: What is this bill doing to solve such issues? How are we there for the people of Ontario?

Hon. Doug Downey: This bill does a number of things as it relates to bail and people out on bail. We had spoken about the GPS monitoring, which is very important, and about the follow-up on bail verification. We have dedicated resources that the Solicitor General has put out, called the ROPE squad, which helps do follow-up; we have the bail dashboard that was developed by the Solicitor General to allow local officers to be checking that people are where they are supposed to be; and we have sureties becoming more consequential so that, if this bill passes, we will have individuals with something at stake to be supervising those individuals that they promise and undertook to supervise.

There are a number of things happening in the space. All the while, we are working and pushing the federal government and Bill C-14 in particular. I may have more to say in supplementary questions.

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Effie J. Triantafilopoulos): Question?

MPP Jamie West: I want to thank the Solicitor General for talking about Joe MacDonald in Sudbury. Joe MacDonald is a local hero. He died in the line of duty and I’m really grateful that for my son’s generation and future generations, most people know him as Joe Mac because of the Joe Mac football league. I’m thankful for the scholarship fund that’s happening here.

I was wondering if the Solicitor General would consider in the future expanding that to include death by suicide. I came from the mining background; we have a mentality of rubbing dirt in and holding it in. But as a result, because of tragic incidents that officers see in the line of duty, other things happening like that, mental health is an issue, and I think it would be important to recognize those who died in the line of duty through suicide.

Hon. Michael S. Kerzner: Again, to my colleague opposite from Sudbury, we want to modernize the scholarship fund. It’s very important. I’ve had great dialogue with his colleague and my friend the member from St. Catharines, again, because we understood the comments that were made in the justice committee. The House leader says many times that committees play a vital role in the discussion and debate of a bill. That’s a perfect example. So we’re going to look at modernizing it. We’re going to leave all the options on the table right now and consult with our stakeholders, some of whom are here in the gallery.

But most importantly, remember what I said in my remarks: We can’t leave the children of those that serve, who gave their lives so we could live, behind. We’re never going to do that. I want to acknowledge the ladies from the Survivors of Law Enforcement, the SOLE ladies. They don’t just mean just anything to me. They mean everything.

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Effie J. Triantafilopoulos): Questions?

M me Lucille Collard: I want to ask the government about addressing the rise of violent crime. We know that this is a fact, that there has been a rise in violence, and I agree that it certainly does need to be addressed. However, I’d like to hear from the government what the evidence is that is showing that having stricter bail is actually more effective at reducing crime than investing the same amount of money into mental health, addictions services and affordable housing?

Hon. Doug Downey: In fact, we’re doing a number of things at the same time, but stricter bail is important because what we’re seeing are the same individuals over and over. We’re seeing crimes happen while people are out on bail and, quite frankly, if they weren’t out on bail, those crimes wouldn’t have happened. So I think there’s a direct correlation between people being held on bail when they’re doing serious, violent—and repeat offenders in particular. You know, the best predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour.

And although that’s not enough to convict somebody on, nor should it be, it certainly is a factor that should be considered when you’re deciding whether to let somebody else back out into the community.

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Effie J. Triantafilopoulos): Questions?

Mr. Anthony Leardi: I’m wondering if one of the presenters today can talk more about the ROPE grant. The ROPE grant is the repeat offender and parole enforcement grant. In my community, we had the good fortune of receiving a ROPE grant. The LaSalle police force, in conjunction with the Windsor police force, have used that to great effect, re-arresting individuals who were in breach of their parole conditions or in breach of their release conditions.

I think the ROPE grant is extremely effective. It’s been very, very effective in my area. I’m wondering if any of the speakers today could give us more details or talk a little bit more at length about the ROPE grant, because, as I said, it’s been very effective in my area. Perhaps it’s also been effective in other areas as well, and I would like to hear more about that.

Hon. Michael S. Kerzner: Thank you to my friend from Essex. The repeat offender and parole enforcement grant is important. I want to salute his great police service—the LaSalle Police Service, led by Chief Pearce. And I want to tell the member opposite that what LaSalle has done with the Windsor Police Service, led by a great chief as well, Chief Jason Crowley, is to make sure that they have the additional resources to ensure that those people who break their bail conditions are found.

The whole concept of the ROPE, which is the repeat offender and parole enforcement grant, is to stop people from continuously doing what they’re doing, coming one, two, three, four times, causing

an act of criminality and getting back out the next day.

This grant has been monumental to southwest Ontario. It has helped provide LaSalle Police Service and Windsor Police Service with incredible resources to help keep their community safe.

I also want to acknowledge the surrounding municipal areas, including Strathroy-Caradoc. We’re delighted to have Chief Mark Campbell here—their chief—because southwestern Ontario is beautiful. It should be safe, and it is safe because of those municipal police services.

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Effie J. Triantafilopoulos): We are now going to move to members’ statements.

Third reading debate deemed adjourned.

Members’ Statements

Health care funding

Hon. Ernie Hardeman: This past month I had the privilege of announcing an investment of $5.2 million by our government to connect up to 13,000 people to primary care in Oxford. This investment is monumental, given that access to primary care is important for a strong and reliable health care system. Strengthening primary care not only helps people stay healthier, but it also reduces pressure on emergency departments and hospitals.

Access to primary care has been a concern for Oxford residents. This investment is an acknowledgement that their concerns have been heard by our government and we have taken action on them.

The Thames Valley family health services within Oxford and the Ingersoll Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic will put this money to good use for the benefit of the people of Oxford. A portion of this investment will also be used to establish a new nurse practitioner clinic in Tillsonburg, which will connect more people to team-based care.

However, none of this could have happened without the hard work and dedication of the health care partners in Oxford, which has helped us arrive at this new and exciting time. Stephanie Nevins, the executive director of the Ingersoll Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, has been striving for nearly a decade, and her hard work has paid off.

Overall, the investment is a significant step forward for primary care in Oxford county, as it will be used to increase our health care workforce and ensure families have access to quality care right there in Oxford.

Climate change

Mr. Peter Tabuns: Speaker, as you’re well aware, the world is getting hotter. Many scientists are now saying that the rate of change is accelerating. The risk is growing that we will hit two degrees centigrade warming within the next 10 to 15 years. This is decades earlier than previously thought or projected. This risks a substantial drop in our standard of living.

We’re already seeing growing insurance losses coupled with rising insurance rates across North America—and certainly, we’re seeing it in northern Ontario.

We’re already seeing the impact on the price and availability of beef from the western United States, and we will see far more impacts on food prices across the board over the next decade.

This government has cancelled its own climate plan. As weak as it was, there’s no excuse for doing this. A variety of environmental groups have called on the government to re-establish a climate plan that will actually be effective. The fact that the government decided to shut down the plan in the first place shows that a safe and prosperous future for Ontario is not a priority for this government.

Athlètes francophones / City of Ottawa

M me Lucille Collard: Il me fait grand plaisir de souligner l’exploit remarquable de deux jeunes athlètes francophones d’Ottawa, Shakespeare Louis et Ebenezer Dibula, qui ont été repêchés cette semaine dans la Ligue canadienne de football. Shakespeare a été choisi par les Alouettes de Montréal et Ebenezer par les Lions de la Colombie-Britannique, une réalisation exceptionnelle qui marque le début d’un parcours professionnel très prometteur.

Originaires d’Haïti et du Congo, ils incarnent la force, la résilience et la diversité de nos communautés francophones en Ontario. Leur parcours est une source d’inspiration pour de nombreux jeunes.

Je veux aussi souligner le rôle essentiel de leur entraîneur, Jean Guillaume, un mentor francophone dévoué qui accompagne depuis des années de nombreux jeunes athlètes d’Ottawa, autant sur le terrain qu’à l’extérieur. Son engagement vers la jeunesse de notre communauté est remarquable.

Cet accomplissement résonne particulièrement à Vanier, où la mère de Shakespeare travaille et contribue chaque jour à notre communauté.

Au nom de cette Chambre, je félicite Shakespeare et Ebenezer, leurs familles, leur entraîneur et toutes les personnes qui les ont soutenus dans ce parcours. Ottawa–Vanier est immensément fier de vous et vous appuiera à chaque étape de vos carrières.

Speaking of Ottawa, I’m also happy to highlight that this year we are celebrating the 200th anniversary of our city. In fact, I invite you all to join us this evening at 6 p.m. on the grand staircase for the Speaker’s reception celebrating this important milestone, alongside our mayor and city council.

Student Start Up Program

Mr. Joseph Racinsky: Today, I would like to highlight a great opportunity for young entrepreneurs in Wellington county. Wellington-Waterloo Community Futures is organizing a Student Start Up Program for youth in grades 6 to 12. This is a four-week program starting on June 3, where students will learn essential business concepts, problem-solving skills, as well as how to manage a budget, provide customer service and market their business. Students apply to the program with a business idea, and by the end of the program, they will take that idea and turn it into an actual business.

Ontario’s entrepreneurial spirit is one of the reasons why this is the best place in the world to live, work and play. It is so important that we continue to foster that spirit.

I want to thank Wellington-Waterloo Community Futures for providing this opportunity to our youth.

I especially want to thank Jane Shaw for helping to organize this program and for the tremendous job she is doing as the board president of the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce. If you’d like to learn more about the Student Start Up Program, you can email jane@wwcf.ca.

Let’s all continue to make sure that Ontario is the best place for someone to start, run and build a business. We know that businesses and entrepreneurs drive our economy, and a strong economy means a better Ontario for everyone.

Ron Michaud

MPP Jamie West: Speaker, on Sunday, the member from Nickel Belt and I said goodbye to Ron Michaud, a labour champion in Sudbury. Ron Michaud spent his career fighting for safer mining workplaces with decent pensions and wages, and he continued that activism into retirement.

He was a veteran. He spent his early years in the 2nd Battalion, Black Watch. He enrolled in the army in 1961. He was based in Gagetown, New Brunswick, then Germany for four years and Cyprus for six months.

After fighting for Canada, Ron fought for workers. He was at the Falconbridge smelter for 32 years. He was active in his union and very proud to be part of Mine Mill Unifor Local 598. When he retired, Ron joined the retirees’ board and eventually became the chairman, until April 2026, when Ron got sick and was too sick to continue. Although he was in the hospital, Ron was organizing until his last few days.

Ron was ready to stand with any and all of his union brothers and sisters when they were fighting the fight, not only in the Sudbury area, but all of Canada.

I ran into Ron all over Ontario. I ran into Ron standing with auto workers in a snowstorm outside of the GM plant in Oshawa—the member for Oshawa was with us there—and I was in Thunder Bay when a grateful Unifor worker told me how Ron and a van full of retirees with bad backs and bad knees had pulled up to walk the picket line with them.

I want to thank Ron’s loving wife of 57 years, Carol; his daughter, Kathleen; her spouse, Paul; his two grandchildren; his amazing seven great-grandchildren. I want to say to them, our province owes a debt of gratitude to all of you for sharing Brother Ron Michaud with all of us. Rest in peace, Ron.

Municipalities

Mr. Stéphane Sarrazin: I would like to welcome members of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus who are here with us at Queen’s Park today. I look forward to meeting with them—and, of course, all my colleague MPPs—in room 230 over lunchtime.

I would also like to welcome warden of the united counties of Prescott-Russell, Mr. Mario Zanth, and also warden of united counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, Mr. Francois Landry, both here with the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus today.

I also want to introduce a good friend of mine, Mr. Stephane Parisien, who is the united counties of Prescott-Russell CAO. Mr. Parisien has been leading the united counties for more than 20 years—23 years now. Before becoming a CAO of the counties, he worked for the Ministry of Social Services in Hawkesbury. I had the pleasure as the mayor of the township of Alfred and Plantagenet and as a member of the united counties of Prescott-Russell to work with Mr. Parisien from 2018 to 2022. It’s always great working with him. I must say that our relationship goes beyond a professional one. Over the years, we have become good friends.

I would also like to congratulate Mr. Parisien and the entire team at the united counties of Prescott-Russell—I think we counted 500 employees approximately—for the remarkable work they do in providing many services to the residents of Prescott-Russell.

Laboratory services

M me France Gélinas: Today, LifeLabs in Sudbury ends local testing. The last few weeks, they’ve been transporting more and more of their samples to Toronto.

Here’s a message I received from my constituent last Wednesday:

“I had a test done in my specialist’s office. The results are typically a 48-hour process. A week later”—today—“I go in for the follow-up and my doctor is very frustrated. The results are not back yet. This has cost my doctor a second unnecessary appointment with me, and the time of her staff to try to find out” where the expected results are, since “they are not processed in Sudbury; and a subsequent third appointment next week. My treatment plan is delayed....”

LifeLabs’ profits will rise, but they leave behind a trail of late diagnoses, wasted doctors’ appointments and job losses for my constituents.

We can do better, Speaker. Instead of padding the profits of this American company that owns LifeLabs, these dollars can be used to retain and develop northern lab professionals, sustain local health infrastructure, support community health, attract and retain professionals, prevent brain drain from northern Ontario and, of course, prepare for emergencies.

If northeastern Ontario is not profitable enough for LifeLabs, then let’s give the contract to the people and organizations that keep us healthy and help us when we’re sick: our northern community hospitals. Let them bill for community lab services.

YMCA

Mr. Brian Saunderson: I rise today to recognize the incredible impact of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, a charity that has been strengthening lives for generations. While my own connection is through the Collingwood Y, the organization serves more than 64,000 people through 95 locations across Simcoe county, Barrie, Orillia, Parry Sound and Muskoka. With 1,600 staff and volunteers and 1,800 donors, its impact is truly regional.

Speaker, for my family, the Y has been more than a place for health and fitness. It has been a place to connect with friends, first jobs for two of my sons, an opportunity to serve in a capital campaign, and where Susie and I have taken

part in the annual Move to Give fundraiser to make Y programs and services accessible to more families in our community.

One of the Y’s strengths is meeting people where they are in life. Guided by the values of kindness, integrity, inclusiveness, respect and optimism, the Y creates a sense of belonging for all who walk through the doors.

And, Speaker, as the region’s largest provider of child and school-age care, with more than 5,000 licensed spaces, the Y provides safe, supportive places for children to learn and grow while helping families thrive. For over 100 years, Camp Kitchikewana in Honey Harbour has helped young people build confidence, resilience and lifelong memories.

The future is very bright, Madam Speaker. With the new Barrie Y under construction, supported by a $30-million provincial funding grant, our government is helping to strengthen that legacy for future generations.

Lorie Smith

MPP Paul Vickers: I rise today to pay tribute to and thank Lorie Smith for her two decades of service to Grey Ag Services.

Grey Ag Services was founded 25 years ago with a vision to connect local farmers to leading ag sector practices through educational and networking opportunities. This work includes hosting the Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week, a week filled with educational sessions dedicated to six different commodity groups. During her tenure, Lorie has been involved with over 20 farmers’ weeks and led it virtually during the pandemic years.

Speaker, my friend Lorie recently announced she is stepping down from Grey Ag Services, marking the end of her tenure serving Grey county’s farmers. But when it comes to her impact, don’t just take my word for it; take it from our local press. While Lorie is not one for the spotlight, our local media honoured her with the Tommy Cooper Award in 2021, which is reserved for those who contribute to the betterment of agricultural and rural living.

Today, Grey Ag Services is going stronger than ever, largely due to Lorie’s dedication. On behalf of the farmers and constituents of Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound, thank you, Lorie. I hope you and Dave can enjoy some well-earned retirement time. But don’t be a stranger to the agriculture community.

Introduction of Visitors

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Joining me in the Speaker’s gallery I have a number of guests from Hamilton who are here with an amazing young women’s hockey team, who will be introduced in a minute: Pat and Palma de Caria and their grandson, Luca.

Also, from my constituency office, Grant MacLean. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

I recognize the Minister of Tourism.

Hon. Neil Lumsden: Sport, but that too.

It’s great to rise in the Legislature—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I apologize. I recognize the Minister of Sport.

Hon. Neil Lumsden: Thank you, Speaker. To be recognized twice, that must be a record.

There are some other great reasons to be here today. I’m real proud to welcome the Stoney Creek Sabres U18 AA hockey team from my riding—wait for it—Hamilton East–Stoney Creek. On April 25, they won the provincial championships and then they went on to New Brunswick to compete for the Esso Cup on the national stage. They won a silver medal on April 25.

They also do a great job on our community skate in the last few years. It’s fabulous to have them there. Now it’s time: To the players, the coaches and the families, please rise and show us your medal. Welcome to the Legislature. Congratulations.

Applause.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): We’re very proud of you.

Mr. Joseph Racinsky: I’m happy to welcome friends Simmone, Maria, Tommy and Eric. But especially I want to welcome my much better half, my biggest supporter, my wife Mikayla to the Legislature. Welcome.

M me France Gélinas: RPNs are in the House today. I’d like to welcome their CEO, Dianne Martin, and their president, Lindsay Pentland, as well as many of their members. Please join them in room 228 for lunch today.

The nurse practitioners’ association is also at Queen’s Park. I would like to recognize their CEO, Dr. Michelle Acorn; their president, Marie Greer-King; and their president-elect, Kevin Zizzo. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Hon. Nolan Quinn: I’d like to welcome, from the University of Guelph today president, Rene Van Acker, as well as Byron Sheldrick, interim provost, and Mellissa McDonald from GR.

As well, from the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, Warden Frank Landry and incoming CAO Jamie MacDonald. Welcome.

Hon. Vijay Thanigasalam: It’s my honour to recognize Aarav Sujeevan, from Highland Creek Public School in Scarborough, who is serving as page captain today. I would like to welcome his parents, Varuniya Chandrarajah and Sujeevan Nagamuthu, who are here with us today. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam: I’d like us all to welcome the Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association of Ontario and, in particular, Anna DeMarco, who’s leading an entire team of mortgage brokers to speak with us and to inform us. She is the executive director.

Hon. Steve Clark: I want to welcome Corinna Smith-Gatcke, warden of the united counties of Leeds and Grenville.

I’d also like to welcome, later this morning, what is believed to be Ontario’s oldest model Parliament. High school students from Athens District High School will be here. I’m looking forward to meeting with you and members of the Legislature.

Mr. Adil Shamji: This morning, I’d like to welcome the outstanding members from two spectacular organizations.

From WeRPN, I’d like to welcome the CEO, Dianne Martin; the president, Lindsay Pentland; and various other association member representatives, board members and WeRPN staff.

I’d also like to welcome the Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario—notably, the CEO, Dr. Michelle Acorn; the president, Marie Greer-King; and the president-elect, Kevin Zizzo.

Hon. Stephen Lecce: I want to welcome the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce today, including their president, Jennifer Coletta-Rashty.

Thank you for the work you do to stand up for a strong economy.

MPP Paul Vickers: I’d like to introduce Jay Kirkland, Bill Jones and Brianna Collins from South Bruce Peninsula. They do excellent work up there, and I’m happy to welcome them to their House.

Ms. Aislinn Clancy: I want to take this opportunity to wish a happy Mother’s Day to all the people who mother in this building.

And I want to give a special shout-out to my mother, who’s watching live. Thank you, Elaine Clancy, for all you do.

MPP George Darouze: I’m pleased to welcome Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, mayor of the city of Ottawa, alongside a delegation from our great city to the chamber this morning.

This evening, we’ll be celebrating and joining you to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the funding of Bytown, a major milestone for our capital and our nation.

Welcome to your House.

Mr. Dave Smith: I’d like to welcome Bonnie Clark, warden of Peterborough county.

Mr. John Jordan: I want to welcome the warden for Lanark county, Richard Kidd, respectfully known as King Richard; and the warden for Frontenac county, Bill Saunders.

Mr. Anthony Leardi: On behalf of the Minister of Health, I’d like to welcome the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario, the Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario and especially nurse Blanche Durocher from Amherstburg.

Happy National Nursing Week.

Mrs. Michelle Cooper: I want to welcome to the House Michael Furman and the ShinShinim from Israel. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Hon. Natalia Kusendova-Bashta: Happy Nursing Week in the province of Ontario.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Dianne Martin, the CEO of WeRPN, for her years of service.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Unfortunately, we are out of time.

To our guests who were not introduced, I apologize. Members will be able to come back at 1 o’clock to introduce guests.

Tragedy in Brockville

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the government House leader on a point of order.

Hon. Steve Clark: Speaker, if you seek it, you’ll find unanimous consent for the House to observe a moment of silence for the three victims who senselessly lost their lives in Brockville on May 7.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The government House leader is asking for a moment of silence. Agreed? Agreed.

The House observed a moment’s silence.

Question Period

Health care

Ms. Marit Stiles: Eight long years ago, this government promised to end the chaos of hallway health care that started under the Liberals. But here we are today, and the situation has only gotten worse. Patients are being treated not just in hallways, but in broom closets, storage rooms. Front-line workers are burning out. Our hospitals are collapsing.

When will this Premier admit that his government and his minister are failing on health care?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: First of all, let me begin by saying happy nurses’ week to everyone who has joined us here in Queen’s Park. There is no doubt that our nursing professionals are world class and absolutely such a critically important part of our health care system. It’s been such a pleasure to lead the Ministry of Health as we not only expand the number of opportunities for nurses to be able to train, including expansions to their scope of practice, but also, of course, opportunities for new young people to explore the nursing profession.

It was, of course, under the leadership of the Ministry of Colleges and Universities where nurses were the first Learn and Stay program that we implemented in the province of Ontario, and we have 30,000 nurses training right now in the province of Ontario.

Since Premier Ford took government—I’ll go on later.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Ms. Marit Stiles: All the nice things that the Minister of Health said about nursing professionals are true, but the fact is that you are losing nurses faster than you can hire them. It is a net loss.

It is not only about recruitment, but it is also about retention, right? We have a retention problem. Nurses are burning out left and right, and there are solutions, Speaker. If the minister stopped firing nurses, we could maybe bring in, also, nurse/patient ratios—not just stop firing them, but bring in safer staffing ratios. But instead, hospitals are being told to fire staff. People are still, however, being treated in hallways. Something is not right here. How does that make any sense, Speaker?

Back to the Premier: Will the Premier listen to front-line workers and implement safe staffing ratios?

Hon. Sylvia Jones: As I’ve said many times in this chamber, you can have your own story, but you can’t have your own facts. And the facts are that we’ve actually seen a 15% increase in the number of nurses that are practising in our publicly funded system. Facts matter, and I want to make sure that people across Ontario, whether they are training to become a nurse, whether they are in our hospitals, our primary care, our public health units, know that we are making more opportunities available to them.

As recently as Friday, I was at the William Osler hospital and talking to those nursing leaders—those preceptors who are training, using funding that has been provided by the province of Ontario sim labs that ensure that our nurses have the best, up-to-date, world-class training—which has been literally something that they are welcoming, they are embracing. They love the opportunity to be able to train in that interprofessional team, and having that opportunity to see first-hand how our investments are making an impact allows me and emboldens me to continue the important work that our government is doing.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Question?

Ms. Marit Stiles: Hallways, broom closets: This is where patients are being treated in our hospitals right now, and this is where the nurses and front-line workers are being forced to treat them. This is what the government apparently considers to be acceptable health care, Speaker, and they refuse to do anything about it. Emergency rooms are overcrowded; staff are jostled between patients. Other provinces have made this a priority: Manitoba, British Columbia implemented safe staffing nurse/patient ratios.

Why is it that this government refuses to do what everyone else knows needs to be done to fix our health care system? Will you implement that now?

Hon. Sylvia Jones: As I’ve mentioned, a 15% increase in the number of nurses that are working within our publicly funded system; over 100,000 nurses registered since Premier Ford and our government took power in 2018; and then, I see the investments that we’ve made in our capital: We have 3,500 net new hospital beds in the province of Ontario since 2018. We’re not done. We’re continuing to expand. We actually have another 3,000 in the works being built through our capital planning program.

The innovation that happens, whether it is individual hospitals or system-wide, as we share those best practices, really are why Ontario hospitals continue to be world class across the world, and we’re proud of that progress.

Government jet

Ms. Marit Stiles: Well, Speaker, my next question is also for the Premier. Earlier this morning, the Premier released a Hail Mary video to applaud himself on all of the great things that he’s doing. Here are some of the not-so-great things that he forgot to mention—

Interjections.

Ms. Marit Stiles: Yes, you can applaud all those things, but here are the things he forgot to mention: handing over billions of tax dollars to a private spa company in downtown Toronto that is apparently broke; letting people languish in emergency rooms and storage closets, trying to get health care; and, of course, he forgot to mention his $30-million private luxury jet that he promises he returned.

Speaker, my question is very simple: Did he actually return his jet, and when?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Every day, our office sends the Premier a different investment from across the province. That’s every single day—Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve—for eight years. That’s over 2,000 straight days, every single day, with a new investment.

Here are a couple of facts, Speaker. Last month alone, we sent the Premier $2.7 billion in new investment announcements—6,700 jobs just from those few announcements: Mars Canada, $180 million across Barrie, Newmarket and Aurora—1,800 jobs; Tubi, the streaming giant, opened their Canadian office here in Toronto, $20 million, 150 jobs; Mainfreight, a new logistics facility in Brampton—$119 million, 120 new jobs.

Speaker, these are all companies that are choosing Ontario to invest and add to the million jobs they’ve already created.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the Leader of the Opposition.

Ms. Marit Stiles: Speaker, I’m very concerned. I can’t understand; I asked a very simple question. We have heard lots of different things from this government and this Premier over the last few weeks. One moment, it looks like it was returned; the next moment, who knows? Nobody over there can seem to answer what should be a pretty straightforward question. I don’t know how you lose track of a $30-million private luxury jet, but if anybody could, this government could, I guess.

The Premier promised to hand over the receipts for that $30-million shopping spree. He flip-flopped. We still have no answers. And last week, on Friday, the Premier then admitted that the return was still being finalized.

So what is it? Can the Premier come clean once again and tell us what is going on with his $30-million jet?

Hon. Victor Fedeli: I know those questions have been asked and answered, but what hasn’t been asked is about the Regional Development Program, Speaker.

To date, 180 projects, $2.5 billion in brand new investment, have come from those regional development projects, many in opposition-held ridings. Those projects alone, just that segment has created 4,800 jobs.

Ya YA Foods, $35 million: They reshored US production, increased capacity in their Belleville facility to meet rising demand—83 new jobs; CABN, $14 million: a wood product manufacturer that built an inventory and processing facility in Brockville—20 new jobs; Dajcor Aluminum: $10 million to upgrade machinery at their Chatham plant—24 new jobs; EnerQuest Technologies: $15.8 million to reshore 61 new jobs.

Speaker, these new jobs are being created to manufacture Ontario-made products all across the province, and we’re just getting started.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the leader of the official opposition.

Ms. Marit Stiles: Well, Speaker, I hope the Premier will stand up and answer this question, because we’re not getting anywhere with this minister. I mean, maybe he has lost the receipts; I don’t know.

But just to go back to the Premier again, $30 million is not loose change. It might be to him, but the people—that’s their money. This Premier has wasted it, and now he can’t seem to get his story straight. He said one day that he returned it, then on Friday, he said that the return was still being finalized. They don’t seem to have the receipts. They don’t know when they’re going to deliver the receipts.

If he has returned this private luxury jet—and I know he didn’t want to; we got a whole week of the pity, pity, pity Ford frenzy—it should not be so difficult to produce the receipts.

So I would like the Premier to get up and answer this question: When are you going to release the receipts, and have you actually returned this jet?

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Speaker, I know that’s been asked and answered.

But to date, let’s talk a little bit about the Ontario Together Trade Fund. Many of your constituents are asking for this fund and they should know that that $150-million program has seen 73 companies commit over $500 million in investments and created or protected over 7,500 jobs: ArcelorMittal Tailored Blanks, a $69-million investment in Woodstock, 174 jobs; Burnco, $8 million in Vaughan, 290 jobs; Modern Elevator, $8 million in Burlington, 75 jobs. These are all investments that the NDP and the Liberals have voted against, Speaker.

They voted against the $150-million Ontario Together Trade Fund, with $500 million in incoming investments. If they actually cared about these jobs, they wouldn’t be voting against these investments, Speaker.

Government jet

Mr. John Fraser: Happy Nursing Week, by the way. Happy Nursing Week to my colleague from Nepean and all the nurses here. Thank you for what you do every day.

Interjections.

Mr. John Fraser: Come on, guys. You can do better. Let’s go. Okay.

My question is to the Premier. Premier, do the people of Ontario still own your $29.8-million luxury jet?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the Minister of Energy and Mines.

Hon. Stephen Lecce: Madam Speaker, I find it fascinating that the leader of the Liberal Party today would start his question without even recognizing the newly elected candidate from Scarborough Southwest, and I wonder why—because the Liberal Party is too busy fighting themselves instead of fighting for the people of Scarborough.

Madam Speaker, it was days ago that the Liberal leader, not to be outdone by the leader of the NDP invoking Trumpian language, actually calling into question the integrity of that election. I mean, where are we in our politics where a party that suggests the government in waiting is undermining democratic legitimacy in your own nominations?

Madam Speaker, the members from Scarborough–Agincourt, Scarborough Centre and Scarborough–Rouge Park have delivered more for Scarborough—including a new subway, a new hospital, a new medical school—than your party did in 15 long years.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Question?

Mr. John Fraser: So we have a new name for the Premier’s luxury private jet. We’re going to call it “Chicken Air,” okay?

Speaker, can the Premier just tell us, instead of pecking in his notebook there, do the people of Ontario still own the $29-million luxury jet you bought for yourself?

Hon. Stephen Lecce: Madam Speaker, we’re actually going to call it “hot air” after the Liberal leader, because the truth is, you have avoided again mentioning the member from Scarborough Southwest—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Through the Speaker.

Hon. Stephen Lecce: —and it actually speaks volumes about the lack of confidence you have in your own nomination process and election integrity.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The member for Don Valley East will come to order.

Hon. Stephen Lecce: Madam Speaker, who would have thought the Liberal leader and NDP leader would be outdoing each other for invoking the language of MAGA? Deeply dysfunctional—you’re not a real, credible party. You’re not ready to lead.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Through the Speaker.

Hon. Stephen Lecce: If you were, you would be able to bring a program to build subways, to build hospitals, to build medical schools, to build the first Tamil community centre in this province’s history.

We are delivering for families in Scarborough every single day. I will ask the member opposite: Join us to deliver the goods for the people of this city.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the leader of the third party.

Mr. John Fraser: The Premier bought himself a $29.8-million luxury jet when there are 29 airports in the north, the member for Kiiwetinoong brought up last week, that need repair. But he got a private jet instead.

And now, the Premier can’t tell us who owns the jet. It’s a simple question: If you haven’t sold it Premier, that’s fine, but just tell us. Is there something wrong? Is there something you’re trying to hide, Premier? Can you just simply tell us who owns the luxury private jet?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the Premier of Ontario.

Hon. Doug Ford: First of all, I hope everyone had a great Mother’s Day—a lot of great mothers in this Legislature.

And I want to thank the nurses for the incredible job they do day in and day out, keeping our province healthy.

Madam Speaker, you heard from the great Minister of Energy. He has led the way, not just in Ontario, not just in Canada or North America, but around the world.

We have a jobs plan anchored by building nuclear energy made right here at home. Ontario is moving forward with the Bruce C project, which you heard is creating over 19,000 jobs, powering 4.8 million homes.

Ontario is also building nuclear on time, on budget, proudly advancing the first large-scale nuclear build in 30 years.

Overall, Ontario’s nuclear program is going to create 150,000 good-paying jobs. Let’s just remind people—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the leader of the third party.

Government accountability

Mr. John Fraser: Speaker, back to the Premier: This luxury private jet is just a symbol of a government and a Premier that’s lost their way—lost their way.

Let’s talk about another thing that the Premier’s trying to hide. Last week, we learned that a $500-million lawsuit against the government brought forward by the Premier’s billionaire bagman, Carmine Nigro, who’s also the Premier’s appointment to the chair of the LCBO, Invest Ontario and Ontario Place—there might be something else, but I couldn’t find it.

That $500-million suit for your friend, Premier, was settled, but we don’t know what it was settled for.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Through the Speaker.

Mr. John Fraser: Speaker, can the Premier tell us—or anybody over there—how much was the settlement in the $500-million suit?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the member for Brampton East.

Mr. Hardeep Singh Grewal: The member opposite knows well that we don’t get involved in legal matters. The member knows that very well.

But what the people care about at home is about whether the train comes on time or whether the commute gets shorter or whether this government is finally building the infrastructure that previous governments talked about but never delivered.

Under this government, we’re building a $70-billion transit expansion plan that’s going to help the people of Ontario get from A to B faster and more reliably.

The question the member was asking is about a legal conversation that took place between Metrolinx and the team. They came into a settlement, and the member knows well that the Premier and this government has no involvement in that matter.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the leader of the third party.

Mr. John Fraser: That wasn’t much of an answer.

The government is being sued for something called air rights. Air rights are the ability to build over something. Now, Mr. Nigro’s company had a deal to buy those air rights, to buy air—a deal that was never fully consummated yet. He didn’t actually pay for that air, but he sued us anyway. And he’s a government appointee, a friend of the Premier and a bagman.

How is it that we can settle a $500-million suit for air in this province for a friend of the Premier and we’re not going to tell anybody about it?

Once more, Speaker, can the Premier just tell us how much the settlement was for, and maybe, if he can tell us that, why would you pay so much money for air that somebody didn’t own?

Mr. Hardeep Singh Grewal: Again, the member knows that we have no oversight in the legal process. It doesn’t matter whose friend you are, but in the legal process, it is what it is.

But do you know what, Speaker? We’re expanding GO service. We’re protecting the Union Station rail corridor. We’re building new stations. We’re advancing electrification. And we’re making investments needed to move hundreds of thousands of people across the region.

Do you know what, Speaker? The opposition had years to build transit and infrastructure in this province. They did absolutely nothing but sat on their hands, and now they want to complain and scream about transit that’s being built across this province. We’ll take no lessons from the parties that delayed, cancelled and voted against the very infrastructure that they now pretend to support.

The opposition can keep chasing conspiracies. Ontarians can judge this government on its record of getting shovels in the ground, on planning for the future, and not on who knows whom.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the leader of the third party.

Mr. John Fraser: Undisclosed settlements for $500-million suits to the Premier’s close personal friend, luxury private jets—the Premier has lost his way.

Will the Premier do the right thing and tell us right now, how much did we pay Mr. Nigro’s company for air that he didn’t own?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the Minister of Energy.

Hon. Stephen Lecce: Losing your way is spending a billion dollars of taxpayer money to save a few seats to cancel a gas plant.

Losing your way is increasing hydro prices by 400% on fixed-income pensioners who literally were driven to energy poverty.

Losing your way was increasing taxes to the highest levels in the history of Ontario.

You are so out of touch. The Liberal elitism—their only North Star is holding power.

Our government has been focused on cutting taxes, on reducing fees, on increasing the quality of life of people. I ask the Liberal Party today: Stand up and accept responsibility for the billion dollars you owe the people of Ontario from when you were responsible for 15 years in government.

Youth unemployment

Ms. Catherine Fife: My question is to the Premier. Ontario’s youth unemployment rate has reached over 17% this year; the highest level in over a decade outside of the pandemic. Nearly one in five teens are struggling to find work.

This is not a recipe for a strong economy; it is a red flag. One student noted this morning, “I want to contribute to a province that has given me so much, yet doors keep closing in my face.” Youth unemployment is approaching a boiling point, while this government has cut $40 million in job-creation funding in the budget.

Why has the Premier prioritized his gravy plane over a youth jobs plan?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the Minister of Labour.

Hon. David Piccini: Let’s talk about jobs. Let’s talk about the 42,000-plus jobs that were created in the province of Ontario. And I know the NDP don’t like to talk about this, because their jobs plan is anchored in dependency on government, but this was 39,000 private sector jobs created. Do you know how you do that? You do that by lowering taxes for small business, creating the climate for job creation. You do that by building infrastructure.

They’re against public transit because it might cut down a few trees. They’re against manufacturing. They’re against building mines in the north. They voted against our plan—anchored in self-reliance, anchored in energy independence so that we can create nuclear energy. In fact, we know that they’d give them pink slips. They would’ve sent those workers home.

We’re building a stronger Ontario, anchored in independence and self-reliance.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the member for Waterloo.

Ms. Catherine Fife: We need a Skills Development Fund that actually worked and had some transparency on who got some money. That’s what we need here.

After eight years of this government, young Ontarians are continuing to fall behind. If you talk to someone outside of this place, you would learn that.

In communities like Scarborough, young people are doing everything right: They’re finishing school, they’re applying for jobs, they’re upgrading skills, yet they still cannot find work. Scarborough has reported youth unemployment rates as high as 19%; the highest in the province. Organizations like East Scarborough Works and the YMCA Scarborough hub are doing the good work in connecting local youth to jobs, but they cannot do the heavy lifting alone.

Why is this government not addressing the youth unemployment crisis? You have the power to do it. You have the majority to do it. Why are you not doing your job to help youth unemployment in this province?

Hon. David Piccini: Again, the NDP don’t have a jobs plan; they have a grievance plan. They want to tell everyone who to blame. Ours is anchored in self-reliance. Ours is anchored in 39,000 private sector jobs.

In fact, let’s look at our numbers compared to the entire United States: We created 641% more jobs—the conditions for more jobs than the entire US combined. That’s what happens when you build new med schools in Scarborough, when you fund things through SDF capital that is training the next generation of doctors in Scarborough. We’re building infrastructure—when you have a public transit plan that actually brings public transit to Scarbrough.

They don’t want to support any of that. We know the NDP’s socialist plan, and that’s to create dependency on government. Our plan is to unlock our critical minerals, unlock the incredible potential that private sector can create jobs in this province. They oppose each and every measure we take to do that.

Government accountability

MPP Andrea Hazell: My question is to the Premier. While young people across Ontario, and especially all across Scarborough, are struggling with one of the worst unemployment rates in the country, this government is busy making private deals for the Premier’s personal friends. We have learned that Metrolinx has settled a massive expropriation dispute, over $500 million, with a company co-owned by his friend Carmine Nigro—again, a close friend of the Premier.

It gets worse. Last Thursday, I tabled a motion in committee to invite the president and CEO of Metrolinx to answer questions about the circumstances of the settlement. But this government voted it down, calling it a “fishing expedition.”

Through you, Madam Speaker, will the Premier tell the taxpayers of Ontario exactly how much of their hard-earned money was paid to his friend’s company for air rights that they never actually owned?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I will remind—talk across the floor is not permitted in the chamber.

I recognize the Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.

Hon. Vijay Thanigasalam: Madam Speaker, under Liberals, Scarborough used to be the forgotten part of the city of Toronto—no infrastructure, no hospital infrastructure, no medical school.

This government, under the leadership of Premier Ford—after 30 years of inaction, after 15 years of doing nothing from Liberals, we are building the Scarborough subway extension, going with three new stations.

You can go into Scarborough and ask all three hospitals. Liberals did not invest into infrastructure for health. But this minister and this Premier—a brand new Birchmount hospital and redevelopment of Centenary emergency hospital is happening right now.

We are building the first ever medical school in Scarborough. The last time a medical school was built in Toronto was 1843.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the member for Scarborough–Guildwood.

MPP Andrea Hazell: I work with the Love, Scarborough campaign. Scarborough hospitals are good because the Love, Scarborough campaign has raised millions of dollars. It’s not the government funding that bailed the hospitals in Scarborough out.

The Minister of Transportation calls the deal a private process. Let me give the government a lesson: Taxpayer dollars are not private funds; it’s not the government’s slush funds. They owe it to the people of Ontario to tell the people of Ontario every time they make a private settlement with their friends for over $500 million.

Madam Speaker, Metrolinx has the worst track record. They are known for mismanagement of all of the taxpayers’ financial budget. All their expansion projects are delayed and over-budgeted. Metrolinx spent $325 million on a settlement for the grossly mismanaged and delayed Eglinton Crosstown—$88 million on the crosstown project. So again—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Order.

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The member for Beaches–East York will come to order.

I recognize the Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.

Hon. Vijay Thanigasalam: Madam Speaker, if the Liberals and NDP love Scarborough so much, they would have voted for the new subway in Scarborough. They said no. They would have voted for a new medical school in Scarborough. They said no. They would have voted for a new diagnostic unit. They would have voted yes for at least the new—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I apologize to the associate minister.

I will remind members, we do not talk across the floor.

Back to the associate minister.

Hon. Vijay Thanigasalam: Under this government, Madam Speaker: new diagnostic units, which never happened under their leadership; new dialysis units—never happened.

Scarborough is thriving and Scarborough is back on the map because this Premier is making sure he’s investing in Scarborough. Madam Speaker, Scarborough is thriving.

Ontario economy

Ms. Laura Smith: My question is for the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

Since taking office, our government has been laser-focused on making Ontario the best place to invest, create jobs and grow a business. Through competitive business conditions, a low-tax environment and strategic investments across key sectors, we are building an economy that is resilient, competitive and open for growth. We are diversifying our trade, attracting new investments and helping businesses choose Ontario to grow, resulting in more good-paying jobs for our workers.

Speaker, could the minister please provide us with more details on the conditions our government has created to support the growth of good-paying jobs for workers across this province?

Hon. Victor Fedeli: StatsCan has released April’s job numbers on Friday, and Ontario led the nation with 42,400 jobs created in the province. Every single one of those jobs was in the private sector, including the manufacturing sector, where we saw 8,700 new jobs in that sector alone.

Ontario businesses are showcasing their resilience—all of this in the middle of a trade war with the United States.

But, Speaker, we continue to fight back. We’ve cut the cost of doing business by $12 billion every year and our government has never once raised a tax. You find me one other government around the world that can say, in eight years, no new taxes whatsoever. As a result, businesses have created one million jobs here in the province of Ontario.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the member for Thornhill.

Ms. Laura Smith: I want to thank the minister for his response and the solid work he does within his portfolio.

We know that a competitive business condition is only one part of the puzzle. As countries around the world look for reliable partners, Ontario has been made a stable and predictable jurisdiction they can count on with world-class talent, diverse economies and a business-friendly environment.

Companies can often make 10- or 15-year investment decisions, and they need confidence. They need to know they’re putting their capital in the right place. Ontario is that right place, and we are already seeing the results, with companies choosing Ontario for investments in AI, advanced manufacturing and in the life sciences.

Speaker, can the minister please speak to some of the tangible outcomes that have resulted through the trade missions?

Hon. Victor Fedeli: We looked back, last week, at the job numbers that came out around the world. The United States created 115,000 jobs in a population of 350 million people. Ontario created 42,400 jobs; that’s 641% over the United States. That’s because of the resilience of our manufacturing sector. That’s because of us lowering taxes, lowering the cost of doing business and diversifying our trade.

Think about the 30 missions that we were on last year. Think about Austria, when Element5 and Hasslacher came here and built a $107-million plant, put 150 people to work. In Sweden, Sandvik came here into Sudbury, built an $85-million plant: 60 new jobs. France, Massilly—another $85-million plant: 50 new jobs; 228 jobs protected. That’s the resilience of the Ontario economy.

Affordable housing

MPP Catherine McKenney: StatsCan just confirmed what young people in Ontario already know: that the dream of home ownership is slipping away from an entire generation.

Ontarians have always believed that if you worked hard and played by the rules, you could afford a home and a stable future. But for young people today, that is not their reality.

This Premier promised 1.5 million homes. Instead, he handed out greenbelt land to his friends, he gutted planning protections and cut tenant rights. The result is a generation locked out.

So my question, Speaker, to the Premier: When will he admit that his housing plan has failed, and bring forward a real plan to build the affordable homes that young families actually need?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Hon. Rob Flack: I really appreciate the question, because I’m going to enjoy answering it.

Housing starts are up in this province. The plan is working, Madam Speaker. We talked about rent: Costs are coming down. Housing starts are up. The HST has been a game-changer. That is part of the plan.

Our DC reduction plan is going to work. We have seen more new sales in the last 30 days than we have in the last number of years. Why? Because these plans are working, Speaker. Housing starts are up year over year. Rental starts are up year over year. In fact, for young people, there were 54,000 new rental starts in the last five years, a 50-year record—24,000 year over year.

The plan is working, and so we are proud of our plan. We’re going to be consistent in implementing that plan. It’s working. Game on.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the member for Ottawa Centre.

MPP Catherine McKenney: Speaker, now this minister is telling young families that this time, they are solving the housing crisis. Well, tell that to the 30-year-old sleeping in their childhood bedroom, and tell that to the young couple who put off having kids because they can’t afford a second bedroom.

StatsCan, Speaker, didn’t release a polling number; they released a generational verdict, and it is damning. The government had every tool at its disposal: gentle-density housing, public land, federal dollars, a mandate. Instead, they subsidized developers, bailed out condo speculators and called it a housing plan. Ontario’s millennials are not failing to launch; this Premier is failing them.

Speaker, will this minister and Premier finally admit that after eight long years, they continue to fail in making housing affordable in this province?

Hon. Rob Flack: What I will admit is that the plan is working, Speaker. We have had a housing crisis of the likes we’ve never seen in the history of this province or this country—that, we acknowledge. But you know what you do when you have a problem, when you have a crisis? You put a plan together that’s going to work, and our plan is working.

Again, the Premier and the Minister of Finance and I announced an HST reduction across the board for all new starts. The plan is working. We’ve announced $8.8 billion over 10 years to support our municipal partners to reduce the cost of development charges and infrastructure on the ground.

The plan is working. It’s about affordability, and that is what’s on the menu. Speaker, look at our rental starts: up historically. As I said, I don’t think they’re listening.

You know what, Speaker? The NDP voted against every one of these measures—every one of them. The plan is working. We will continue. Get on board.

Graduation ceremonies

MPP Stephanie Smyth: Good morning. We are heading into that crazy time of year: school graduation time. We’ve all probably attended many where we saw our local MPPs addressing the students, congratulating them, wishing them well in their futures. It’s a really special time of year.

But now, Ontarians are learning that school boards have been told to stop inviting local MPPs to school graduations. This is an age-old tradition, where MPPs from all parties have attended grads for years to celebrate students, the families, the educators. This is not political at all.

In fact, the only people making graduations political are this government. This government is so obsessed with controlling every room and every microphone that they’re now targeting school graduations. It’s ridiculous. Democracies don’t function by shutting electoral representatives out.

To the education minister: Will you admit this is wrong and reverse this direction immediately?

Hon. Paul Calandra: The only thing that’s wrong is the question from the member opposite, frankly, Madam Speaker. There’s no such directive that says MPPs or elected government officials can’t go to graduation ceremonies, but there is a directive to say to all of those planning graduation ceremonies that they should focus on student achievement, focus on the kids that are graduating, focus on the great things that they have done, focus on the teachers that have helped those kids succeed.

If the member opposite isn’t getting invitations to graduations, I can’t comment on that. I know a lot of members on this side and some members over there are indeed getting invitations to them. While I’m up, I’ll be attending my daughter’s. She’s graduating this year, Madam Speaker.

I will say as a parent, I didn’t often like hearing politicians at graduations. They were often in hot gymnasiums. I always thought they went on a little bit too long, the politicians, but there is absolutely no such directive.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the member for Toronto–St. Paul’s.

MPP Stephanie Smyth: Well, I understand a certain MPP told us that they’re not there to speak whatsoever, but the focus is now strictly on curriculum and operational school priorities. I don’t know if that means it’s fixing schools or class sizes; it seems to be a focus on whether we’re talking there.

We are seeing attempts now to block elected MPPs from speaking at graduations in their own communities. Graduation ceremonies are not partisan events; they are about celebrating students and their futures. This government doesn’t own public institutions. It does not get to decide which democratically elected representatives are welcome in community spaces.

Speaker, will the minister stop this censorship, respect democratic traditions and allow MPPs to continue speaking at graduations as they have?

Hon. Paul Calandra: I don’t know what to tell you. There is no order that says MPPs can’t go to graduation ceremonies. I suspect if members aren’t getting invited to graduation ceremonies, it’s because the schools don’t want them there. That’s it. It’s members on all sides, quite frankly.

I have never been invited to a graduation ceremony in the York Region District School Board or the York region Catholic school board because they didn’t want politicians at the ceremonies. They wanted to focus on student achievement—

Interjection.

Hon. Paul Calandra: I’m going this year because my daughter’s graduating.

There is no order. What the order is, Madam Speaker, is to make sure that graduation ceremonies focus on what is important: student achievement. If the member opposite is incapable of going to a graduation ceremony and not making it about the student and their achievement and the parents and the teachers, then I suspect that’s why the schools don’t want that member to be at a graduation ceremony.

Colleagues, if you can focus on students, if you can focus on teachers, focus on student achievement, I allow you to go to graduation ceremonies if it will make you feel better—but don’t go unless you’re invited.

Agri-food industry

Mr. Lorne Coe: My question is for the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. Ontario’s agri-food sector is a major economic driver, contributing $52 billion to our gross domestic product and supporting one in nine jobs across our province. Speaker, at a time of trade disruptions and global uncertainty, continued investment in research and innovation is more important than ever to keep our farmers and food processors competitive.

That’s why our government is taking action through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance agreement. We’re strengthening the partnership between government, food producers and our world-class research institutions to ensure the success and competitiveness of our agri-food sector. Can the minister please share with the House how these investments are helping to protect and grow Ontario’s agri-food sector?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): A reminder that if you’re speaking in the chamber, you are standing.

I recognize the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.

Hon. Trevor Jones: Thank you, Madam Speaker; I’m standing. I’m standing to thank the member from Whitby for that important question and for always highlighting the importance of research in Ontario’s agri-food sector.

Madam Speaker, the member for Whitby was right. In 2023, our government renewed a $350-million 5-year investment between our government, the University of Guelph, Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario and industry. The return of that investment—I think the Minister of Finance would like this number: That $350-million return yielded $1.5 billion in real ad