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December 6, 2011

40th Parliament, 1st Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcripts 2011-Dec-06 (PDF)

L010 - Tue 6 Dec 2011 / Mar 6 déc 2011

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Tuesday 6 December 2011 Mardi 6 décembre 2011

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ATTRACTING INVESTMENT

AND CREATING JOBS ACT, 2011 /

LOI DE 2011 VISANT

À ATTIRER LES INVESTISSEMENTS

ET À CRÉER DES EMPLOIS

WEARING OF RIBBONS

INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS

ORAL QUESTIONS

RENEWABLE ENERGY

RENEWABLE ENERGY

GOVERNMENT’S RECORD

ENERGY CONTRACTS

GOVERNMENT’S RECORD

AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE

RED TAPE REDUCTION

RENEWABLE ENERGY

PRIVATE CAREER COLLEGES

ANTI-BULLYING INITIATIVES

AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE

ASSISTANCE TO FLOOD VICTIMS

COAL-FIRED GENERATING STATIONS

RENEWABLE ENERGY

WOMEN’S SHELTERS

MEMBERS’ COMMENTS

INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS

MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

FOOD SAFETY

NEIGHBOUR TO NEIGHBOUR

FOOD BANK

ETOBICOKE GENERAL HOSPITAL

PAN AM GAMES

CAT SCAN CHRISTMAS CONCERT

SHERIDAN COLLEGE

MAGIC OF THE SEASON

L’AMOREAUX COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE

PENSION PLANS

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

RESIDENTIAL TENANCIES

AMENDMENT ACT (RENT

INCREASE GUIDELINE), 2011 /

LOI DE 2011 MODIFIANT

LA

LOI SUR LA LOCATION

À USAGE D’HABITATION

(TAUX LÉGAL D’AUGMENTATION

DES LOYERS)

HAWKINS GIGNAC ACT (CARBON

MONOXIDE DETECTORS), 2011 /

LOI HAWKINS GIGNAC DE 2011

(DÉTECTEURS DE MONOXYDE

DE CARBONE)

PROTECTION OF VULNERABLE

AND ELDERLY PEOPLE FROM ABUSE

ACT (POWERS OF ATTORNEY), 2011 /

LOI DE 2011 SUR LA PROTECTION

DES PERSONNES VULNÉRABLES

ET DES PERSONNES ÂGÉES

CONTRE LES MAUVAIS TRAITEMENTS (PROCURATIONS)

ESCAPING DOMESTIC

VIOLENCE ACT, 2011 /

LOI DE 2011 SUR LA FUITE

FACE À LA VIOLENCE FAMILIALE

PROTECTING VULNERABLE PEOPLE

AGAINST PICKETING ACT, 2011 /

LOI DE 2011 VISANT À PROTÉGER

LES GENS VULNÉRABLES

CONTRE LE PIQUETAGE

PROTECTION OF MINORS

IN AMATEUR SPORTS ACT, 2011 /

LOI DE 2011 SUR LA PROTECTION

DES MINEURS PARTICIPANT

À DES SPORTS AMATEURS

TAXATION AMENDMENT ACT

(PUBLIC TRANSIT EXPENSE

TAX CREDIT), 2011 /

LOI DE 2011 MODIFIANT

LA

LOI SUR LES IMPÔTS

(CRÉDIT D’IMPÔT POUR DÉPENSES

DE TRANSPORTS EN COMMUN)

TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY

SKILLS AWARD ACT, 2011 /

LOI DE 2011 SUR LE PRIX

COMPÉTENCES POUR

LE 21 E SIÈCLE

MOTIONS

PRIVATE MEMBERS’ PUBLIC BUSINESS

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY

AND RESPONSES

RENT REGULATION /

RÉGLEMENTATION DES LOYERS

NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE AND ACTION ON

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN /

JOURNÉE NATIONALE

DE COMMÉMORATION ET D’ACTION

CONTRE LA VIOLENCE

FAITE AUX FEMMES

PETITIONS

AGGREGATE EXTRACTION

JOB RELOCATION

WIND TURBINES

TRANSFERT D’EMPLOIS

AGGREGATE EXTRACTION

AGGREGATE EXTRACTION

AGGREGATE EXTRACTION

WIND TURBINES

HYDRO DAM

WIND TURBINES

WIND TURBINES

LYME DISEASE

ORDERS OF THE DAY

THRONE SPEECH DEBATE

HEALTHY HOMES RENOVATION

TAX CREDIT ACT, 2011 /

LOI DE 2011 SUR LE CRÉDIT D’IMPÔT

POUR L’AMÉNAGEMENT DU LOGEMENT

AXÉ SUR LE BIEN-ÊTRE

The House met at 0900.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Please join me in prayer.

Prayers.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ATTRACTING INVESTMENT

AND CREATING JOBS ACT, 2011 /

LOI DE 2011 VISANT

À ATTIRER LES INVESTISSEMENTS

ET À CRÉER DES EMPLOIS

Mr. Milloy, on behalf of Mr. Duguid, moved second reading of the following bill:

An Act respecting the continuation and establishment of development funds in order to promote regional economic development in eastern and southwestern Ontario / Projet de loi 11, Loi concernant la prorogation et la création de fonds de développement pour promouvoir le développement économique régional dans l’Est et le Sud-Ouest de l’Ontario.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Further debate?

Hon. John Milloy: At the outset, I’d like to inform the House that I’ll be sharing my time with the member from Etobicoke Centre. I’ll also be sharing the time with the Minister of Economic Development and Innovation as well.

Mr. Speaker, this is a bill that of course is near and dear to my heart as a member from southwestern Ontario. In fact, I had the opportunity to host the minister in my community last Friday in Kitchener Centre, where we had representatives from across southwestern Ontario of the municipal level of economic development organizations and a cross-section of people who represent the business community. They expressed a great deal of support for this legislation. It’s a way of using government funds to leverage economic prosperity in southwestern Ontario.

I think what they were most pleased with was the fact that the minister was reaching out to consult with them on the way in which this organization would work.

There is a great deal of support and a great deal of interest for this within southwestern Ontario and as well in eastern Ontario. I think all of us welcome the fact that this bill is moving forward.

As I indicated, I will be sharing my time. With that, I will turn it over to the member from Etobicoke Centre.

Mrs. Donna H. Cansfield: I’m pleased to rise in the House today in support of the Attracting Investment and Creating Jobs Act, 2011, Bill 11.

Since 2003, we have worked hard to strengthen Ontario’s economy and to create jobs. However, as an export-driven jurisdiction, Ontario’s economic growth is tied to our trading partners. In fact, international exports account for roughly one third of Ontario’s gross domestic product, and nearly 79% of our exports last year were destined for the United States.

With slow economic recovery south of the border and the debt crisis in Europe it is more important than ever that Ontario focus on strengthening our core economic base and doing everything we can to leverage advantage. The jobs numbers released last week by Statistics Canada showed Ontario’s employment grew by 16,000 net jobs in November. This is the largest employment gain of any province, and Ontario’s employment has increased by 283,400 net jobs since the low point of the recession in May 2009.

While those numbers are encouraging, the fact remains: There are still far too many Ontarians looking for work, and there are parts of our province that have been impacted by the global challenges more so than others. Southwestern Ontario, with a rich tradition and high concentration of manufacturing jobs, has endured a number of plant closures and layoffs because of the global economic downturn. Eastern Ontario has also a large number of people still looking for work. That’s why our government introduced the Attracting Investment and Creating Jobs Act, which will create the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund and make our successful Eastern Ontario Development Fund permanent.

Madam Speaker, regional economic development programs have proven to be effective in attracting new economic opportunities and in creating jobs because they are designed to meet the unique needs of the regions they serve. Just look at the Eastern Ontario Development Fund, which has helped to create and retain over 11,700 jobs right across eastern Ontario and has helped to leverage $485 million in private sector investment.

Stakeholders across eastern Ontario recognize the important contribution the program is making to communities and to families across the region. J. Murray Jones, chair of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, stated: “Establishing permanent funding for the Eastern Ontario Development Fund demonstrates the province’s long-term commitment to our region. This innovative program has already provided a tremendous economic boost to communities throughout eastern Ontario.”

Madam Speaker, one of the reasons the fund for eastern Ontario has been so successful is because the ministry conducted extensive consultations with stakeholders from across the region in developing the program, and over the coming weeks and months we’ll be holding consultations across southwestern Ontario to gather the views and the opinions of all regional stakeholders towards the development of the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund. The consultation process will help us to gain a better understanding of the economic opportunities in the region and also what challenges need to be overcome.

The consultations will be central to the fund’s design, administration, eligibility and application process.

Serge Lavoie, president of the Southwest Economic Alliance, has already spoken out in support of creating this new fund. He is saying: “The proposed Southwestern Ontario Development Fund recognizes the unique economic challenges our region is facing. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the province to create good jobs and attract investment to southwestern Ontario.”

As a government, we recognize the value and the uniqueness of our regional economies. After all, strong regional economies help to pay for the education and the health care system that Ontario families rely on. Some say we should simply stand by and leave Ontario companies to the mercy of those global markets, and we disagree. The reality is that each day, Ontario is competing with jurisdictions around the world that offer significant incentives for businesses to invest. This type of support helps Ontarians compete.

If we’re not willing to help, those opportunities and those jobs that go with them will go elsewhere. If we can provide targeted support to help a company grow and create jobs, to help Ontario families and communities during this time of global economic uncertainty, then that’s a good investment in my opinion. The upcoming consultations on the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund will help to ensure that we get the best possible return on public investment.

Madam Speaker, our investment programs are structured to safeguard public money while helping companies grow and create jobs. The money does come with strings attached: Financial support is contingent on the company meeting investment and job targets; we closely monitor each project over the lifespan; and provisions are in place to protect the public’s investment in the event that targets cannot be met.

Regional economic development programs are good for business, employees, communities and the Ontario government overall. By working together in this way, we can help families in eastern and southwestern Ontario to keep moving forward in these very challenging economic times.

The proposed Attracting Investment and Creating Jobs Act is the latest example of how the McGuinty government is working together to strengthen our economy during a period of global uncertainty. The proposed legislation will bring new opportunities and new jobs to communities in eastern and southwestern Ontario. That’s why I’m asking for all members to support the passing of the Attracting Investment and Creating Jobs Act. Thank you very much, Madam Speaker.

The Acting Speaker (Mrs. Julia Munro): The Minister of Economic Development.

Hon. Brad Duguid: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. It’s great to see you in the Speaker’s chair. I’m familiar with seeing you there; it’s a familiar place for you and you do a great job at it, so it’s good to see you back.

Thank you to the member for Etobicoke Centre for her comments in support of this bill—a great member in the Legislature and somebody who I know is going to be working very, very hard alongside myself as we work to move this through the Legislature and seek the support of all members of the Legislature for what is a very, very important piece of legislation, a piece of legislation I was proud to introduce. It’s called the Attracting Investment and Creating Jobs Act, 2011.

I was proud to introduce it because it comes at a crucial time for our economy and at a crucial time for our province. The job numbers for November that came out on Friday were encouraging. Ontario gained 31,800 net full-time jobs—that’s full-time jobs—in November. That means we’ve created 283,400 net new jobs since May 2009; that was the low point in the recession. So we’re moving in the right direction. We have a strong base in Ontario to build on, and that’s helping us to attract investment and to create jobs.

However the state of the fragile global economy which my colleague from Etobicoke Centre spoke about continues to bring uncertainty to our province, which relies more than others on trade. We’re in a fierce global competition to bring investment and jobs to Ontario. It is a fierce competition, Madam Speaker. With concerns still prevalent about Europe’s economy and the current state of the US economy, this is no time for us to be sitting back. Here at home, while job gains last month are encouraging, we still have a lot of work to do because there are still too many Ontarians out of work.

I will be speaking today about a number of things. It’s important that all members of the House and Ontarians understand the fundamentals that we together have worked so hard to put in place to give our economy this competitiveness edge that it enjoys today. It’s also important for us to understand the context of this legislation—why it’s so crucial that we support strong regional economies in southwestern Ontario and eastern Ontario. I’ll speak to the goals and objectives of the legislation and why we feel and believe sincerely that it is the right way to go.

There are numerous success stories from great companies that are doing really interesting work right here in Ontario, and I’ll be sharing some of those with the House as well. They are the inspiration for this legislation, they are the inspiration for this program, and it is their work, their innovation that tells me that we’re on the right track.

Test scores are way up and so are high school graduation rates. Some 72,000 more young people completed high school because they’re getting the attention and the support they need. That, too, is very, very important in building a stronger economy. That has helped us to attain the highest rate of post-secondary education among the 34 OECD countries. Again, that’s important, too.

Equally as important as ensuring our workforce is the best trained and educated in the world is ensuring that Ontario people and workers are strong and healthy. Our efforts to improve and reform the health care system in Ontario are making a significant difference. At the same time, our efforts to promote good health and wellness are also paying off. Health promotion is a key way to ensure that we all improve our productivity. Let’s not forget, our universal health care system is also a competitive advantage in attracting investment in jobs.

I want to talk a little bit about infrastructure, too, Madam Speaker. Through investments in infrastructure, we’re making a significant dent in the infrastructure deficit that we inherited in 2003. Together we’ve built a competitive infrastructure system in Ontario. We’ve built over 5,500 kilometres of new roads—that’s like going from Nova Scotia to Vancouver, then up the BC coast; that’s a lot of roads. And with over $13 billion invested in public transit, we’re making it easier and quicker to get around in our cities.

That means less time commuting and more time with the people that matter most to us. That means an increase in the quality of our lives, but for business, that means less time and costs moving goods, services and people around.

I want to talk a little bit about tax reform as well. In recent years, we’ve also moved to transform our tax system, and that’s made Ontario more competitive in a fiercely competitive global economy. While my colleagues in the NDP may not support it, the reductions made to corporate taxes mean the difference between jobs coming into Ontario or going elsewhere. It’s that simple. We want those jobs, we want that investment and we want it right here in Ontario.

With the adoption of the HST, we’ve modernized Ontario’s tax system to be more competitive with other jurisdictions. According to economists such as Jack Mintz, that will create 591,000 jobs here in Ontario over the next 10 years. Combined, our efforts have moved our tax system for business investment from being one of the worst in the world to one that’s now considered to be highly competitive, and that’s very important as well. And while the support we’ve shown for our business community by reducing their taxes has been significant, we’ve reduced personal income taxes to an even greater degree.

I want to talk a little bit about power. Our electricity system is getting stronger as we rebuild it and bring online clean energy. That’s creating tens of thousands of new jobs. As a former Minister of Energy, that’s something I’m particularly proud of, but I think it’s something all of us can take a great deal of pride in. Our energy system was neglected by previous governments. The simple fact is, businesses and families could no longer rely on our power system. It was also dirty and it was outdated. It was using too much coal and virtually no clean energy from wind and solar.

Today, it’s reliable. Businesses can count on the power being there when they need it. That’s really important for Ontario, and it puts us, as well, at a competitive advantage. Because I’ve got to tell you, one of the things on the checklists of businesses and industry looking at where to locate globally is: Do you have a reliable power system? Well, I’m proud to be able to say, here in the province of Ontario, we now have a reliable power system.

I’m proud to say that Ontario is moving to clean, renewable energy, building a growing industry here in Ontario, as I said before, that’s creating thousands of jobs for Ontario workers. It also means we can phase out coal-fired generation. Last week, my colleague the Minister of Energy closed two more coal units, bringing us to 10 units closed since 2003. We’ll be out of coal altogether by 2014. What does that mean? It means cleaner air and a healthier future for our kids.

Mr. John Yakabuski: How is that FIT program working out?

Hon. Brad Duguid: Combined, these key areas help to form the strong fundamentals that are giving Ontario a competitive advantage.

“Why is that important?” the member opposite asks.

Mr. John Yakabuski: No, I didn’t ask that.

Hon. Brad Duguid: Well, it’s important, Madam Speaker. Why is it important that we have the best-educated workforce, the healthiest people, a competitive tax system and the infrastructure and electricity that businesses can rely on? I know the member opposite wants to know why that’s important. It’s important—in fact, it’s critical—because the global competition for jobs and investment is absolutely ferocious. We’re determined to ensure Ontario is poised to overcome the challenges of an uncertain economy and seize the opportunities that beckon us.

Think about where our province sits: We have access to a market of 440 million people. I know the member opposite feels that’s important as well, because he knows that we’re sitting in a good place globally to attract investment. We’re within a day’s drive of our manufacturing heartland, where there are over 153 million consumers—within a day’s drive of what we produce here in the province of Ontario.

With access to an unparalleled network of skilled labour, a growing sense of the importance of innovation to our economy and a commitment to research in innovation and development, it’s little wonder that in 2010, Ontario was named the top destination for foreign direct investment in North America, second only to California.

So let us be confident together. The fact is, there is no better place to invest in the world than right here in Ontario. I know every member of the Legislature knows absolutely that that is the case. Every member of all parties knows Ontario is the best place in the world in which to invest. So why is it important? Why is it important that we act today, that we move forward with this legislation? Again, let us consider the context: While our economy is recovering and we have a good base here in Ontario, there is still significant work to be done to attract companies to invest in Ontario and create jobs.

It’s one thing to have a highly skilled workforce; we also need to make sure there are opportunities for those workers to utilize those skills. We’ve been there to partner with businesses when they needed our support, and it’s produced enviable results. Our different economic funds have leveraged over $8.6 billion in business investment, creating over 12,100 new jobs and protecting over 19,300 existing jobs here in the province of Ontario. Providing support through regional economic development funds has proven to be a very successful tool.

That’s because they can be designed to meet the unique needs of the region and the people that serve within it. That is why we’re proposing the creation of the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund and proposing the continuation of the Eastern Ontario Development Fund.

Southwestern Ontario, with a rich tradition and high concentration of manufacturing jobs, has endured a significant number of plant closures, with people being laid off during the economic downturn. The success of the Eastern Ontario Development Fund in creating jobs and leveraging investment tells us we’re on the right track. That’s why we want to continue with that program and offer something similar in southwestern Ontario.

As a government, we recognize the value and unique nature of our regional economies. They are truly important. In fact, even just a few weeks ago, Bill Clinton was here in the city of Toronto talking about how important it is to ensure, as we excel and grow as a province, that we don’t leave parts of the province behind. It’s important for any successful jurisdiction to ensure that we’re doing everything we can to grow our economy throughout our jurisdiction, throughout our province, in eastern Ontario, in northern Ontario, in southwestern Ontario and certainly here in the greater Toronto area.

That’s very, very important. We understand the need to collaborate and partner with businesses and regional communities to attract and retain investment opportunities and to create and protect good jobs for Ontario families. The proposed Attracting Investment and Creating Jobs Act would help our regional economies become more competitive, dynamic and innovative and strengthen Ontario’s overall economy. Specifically, the act, if passed, would continue the Eastern Ontario Development Fund and create the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund.

Together, they would promote innovation, collaboration, cluster development and job creation in those regions.

As I said just a minute ago, the Eastern Ontario Development Fund has been hugely successful. With an investment by the province of $52 million, it has leverage over $485 million in overall investment. That’s a leverage ratio of 8 to 1, which, according to KPMG, is very impressive when compared to other such funds in other jurisdictions around the world. It’s something that should be strived for, something that in eastern Ontario is being accomplished and something we’d like to see also happen in southwestern Ontario.

Most importantly, this has created and retained 11,700 jobs in eastern Ontario—

Interjection.

Hon. Brad Duguid: —something I know the member opposite, who keeps trying to interrupt, Madam Speaker, cares about greatly, because he is from that part of the province, and he recognizes how important it is to create jobs. Some 11,700 jobs created and retained in eastern Ontario are something important to him and to many members of his caucus.

As we did in developing the Eastern Ontario Development Fund, we will be consulting with the people living in southwestern Ontario to gather their advice and input into the creation of this new Southwestern Ontario Development Fund. It’s important that we listen to the people, the businesses and those involved in economic development and the community leaders in southwestern Ontario.

In fact, last Friday, Madam Speaker, I had the pleasure of joining a number of those leaders in southwestern Ontario, with meetings in London and in Kitchener-Waterloo. That was sort of the beginning; that was the launch of the consultation process. It was just the beginning, but I’m pleased to say that there was a lot of excitement and support in southwestern Ontario for this fund. We had a great discussion, and I’m looking forward to consulting with and working with community, business and political leaders in southwestern Ontario and establishing the details about this fund with them.

We met with business leaders, mayors, wardens, councillors, economic development agencies and community leaders. All are eager to collaborate and work together to build this fund and to create jobs in the region. I want to thank those groups. I want to thank all the groups that I’ve had a chance to meet with, that we’ve had a chance to talk with, that have had input into the initiative already—groups such as the Southwest Economic Alliance, the western wardens, the Southwestern Ontario Marketing Alliance, the South Central Ontario Region and the many municipalities, many of which came out Friday to discuss what the fund should look like with us.

My colleagues in the Ontario Liberal caucus—I want to thank many of them from southwestern Ontario and eastern Ontario who have participated in the creation of this fund. All of these MPPs deserve a great deal of praise for their efforts to champion these funds and to champion jobs for their communities. I think that’s important. And I want to say to my colleagues across the way: Some of the members from across the way have been champions of this fund as well. The member for Leeds–Grenville has indicated support for and the need for these kinds of funds.

The member for Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke is supportive of these kinds of funds. They have, from time to time, advocated the programs and the good work the programs are doing in their ridings. So I hope that they can convince all of their colleagues on their side of the House about the importance of these funds for their communities, the importance of working with leaders in their communities to create jobs in places like eastern Ontario and southwestern Ontario, both of which have been hit hard by the global recession.

Interjection.

The Acting Speaker (Mrs. Julia Munro): Order.

Hon. Brad Duguid: I’ll let him gabble on for a minute and take a drink of water.

The Acting Speaker (Mrs. Julia Munro): Shh.

Hon. Brad Duguid: Thank you, Madam Speaker, for bringing him to order.

I must say, though, that I was disappointed when the initial response from the PCs, upon the introduction of this important legislation, was to indicate that they may not be supporting it. For goodness’ sake, we just introduced the bill. Give it a chance to at least be seen. Give it a chance to at least work itself through the Legislature. Give us a chance to have some discussions about it.

Give the members in that caucus, and particularly the new members, an opportunity to talk to some of the senior members in their caucus, in particular from eastern Ontario, who have been benefiting from this fund, because I know members from the PCs and I know members from the NDP are intent to put politics ahead of jobs. I know they’re intent to—sorry, I said that wrong. They are intent to put jobs ahead of politics. I accused them wrongly. I’m hoping they do not put politics ahead of jobs. I’m hoping that that’s not what they intend to do. They’re not off to a good start.

I’ve got to admit, they’re not off to a good start when it comes to that.

But I know the senior members in their caucus will convince the newer members of their caucus and the members of their caucus who represent the province, who are from areas throughout the province, of how important it is to places like eastern Ontario and southwestern Ontario to work through these programs, to create jobs and provide opportunities in those communities.

You know, Madam Speaker, one of the things that really motivates me, really inspires me, is that we know that this type of initiative really works, because we know it’s working in eastern Ontario. I’ll give you some examples, some success stories, of some of the projects and some of the investments we’ve made.

Take McCloskey International in Peterborough—

Mr. Jeff Leal: Peterborough.

Hon. Brad Duguid: The member from Peterborough knows this company and is very, very proud of that and proud of the investments that we’ve made.

With provincial support of $654,000, they’re producing screening and sifting machines, as well as rock-crushing machines designed for the North American market. So they’re reaching well outside of Ontario and creating jobs. They’ve moved their production to Ontario from Ireland. Nothing against Ireland, but we’re happy to take their jobs and we’re happy to have companies from Ireland moving here to invest.

Their job target originally was 50 jobs over five years—this is important because we’re talking about job creation in eastern Ontario and Peterborough. Their job creation target was 50 jobs in five years. Well, the member from Peterborough will tell you: They’ve well exceeded that. They’ve created 69 jobs in just two years. Madam Speaker, that’s pretty impressive. That is pretty impressive, and I thank the member for Peterborough for being a big part of that, for advocating for this fund, for making sure that this fund continues.

He’s a strong voice in this Legislature to ensure that we move forward with this fund today. I ask my colleagues on this side of the House to acknowledge the efforts of the member from Peterborough, because he has done such a good job in showing leadership and ensuring that we’re creating jobs in that part of the province.

I want to look at Engineering Seismology Group in Kingston. With $200,000 from Ontario, they expanded operations to provide real-time monitoring of seismic activity for global mining, oil, gas and geotechnical companies. This is a worldwide endeavour. This is a company that’s showing great innovation worldwide. Their job target originally was 14 jobs over three years. Instead, they’ve more than doubled that, and now they employ 67 people. That’s 67 people who might not have been working in the province of Ontario were it not for that eastern development fund.

I know Minister Gerretsen was pleased by that, and I know Minister Gerretsen was pleased last Friday to announce an additional partnership with ESG. That’s going to create another dozen jobs. Madam Speaker, that’s what I call a success story. That’s what I call jobs for a part of the province that really needs it. That’s what I call a good investment on the part of this province.

These are just two examples that demonstrate the importance of these funds to the regions they serve. Their success is a result of the Eastern Ontario Development Fund being locally developed. We want to make sure those opportunities are also available for southwestern Ontario to continue the success that we’ve had in eastern Ontario.

The fight for jobs around the world is very fierce. Ontario is well positioned to succeed and excel in that fight. We have a strong base and the core fundamentals of a strong economy in place. We will meet those challenges. With targeted support from regional economic development funds, we can become even stronger, more competitive and attract jobs and investment in Ontario. At the same time, we can ensure that as we build a stronger Ontario, no region in this province will be left behind.

Let us work together to make these programs successful. Let’s put job creation ahead of politics. That’s important. That’s what the people of this province elected every one of us in this Legislature to do, from all three parties: put jobs ahead of politics.

Let’s move forward with an initiative that we know is working in eastern Ontario. Let’s ensure that the people and businesses and communities in southwestern Ontario can gain access to this project. Let’s deliver for our communities what they sent us here to do: create jobs and focus on the economy. Let’s, together, face down the challenges of an uncertain global economy. Let’s make Ontario an economic powerhouse in the post-global recession world, and let’s create jobs and opportunities for us today and for our kids tomorrow.

Madam Speaker, we can do that, but we need to work together if we’re going to do that. We on this side of the House fully recognize that we sit in a minority Parliament here at Queen’s Park. The people of Ontario recognize that as well. So we’re going to be looking to the members opposite to work with us on this.

This is a good initiative. It doesn’t have to be a partisan initiative. It’s an initiative we can work on together. It’s something that’s working in the east: Just ask the members of this House, from all three parties, whether it’s working in eastern Ontario. Ask the members of this House, because there are a number of PC members that are from eastern Ontario that know that this initiative, this Eastern Ontario Development Fund, is creating jobs in their communities. Ask them if they think this is worthwhile.

They’ll tell you it is, because I’ve had members from that side of the House, Madam Speaker, come to me and ask that their communities be included in the southwestern development fund because they know that it’s working in eastern Ontario. I’ve had members from that side of the House come to me and ask us to spend even more, to invest even more in the Eastern Ontario Development Fund because they know it’s working. They know it’s good for their communities. They know it’s creating jobs.

So I say to the members opposite: Let’s put partisan politics behind us on this one. Let’s work together to create jobs. That’s what the people of Ontario expect of us. That’s what we were put here to do. And Madam Speaker, if we can do that, that’s something that each and every one of our constituents can be proud of. That’s something that will benefit all of us, both politically, Madam Speaker, but more importantly it’ll benefit our constituents, because our constituents will have jobs that they can depend on: constituents in eastern Ontario that have seen tough times; constituents in southwestern Ontario.

The finance minister has just come in this morning, and he knows, because he’s from Windsor. He’s seen some of the challenges the global economy has placed on his constituents and southwestern Ontario in general. He knows that southwestern Ontario and the people of southwestern Ontario are counting on this Legislature, counting on all members of this Legislature from all parties to stand up for them, to stand up for job opportunities, to stand up for our opportunities to build a stronger economy in southwestern Ontario. And let’s get over these challenges we face globally. We can do it. We can do it, Madam Speaker; I’m confident we can do it.

I talked about the fundamentals. We have the fundamentals in place here in this province of Ontario. It wasn’t easy to get them in place, but we’ve worked hard over the last eight years together with the people of Ontario, with businesses in Ontario, with academia, with our teachers, with our health professionals to build a strong workforce, an educated workforce, a healthy workforce, a productive workforce.

We’ve got the measures in place, Madam Speaker, to ensure we have a competitive economy from a tax perspective, and the gentleman on my right had a lot to do with that, our Minister of Finance, who did a great job reforming our tax system and giving businesses in this province a competitive advantage with businesses all around the world; attracting investment from around the world. The fundamentals are in place to build a strong economy. Today this Legislature has before it a piece of legislation that’s going to take us a step further, Madam Speaker, but we need to work together.

We’re looking to members opposite—in particular, those members from southwestern Ontario; in particular those members from eastern Ontario—to stand with us to create jobs in those regions, to stand with us to create economic development opportunities for their communities.

Madam Speaker, I’m confident that when they have an opportunity to review the bill, when they have an opportunity to discuss our intentions for the bill, our determination to build strong economies in southwestern Ontario and eastern Ontario, members on the other side of the House will support this legislation, that together we’ll move another step forward in building a strong economy for the province of Ontario, creating jobs for us today and for our kids tomorrow.

Madam Speaker, thank you very, very much for the time today. I look forward to moving forward with this legislation.

The Acting Speaker (Mrs. Julia Munro): Questions and comments?

Mr. John Yakabuski: I listened intently to the Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Innovation, correct?

Hon. Brad Duguid: No. Economic Development and Innovation.

Mr. John Yakabuski: And Innovation?

Hon. Brad Duguid: Yes.

Mr. John Yakabuski: That’s what I said.

Interjection: You said “trade.”

Mr. John Yakabuski: Oh, Economic Development and Innovation. They took out the “trade.” They’re not trading anymore, I guess, because if we’re not producing anything, we have nothing to trade, I guess, Madam Speaker.

Anyhow, I listened to him intently and closely and resisted the temptation to interject at times, more than I would have chosen to actually do.

This is a bill that we have some grave concerns about because, as a member from eastern Ontario, we’ve always been promoting the fund in eastern Ontario because it had made its case. And I want to give credit to my predecessors Bob Runciman and Norm Sterling, who served this chamber so well for so long. They were the driving force behind getting this established for eastern Ontario because they made the economic case that eastern Ontario was disadvantaged from other parts of the province.

It didn’t have the big manufacturing base of other parts of the province, so it necessitated special treatment, just as, years ago, the PC government established the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, which spoke to the challenges that were evident in northern Ontario as well. So the case was made for eastern Ontario.

What’s happening here is that the government, even though the minister talked ad infinitum about not putting politics before job creation—that’s exactly what they’re doing here.

We have some serious concerns about this bill. The eastern Ontario bill exempts the original city of Ottawa, because it’s not economically disadvantaged like the rest of the region. There are lots of problems with this bill.

The Acting Speaker (Mrs. Julia Munro): Further questions and comments?

Mr. Jagmeet Singh: My concern is not that we are encouraging development or investing in companies, encouraging growth or jobs in any portion of Ontario. That’s certainly something that we need to do; that’s certainly something that’s encouraging as a step forward, given these economic times. My concern is this: Whenever such programs are presented, there must be guarantees, there must be stipulations which ensure that jobs will be created in Ontario, much like a corporate tax break.

By itself, there is no evidence to suggest that simply giving a company tax breaks or free blank cheques will somehow encourage jobs in Ontario. It will give a company money, there’s no doubt about that, but there’s no evidence that simply giving a company money will ensure, will guarantee, that people in Ontario get a job.

So similarly, I ask my colleague the minister, through you, Madam Speaker, to ensure that this bill will have stipulations, strong restrictions, strong guidelines which will ensure that jobs are created in Ontario for families to really help the people here and not simply give corporations or companies money with the hope that they will create jobs in Ontario. Let’s make this a commitment. Let’s make this a firm reality. Let’s ensure that we’re really helping people in Ontario.

The Acting Speaker (Mrs. Julia Munro): Further questions and comments?

Mr. Phil McNeely: I’m really pleased to speak today on this bill. I think that the history from 2007 to 2011 for the Eastern Ontario Development Fund showing 11,700 jobs created in about 15 ridings is really significant. That’s an average of 700 or 800 jobs per riding.

We know the history of it. I think the old eastern Ontario development program was cancelled. It was brought back, basically by a lot of hard work by Jean-Marc Lalonde and more so by Lou Rinaldi, who worked very hard. They worked hard.

I was fortunate to represent the minister for a couple of these openings. It was just great to see. Our part of the investment was generally in the 10% to 15% range, but the investment was all brought in and you could see that in the projects that were chosen the jobs that were there were being guaranteed. There was also always new equipment and new ways of moving into this 21st century that we were looking at creating those new jobs, and it’s great to see that it’s been very, very effective.

I’m glad to see that we’re proposing—and I hope the other parties support this—the same thing in southwestern Ontario. I think it’s so important with these small businesses in these small communities to do that. But I would also like to say that I am speaking now for Orléans, because Orléans is losing about 5,000 jobs because of a shift—the federal government has taken jobs from the east end and put 2,800 RCMP jobs in Nepean, and about 10,000 jobs for the Department of National Defence. I will be talking to the minister and my colleagues here to make sure that we move that line into Orléans and that we get opportunities like this from—

The Acting Speaker (Mrs. Julia Munro): Thank you. Further comments and questions?

Ms. Laurie Scott: We listened to the minister comment on this new fund that they’re bringing forward. We’re concerned. Eastern Ontario, because that is what I represent, except a little piece of Brock township, is a part of the eastern Ontario economic development fund possibilities; they can apply.

We’ve had some good successes. That fund has been established. The member from Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke commented that two of our members had brought that forward because they made the case, there was a need, and we’ve had some good success stories with that.

So we’d like to see the eastern Ontario fund continue. That is not the question. This bill, I think, can jeopardize that fund because you’ve added in southwestern Ontario. We comment about the $28 million that is still left after more than three years. We’re saying we support the eastern Ontario development fund. We’re saying, where’s that money that’s left there? Where could it go? I believe it comes up at the end of March, so there’s still going to be money left over. Does that evaporate? Did you need to bring in a new piece of legislation? I don’t think you did.

You could have extended the eastern Ontario fund, which we agree is working and which I support; you could have extended that. So where is that money that is left in there going to go? We’ve asked for a full accountability. You know, can that be used; are there applications in the process right now that may qualify before the end of March?

We have said we support the eastern Ontario fund. It has shown that it has created some jobs and we support that. I know there are some beneficiaries in my riding of Halliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock. So we do have concerns about this bill that we’ll be discussing later. Thank you.

The Acting Speaker (Mrs. Julia Munro): Thank you. Response? Oh, the minister.

Hon. Brad Duguid: Thank you, Madam Speaker. It’s been a while since I’ve done this. I appreciate the comments from the member from Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke, the member from Bramalea–Gore–Malton, the member from Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock and my colleague from Orléans as well.

Again, I think this is an important initiative. I think this is a fund that deserves to be permanent, which is why we have brought forward legislation to entrench it and to make sure that it is indeed a permanent fund. It’s something that, judging by the comments of my friends opposite, they appear to be supportive of, so I’m trying to figure out why they would have trouble entrenching it in legislation and making it permanent. I suspect at the end of the day—I hope—that they will conclude that it’s the right thing to do and support it.

It may not be unanimous on that side of the House, and that’s fair enough, but we hope that in particular the members from eastern and southwestern Ontario recognize how important it is for their community. We certainly would welcome their support for it and, as well, welcome their input, welcome their ideas as to how we can make the fund even more effective.

The member for Bramalea–Gore–Malton from the third party made some important comments. There has to be accountability for these investments. There is, in the current fund, a great measure of accountability and the ability to claw back when, indeed, companies don’t fulfill their commitments. But I look forward—to the member opposite and the members of the third party, if that’s an issue that’s important to them—to their suggestions as to how we can ensure that we do everything we can to ensure that these bills are more accountable and that these investments are more accountable.

I thank the members opposite for their comments. I look forward to working with them to create jobs in eastern Ontario and southwestern Ontario.

The Acting Speaker (Mrs. Julia Munro): Further debate?

Mr. Monte McNaughton: Madam Speaker, I move adjournment of the debate.

The Acting Speaker (Mrs. Julia Munro): The member has moved adjournment of the debate. Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry?

Second reading debate adjourned.

The Acting Speaker (Mrs. Julia Munro): Further business? Orders of the day?

Hon. John Milloy: No further business, Madam Speaker.

The Acting Speaker (Mrs. Julia Munro): Thank you. This House stands recessed until 10:30 of the clock.

The House recessed from 0951 to 1030.

WEARING OF RIBBONS

Hon. Laurel C. Broten: I rise to ask for unanimous consent that all members be permitted to wear buttons in recognition of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women today.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Do we agree? It is agreed. Thank you, Minister.

INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS

Hon. Christopher Bentley: We’re joined in the gallery today by the family of our page Owen Thompson. Ed Thompson, his father, Michelle Lyons, his mother, and siblings Aidan and Olivia are joining us here to watch the proceedings.

L’hon. Madeleine Meilleur: Monsieur le Président, je voudrais présenter aujourd’hui Benoit Mercier, qui est le président de l’AEFO, l’Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens, qui sont ici aujourd’hui.

Hon. Brad Duguid: I want to welcome to the House co-op students from the University of Waterloo who are working at the Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation. They are Ajeev Ramnauth, Wasiq Siddiqui, Vanessa Quidayan, David Geng, Alison Lee and David Nissim.

ORAL QUESTIONS

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Mr. Tim Hudak: My question is to the Acting Premier. Acting Premier, yesterday’s auditor’s report was a scathing illustration of economic incompetence and Liberal waste: 460 pages of throwing money at every problem under the sun without results for the families who pay the bills. I want to bring particular focus to your so-called green energy program that the Auditor General said cost families $4.4 billion more than it should have.

Given this scathing indictment of this program, Minister, will you agree that the FIT program should come to an end today?

Hon. Dwight Duncan: To the Minister of Energy.

Hon. Christopher Bentley: I very much thank the Auditor General for his report and for his good advice. We’re already acting on the recommendations to improve the approach.

Let’s be very clear on what we have been doing. In 2003, we took the position that we would get out of coal, clean up the air and improve the health of—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you, Minister. Please, there is every reason to ask some very serious questions today. I am going to ask all members to reduce the noise level so that we can ask the questions and hear our responses. I would appreciate it very much if we set the tone right away. Important questions are going to be asked today. Thank you.

Minister?

Hon. Christopher Bentley: We decided to get out of coal and improve the health of Ontario families by cleaning up the air, and at the depths of the worldwide recession, we decided to use clean energy as a foundation for jobs by doing what 87 other jurisdictions have done, and it’s already working. There are jobs and investments.

Improvements, yes. But go back? No. There is a future in clean air and good jobs for Ontario families.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Tim Hudak: Speaker, back to the minister: I guess the minister missed the auditor’s report yesterday. It was 460 pages, a scathing condemnation of Liberal economic incompetence and spending that is causing families to see their hydro bills go up, their taxes go up, without any results for those families at the end of the day.

Let me ask the minister if this is true: The Auditor General points out in his report that the so-called Samsung deal did not have an economic analysis, nor was it approved by cabinet. Can you confirm those facts for us here today?

Hon. Christopher Bentley: Thank you very much, and as I indicated in my earlier answer, we’re already using the auditor’s recommendations to improve the approach. We’ve already a launched a review of the feed-in tariff process to learn what we can learn from our experience—

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member for Oxford, come to order.

Hon. Christopher Bentley: —and to benefit from developments around the world.

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Simcoe–Grey, come to order.

Hon. Christopher Bentley: But Samsung and the feed-in tariff investments have been enormously important for the people of Ontario.

The Premier is in Windsor–Essex today at the CS Wind plant: 400 indirect jobs, 300 direct jobs. Those are futures for families. You know, those jobs feed families, they feed communities and they support the economy of the province of Ontario. We need to stand up for families and their futures in Ontario.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Final supplementary?

Mr. Tim Hudak: Minister, given the way that the Auditor General tears apart your approach with the cold hard facts of the jobs lost, the extraordinary cost to families and the rip-off that is the Samsung deal; in light of what the Auditor General said yesterday in his 460 pages, isn’t Dalton McGuinty, by going to a Samsung-related plant, basically giving the finger to the Auditor General, who tore apart that report?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): I would ask the member to withdraw that last part.

Mr. Tim Hudak: Withdraw.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Minister?

Hon. Christopher Bentley: The auditor reminds us to look very carefully at the costs of the decisions that we make. So the cost of staying in coal: dirty air, more than $4 billion a year in health care costs and air that adversely affects the health of 2.4 million Ontarians who need cleaner air for their health. We decided to proceed, Speaker, with a feed-in tariff program and a green energy approach that would create jobs here in Ontario, direct and indirect jobs that feed families, that support communities, that contribute to the economy of the province of Ontario.

What we really need from the Leader of the Opposition—we know he says no to clean air, he says no to good jobs, he says no to saving the auto industry and he says no to tax reform. We need—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. New question.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Mr. Tim Hudak: Well, Speaker, we say no to a Liberal government that is ripping off Ontario families, that is costing us jobs and is driving costs through the roof.

With all due respect to the minister, the Auditor General did not say you should look carefully. The Auditor General rips apart your FIT program, which has cost us $4.4 billion. He cites study after study. For every short-term, subsidized job you create, you cost two to four jobs in the economy. Given the scathing indictment of your program, why are you basically telling the Auditor General to take a hike by boosting Samsung today?

Hon. Christopher Bentley: Speaker, not at all, and we’re really going to look at the Auditor General’s recommendations to improve the program we’ve already launched: the feed-in tariff review.

The fact of the matter is that the feed-in tariff approach—87 other jurisdictions have a feed-in tariff approach—has already created 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, brought in $26 billion worth of investment, and we’ve got 30 manufacturing plants alone that have decided on Ontario for the future for their jobs—for good jobs.

There are costs in not doing anything, which the Leader of the Opposition forgets. There are costs of staying in coal. There are costs of no jobs. I agree that a construction job is an indirect job, and it’s a good job because construction jobs—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. Supplementary?

Mr. Tim Hudak: It’s a shame, Speaker, that the minister did not show the same concern for the over 300,000 manufacturing jobs—good jobs, full-time jobs—lost under the McGuinty government.

I remind the minister of what the report says. Page 89: No evaluation was done to determine the economic effects of future electricity prices. No evaluation on direct and indirect job creation or losses. Page 108: No economic analysis was done to determine whether the Samsung agreement was prudent and cost-effective.

This is a stunning, sharp indictment of economic mismanagement extraordinaire that is ripping off families. Minister, will you do the right thing? Will you call an end to the expensive program that costs us jobs and runs up our hydro bills?

Hon. Christopher Bentley: In fact, the feed-in tariff approach benefited from the experience of 87 other jurisdictions. The feed-in tariff program was the subject of a lot of consultation discussion and a lot of debate in this House. Can it be strengthened? Absolutely. Do the auditor’s recommendations help strengthen it? Absolutely.

Ontario has created 283,000 net new jobs since 2009. But when we reformed the tax system, the opposition said no, even though the day before they’d said yes.

When we combine provincial and federal tax collection, they say no. When we create green energy jobs, they say no. When we have a southwestern Ontario economic development fund, they say no. We say yes to clean air, yes to green jobs, yes to Ontario families and yes to a future for Ontario.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Final supplementary.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Order. Final supplementary.

Mr. Tim Hudak: The minister uses the term that their feed-in tariff program benefited from the experience of other jurisdictions. Benefited from the experience? You had the highest rates available anywhere in the world. You created a gold rush that made your friends very rich and made a lot of hard-working Ontario families much poorer and lost their jobs.

Let me ask you: If you believe in benefiting from the experience from other jurisdictions, Spain backed away from this program, Germany backed away, the United Kingdom and the United States, when they found that for every subsidized job, it cost two to four jobs in the broader economy. If it works nowhere else in the world, why are you doubling down on an expensive, out-of-touch, out-of-date, wasteful program that is costing us jobs in the province of Ontario?

Applause.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Order. Minister?

Hon. Christopher Bentley: In fact, when we launched the FIT prices they were lower than Germany’s when they launched theirs and lower than France’s, among other jurisdictions, when they launched theirs.

This is a simple choice. In 2003, we made the choice to get out of coal. He disagrees with it. We made the choice to clean up the air and improve the health of Ontarians. In the depth of the economic recession, we made the choice to use clean, green energy jobs to support families—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Order. Look, I’ll trade you the applause for the heckling in outside voices. Use your inside voices, please.

Hon. Christopher Bentley: In the depths of the economic recession, we made the choice to use clean, green energy jobs—

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Oxford, for the second time.

Hon. Christopher Bentley: —to require they use manufactured components from Ontario. Those jobs support families, they support communities and they contribute to the strength of the Ontario economy.

We’ve chosen clean air, good health, good jobs and a future for Ontario families. We just need the opposition leader on one day to tell us what he’s actually for, not just against.

GOVERNMENT’S RECORD

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My question is for the Acting Premier. Yesterday’s auditor’s report provided example after example of a government that has grown arrogant and out of touch with the challenges facing everyday people in this province. Instead of protecting people’s interests, the government seems to be protecting its own. For example, why are drivers in Ontario paying the highest auto insurance rates in the country despite a government that put in reforms that actually slashed benefits?

Hon. Dwight Duncan: Ontario, as it has through most of the last 30 years, does in fact have on average higher auto insurance premiums. This is the government, I will remind the honourable member, that kept those frozen or at least at even growth throughout the first seven years of its term.

We brought forward a number of very important changes last year. This year, Mr. Speaker, we created the task force on automobile insurance fraud. We received the interim report of that task force, which addresses many of the questions that the Auditor General has quite appropriately raised. I made that interim report public.

I look forward to the response from the people of Ontario—consumers, as well as the opposition and others—and to move forward to implement those recommendations to ensure that we continue to build on our record of keeping rate increases lower than they had been across the previous two governments.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Well, Speaker, it’s not just the growing cost of auto insurance. Electricity rates are climbing faster than auto insurance, hurting consumers and businesses. Yesterday, the auditor pointed to example after example where the government has switched tracks and left families paying the price.

Why does the government pay for an Ontario Power Authority to plan our electricity system and then ignore the plans that they develop?

Hon. Dwight Duncan: In fact, when the old Ontario Hydro had been broken up, there was no planning function left for the electricity system. It was left to a spot market, which even market advocates said wasn’t effective and didn’t provide for future power needs.

In fact, Mr. Speaker, we have moved aggressively. First of all, we are no longer threatened with rolling brownouts or blackouts every hot summer day. We have cleaner air. We are creating a new industry in renewable energy that’s creating thousands of jobs.

We acknowledge the challenges pointed out by the Auditor General across a variety of functions and, as we have done each and every year since we took office, we respond to each and every one of the recommendations raised, ensuring that Ontarians have and continue to have solid government, a cleaner environment and better public services.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Final supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: And in fact, they ignore the plans that are prepared by the OPA. I just thought I’d add that.

Speaker, families are struggling with very, very tough times. They want a government that actually stands up for them. Instead, they have a government that says, “The dog ate my homework.”

Amongst many of the issues that the Auditor General raised yesterday, another question that I’ve been asking came to light. And I’m going to ask that question again today, Speaker. How much are ratepayers going to pay for the cost of cancelling Liberal private power deals in Mississauga and Oakville?

Hon. Dwight Duncan: Mr. Speaker, this government has done a great deal to help families. We created the Ontario Child Benefit, a $1.3-billion assistance to families of modest means. The leader of the third party and her party voted against it.

We created the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit, a 10% refund to all Ontario energy consumers. That leader and her party did not support it. They want to make it 8%.

We have a bill before the House today, and I look forward to the leader of the third party’s support, on our Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit. You know what, Mr. Speaker? It helps senior citizens stay in their homes. Not only do they get a tax break, but it helps us manage long-term-care costs in the future.

We’ve had a—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. New question.

ENERGY CONTRACTS

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My next question is also to the Acting Premier. I want to focus, actually, on fixing some of the problems that the Auditor General identified yesterday. You know, electricity retailers are telling people that their contracts offer them long-term price protection, but the auditor, of course, found that consumers are actually paying anywhere from 35% to 65% more than those on a regulated price plan.

So if door-to-door retailers are costing households so much more, why is the government even allowing it?

Hon. Dwight Duncan: To the Minister of Energy.

Hon. Christopher Bentley: We listened very carefully to the experience of consumers around the province, and I really appreciate the auditor’s observations and recommendations in this regard. We brought in special consumer protection legislation in this area that took effect just January 1. Like all, I am concerned about the auditor’s observations and recommendations, so we’re going to do a detailed analysis to see how these new consumer protections are working to benefit consumers to make sure that they are being protected and they’re able to make an informed choice as to how they’d like to proceed with their energy needs in the future.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Well, Speaker, here are the kinds of claims made by the retailers: “Protecting your household against potential electricity price increases is always a good decision.”

Speaker, the reality is, signing an electricity contract could leave people paying up to $2,000 more for electricity. Now, if consumers are getting fleeced, which it’s pretty clear that they are, why is this government continuing to allow this practice to happen in the province of Ontario?

Hon. Christopher Bentley: Those concerns are exactly why we brought in the consumer legislation. We listened; we responded: legislation that provides for a period of time after any sign-up where people can decide they don’t want the contract, opportunities to get away from any contract that’s been entered into, additional reporting requirements that people have to comply with. We listened carefully, and now, because they just came in January 1, we need to see how they’re working. We need to make sure that consumers are being protected.

But let’s be very clear: We’re determined to protect consumers, we’re determined to make sure they can make an informed choice in all circumstances and we’re determined to make sure that they can make the choice that’s right for them. We’ll look and see how it’s working and take whatever steps are required.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Final supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Speaker, as this minister even suggests himself, it’s been a year and still there is a problem here, and that shows the arrogance and disinterest of this government in the plight of everyday families that are struggling to make ends meet.

The auditor’s report suggests, in fact, that there are some 630,000 families out there spending thousands of dollars more than they need to just to keep their lights on. Seventeen thousand complaints were received over the past five years, and up to 90% of those were about retailers.

So I’m going to ask the question one last time: When is this government going to put an end to this practice? Why do they continue to allow this kind of retailing to continue in Ontario?

Hon. Christopher Bentley: As I said, Speaker, it’s an issue that has greatly concerned this government, greatly concerned the members of this House. That’s why we acted on the issues and concerns and brought in consumer protection legislation. To be fair, that legislation only took effect on January 1. A lot of very important new rules provided opportunities where consumers could cancel a contract without any penalty, enabled them to cancel even after that period of time by limiting penalties and provided more information and a lot more oversight. So to be fair, we’re seeing how they work.

We’re very concerned about the auditor’s observations and recommendations. We’re going to match up the experience and take his recommendations. If further action is required, let’s be clear: For the protection of consumers, we’re going to take the action that’s required.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. New question.

GOVERNMENT’S RECORD

Mr. John O’Toole: Yes, Mr. Speaker: My question is to the substitute Premier. Minister, yesterday Ontario’s Auditor General confirmed that the Liberal legacy of making Ontario unaffordable for families was made evident. The auditor revealed that under the Liberals, LCBO costs are too high, auto insurance rates are too high, the green energy is too expensive—what has been obvious to Ontario families for so long. How long has this completely escaped the Liberal observation?

Hon. Dwight Duncan: I refer the member opposite, Mr. Speaker, to page 16 of the auditor’s report: that “the LCBO had the lowest overall alcohol prices of all … jurisdictions, with the third-lowest prices for spirits and beer, and the lowest wine prices.” So first, I invite the member to get his facts straight.

Second of all, when that member was a member of the government, auto insurance premiums went up 43% in the last two years of their tenure. We in fact brought them down over the first eight years of our administration, and last year brought forward further reforms to auto insurance that will help manage costs in the future and keep the rate of growth low.

There is still more to do. We recognize and welcome the recommendations of the auditor, and I look forward to having the input of the opposition as we move forward—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. Supplementary?

Mr. John O’Toole: When the Auditor General wasn’t busy pointing out how the Liberals have made life unaffordable for families, he was revealing more Liberal waste: $1.1 billion on medical specialists with no follow-up to ensure you got value for money; the most expensive legal aid system per capita in Canada with the least help provided to low-income Ontarians; and $100 million annually on Trillium grants with no idea if the best projects were chosen or if the money was indeed spent properly.

The Liberals didn’t get the message after the Auditor General’s eHealth report, and they didn’t get the message after the OLG report. Why should Ontario families believe that the McGuinty government will get the Auditor General’s report on Liberal waste this time?

Hon. Dwight Duncan: I remind the member opposite that he, in fact, voted against expanding the powers of the Auditor General which this government took. Let me give him a little history lesson. In 2004, we extended the jurisdiction of the Auditor General to school boards, universities, hospitals and the broader public sector, and he said, “I think the Legislature has been pretty good about expanding our powers. A decade ago we weren’t allowed to go into the broader public sector.” The Conservative government wouldn’t let them. They didn’t want that transparency.

Then we gave him the power to review advertising because that party had spent close to a billion dollars a year on partisan advertising, Mr. Speaker. Then we let him look at Hydro One and OPG, and what did we find there? A treasure trove of Tory abuse, which we put an end to.

We welcome the auditor’s report. We welcome his power—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. New question.

AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE

Mr. Jagmeet Singh: This question is for the Acting Premier. Two years ago, this government brought in reforms that were supposed to protect drivers in Ontario. Instead, benefits were cut and rates kept on rising. Now the auditor reveals that this government has dropped the ball on protecting Ontario drivers.

Will this minister admit that, in light of the evidence we have, the plan is simply not working for drivers in Ontario?

Hon. Dwight Duncan: Mr. Speaker, I remind the member opposite that, since 2003, rates have risen at a slower pace than inflation, which was in stark contrast to when the NDP were in power, when they went up 26.7%. We have a number of initiatives under way, including the anti-fraud task force, which presented their report to us.

I acknowledge that there continue to be challenges with the regulation of auto insurance. We will continue to build on our record to ensure that Ontario consumers have fair rates. We welcome the Auditor General’s review of our policies. He’s brought forward a number of very progressive recommendations. I look forward to working with the member opposite as we implement them to ensure that Ontarians continue to benefit from fair auto insurance rates.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Jagmeet Singh: Mr. Speaker, the problem is that the minister fails to see that in Ontario we are paying the highest insurance in Canada. We are paying the highest insurance in Canada, despite having the lowest accident rate. Instead of defending drivers, this government is committed to defending juicy profits for insurance companies. In fact, the report has indicated that they are so juicy that everyday people are getting squeezed. People like my constituents in Bramalea–Gore–Malton are the ones getting squeezed.

Will this government take steps to ensure that the drivers in Ontario are protected, instead of the insurance companies making juicy profits?

Hon. Dwight Duncan: Mr. Speaker, the member is new, and he wasn’t here. We in fact brought forward changes because, as the auditor pointed out, the handling of these claims has not been efficient. We brought forward the changes to deal with that, and they’re being implemented over the course of the summer.

You know, the member opposite and his party advocated public automobile insurance in the past—still don’t know if they’re for that or against it right now.

I think consumers can be well assured that we are getting things under control. We have been. We’ll work with the auditor.

You know, even myself, Mr. Speaker, I see people who drive expensive BMW sports cars, and they might experience high auto insurance rates; I don’t know for certain. But I would invite the member opposite to look at our record. We’ve done the things he’s asked us to do. I look forward to working with—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. New question.

RED TAPE REDUCTION

Mr. Grant Crack: My question is for the Attorney General.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Order.

Mr. Grant Crack: Minister, we’ve been hearing a great deal regarding the issues surrounding Operation Come Home. As you are aware, this is a charitable—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Member?

Mr. Grant Crack: As you are aware, this is a charitable organization that helps the homeless youth in my riding of Glengarry–Prescott–Russell and in the Ottawa area. This is an initiative that deserves credit for doing a great service during this holiday season.

Minister, Operation Come Home is working with BottleWorks and Beau’s brewery to deliver beer, and they are raising funds to help those in need at this time of giving.

Mr. Speaker, my question to the minister is simple: What quick solution has our government brought in to ensure that Operation Come Home can resume operations this holiday season?

Interjections.

Hon. John Gerretsen: Well, Speaker, the opposition may laugh about this, but we found a situation that needed to be corrected, and we took action and corrected it, right there and then. Quite frankly, it would not have happened without the strong advocacy of the member from Glengarry–Prescott–Russell.

We have brought in a regulatory exemption that will allow BottleWorks, as run by Operation Come Home, to continue the fundraising and job opportunities which they are creating for the homeless right now. We have brought forward changes to licensed liquor delivery service in Ontario so they can now buy alcohol directly from any authorized retail store, including small craft breweries and wineries, instead of only from the LCBO or the Beer Store.

We recognize this is a great initiative. It helps an awful lot of people, it’s the right thing to do, and—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. Supplementary?

Mr. Grant Crack: Minister, this is great news, and I’m happy to hear that this government has listened to the concerns raised and acted so quickly to support a local cause and local jobs. However, while I’m pleased with that action that has been taken, I must raise some concern that maybe other charities in the province may want to attempt to deliver this service.

Mr. Speaker, will these changes be more widespread across the province to allow for similar organizations to take

part in providing charitable work and creating local jobs?

Hon. John Gerretsen: As the member well knows, this particular matter came to our attention as a result of Operation Come Home in the Ottawa area. We’ve made very sensible changes in a very short period of time that will make it easier for all Ontario licensed delivery services to operate in a modern economy by removing all unnecessary restrictions.

Interjections.

Hon. John Gerretsen: I wish the members would listen to this answer, Speaker.

We will also be consulting with stakeholders over the next 15 months on amending the Liquor Licence Act to allow delivery services, such as those operated by charitable organizations, to enter into business relationships from which everyone can benefit.

But may I also remind people: This is the holiday season. Please enjoy alcohol, but use it wisely.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Mr. Victor Fedeli: Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Energy. Yesterday, the Auditor General handed down a multiple-count indictment of the government’s green energy policy. When it comes to the FIT programs, wind and solar, the Auditor General stated, “You can’t connect them to the grid,” “It looks like we don’t need the capacity anyway,” and “Wind and solar are not very reliable.” He also shocked homeowners when he announced that their hydro bills would go up by 8% every year thanks to the heavily subsidized wind and solar program.

Speaker, the Auditor General repeated everything our party warned about during the election. So, Minister, will you finally admit what the Auditor General has told all of Ontario: that your green energy plan, especially the FIT program, is a complete disaster and utter—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. Minister of Energy?

Hon. Christopher Bentley: And again, I do appreciate the auditor’s recommendations—acting on them.

This is about the choices that we made. In 2003, we made the choice to clean up the air.

Interjections.

Hon. Christopher Bentley: I know they disagree with that.

We made the choice to get out of coal. They disagree with that. There’s a cost to stay in coal: $4 billion-plus a year, human suffering, illnesses. At the height of the recession, we made a choice to create jobs for Ontarians and accelerate the cleanup of the air. The 20,000 jobs, billions in investment—it’s all about the choices you make. We stand for clean air, good health, jobs for Ontarians and a brighter future for this province.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Victor Fedeli: We heard in the Auditor General’s own words that the cost of every green energy job is $300,000, and for each job created, “two to four jobs are ... lost in other sectors.” We also learned that we lost $1.8 billion over six years exporting surplus power while we continue to add unreliable wind and solar projects. So, why does the Premier show complete contempt for the Auditor General’s report and choose to visit, of all things, a wind facility today? Seriously, Minister, do you and the Premier not get it?

Will you finally admit today that the Auditor General got it right and that your green energy plan is driving up the cost of hydro bills and killing thousands of private sector jobs?

Hon. Christopher Bentley: You know, I always thought my friend opposite was in favour of solar power, because I seem to recall there are solar panels on the North Bay city hall roof at this very moment. But maybe I’m mistaken.

Renewable energy is all about cleaning up the air. It’s all about making sure we have healthy Ontarians, making sure we support the health of Ontarians, and we’re using it as a platform for the jobs of the future. It’s true: The world is going greener. We want to be leaders, not followers, because there are no jobs for followers. We’ve got 20,000 jobs today. We’ve got billions in investment.

The Premier’s at CS Wind, Tillsonburg, London, Newmarket—too many places to list in the minute I have. It’s all about futures for Ontarians, clean air—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. New question.

PRIVATE CAREER COLLEGES

Ms. Teresa J. Armstrong: My question is for the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. Yesterday, the Auditor General’s report shows that Ontarians are paying thousands of dollars in tuition fees to attend private career colleges but often end up with subpar training and few job prospects.

The government has known about quality problems at colleges for years. But today, colleges that were supposed to be closed down continue to illegally operate, and colleges have repeatedly violated regulations, such as instructor qualifications going uninspected. Why is this government failing to protect the 60,000 Ontarians who attend private career colleges?

Hon. Glen R. Murray: Thanks very much. I appreciate the question from my honourable friend opposite.

First of all, out of the 60,000 students in the system, most get a very high-quality education.

Second of all, we have now covered off all of the colleges that are determined to be high-risk. They’ve been fully inspected. We have expanded our inspection program. All high-risk schools will be inspected within three months; those being identified as medium-risk schools, which is the level we are now at, within the next 24 months.

We are under one of the most aggressive expansions of our inspections program. We have gotten through all of the high-risk colleges. We are now in the middle of going through the medium-risk colleges. We can ensure Ontarians that the over 400 training colleges and private sector schools will be well managed—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. Supplementary?

Ms. Teresa J. Armstrong: In 2006, the government passed the Private Career Colleges Act and claimed it would get tough on career colleges. But today, the ministry still has only eight inspectors for 470 colleges, and it only inspected 30 campuses last year despite identifying 180 risks of violating basic educational standards. Taxpayers have subsidized these colleges to the tune of half a billion dollars over the last three years.

When will the government finally hire the inspectors it needs and ensure students at career colleges get the training that they pay for and they expect?

Hon. Glen R. Murray: Mr. Speaker, we have actually done considerably more than that. In the first nine months of this year alone, over 100 actions have been taken against illegal operators. That’s the most aggressive enforcement in the history of this province, better than the party opposite ever did when they were in power.

The ministry has also developed a student satisfaction survey for students affected by a school closure and protected under the Training Completion Assurance Fund, the TCAF. The survey is in use and was issued to the first group of students in November.

The ministry has recently completed a comprehensive review of the performance measures of the collection process and has developed six performance indicators for the private career college sector. These performance indicators are compatible with the key performance indicators used for public institutions.

We’re now holding our colleges, for the first time, to the exact same standards that our—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. New question.

ANTI-BULLYING INITIATIVES

Mrs. Donna H. Cansfield: My question is for the Minister of Education. This morning, there was a press conference hosted by the member from Aurora, attended by the member from Nepean–Carleton and the member from Thornhill—a very disturbing press conference where Charles McVety was.

You know, as a former school trustee for 15 years and, more importantly, as a parent and significantly so as a legislator, to me, every student’s rights must be protected. They must feel safe, they must feel welcomed and they must feel respected for who they are if in fact they’re going to succeed.

When someone refers to our legislation as radical social engineering, it is disturbing, to say the least—absolutely disturbing, to say the least. It’s so concerning when you consider that, in fact, we were supposed to be working together.

So Madam Minister, could you please explain to me what is so radical about the Accepting Schools Act?

Hon. Laurel C. Broten: I want to thank the member from Etobicoke Centre for her question and for her advocacy on behalf of students for many, many years.

I, too, was deeply, deeply disturbed by what I heard this morning. To the member’s question, there is absolutely nothing radical about ensuring that every student has the support that they need to succeed in our schools. Our plan is about creating safer schools, about creating places where intolerance is not accepted and where inclusion is the only option.

Last week I was heartened to hear that I shared this goal with the member opposite from Kitchener–Waterloo. I remain optimistic that this House will be united to fight bullying in our schools, but the official opposition needs to be clear about where they stand. There is no room for division—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Stop the clock. It’s not traditional to have a point of order during question period, but I will entertain the member immediately after question period. Thank you.

Supplementary question?

Mrs. Donna H. Cansfield: I thank the minister for her answer. I want to say a special thank you to the member for Kitchener–Waterloo. We sat in this House last week saying how we would work together to be able to move forward a very important piece of legislation so that our children, in fact, can feel safe, welcomed and respected regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or whatever. That’s what we are really all about. Our responsibility and our obligation as legislators is to protect others who require our protection.

I’m hopeful that you are not a house divided over there; that you’re actually going to continue to work with us. You know, there was some terrible homophobic pamphlets that went out during the election. That kind of nonsense must stop, must not continue. So I’m asking you, Mr. Speaker, if the minister could please let me know how this legislation can actually work by bringing us together.

Hon. Laurel C. Broten: Mr. Speaker, the member is right. The language we heard this morning in the PC-sanctioned press conference was all too familiar. While our proposed Accepting Schools Act seeks to set out the legislation, the kinds of supports that all schools must provide to students, the opposition continues to divide Ontarians. Mr. Speaker, last week—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Order, please.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Order. Stop the clock.

I need two things to be mentioned here, and that is, the questions are supposed to be of the government of the day and the policies of the government of the day, and the minister will confine herself to answering government policy of the day.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): I am standing, and I’m asking for attention, please.

My request is that we stay focused on government business of the day in the answers and the questions.

Hon. Laurel C. Broten: Mr. Speaker, last week, I stood in the media studio at Queen’s Park with over a dozen partners in education, including public and Catholic school board associations, public and Catholic teachers, students representing both school boards, to stand up against bullying. Ontarians are united against bullying. Students need our support now, and they deserve support from each and every member of this House in a unanimous way.

AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE

Mr. Jeff Yurek: My question is to the Deputy Premier. The Office of the Auditor General has released its 2011 annual report, which states that Ontario does not have significant measures in place to combat auto insurance fraud, which may cost the system as much as $1.3 billion. Benefit costs in cities like Brampton rose by 37% a year in recent years, compared to just 14% in other areas of the province. The average cost of automobile accident insurance claims in Ontario is five times higher than the average injury claim in other provinces.

Will the government commit to establishing a special unit of the crown attorney, an office of financial crimes prosecution, that would fight fraud and keep Brampton and other Ontario drivers from paying more?

Hon. Dwight Duncan: Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for his question. He is a new member; he would not have been here for the last budget, when we created a task force. That task force was in the budget. The member’s party voted against it. That task force has now presented its interim report. We made that report public last week. It has been widely circulated, Mr. Speaker. We look forward to a response to that report.

By the way, the task force is chaired by a former deputy minister of the federal finance department, a well-regarded Canadian. There are comprehensive recommendations that involve the Ministry of the Attorney General and a number of others with respect to fraud.

I welcome your question and I thank you for it. I just wish your party had voted for the initiative seven months ago, as we did on this side of the House.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Jeff Yurek: Back to the Deputy Premier: I have read the report from the Auto Insurance Anti-Fraud Task Force. The task force itself reports that fraud is extensive, increasing, and has a substantial impact on auto insurance premiums. In fact, in 2009, there were 75,000 injury claims filed while there were only 62,000 injuries from automobile accidents actually reported—a 20% difference.

Fraud can have a financial impact through increased costs in premiums and a public safety impact through staged accidents. Both the US and Britain have dedicated insurance fraud investigation organizations. These units have dramatically decreased fraud. Since the Auditor General and the task force have acknowledged that fraud is a growing concern, will the government take action and establish a special unit of the crown attorney, an office of financial crimes prosecution, to fight auto insurance fraud?

Hon. Dwight Duncan: Mr. Speaker, we will act on the recommendations of the report. I thank the member for having reviewed it. He correctly notes that the report does, in fact, deal with those issues. It is a little difficult to understand because his party, the caucus, and his leader voted against it.

It was a good initiative. It has been well received by the industry. I remind the member opposite that the party he’s a member of—in their last three years in office, insurance rates went up 43%. We’re not going to go back; I can assure you of that. I know you weren’t part of that; you’re a new part of the caucus. Many of your colleagues were. Even your leader said with regard to your insurance record—this is what the Leader of the Opposition said: “We lost track of the advice ... and as a result insurance rates went up.” That hasn’t happened under our government. It won’t. I look forward to your support of the task force’s recommendations.

ASSISTANCE TO FLOOD VICTIMS

Mr. Taras Natyshak: To the Minister of Agriculture: Entire communities in the Windsor and Essex area have been affected by unprecedented rainfall and major flooding. Although this is not a new phenomenon, the incidences of rainfall have increased in frequency considerably in the last couple of years.

For residents like George Tuer of Belcreft Beach, this is the 11th flood in eight years, with damage of up to $20,000 and the risk of increased insurance costs. For the community, the floods have put more strain on the sewer systems, emergency services and the resources of municipalities that are already strapped for cash.

My question is simple: Does the province have a plan for the residents of Belcreft Beach so that they don’t have to undergo constant flooding, property and emotional damage?

Hon. Ted McMeekin: We’re always open to working with our friends on the other side of the House as they bring to our attention issues of concern. We are always open to hearing those and working with our stakeholders, which is why we’ve developed the southwestern economic development fund and why we’ve stood so consistently with rural Ontario on a number of initiatives—everything from rural economic development to our highly-touted risk management plan, which the president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture has referred to as the single most significant social policy impacting the agricultural community in the—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. Supplementary?

Mr. Taras Natyshak: It sounds like the minister is struggling for a little bit of an answer there, so I’ll help him.

Under the Drainage Act, residents are responsible for paying for improvements to the system. Residents of Belcreft Beach are being told that they are the ones who have to call for an engineering study. Residents are the ones who are also being told that they have to foot the bill. So far, residents have paid $350,000, and the next round of Band-Aid repairs is expected to be around $55,000.

Why isn’t the province stepping up to hold its end of the deal for the residents and farmers of Belcreft Beach?

Hon. Ted McMeekin: Well, I don’t know if the honourable member opposite knows this or not, but to the best of my knowledge, we have not been approached by the community with any specific requests to consider some kind of emergency relief. We, of course, are always open to hearing from communities with respect to those issues, many completely beyond control. We don’t control the rain here any more than the good farm constituents do there.

So if there is a request that is to be forthcoming, we look forward to hearing more about it, and we’ll respond with all the due diligence and respect that our rural constituencies deserve.

COAL-FIRED GENERATING STATIONS

Ms. Helena Jaczek: My question is for the Minister of Energy. Minister, in my riding of Oak Ridges–Markham my constituents are concerned about the impact that coal-fired generating plants are having on their health. From 1995 to 2003, the province was dependent on this dirty form of electricity, and under the Conservative government the use of coal increased an astonishing 127%.

As a physician, I know first-hand that the emissions from coal plants pollute the air we breathe and lead to more respiratory illness in the province. I think we can all agree that replacing coal with cleaner sources of power is the right approach to a more modern and reliable green energy system.

Can the minister tell this House what the province is doing to rid our system of this dirty form of electricity?

Hon. Christopher Bentley: I want to thank the member from Oak Ridges–Markham for the question. It’s a very important one, because it is all about the health of Ontarians.

You know, 2.4 million Ontarians have a respiratory challenge of some sort and depend on clean air, or their abilities are limited or worse, so we made a decision in 2003 to get out of coal. It’s never going to be easy and it has its costs, but the costs of staying in coal are more than $4 billion a year and thousands of people adversely affected by bad air.

Are we making progress? We’re 90% out of its use. We’ve shut down 10 of 19 units. We are on track to get out of coal completely and clean up the air through no more coal by 2014.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Helena Jaczek: Thank you, Minister. My constituents and I support Ontario’s shift to cleaner sources of energy. We want to ensure that our children and grandchildren have a healthier future. I’m very pleased that Ontario is on track to replace dirty coal-fired generation with cleaner sources of power by 2014, and I’m proud to be part of a government that is undertaking one of the biggest climate change initiatives in North America. I know that this plan will have several positive benefits for all Ontarians.

Through you, Mr. Speaker, can the minister please tell us what impact this initiative has had and will have on my constituents and the people of Ontario?

Hon. Christopher Bentley: Last Thursday, I was with the Minister of Health and the member from Scarborough–Agincourt at Sick Kids Hospital. We met a young woman there who’d been helped greatly by the respiratory clinic. She’d suffered for years—and still suffers—from asthma. It’s much better now, but a couple of years ago, she couldn’t walk and keep up with her friends. Now, through the help of the respiratory clinic and, yes, cleaner air, she’s able to join the cross-country team.

Clean air affects people in their everyday lives. It affects the young. It affects the old. It affects all in between. It affects 2.4 million Ontarians. We need to clean up the air. We’re going to continue the progress, get out of coal and improve the health of Ontarians.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Mr. Todd Smith: My question is for the Deputy Premier. Yesterday, the Auditor General released his report, a scathing condemnation of that government. He noted that your green energy strategy costs two to four jobs in other sectors for every job it creates in energy generation. Independent estimates suggest that your policy will increase small business energy costs by 8% every year, increasing hydro costs by almost 50% since before this policy was introduced.

When will you get off the backs of small business owners all over this province and stop killing jobs in Ontario?

Hon. Dwight Duncan: Minister of Energy.

Hon. Christopher Bentley: Actually, we’re very focused on the bottom line. When we brought in the industrial rate energy policy, that was about improving the bottom line of businesses. When we brought in tax reform, the HST, that’s about improving business competitiveness. They said yes the day before; they said no the day after.

When we harmonized the taxes, that benefits businesses. When we decreased the cost of manufacturing plants and equipment in Ontario, that’s about improving businesses. When we saved the auto industry, that was about helping businesses. The southwest economic development fund: That’s about helping businesses.

They say “jobs,” but every initiative, they say no to. When will they stand up and say yes to something? Yes to jobs—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Todd Smith: Perhaps the minister didn’t hear my question. It had to do with the Green Energy Act and the fact that it’s killing jobs in this province.

The Auditor General’s report came out yesterday. Perhaps someone should read it to the minister and he can stop having the fairy tale that’s being read to him by the Premier read to him, as it has been.

This criticism isn’t coming from this side of the House. The criticism is coming from this book: the Auditor General’s annual report. According to his report, small businesses were paying $38 a month for renewable power on their hydro bill in 2010 and will be paying $500 a month for that same amount of power by 2018.

How can you stand in the House and expect Ontario businesses to keep creating jobs—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. Minister?

Hon. Christopher Bentley: You know what? Jobs feed families. The 20,000 jobs through the green energy program already—they feed families. The jobs that we protected and created through the HST—they feed families. The jobs through the saving of the auto industry, half a million Ontarians—they feed families. The jobs through tax reductions for small businesses and for plants and equipment in Ontario—they feed families.

But you know, every time we say yes to jobs, they say no. Every time we bring an initiative like the HST, they change their mind and say no. You can’t do one thing one week, one thing another—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. New question?

WOMEN’S SHELTERS

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My question is to the minister responsible for women’s issues. The city of Toronto is proposing funding cuts to three women’s shelters which are partially funded by the province. Is she aware of these cuts and what is she doing about it?

Hon. Laurel C. Broten: I’m very pleased to have a chance to stand up and speak about protecting women, today being December 6. Today has a dark history in our province and I know that it is a day when we should all think about what steps we can make to ensure that women are more protected here in Toronto and right across the province. That’s why I’m so proud of the efforts that our government has taken with respect to developing a sexual violence action plan, a domestic violence action plan.

Certainly I take the question away with me today, and I understand one of the members opposite has come over to inform us of that. As we do every single day, we take away the issues and ensure that women are safe and protected in—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. Supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Speaker, it is December 6. It’s the national day of action on violence against women; we all are wearing the buttons. But wearing the buttons is simply not good enough.

Bellwoods House in Toronto is one of the places that is looking to get severe cuts and perhaps shut its doors to women. In houses like that, this is a serious problem. This particular house has women that are over 50 years old fleeing domestic violence as its residents. In fact, one of the residents said this: “It’s going to pull me back into a life I don’t want to live,” if that shelter closes.

So my question is a very, very obvious one. These women need a place to go. They need a safe haven from violence that they experience in their home. I want to know from this minister, will she commit to finding a solution that spares these shelters from the city’s budget cuts?

Hon. Laurel C. Broten: On this day and every other, it is incumbent upon us in the Legislature to raise issues and work with those in other levels of government. But those that have responsibility at the city of Toronto need to take that responsibility seriously. I take my responsibility to protect women in this province very seriously. That’s why we have stepped in on numerous occasions when the federal government stepped away and we will continue to advocate and champion on behalf of women; it’s why we are investing more than $175 million in 182 agencies that offer counselling programs and services to victims of abuse.

But, Speaker, we cannot do it alone. We need partners at all levels of government.

MEMBERS’ COMMENTS

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member for Nepean–Carleton on a point of order.

Ms. Lisa MacLeod: I’m making a point of order on

section 23(h), where a member “makes allegations against another member”; on

section (i), “imputes false or unavowed motives to another member”; on (j), “charges another member with uttering a deliberate falsehood”; and (k), “uses abusive or insulting language of a nature likely to create disorder.”

Earlier in question period, both the Minister of Education and the member for Etobicoke Centre made allegations on members, including myself, regarding a press conference which took place in these assembly grounds earlier today, which I briefly attended as critic.

My views on anti-bullying, in this chamber, have not changed. My views on anti-bullying are well-known in this chamber. And Mr. Speaker, for those members to impugn a motive or utterances which do not reflect me or my values need to be held to account. Thank you very much.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Order, please.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Order, please. On the same point of order, the member from Newmarket–Aurora.

Mr. Frank Klees: On the same point of order, on all four counts of

section 23(h), (i), (

j) and (k), Speaker: This morning, I did sponsor a press conference at the request of citizens who wanted to share with the Legislature and with the public their views on a piece of legislation tabled in this House. I am one who believes that people in this province should in fact have the opportunity to express their views, regardless of what they might be. We say in this House often that this House is not ours; it is the people’s House. It’s for that reason that when I was called and asked if this group could in fact use the media room to make their point, I agreed.

And yes, I did attend the conference, along with some of my colleagues, for the same reason that others in this place from time to time attend a media conference: to hear what the point is that is being made. I think that’s my responsibility.

Having said that, the last thing I expected today from the member from Etobicoke Centre was for her to stand in her place and ascribe to me personally, other members of my caucus and the entire caucus—by not only the member but the Minister of Education.

Speaker, words were used by the member from Etobicoke Centre as well as the Minister of Education that are highly offensive to me personally; that are offensive not only to members of my caucus but to everyone in this province. The last thing that we would have expected from the member opposite and from the Minister of Education is the kind of insult that was levelled against us this place.

Speaker, you knew. As you were sitting in your chair you saw what was happening here and the kind of reaction that that question and the minister’s response evoked from not only those who were directly named by the member from Etobicoke Centre but the entire PC caucus. According to my reading of the standing orders, Speaker, when in fact a question like that is put and the reaction is what it was, it is the responsibility of the Speaker to rule that question out of order and the conduct out of order.

Now, Speaker, I ask you to make your statement and to rule on this matter because it will set a tone for how this House is conducted and how members are allowed to treat each other in this place. If that is the kind of thing we can expect in this place, I submit to you, sir, that we have some dark days ahead in this House. We should be conducting our business out of a position of respect, not ascribing motive to other members and particularly the base kind of accusations that we heard in the House today.

Speaker, I ask you to assume your role as Speaker and rule accordingly.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): On the same point of order, government House leader.

Hon. John Milloy: I rise just to give the context of what we’re talking about today. The member for Etobicoke Centre and the Minister of Education had an exchange today as part of a government question related to a piece of legislation which is before the House. During the course of their exchange, they made reference to the fact that members of the official opposition had sponsored a press conference this morning and had attended that press conference. We just heard from the honourable member that that is the statement of fact and—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): It was very quiet when both points of orders from the opposition were presented. I am asking for no interjections from this moment on. They are providing comment on the same point of order.

Hon. John Milloy: Mr. Speaker, in the course of the exchange, in the course of the debate that goes on in the Legislature, reference was made about a press conference that was held this morning, the fact that it was sponsored by members of the opposition and that some of those members were present, and the contents of that press conference.

As we know, there is a cut and thrust here in the Legislature in terms of debate. Facts were put on the table. The honourable members don’t like those facts. That’s part of the cut and thrust of question period. We’re dealing with facts which the member just confirmed happened: the fact that the press conference was sponsored and that they attended.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Same point of order?

Mr. Jim Wilson: On the same point of order, Mr. Speaker: I’m not sure I can put it any more eloquently than what my colleagues have said, the member for Newmarket–Aurora and the member for Nepean–Carleton. Clearly, Mr. Speaker, and I say through you to the House leader, to the member for Etobicoke Centre, to the Minister of Education and to all members of the Liberal caucus: That’s despicable, what you did today. It clearly was a set-up from the beginning. It is unfortunate that it has become—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Address the Speaker, please.

Mr. Jim Wilson: It is unfortunate that it has become a policy here that we are not allowed to interrupt question period. You clearly violated the rights of this House, of democracy, of freedom of speech. It was a set-up from the beginning. Mr. Speaker, I would ask in the future that you rule early on when you see that it’s a set-up. You don’t have to have earmuffs on to not see what was coming.

The fact of the matter is, the honourable members are quite correct in stating that standing order 23 says, “In debate, a member shall be called to order by the Speaker if he or she”—and they cite four subsections; I’ll cite two—“Makes allegations against another member,” clearly allegations were made against another member, and “Uses abusive or insulting language of a nature likely to create disorder.” Clearly disorder was created, and clearly what you said was very unfair.

As I said, I don’t think I’ve seen anything as bad in 21 years here. It’s certainly below you as an honourable member of this Legislature.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Through the Chair, please.

Mr. Jim Wilson: I found it shocking that you allow your colleagues to set you up for such low demeanour.

Mr. Speaker, if you’re unable to rule against the member for some other reason, I think the honourable member at the very least—both honourable members, the member for Etobicoke Centre and the Minister of Education—should do the honourable thing and apologize to my colleagues.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Same point of order?

Mrs. Donna H. Cansfield: I rise on the point of order that I had indicated the event was sponsored by the member from Newmarket–Aurora and that two other members attended. I then went on to attribute the comments that were made around radical engineering to Charles McVety, so I did not indicate, if you read Hansard to the extent—fair enough; I appreciate the point.

For me, I stand by the fact that we have a responsibility, when we introduce a piece of legislation, to be prepared to work with another group to move that legislation forward in a way that benefits the people of Ontario and, in particular, the students, who do suffer extraordinary discrimination based on gender identification.

So for me, it is very disturbing. I appreciate, and I’m thrilled, that the members opposite here are so angry, as I am, that someone had the audacity to stand in a press conference and speak about radical gender engineering. So I’m thrilled, and I stand by my comments.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Member from Newmarket–Aurora on the same point of order.

Mr. Frank Klees: Speaker, Hansard will tell us precisely what was said. The reason for our reaction to what both the member from Etobicoke Centre as well as the education minister said today is that they not only implied, they expressly stated, that we endorse the positions that were discussed at that press conference.

The transcript of that media conference will also confirm that when the individuals were asked if they had the support of any MPPs in this House for their position, the express response was, “No.” They indicated very clearly that they were here to express their views and their concerns on a piece of legislation.

I say again, if it gets to the point where people are intimidated for expressing their views in this place, whether it is a member of the House or a member of the public in our media conference, it’s a sad day in this Legislature. Let it not happen, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. One moment please.

I’m prepared to rule on the points of order. I do want to remind all members that I’m still a little bit of a rookie, but I will admit to my foible, and that was I was not quick enough to stand when I should have. I apologize to the members in this House for my mistake. I honestly believed as it was happening—I had that instinct to jump, but I wanted to make sure that I was making the right choice. I will not second-guess myself from here on in, and I apologize to all members.

However, I also want to remind all members that I’m suspicious that this would not have happened if we continued to keep our questions and our answers on the government, of the administration of the responsibility of the government, which I did remind you right off the bat. So they should not seek opinions on any other policies or procedures or actions of other parties. Nor should they reflect the character or the conduct of any member. I have heard some of the heckling that is referring to individuals and that is not helpful.

We are trying to set a tone, and I appreciate the comments that were made. I would also ask that all members be cognizant of that particular guideline within our own rules. If it stays there, we would probably avoid this point of order.

I believe there are no deferred votes, so this House stands adjourned until 3 p.m. this afternoon.

The House recessed from 1149 to 1500.

INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS

Mr. Ernie Hardeman: I’m pleased to rise today to recognize a number of guests who are here for the introduction of my private member’s bill, the Hawkins Gignac Act, later this afternoon.

In the gallery today are John Gignac, who tragically lost his niece and her family to carbon monoxide poisoning; Andy Glynn from the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, which recently passed a resolution supporting requiring detectors in all homes; Matthew Jackson from Enbridge; Carol Heller and Marie-Claude Lavigueur from Kidde Canada Ltd.; Daniel Langlois, Canadian Standards Association; and Pat Folliott, Mary Ellen Sheppard and Chuck Rachlis, who have all been very supportive and helped to raise awareness about the need for carbon monoxide detectors in the home. I want to welcome them to Queen’s Park and thank them for being here in support of such a worthwhile project.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. We welcome our guests. Thank you for being here.

Introduction of guests?

The Speaker has some guests. With us today in the Speaker’s gallery is a delegation comprised of senators and representatives from the Missouri General Assembly: Senator Tim Green, Senator Brian Munzlinger, Representative T.J. Berry, Representative Casey Guernsey, Representative Jason Holsman, Representative Thomas Long, Representative Mike McGhee, Representative Genise Montecillo and Representative Clem Smith. How do we welcome our guests?

Applause.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): They did ask me some interesting questions, and I was very neutral in my response.

It is now time for members’ statements.

MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

FOOD SAFETY

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Mississippi—no.

Mr. Jack MacLaren: Carleton–Mississippi Mills.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Carleton–Mississippi Mills.

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): It has nothing to do with Missouri.

Mr. Jack MacLaren: This statement concerns a man’s constitutional right to choose the food he wants to eat. In November 2009, Mark Tijssen was charged under four different sections of the Food Safety and Quality Act because he bought a local pig and slaughtered it to feed his family.

A Ministry of Natural Resources enforcement officer sat in a neighbour’s tree stand for five days watching Mark and his children in their home with night vision goggles. The MNR then raided Mark’s home with six squad cars with flashing lights.

The maximum fine was $100,000, but Mark was told that it would be reduced to $1,000, if he pleaded guilty. But Mark didn’t do anything wrong and he decided to fight the charges in court. Mark Tijssen acted as his own attorney, arguing that he had a constitutional right to choose the food he wants to eat.

Today, the MNR delivered a letter to Mark Tijssen, stating that they will drop all charges after two years of numerous court appearances.

This is a constitutional victory and vindication for Mark Tijssen, a man who had the strength and courage to stand up against a wrongful government action and to fight for the principle of what was right. Mark Tijssen is a great Canadian. Thank you.

NEIGHBOUR TO NEIGHBOUR

FOOD BANK

Miss Monique Taylor: This Saturday afternoon, I will be opening my constituency office with the residents of Hamilton Mountain. This open house will take place from 1 till 3 this Saturday afternoon at our location at 952 Concession Street at Upper Gage. People can take a break from their Christmas shopping and come and spend some time with us with some refreshments, light snacks and a little holiday cheer.

We are asking that people bring with them a non-perishable food item to donate to the Neighbour to Neighbour food bank that is located in my riding. They provide many services to the residents of Hamilton Mountain, and with the holiday season right around the corner, there’s a great need in our community.

In addition to being a food bank, this wonderful organization offers a number of other services. They have children’s tutoring programs, they provide one-on-one support for local schoolchildren, they provide resource counsellors to help women fighting violence, they connect with residents in need with various services available in the community, and they work in partnership to support many other valuable programs.

Neighbour to Neighbour services over 1,000 residents in the area with the help of over 100 dedicated volunteers. I would like to thank them all very much for the great work that they do in making our community a better place.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take a quick moment and wish all of the residents of Hamilton Mountain a very happy holiday—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you.

ETOBICOKE GENERAL HOSPITAL

M. Shafiq Qaadri: Monsieur le Président, je veux vous informer des développements extraordinaires dans ma circonscription d’Etobicoke nord.

I rise today to announce an extraordinary development in my own riding of Etobicoke North: a $200-million grant of funding to Etobicoke General Hospital for a magnificent expansion.

Etobicoke General Hospital has been a hub of excellent medical care for more than four decades. Something in the order of about 200,000 residents in all of Etobicoke, not merely Etobicoke North, are very well served. We have something like 50,000 outpatients annually, 15,000 inpatients, about 65,000 emergency room visits and, of course, the statistics go on.

This particular expansion, this grant of $200 million, will allow the existing facility to have a new emergency department, a new critical care unit, new intensive care units and a whole host of other facilities. If you have a tour of the actual facility, Speaker, you too will be impressed. It’s something on the order of a one-acre expansion on four storeys. As I say, it’s going to be the jewel in the crown of Etobicoke North.

I’d like to thank the many, many individuals, not only the Minister of Health, the government of Ontario, the various bureaucrats and the various ministries that have been part of this extraordinary development. I invite all members of the Legislature to the opening.

PAN AM GAMES

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member for Stormont–Dundas–South Glengarry.

Mr. Jim McDonell: Speaker, I’d first like to congratulate you on your election as Speaker. I can already see that you have some challenges in front of you, and I wish you the very best of luck.

Recently, our Canadian athletes were very successful in the Pan Am Games, capturing 119 medals for fifth place in the overall medal race. I especially want to congratulate two of the participants