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May 17, 2021

42nd Parliament, 1st Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcript 2021-May-17 (PDF)

L0264 - Mon 17 May 2021 / Lun 17 mai 2021

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Monday 17 May 2021 Lundi 17 mai 2021

Private Members’ Public Business

COVID-19 response

Members’ Statements

Tenant protection

Tourism

Conflict in Middle East

Waste reduction

Women in Song

COVID-19 response

Research and development

Small business

First responders

Cystic fibrosis

Question Period

Long-term care

Long-term care

COVID-19 response

Border security

Education funding

Long-term care

Tourism

College standards and accreditation

COVID-19 response

Health care funding

COVID-19 response

COVID-19 response

COVID-19 immunization

COVID-19 immunization

Small business

Jessica Lippert

Deferred Votes

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Amendment Act (Supporting Individuals in their Homes and Communities with Assistive Devices for Mental Health), 2021 / Loi de 2021 modifiant la

Loi sur le ministère de la Santé et des Soins de longue durée (Appuyer les particuliers à la maison et dans la collectivité grâce à des appareils et accessoires fonctionnels pour la santé mentale)

COVID-19 response

Request to Integrity Commissioner

Reports by Committees

Standing Committee on General Government

Standing Committee on Justice Policy

Introduction of Bills

Nikola Tesla Day Act, 2021 / Loi de 2021 sur le Jour de Nikola Tesla

Securities Amendment Act (Climate Risk Financial Disclosure), 2021 / Loi de 2021 modifiant la

Loi sur les valeurs mobilières (divulgation de renseignements financiers portant sur les risques climatiques)

Statements by the Ministry and Responses

Personal support workers

Petitions

Tuition

Protection for workers

Land use planning

Caregivers

Injured workers

Long-term care

Tuition

Orders of the Day

Report on Ontario’s provincial emergency

The House met at 0900.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Good morning. Let us pray.

Prayers.

Private Members’ Public Business

COVID-19 response

Ms. Sara Singh: I move that, in the opinion of this House, the Ford government should allow outdoor amenities and activities to immediately reopen safely, in keeping with the recommendations of the Ontario science table and other public health experts, as part of an overall effort to promote the mental and physical health of Ontarians during COVID-19 lockdown orders.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Ms. Singh has moved private member’s notice of motion number 162. Pursuant to standing order 101, the member has 12 minutes for her presentation.

Ms. Sara Singh: Good morning. It is an honour to rise here today to debate this motion not only on behalf of the people of Brampton Centre but, I would say, people across the province of Ontario.

Speaker, since tabling this motion last week, we have received an overwhelming response from, I think, pretty much every riding in the province of Ontario for the action that we are asking for here, the call to action for this government to help safely open outdoor amenities and activities for people in the province of Ontario. This is not just a local issue. This is something that is impacting us at a provincial level. People, frankly, across the province are frustrated with this government.

In every corner of this province, from Timiskaming–Cochrane to Nipissing, to Simcoe–Grey down to Brampton Centre and all the way over to Windsor–Tecumseh, people have indicated that they would like the government to come up with a plan to help us safely reopen outdoor activities and amenities, because this current lockdown and, frankly, this entire lockdown are having devastating impacts on people’s mental health and well-being.

The Ontario science table medical experts, big-city mayors and everyone in between has been clear: No one asked this government to shut down outdoor recreation and amenities. In fact, what the science table has recommended is that they open those spaces up so people can get out of indoor spaces and get outside and play. What perplexes us all across the province is that the government, time after time, continues to ignore the best advice of medical experts—their own science table. They’re not listening, and that is concerning people across Ontario.

The negative impacts of these restrictions on outdoor activities and amenities make absolutely no sense, and it’s against the best advice of professionals and the science table.

Speaker, I have here a pile of news articles, articles and science table recommendations that I’m happy to share with the government as well, because it seems as though they’re missing the point here. They’re just not listening to the experts.

For example, “Science Experts Didn’t Recommend Ontario Ban Outdoor Amenities”—that’s the COVID-19 panel members like Dr. David Fisman and Dr. Isaac Bogoch, who are all saying that outdoor recreation is safe and that we need to encourage people to get outside and play. Not only is it safe, this is actually an equity issue for many people. In parts of the province where they don’t have access to a backyard or green spaces, they are cooped up.

Children have not been in school because this government failed to make the investments they needed to in our education system. In fact, what the experts have been calling for is investment in our education system to improve class sizes. They were calling for this back in September, before school even opened, and the government didn’t do any of that. They didn’t improve ventilation. They didn’t cap class sizes. They didn’t prioritize getting our educators vaccinated. As a result of that, we saw our schools shuttered.

In addition to the schools, the science table has been clear that we needed to see paid sick days implemented in the province of Ontario. It took the government over a year to come up with a plan. What they provided was three days. It pales in comparison to the 10-plus days that the science table and other medical experts have recommended to this government. Three days is what they provided workers in this province. It’s a shame.

In terms of getting vaccinations to hot spot communities, this weekend we saw wonderful news about communities getting their vaccines, some reaching the 10,000-doses mark. But what’s shocking is that that targeted approach is actually ending today. So, for many of those hot spot communities, those increased allocations will not be happening as we move forward, despite what the science table recommends.

I think this underscores the frustration that people in this province have with this government’s response to COVID-19 and the fact that we continue to see lockdown after lockdown extended in the province of Ontario. It’s because they aren’t listening to the experts. I think the Premier has been listening to his buddies a little too much and ignoring the advice of experts, and that’s why we find ourselves in the situation that we do.

I want to encourage the government to actually listen to the science, to follow the evidence, and to implement policies that are going to help people in this province. It’s a shame that they don’t.

Speaker, it’s unfortunate that people in this province are the ones who are paying the price for this government’s inaction, their inability to listen, their inability to follow the science, their refusal to make the investments they need—billions of dollars unaccounted for, billions of federal dollars that weren’t allocated the way they needed to in our communities. This has been the approach of the government. Frankly, people are at their wits’ end.

Speaker, in the community of Brampton, we have some beautiful outdoor amenities. Chinguacousy Park, for example, is a wonderful 100-acre park right next to our Bramalea City Centre and a number of high-rise buildings.

There were young people coming to the park who could now play in the playgrounds because the government reversed its callous decision to close those playgrounds a few weeks ago, but could not, for example, access a tennis court that was next to it, a track-and-field field that was closed—outdoor workout stations, closed; basketball courts, closed; cricket pitches, closed; golf courses in our community, closed. The science table has been clear: This is not where we see transmission happening.

If we could communicate effectively to our community what the rules are, how they can get out and play safely, and what the parameters of engagement are, I think people in the province would appreciate those spaces being opened for their mental health and well-being. But for whatever reason, which is still unclear to the vast majority of Ontarians, frankly, and unclear to the experts themselves—why the government went in the opposite direction of what the science table recommended, I think, makes people scratch their heads. This contributes to the frustration that people in Ontario are experiencing.

People living in apartment buildings, people living in condos don’t have access to sprawling green spaces. They don’t have access to a backyard. They can’t, for example, quarantine at their mom’s place with a sprawling backyard, like our Premier was able to do when he took 14 days of isolation but only provided workers in this province three days. Three paid sick days is all that was provided. This is an equity issue for people across the province who do not have access.

Many of these people living in apartment buildings, in these congregate settings, are also essential workers. Their children have not been able to go to school, they have been forced to go to work, and now they can’t even go outside and play. Where in the science was this the approach that was recommended? Nowhere in the science was this recommended—not in a single recommendation from the government’s science table was it recommended that you close down outdoor recreation and you limit access to sports like golf or tennis or cricket or basketball or whatever else the science table would recommend that you keep open. Non-contact sports can be safely done in the province of Ontario.

It is also your responsibility, as a government, to come up with a plan and to effectively communicate that to people in the province, to help them understand what they should and should not be doing should they choose to go to a golf course, should they choose to play basketball. There are rules that you can put in place to help them do this safely, to work on their mental health and well-being, but you have chosen to just go to the extreme with the most restrictive measures.

“We are going to police our way through this.” That was the response of this government—not “Let’s listen to the science table and do things like make sure that essential workplaces were the only things that were open.” Maybe close down non-essential workplaces; the science table recommends that.

“Paying essential workers to stay home when they are sick, exposed or need time to get vaccinated”—that was a recommendation the science table made.

“Accelerating the vaccination of essential workers and those who live in hot spots”—again, another recommendation that the science table made.

“Focusing on public health guidance that works: This means Ontarians can’t gather indoors with people from outside their household.... It means Ontarians can spend time with each other outdoors, distancing two metres, wearing masks, keeping hands clean.” That’s from the science table. They recommended that.

Helping people safely stay connected: “Maintaining social connections and outdoor activity are important to our overall physical and mental health. This means allowing small groups of people from different households to meet outside with masking and two-metre distancing. It means keeping playgrounds open, and clearly encouraging safe outdoor activities.” This is here. I’m happy to send this along to the government, because clearly they haven’t read the recommendations of the science table, but this is what they recommend.

Here’s what they don’t recommend: “Policies that harm or neglect racialized, marginalized and other vulnerable populations will not be effective against a disease that already affects these groups disproportionately. For these reasons, pandemic policies should be examined through an equity lens to ensure that all communities benefit.” That’s not something this government has done, I would argue, throughout this entire pandemic.

What else won’t work are “policies that discourage safe outdoor activity” because this “will not control COVID-19 and will disproportionately harm children and those who do not have access to their own green space, especially those living in crowded conditions.”

Speaker, the Ontario Medical Association, the Canadian Paediatric Society, big-city mayors, our own medical experts like Dr. Loh are recommending that outdoor activities and amenities need to be safely opened.

This is creating havoc for people in our communities who cannot get outdoors, who cannot get out and play. They need some relief from this government.

I’m encouraging all members of this Legislature, as this is a provincial issue, to please vote in favour of this motion and help support getting Ontarians outdoors safely by reopening outdoor recreation and amenities immediately. It is your responsibility to not only listen to the experts but to listen to your constituents, and they have been clear: They need to get outside and play. Find a way to help make that happen here in the province of Ontario.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): Further debate?

Hon. Christine Elliott: Speaker, I am very pleased to participate in this debate today, as the Minister of Health, first of all, to acknowledge Personal Support Worker Day here in Ontario—and, of course, we’ve just finished celebrating nurses week. I would like to start by taking this opportunity to thank all of Ontario’s personal support workers and nurses for their courage and commitment to caring for Ontarians each and every day. Throughout the pandemic, our health care workers have been on the front lines of the province’s pandemic response.

They have sacrificed precious time with their families and loved ones, experienced significant stress and burnout, and have made the health and well-being of their patients their absolute top priority. In the face of unprecedented and complex challenges, Ontario’s health care workers have demonstrated incredible courage and compassion, never wavering in their commitment to keep Ontarians healthy and safe. Days like this remind all of us to recognize and celebrate the incredible contributions made by our front-line health care workers here in Ontario.

I am sure that I echo the sentiments of many members of this House and Ontarians across the province when I say we cannot thank them enough for their dedication and their sacrifice. As we continue our fight in this third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that we recognize the incredible efforts and sacrifices made by our health care workers across the province and offer them our sincere gratitude.

Speaker, since the beginning of the pandemic, our government’s top priority has been to protect the health and well-being of all Ontarians. That’s why, with the new, more contagious variants continuing to pose significant risks, our government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, extended the stay-at-home order and all other current public health measures until at least June 2. The stay-at-home order and other new and existing public health and workplace safety measures will preserve public health system capacity, safeguard vulnerable populations, allow for progress to be made with vaccinations, and, ultimately, save lives.

The Ontario Hospital Association announced that they fully supported the government’s decision to extend the stay-at-home order until at least June 2, particularly given the ongoing critical care capacity challenges facing hospitals not just in the GTA but across the province.

In order to make sure every person who requires care in hospital can receive the high-quality care that they know and expect, we’ve invested an additional $1.8 billion in the hospital sector in 2021-22, bringing the total additional investment in hospitals since the beginning of the pandemic to over $5.1 billion. This investment helped to increase our intensive care capacity in hospitals, taking further action to address the third wave of this terrible virus that’s impacting jurisdictions around the world, and the variants of concern that are putting even more lives at risk.

In regions across the province, particularly in Toronto and Peel, we’re still seeing capacity pressures in intensive care units. These capacity pressures, along with daily case counts, are the guiding principles our government has used when making any public health decisions. I know they’re also important indicators to the official opposition, as they brought them up in question period as recently as two weeks ago.

I also know that, as the weather gets warmer, Ontarians will become more and more eager to get outside and back to normal as soon as possible. That’s why I’d also like to take this opportunity to give thanks to the collective efforts of all Ontarians who continue to follow public health and workplace safety measures as we make considerable progress in our fight to control the third wave of this virus.

While the latest data shows us that public health measures are having an impact, the situation in our hospitals remains precarious, and variants continue to pose a significant risk, which is why it remains critical for all Ontarians to continue adhering to public health measures and stay at home as much as possible.

Despite improvements, key indicators remain high, and more time is required before the province can safely lift the stay-at-home order. For example, from May 3 to May 9, the provincial cases rate remained very high, at 134.9 cases per 100,000, and per cent positivity was above the high-alert threshold of 2.5%. Additionally, hospitalization and ICU admissions also remain too high and well above the peak of where they were during our second wave.

As we announced last week, the impacts of these public health measures and the stay-at-home order will continue to be evaluated over the coming weeks, with consideration being made to the opening of outdoor recreational amenities on or before June 2, subject to the current positive trends continuing.

In the meantime, I encourage everyone to get outside for a run, take your children or grandchildren to the park, join the thousands who were out biking on the Lake Shore this weekend as part of ActiveTO, or just spend a little extra time in the garden. Just be sure to keep a safe social distance, or wear a mask if that’s not possible.

We will continue to act on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, who will review the science, data and trends, along with collaborating with local medical officers of health and our team of expert health officials on when public health measures can be adjusted.

I would also like to point out that with the tremendous amount of progress we are making in our vaccine rollout, the light at the end of the tunnel continues to grow brighter with each passing day. Now that we’re receiving a stable and predictable supply of vaccines, we continue to ramp up capacity and make it even easier for Ontarians to book a vaccine to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and save lives. This means that we are well on our way to vaccinating 65% of all Ontarians over 18 by the end of this month of May.

Some of this success includes administering over 7.1 million vaccines across the province, with 93% of Ontario residents 80 and over, and 92% of residents aged 75 to 79, having received at least one dose. This is very, very encouraging. Building on this, more than 50% of the population aged 18 and over have received at least one dose, and over 400,000 Ontarians are fully immunized, including 96% of long-term-care residents.

Just last week, I was proud to announce that high-risk health care workers, including many of the province’s nurses and personal support workers, can book their second vaccine appointment earlier than the extended four-month interval, offering them the full level of protection from the vaccine.

As we continue to accelerate the province’s vaccine rollout, we will reduce transmission of this deadly virus and protect our communities and all of the brave women and men who work every day to keep us healthy and safe.

In closing, Speaker, while we are making incredible progress in implementing our vaccination plan, we have not yet reached sufficient coverage to achieve the very low levels of COVID-19 transmission required to allow for the resumption of some activities. I would like to point out that modelling from the Public Health Agency of Canada indicates that if the loosening of public health and workplace safety measures occurs too early, hospital capacity will be exceeded in the fall. Furthermore, if transmission is not under control before public health and workplace safety measures are lifted, Ontario risks prolonging the third wave or even entering into a fourth wave.

Let me be clear: A fourth wave would be devastating for this province.

So while today is not the time to lift public health measures, we will continue to review the impacts of these measures and the stay-at-home order with consideration being made to the opening of outdoor recreational amenities on or before June 2, subject to the current positive trends continuing over the next days and weeks.

Thank you very much for your consideration today, Speaker.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): Further debate?

Ms. Marit Stiles: Good morning. I’m really pleased today to rise on behalf of my constituents in the great riding of Davenport and to speak in support of this motion to safely reopen amenities outdoors and outdoor activities.

Like so many of us around this room, I grew up in a place where I had the freedom to roam. When I wasn’t in school, I was in the woods exploring or playing with my friends or, later on, running on a track or hiking up a trail or just hanging out for hours in a field looking up at the clouds.

Raising my own kids in a very big city, we didn’t have any real yard—in that sense, even having a little slice of something, we were very fortunate. But the park near us, Dufferin Grove Park, became our backyard. From the time they were days old, my daughters would be in that park, looking up at the trees from a stroller, toddling on the soft grass later on, tumbling and laughing and swinging and running and kicking a ball around. In fact, that park, Dufferin Grove, is a place where there is always activity happening, except for now.

For so many in that neighbourhood, as in many parts of the GTA and across this province, especially for those living in apartments, parks are our backyards. They are where we have always celebrated and played and marked important occasions and moved our bodies.

In the north, in rural communities, in small towns or big cities, Ontarians want to be outside, and they want to be taking on more outdoor activities.

The advice from the science table, from pediatricians, from experts, is absolutely clear.

This government has failed over and over again to listen to the science table, to listen to the public health experts, to the educators. They reopened when they shouldn’t have. They shut down in a hail of chaos. They refused and continued to refuse to provide paid sick days to all working Ontarians. They refused to shut non-essential workplaces. They completely abandoned long-term-care residents and their families. People died of neglect—not just COVID-19. They failed thousands of Ontarians who died and many, many more who have been very sick and will perhaps never fully recover.

They failed our children by refusing to do the right thing and prioritize them by making our classes smaller, by putting in place testing and more to keep our classrooms and our schools safely open.

They failed then. They are failing us now. They’re failing us just when the experts are saying that our children and youth are frazzled. Parents and families need to be outdoors. They have refused to do the right thing.

This is the time. Take the expert advice. Listen to the science table. Stop musing about opening summer camps when you haven’t even told us your plan to vaccinate our youth—and you won’t even let families get vaccinated together. It’s time to open the doors, let the sun in and let Ontarians out. Let us play.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): I recognize the member for Ottawa South.

Mr. John Fraser: This motion is really about the government not listening to the science.

They didn’t listen to the science in February, when the science table told them, “You need to take these measures. Otherwise, you’re going to get more spread.”

There needed to be a plan in Ontario for outdoor activities and recreation. It needed to be clearly articulated to people so they could have confidence. When there’s no plan, the people don’t know what to do—and when they don’t know what to do because of the reasons that they’re doing it, then you get what we have right now.

The government needs to make a plan. That’s what this says to me. “Reopen safely”—the “immediately” I have a bit of a problem with, because we have to reopen safely, and we’ve seen what happens when this government moves too quickly. But there needs to be a plan now.

The second thing is, I’m under no illusions about this motion. We took a motion around vaccinations, transparency and openness at Christmas. It never happened.

I encourage the government, if this motion passes, that they take it seriously and make a plan.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): Further debate?

Mr. Joel Harden: I want to thank my friend from Brampton Centre for putting this motion on the table for debate.

Speaker, in the time I have this morning, I want to speak specifically to what I think is going to be helped if this motion passes today.

The Minister of Health began her contribution to this debate by thanking personal support workers and nurses, and I join in that thanks.

But I want every one of us here to think of the mom at home with three kids trying to do virtual learning in an apartment building right now. Maybe some of those kids are kids with disabilities. Maybe some of them are hyperactive, like I was as a child. Maybe some of them are climbing the walls. I want you to think of that apartment building, Speaker, situated right next to a gigantic construction project, as is the case with many apartment buildings in the downtown Ottawa core. This government liberalized the rules for noise bylaws.

It is possible right now and it is happening right now in the city of Ottawa that loud construction is going on at 6 a.m., all the way to 8 p.m., because the city of Ottawa’s bylaws don’t apply. Think of the situation you are putting that mom, that PSW, that nurse and her family in. They crave escape from an intolerable situation like that. They crave an opportunity to get their wiggles out.

It has been shocking for me to see the disconnect between this government and their rhetoric for front-line essential workers and the situation they put them in with policy after policy.

You have to actually listen to the fulsome advice of the science table. You have to not put people in a situation where they have to engage in civil disobedience to play a game of tennis or Spikeball. This is absolutely, patently absurd.

Some 52% of the residents of Ottawa Centre are tenants. They are people who have been ignored by this government as it listens to its friends and the wealthy developer lobby, and as it listens to I don’t know who, frankly, when it comes to advice on key measures like this.

I want to thank my friend for Brampton Centre for putting this on the table for debate.

Let us go outside and play safely. I plead to the government, do right now what you must do to give families some reprieve and respite. Let us play.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): Further debate?

Mrs. Belinda C. Karahalios: I’m happy to support this motion calling on the government to immediately reopen outdoor amenities and activities.

Recently, I made a statement to this House where I mentioned a Canadian Paediatric Society letter to this government to urgently and immediately reopen outdoor recreational spaces in addition to schools. The society stated that the closures were having devastating effects on children and youth.

I also made a statement in this House updating members on a recent study released in the British Journal of Sports Medicine that concluded that a lack of physical inactivity was the strongest risk factor for severe COVID-19 outcomes, other than advanced age and a history of organ transplant.

This government continues to attempt to protect its decision-making based on the claim that it is following the “science,” even though there doesn’t appear to exist any science to back up its decisions, of which keeping recreational facilities closed is just one. It is important to ask, then, what science is the Premier following? Most recently, he defended keeping golf courses closed because his friends would go golfing and then go get together for a few pops. I’d like to remind the Premier and the government that observing your friends is not science.

It seems that a consensus has developed from the medical community and in studies that outdoor transmission of COVID-19 is extremely rare and it’s better to be outdoors than indoors.

The Premier and his government should immediately own up to another bad decision and reopen outdoor activities, amenities and recreation facilities.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): Further debate?

Ms. Sandy Shaw: With all due respect to the Premier, he needs not just to listen to his buddies, but he needs to listen to the experts in science.

Leading medical organizations like the Canadian Paediatric Society and infectious disease specialists such as Dr. Andrew Morris, Dr. Isaac Bogoch and Dr. Peter Jüni have all spoken out in favour of outdoor activities and that sports be reopened. We know this is so important for the health and well-being of our children.

In Hamilton, we’re really proud of our golf traditions. We’ve been home to the Canadian Open. We have Alena Sharp, who is an LPGA professional, and Mackenzie Hughes, who is currently on the PGA tour and just played at the Masters. These are some of the people who have built the golf tradition in Hamilton. But it’s not just those folks; it’s kids who are playing golf, it’s families, it’s women, it’s seniors. Lots of people play golf—and they’re also run by small businesses.

I received a letter from Jason Cassis, the owner of Knollwood Golf Club, who said:

“I am writing to you for help in persuading the Ford government to rescind their closure of outdoor amenities.

“The vast majority of golf courses in Ontario are public—not private, and are owned and operated as small family businesses.

“We safely played 22 million rounds in the province with no incidence of COVID, and just as the science table concluded, golf is safe along with tennis, volleyball, cricket and other outdoor sports.”

He went on to say that they typically employ over 50 people, 40 of whom are presently laid off, and they would like to get them back to work. So he asks, “Please help stop the politicizing of outdoor sports—enough is enough—everyone in North America but the Ford government seems to agree.”

Also, for our young folks, soccer is huge—and on behalf of Ontario Soccer, they wrote a letter to the Premier, representing 500,000 participants. As we all know, Ontario’s hospitals have seen an unprecedented increase in ER visits during the pandemic for mental health concerns. Ontario Soccer found that 86% of their participants lacked social connection, 20% are experiencing depression, and 40% are experiencing anxiety, stress or worry. Soccer is very important to young folks.

In my riding, we have the Ancaster Sports Centre. Sam, the owner, has done everything right to try to keep that facility open. It’s a huge facility, with seven acres of outdoor fields and a 26,000-square-foot dome. Sam told me that he gets, every day, emails and phone calls from families begging him to open. Youth sports leagues, families—they all understand that they need this to keep their kids in a healthy state of mind right now during the stress that we’re all experiencing.

While the government has chosen to close outdoor amenities, we have been calling for them to do other things, like have a decent vaccine rollout, real paid sick days, shut non-essential workplaces. That is the expert advice that you need to listen to.

I’m going to close with a letter from a grade 6 student in my riding who said, “I am writing this letter to request the government to reopen the Dundas Fusion rep soccer club. This is important for me and a bunch of people for many different reasons. The reason that matters most to me is that I don’t get to see my team.” She went on to say, “Also not just soccer needs to reopen, all sports should reopen to help the community be a better place.”

So I would like to say to Adina—and on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of folks who are asking this government to open sports: Let us play.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): Further debate?

Mr. Stephen Blais: Mr. Speaker, people are tired. They’re tired of the mixed messages from the government. They’re tired of waiting for their vaccines. They’re tired of the never-ending closures. And they’re tired of a government that doesn’t listen to medical experts. For over a year, Ontarians have been following the rules. They have demonstrated patience and understanding, but their patience is running out.

Ontarians know that the government had a choice in February. Against the advice of their own medical experts, the government chose to open the province. In the dead of winter, we got to go to the mall and get a haircut. That decision has led to the third wave. After a long, cold, hard winter, the Ford government’s decision is now forcing us to miss out on patios, family barbecues and outdoor recreation.

If it’s safe to go shopping at Costco, it has to be safe to go golfing with Dad. It’s that simple. There’s a safe way to do it. We can do it physically distanced.

It’s time to let Ontarians go outside and play.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): Further debate?

Ms. Peggy Sattler: I rise on behalf of the London West seniors, families and youth I represent, who have been prohibited from participating in pickleball, tennis, golf and many other outdoor activities. Their mental health, their physical well-being and their feelings of isolation are becoming deeper, as a result.

Speaker, governing during a pandemic doesn’t mean cherry-picking which medical advice you’re going to follow.

The science table report on what works and what doesn’t work indicated clearly that discouraging outdoor activities will not work to stop the spread of COVID-19.

I want to say, on behalf of all the people who emailed me over the weekend, that people in London West are rightly offended by what they heard from this Premier—that because his buddies are ignoring social distancing and public health guidelines and gathering for pops, all other Ontarians are being punished for that misbehaviour.

Let’s open up outdoor activities, and let’s get Ontarians playing again.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): Further debate?

Mr. Mike Schreiner: I rise today to speak in support of this motion, because I believe in science, I believe in following science, I believe in following the advice of the public health experts. That’s what I’ve been saying throughout this pandemic.

The science advisory table has made it absolutely clear that outdoor activities are safe. As a matter of fact, they are necessary for people’s physical and mental well-being.

Speaker, it’s also an equity issue. A lot of people live in apartments and condos. They don’t have access to a backyard or a front yard. Their children need access to outdoor activities.

The science is clear: The outbreaks are happening in vulnerable workplaces.

Take actions to protect and make workplaces safe, and follow the science and open outdoor recreational activities.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): Further debate?

Mr. Michael Mantha: It’s always a pleasure to stand on behalf of the good people of Algoma–Manitoulin.

My message is simple this morning. It was great hearing the minister recognize the front-line workers. But from a northern perspective, our teachers, nurses, PSWs, cashiers, butchers, janitors, bank tellers and gas attendants have been frustrated with some of the decisions this government has been making and the effect that it’s having on their mental wellness—the denial of giving them the opportunity to get to playgrounds, parks and courts. Their amenities in northern Ontario are the outdoors, the crown lands. They all have campers. This is one thing that they have in common.

When they go out, they find the most isolated spots in order for them to take care of themselves, to spend time with their families. What we’re telling this government is, follow the scientific table, follow the recommendations, and get everyone’s mental wellness to a state where we can start enjoying the wonderful outdoor experiences that we have here.

Lise, who contacts me from Dubreuilville—and there are many people across my riding, from Chapleau, Wawa, Manitouwadge, Hornepayne and White River. They all contact me and ask, “Mike, do they not understand our way of living up here? Do they not understand the vastness of this province, where we could go and enjoy?” They’re asking this government to follow the scientific table recommendations: Open up our province.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): Further debate?

M me Lucille Collard: I want to add my voice to those that are supporting this motion for various reasons.

I want to add two points. One is the recognition of the Ottawa-Gatineau region. It is one region. People are used to going about their day-to-day lives on both sides of the river. That needs to be recognized when making decisions. People will go to the side of the river where they can get access to what they need.

Lastly, I want to say that the government should remember that the limitations on people’s civil rights should be limited to what is absolutely necessary. Right now, the limitations seem to be a hard justification to make.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): Further debate?

Hon. Paul Calandra: I’ll be very brief, because I just want to summarize what we’ve been hearing here this morning.

We’re hearing the opposition declaring victory. As the Minister of Health has said, while we are very encouraged by what we have seen, especially the fact that over seven million people, if I’m not mistaken, have received vaccines, there is still more work to do. Whilst the opposition would like to declare victory over COVID-19, we know that is not the case just yet.

Mr. Speaker, I like to play golf. I’m bad at it, but I like to play it. I like to play tennis. I’m not so good at it. But I can wait until June 3 to play golf, and I can wait until June 3 to play tennis.

The member from Ottawa talks about parents in his riding. In his riding, like my riding, parks are open. I was in the parks just this weekend, and I saw them with families, taking walks.

The member for Guelph—parks in Guelph, to the best of my knowledge, are open, not closed.

What we are asking the people of the province of Ontario to do is to stick with us a little bit longer, because we are seeing—and just last week, we talked about nurses week. We talked about PSWs today. Our hospitals are telling us that the ICUs—while the numbers are getting better, we’re still not there.

We are making great progress. We saw in Brampton—it is ironic that a member for Brampton would bring a motion like this forward when so much has been done over the last two weeks to address those front-line workers, those essential workers who have been so important in a community that has been so hard hit.

Vaccines from other parts of the province brought into areas like mine in York region, so that we could beat this down once and for all—that is what we have been doing over the last couple of weeks.

Despite what the opposition is saying, now is not the time to declare victory over a virus that has taken so much from the people of this province. Now is the time to do exactly what we are doing: double down to make sure that we can beat this virus down once and for all.

If the opposition wanted to help—and again, a member for Brampton bringing this down—work with us when it comes to the variants of concern. The people of Peel, Peel region council wanted the airport closed. That should have been the motion we are debating today. That should have been the unified voice all members are talking about, so that we can beat down this third wave and avoid a fourth wave—not declaring victory just yet. We’re close, thanks to the hard work of the people of the province of Ontario; we’re not there. That’s what we should have been focusing on today.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): The member for Brampton Centre has two minutes to reply.

Ms. Sara Singh: I want to thank all the members who spoke in support of our motion today. Clearly, they understand what the science is recommending.

No one here is declaring a victory over COVID-19. Actually, if the government was listening to its own science table and the recommendations they were making, we probably wouldn’t be in this extended lockdown, because we’d have paid sick days in the province of Ontario, and we would actually have vaccinated workers in Peel in a much faster way than your government failed to do.

To the Minister of Health: Today is PSW Day, and it’s wonderful. We should celebrate those front-line workers. But many of them aren’t even receiving a fair wage, because your government won’t commit to increasing their pandemic pay and making that permanent. Those workers are the ones who are getting sick, filling up our ICUs, infecting their entire families, and their children don’t have a place to play because they are living in high-rise buildings, because they are so precariously employed that they can’t afford to have a backyard. Their children are staring at four brick walls and a balcony. You can talk about going out and gardening, but those children simply do not have access.

The remarks from the government show us how out of touch with the reality of Ontarians you all are.

The science table has been clear. Dr. Jüni has been clear. The Ontario Paediatric Society has been clear.

ICUs are filling up with essential workers and young people who are suffering from hopelessness and depression. Your government has a responsibility to help address the problem.

No one recommended that you close outdoor activities and recreational facilities. What they recommended was that you implement paid sick days, vaccinate workers, and help us get through this. You are moving in the opposite direction.

Our motion is calling on you to find a way to safely reopen these spaces, allow people to get outdoors and play, and make sure they can do that in a way that is safe for our communities.

You have failed this province. You continue to neglect the science, you continue to ignore the best evidence, and you make decisions that are not evidence-based.

Listen to the experts. Open up outdoor recreational spaces so that people can focus on their mental health and well-being.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): The time provided for private members’ public business has expired.

Ms. Singh has moved private member’s notice of motion number 162. Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? I heard a no.

All those in favour, please say “aye.”

All those opposed, please say “nay.”

In my opinion, the nays have it.

A recorded division being required, the vote on this item of private members’ public business will be deferred until the next proceeding of deferred votes.

Vote deferred.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): Orders of the day.

Hon. Paul Calandra: No further business.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): There being no further business at this time, this House stands in recess until 10:15.

The House recessed from 0948 to 1015.

Members’ Statements

Tenant protection

Ms. Jessica Bell: I would like to tell you about Alexi Chatzilias’s day last Tuesday. Alexi left his rental home at 12 Glen Road in the morning to get vaccinated to protect himself, his two children and his community from getting COVID-19. When he got home, he found he couldn’t enter. His landlord had removed his belongings and changed the locks on the door. Can you imagine, as a parent of two small children, being illegally locked out of your home with no notice? This is an illegal lockout. His landlord is breaking the law.

Alexi contacted our office, very upset, and we began following the recommendations on the government’s website on what to do when a tenant is illegally locked out of their home. We called the police. The police said, “No, there’s nothing we can do.” This is the very police board that went to York South–Weston—over a dozen of them—to try to evict a tenant. But when the police are called to enforce the law for a tenant, there’s nothing they can do.

We called the Rental Housing Enforcement Unit, whose job is to investigate issues like this, and they said they’d look into it, but it would take a few weeks. What is Alexi supposed to do in that situation?

Then we called the Landlord and Tenant Board, the housing court, to ask them to expedite the situation for Alexi and got no response.

So if you’re a landlord who wants to evict, right now your applications are fast-tracked, but if you’re a tenant who has been illegally locked out of your home, too bad. This has got to change.

Tourism

Mr. Jim McDonell: I rise today to bring attention to the innovative partnership efforts of the municipality of South Dundas and a group of students enrolled in game programming at St. Lawrence College. The collaboration was born after the South Dundas Tourism Advisory Committee thought it would be a great idea to offer an app that would allow visitors to get to know the tourism destinations within the township. They realized that the traditional tourism information booth has its limitations, especially during a pandemic. From there, municipal economic development officer Rob Hunter recruited game developer students through their professor-coordinator James Dupuis.

With the app nearing its launch at the end of May, I want to congratulate all involved, especially students Pedro Civa Wiltuschnig, Brigitte Demers, Rory Lacayo, William Lafleur, Aidan McDonald, Daniel Repko and Nick Voss.

The app, which will be launched in late May, will be available to download from Google Play and the Apple Store. Users are encouraged to visit various sites around the township and collect badges to unlock awards and achievements.

I’m sure the experience will be helpful in their journey to a rewarding career.

These are just some of the great achievements being undertaken by the students of Stormont–Dundas–South Glengarry.

Conflict in Middle East

Mr. Joel Harden: I rise this morning with profound sadness in my heart because the violence that has erupted in the Holy Land, in Palestinian communities and Israeli communities, is truly heartbreaking. This is not a conflict; this is a massacre. This is a moment when people of conscience around the world have to stand up and do what I’m so proud our federal leader, Jagmeet Singh, has done.

Jagmeet has called for an end to armed shipments to the state of Israel, because in a Palestinian community last week, armed settlers and the army from the state of Israel walked in and tried to throw six families out of their homes. That kind of practice has been going on for decades, and too few voices in Canada have spoken up against it.

Canadians have a unique responsibility around colonialism. It is the history and present of this place, where we have maintained colonial practices with the Indigenous peoples of this land. We have an obligation—uncomfortable as it may be sometimes—to speak truth to our friends around the world and to ask them to end institutional racism and institutional colonialism—

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: And anti-Semitism.

Mr. Joel Harden: I want to say very clearly—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock.

The Minister for Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, please come to order.

Start the clock.

I’ll allow the member to complete his statement.

Mr. Joel Harden: I stand in solidarity this morning with the people of Gaza, who are being massacred before our eyes, and I call on the Premier of this province to join me.

Waste reduction

Mr. Will Bouma: The pandemic has changed the way that our cities and communities conduct many of our regular events, but it has not changed our community spirit. Case in point is the Clean Brantford campaign launched in my riding.

Community cleanup projects are a common springtime activity across the province, but with the current restrictions in place, these are no longer an option.

The city of Brantford, recognizing the value of these yearly cleanups, has pivoted. The ongoing Clean Brantford initiative is meant to encourage individual and collective responsibility, helping to keep our city clean. Residents of Brantford are being asked to pick up litter on their own or with their households, in their neighbourhoods and streets, fostering a sense of pride for where they live.

Tied into this, the city recently installed solar-powered waste containers in the downtown core, and with compacting capability, the volume these containers can hold is significantly higher than regular garbage bins. These were purchased with funding through our government’s main street revitalization fund.

Inspiring the next generation to care for and preserve their environments, the city has also opened an art contest for local elementary and secondary students. Works of art promoting litter reduction will be selected and posted on the downtown waste bins, calling attention to the need to preserve our beautiful city.

I commend the city of Brantford for their initiative in this program.

Women in Song

Mr. Michael Mantha: I want to introduce you to Women in Song. Lois O’Hanley-Jones, Debbie Rivard and Patty Dunlop are ladies who were brought together by family tragedy and loss through Alzheimer’s disease. Their new album, Life of a Woman, and their new single, But I Knew Her When, are hitting the charts.

Women in Song are based out of a small town, Blind River. They began performing together over 20 years ago after a conversation over a kitchen table.

Their new 13-track album, in their words, is a “reflection of the reality of our lives.” It speaks to women having a career and a family, having arguments with their children, having children leave home—and ultimately, that they are good enough. The album is “a perfect homage to women, to the Life of a Woman, as the title suggests.”

Along with the rest of the album, But I Knew Her When was written, recorded and produced in Blind River at the local Riverview Studios, which many refer to as the “Nashville of the North.”

I’ve listened to and heard these ladies. I’ve been part of a group where they blessed us with their songs. Their harmony touches you. It’s a little bit of folk, pop and some country music, and it always will get to you, and you’re going to be laughing by the end of the evening. These ladies are fabulous. Look ’em up.

COVID-19 response

Mr. Roman Baber: It’s time to end this charade, this deadly experiment this government is putting Ontario through. They have to live under a rock not to see the harm the lockdown is causing.

This draconian measure has never been used before. Fine, don’t read the literature—like Ari Joffe or Simon Fraser. Just look at the numbers yourself. The delta in overdoses, the mental health data, the effect on children, the economic devastation to small business—and look at how ill-conceived it is.

The stay-at-home order? No one’s home. You can go to a crowded Walmart but not play tennis outdoors. Stores can be open, sell some items but not other items. Is this for real?

People are laughing at this government, but mostly they cry from this government, because instead of saving lives, they’re killing people—and mostly two classes of people: kids and small business.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’ll ask the member to withdraw.

Mr. Roman Baber: And why—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member will withdraw.

Mr. Roman Baber: Withdrawn. I did say “withdrawn.”

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I didn’t hear it. Conclude your statement.

Mr. Roman Baber: And why are they doing this to children and the self-employed? Because of polling, because of politics.

Most of them agree with me that lockdowns are deadlier than COVID-19—the Premier agrees with me—but they keep up the charade and they do it all for politics, because they don’t want to admit they were wrong, because they can’t justify the last eight months. They keep pretending to be saving us. Many do know, but they’re afraid to lose their jobs—cabinet, PA-ships, paycheques. Shame on them.

The public always thought that politicians don’t tell the truth, but this government did much worse. Now the public believes that their elected representatives won’t stand up for them—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member will withdraw.

Mr. Roman Baber: Withdrawn.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Time’s up.

The next statement.

Research and development

Mr. Daryl Kramp: This has been a time like no other in Ontario history. Life-and-death decisions have to be made daily, not just by doctors, nurses and government, but by all of us. Fortunately, research has carried on while the rest of us try to go about our lives.

Researchers developed new vaccine approaches in an unprecedented time frame. Those breakthrough vaccines are now saving lives worldwide, along, of course, with more traditional vaccine approaches.

It was commonly thought in the past that big breakthroughs were just that—a thing of the past—in most fields and that incrementalism was the only thing we could expect, but the research and development scientists and doctors have kept at it behind the scenes. Their work is now saving millions of lives and making a normal Ontario summer a possibility for this year.

So of the great number we can salute for their past year’s selfless efforts across the entire health field, I want to give a shout-out today to the researchers in Ontario and across Canada who have kept their eye on this ball. They are putting that light at the end of our tunnel. That’s why they pursue their dreams, and that’s why our government funds pure and applied research.

Now let’s produce COVID-19 vaccines here in Canada.

Small business

Ms. Marit Stiles: Small and independent businesses in Toronto and in my riding of Davenport have been creative, responsive, ready to do their part during this pandemic, but they have been saddled with increasing debt, lost stock and, in too many cases, outright closure. For those still hanging on, the Ontario Small Business Support Grant was a chance to stay afloat. But as I’ve raised many, many times over many months after the grant was unveiled, businesses in Davenport are still waiting for the help. We call and call, we write and write, and nothing.

A constituent wrote to me to plead for help after being denied the grant and after being promised that an email explaining the appeal process would come; it never did. She told me, “Being a low-income hairstylist, I can’t begin to tell you how much this grant would have helped me get back on my feet business wise and health wise. I am beyond devastated.”

A restaurant owner wrote to me to say, “In March, when the Premier once again shut us down after less than a week of allowing patio dining, he promised a further $20,000 for beleaguered restaurants. My question is, where is it? Two months in I haven’t yet received the funds and know that I am not alone.”

Speaker, for our economy to rebound, workers need jobs to come back, and we need local businesses to be there when the restrictions are finally lifted.

It’s time to stop making these small business owners jump through hoops and get them the support they need, before more of them close.

First responders

Mr. Mike Harris: May is a special month for our first responders. On May 4, we recognized International Firefighters’ Day. Last week was National Police Week. And coming up, from May 23 to 29, is Paramedic Services Week. I have an enormous amount of gratitude for these men and women who serve my community, and will gladly stand with them any day of the week, but I wanted to take this chance to recognize all they have done for the past 426 days. They have been asked to go above and beyond to help with testing and vaccine rollout, while also performing their very essential duties.

I don’t get as much of a chance to chat with the boots on the ground, with the stay-at-home order that we have in place here in the province right now, but I have joined the Waterloo Regional Police Service for several ride-alongs and hope to get a chance to do that again very soon. It’s always an honour to connect with Police Chief Bryan Larkin, Chief of Paramedic Services Stephen Van Valkenburg, and all of our regional fire chiefs, especially Dale Martin, Paul Redman, Rod Leeson and Bob Gilmore, who lead the forces in my riding.

Speaker, you typically don’t call 911 because something really great just happened, but when you need to, Waterloo region can count on these leaders and every member of their force to do all that they can to protect their families.

Again, thank you to every first responder out there, whether you are actively serving the community or have hung up your uniform for the last time. I am proud to be a member of a government that will be there for you, just like you are for my family.

Cystic fibrosis

Mr. Stan Cho: I rise today to recognize that May is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. For those who don’t know what cystic fibrosis is, let’s just say that you’re lucky. Cystic fibrosis, or CF, is a progressive genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time. CF is one of the most common genetic fatal diseases in our society. CF causes a buildup of thick and sticky mucus in various organs. In the lungs, the mucus clogs the airways and traps germs, leading to infections and ultimately respiratory failure.

But there is hope: hope for relief or even a cure from this deadly disease.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is a manufacturer of cystic fibrosis drugs and has recently submitted an application to Health Canada for the drug Trikafta to be accepted for priority review.

A constituent of mine, Jennifer, said her daughter Allison was able to be part of a study and has had access to Trikafta. She said it made a night-and-day difference in Allison.

I am encouraged to say that Ontario’s health minister stated recently in these chambers that once Trikafta is approved by Health Canada and goes through the three-step process of approval for new drugs in Ontario, she has committed to moving quickly to make sure that Trikafta as well as two other drugs already in the pipeline, once approved, are funded through the Ontario Drug Benefit Program.

I want to thank all of the members in this chamber for advocating on behalf of people living with CF.

Let’s help Allison lead a happy, healthy and long life.

Question Period

Long-term care

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My question is for the Premier.

This is in regard to the Canadian Armed Forces report that revealed that 26 residents died from dehydration and neglect in long-term care. A couple of weeks ago, on May 6, the minister claimed that that matter had been investigated immediately, but then on Friday, the Premier’s minister said that an investigation was now under way.

The question is: Is the Premier’s minister now admitting that the full investigation that the Premier promised never happened? I think they need to answer that question.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): To reply on behalf of the government, the government House leader.

Hon. Paul Calandra: As I said last week, of course the coroner has been engaged. Through both the commission report and indeed through the Auditor General’s report, we have been taking action on what we’ve seen in long-term care. Obviously, we’re very grateful for the Canadian Armed Forces, when they came to assist us both here in Ontario and in Quebec.

As I said last week, what both of these reports highlight for us is the massive amount of underfunding that took place in the system in the 15 years prior to us taking government. That’s why we took immediate action, upon being elected, to reform not only health care to provide a blanket of care—the Ontario health teams that the minister brought in, which became important during the COVID-19 outbreak—but investing in staffing, investing in new homes, and upgrading some of those old and outdated homes.

There’s still a lot of work to do, but we’re well on our way to doing that.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary question?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Speaker, it seems very apparent that the Premier broke his promise. Families went through hell. The Premier promised a full investigation. He promised it to family members. He promised it to survivors in long-term care. They were promised justice, and they got nothing.

The Canadian Armed Forces actually broke a ring of silence, the iron ring of silence, that was around long-term care. That’s what was around long-term care—an iron ring of silence—and the CAF broke that, revealing horrors: people losing their lives to dehydration and neglect; people locked in their rooms; and cockroach and other infestations happening in these homes.

Now the minister is claiming that an investigation is suddenly under way, but that’s the same claim she made last year, and it was repeated earlier this month as well.

On behalf of those families, will the government please acknowledge that the Premier broke his promise for a full investigation? A whole year has gone by. What is happening on that side of the House?

Hon. Paul Calandra: Again, the member will know, of course, that the Premier undertook the commission report to help us identify some of the causes with respect to what happened in long-term care. I think we’re one of the first governments in Canada that has done this. I recognize the fact that the members opposite were not in favour of that commission. But not only have we started to act on some of the recommendations that came out of this report, but we’ve also engaged the coroner. I think that’s what the members opposite would expect. I feel that’s what the families would expect.

We have an obligation not only to the families of those who lost loved ones, but we have an obligation to future generations of this province to make sure that doesn’t happen again, to make sure that the investments are in place so that we have a long-term-care system that is sustainable, that has the staffing that’s required, that has the beds—30,000 beds, 27,000 new staff and nursing care in that. Just last week, 2,000 new nurses were announced—and four hours of care.

We’re well on our way to improving the system for future generations. I hope the members will support us.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The final supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Well, I can certainly understand if families of residents in long-term care and the survivors don’t believe a word the government says about investigations taking place. Let’s face it: Nearly a year ago, the Premier claimed, “We launched a full investigation.” But his Minister of Long-Term Care says that she only received the Canadian Armed Forces reports on May 6 this year—not last year, this year.

Are the minister and the Premier now claiming that, in fact, the Canadian Armed Forces withheld that information? Or are they ready to admit that no full investigation took place and that that promise simply was broken by the Premier?

Hon. Paul Calandra: Again, I’m not sure where the Leader of the Opposition is coming from or where she has been. I know that the members opposite were not in favour of the commission’s inquiry that this government brought forward. It was a very important commission, and we are acting on those recommendations. We did that because we wanted to assure those families who lost loved ones that action was going to be taken, that we would learn what happened in our homes.

I am very grateful for the Canadian Armed Forces, for the actions that they took to help us in Ontario and in Quebec. They did great work.

Our priority now is not only justice for families, but it’s making sure that future generations have appropriate long-term care. For decades, long-term care was underfunded in this province. We’re changing that—30,000 new homes, over 27,000 in additional staffing for the sector, and four hours of care, leading North America in care. We’re well on our way to making sure this never happens again and having the best long-term-care system in North America.

Long-term care

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My next question is also for the Premier. But I can assure the government that what families want is justice. They want justice and accountability. The government can’t simply turn the page and pretend nothing happened in long-term care. People were devastated. Lives were lost, of dehydration and neglect. In fact, residents were pleading for help in some of those long-term-care homes.

The Minister of Long-Term Care’s own inspection reports at Downsview say this: “Residents were not being fed appropriately, or receiving sufficient fluids.” That’s from the minister’s own internal report.

Do the Premier and the minister accept what the Canadian Armed Forces said happened in long-term care, that 26 people lost their lives to neglect and dehydration, or do they side with the for-profit owners of long-term care who said that that never happened and that the CAF made it up?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Again, the government House leader to reply.

Hon. Paul Calandra: Again, this government will always side with the people of the province of Ontario. That is why we launched a commission of inquiry—so that we could understand what happened and what led to the tragedies in long-term care. The Auditor General did a similar report.

What we found is that, yes, as I’ve said on a number of occasions, we were put on the defence during the first and second waves of COVID-19—in fact, for the full first year—because of the lack of investments that had been made in the sector. We knew that, though. We knew that before the pandemic hit.

That’s why we made incredible investments in the sector to build new homes, renovate old homes, to make sure that we had a staffing solution. That’s why during the pandemic, we increased pay for those PSWs who were so important. We brought in the Armed Forces.

After the pandemic, as we start to come out of the pandemic, we’re moving to four hours of care for residents. We’re hiring over 27,000 new PSWs. We announced an additional 2,000 nurses.

It’s before, during and after—we are going to fix the system. We are going to fix the system for the people of the province of Ontario, for future generations.

For those families who want justice, it is there for them.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary question.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Speaker, you can’t fix the system if you won’t acknowledge what went wrong in long-term care.

The CAF said 26 people died of dehydration and neglect, and this government refuses to acknowledge that that happened. In fact, the Minister of Long-Term Care on the one hand says that there was a full investigation that had taken place, and now she’s saying that she’s learning of these details for the very first time. Well, both can’t be true at the same time. Either there was an investigation and she knew about it, or she’s learning about it for the first time. That leaves a lot of questions in family’s minds.

I have to say, a whole year has gone by and there has been no justice, there have been no charges, there has been no true investigation. People deserve so much better than this.

Does this government believe what families are saying? Do they plan to give families the justice they need, and if not, how are families going to in any way trust that this government is going to give them the answers they deserve?

Hon. Paul Calandra: Again, that is why we moved very quickly to have a commission of inquiry. The leader of the official opposition will know that she has stood in her place on many occasions and was against that commission of inquiry, but we knew that it was very important for the families who lost loved ones during the COVID-19 crisis.

We also knew that in order to make sure future generations did not go through this again, we had to make serious investments in this sector. That’s why we are moving to four hours of care. That’s why after the first wave, despite the fact that we did not get the vaccines that we needed in February, March and April, we made a commitment to long-term care, to ensure that they were the first people vaccinated in this province.

But it’s more than that: For the families, justice is about making sure that future generations never go through this again. It is the responsibility of this Legislature that we do that. That’s why we are making sure, with the investments we’re making, that it does not happen again. The commission of inquiry and the Auditor General’s report help guide us, and we will not fail them.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): And the final supplementary.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Speaker, justice has not been served to the victims, the people who lost their lives in long-term care, their family members. They have not had justice. And for this minister to suggest that the

chapter is now closed, that the inquiry report has been issued and now everything just starts from zero again, is a complete disservice to all of the suffering that took place and that still takes place with the family members of people who survived and people who lost their lives.

The question I have for this government is, when are they going to acknowledge that justice has to occur; that there has to be accountability; that the people who lost their lives to neglect, dehydration and abandonment need and deserve justice and this government has to do right by them? How can anybody in Ontario trust this government if they don’t do right by all of those tragedies that occurred over the years?

Hon. Paul Calandra: Let me assure the people of the province of Ontario that the book will never be closed, because we understand how important it is to make investments in long-term care—not only for those who lost loved ones. That is why the coroner has been engaged. That is why we had a commission of inquiry.

Let me remind the leader of the official opposition, when she had the opportunity between 2011 and 2014 to make long-term care a priority, she chose to accept a stretch goal and an assurance.

What did we do? Upon getting elected, we moved very quickly to make investments in the long-term-care homes. We knew that we could not end hallway health care without making investments in long-term care. The Minister of Health brought in Ontario health teams, which were so effective in ridings like mine, where hospitals came in to help congregate care settings, came in to help our long-term-care homes.

We were making these investments and making the changes prior to the pandemic and during the pandemic.

And after the pandemic, we will live up to the responsibility that for 15 years never happened in this place—we will make long-term care better for future generations.

COVID-19 response

Ms. Sara Singh: My question is to the Premier.

In Brampton, basketball courts are locked shut and the nets have been taken down, tennis courts and cricket pitches are all taped off, and across the province golf courses and other safe outdoor activities sit empty, despite the fact that medical experts never recommended closing these places in the first place.

It’s clear that no one asked for this—not the science table, not the medical experts, not Ontarians. No one thinks this is a good idea.

Why won’t this government do the right thing and vote with us to safely reopen outdoor activities?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): To reply, the Minister of Health.

Hon. Christine Elliott: We’re not able to do that right now because our numbers and our hospitalizations are still too high. The Ontario Hospital Association is not in favour of opening all outdoor activities at this point. Our numbers are still high in intensive care units; today they stand at 779. That’s a very high level. It has come down a little bit, but it’s still a very high level.

Notwithstanding that, parks are open. People still can go out. We want people to go out. The weather is getting better. Please go out. Go for a walk. Go for a run. Walk the dog. Let the kids go run in the park. All of that can still happen.

That is the way we have to do this so that our hospitals remain able to take in all the people they need to take in, and so that we don’t let this variant of concern take over again. The last thing we want is a fourth wave in Ontario, which would be devastating for the province.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The supplementary question.

Ms. Sara Singh: Speaker, the science table recommends that Conservatives close non-essential workplaces, for example, and pay people to stay home and actually have a real paid sick days plan here instead of closing down our playgrounds and parks. They said that two weeks of sick days were essential to help stop the spread and keep people safe, yet the Conservatives ignore that advice, as well. The science table also says that if we don’t let people participate in safe outdoor activities, we’re potentially forcing them inside, where the risk of spread is even higher, and that this negatively impacts people’s mental health and well-being.

Again, I think it’s important that we highlight that this is an equity issue. Not everyone has access to a backyard that they can roll around in.

The science table and medical experts like the Ontario Medical Association and the Canadian Paediatric Society have been clear: We need to safely reopen our outdoor recreation amenities and activities.

Will the Premier stop listening to his buddies and start listening to the experts and open up outdoor recreation and amenities immediately?

Hon. Christine Elliott: It’s our responsibility to act appropriately, given the information that we have, and to be responsible. We are responsible for protecting the health and well-being of all Ontarians—which we have done.

We do encourage people to go outdoors. The weather is beautiful. Please don’t stay inside all day. Go out and get some exercise. There are still many ways you can do it. Parks are open. Trails are open. There are still many, many things that people can do.

We are proceeding with our vaccinations, as well. We’ve got over seven million people over the age of 18 vaccinated already.

This isn’t a forever situation, but for right now, we need to follow the health advice which we’ve received from the Chief Medical Officer of Health, and we need to continue following public health and workplace safety measures, which we will continue to do.

Border security

Mr. Will Bouma: Our government has been asking for increased international and domestic border measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 for weeks now. These urgent requests to the federal government are backed up by hard evidence and data. This isn’t just about international travellers. COVID-19 enters Ontario from other provinces too. When we push the federal government to do their part, it’s important that Ontarians know that their provincial government is doing everything in its power to stop COVID-19 from entering the province as well.

Can the Solicitor General remind the House of what our government is doing to protect our borders from incoming COVID-19 variants of concern?

Hon. Sylvia Jones: The member from Brantford–Brant is absolutely right. This is why our government took an extraordinary step this spring and issued an emergency order restricting travel into Ontario through land and water crossings from the provinces of Manitoba and Quebec.

We continue to advocate for the federal government to restrict travel through federally regulated aviation. Premier Ford has repeatedly asked the federal government to step up and do their job.

In our most recent letter, we asked the federal government for four things:

— a ban on all non-essential travel;

— mandatory PCR testing for interprovincial travel;

— an end to the loophole at the land borders; and

— proper enforcement of hotel quarantining.

We continue to be clear to the federal government. We’re imploring them to take stricter measures to protect our borders.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary question.

Mr. Will Bouma: Ontarians need to understand how important further action at our borders is needed. Some Ontarians presume that after over a year of the pandemic there would have been some sort of safeguards put in place by the federal government. We need to protect Ontario from incoming travellers, whether domestic or international.

Back to the minister: Can she provide any examples of why we are concerned about keeping non-essential travellers out of the province?

Hon. Sylvia Jones: Thank you again to the member from Brantford–Brant.

In January, Ontario had 173 international travellers who tested positive for COVID-19 at Pearson. In February, the numbers jumped to 585 positive cases identified in international travellers at Pearson. The cases didn’t slow the next month, either. In fact, the numbers almost doubled in March, to 943. In April, unfortunately, we recorded our highest number yet this year, with a whopping 1,439 international travellers testing positive. That’s over 3,000 international positive cases in 2021 so far—each one sitting beside another traveller on the plane and potentially interacting with others in their community.

Ontario is taking all the steps that it can to stop the spread of COVID-19.

When will the federal government do their job?

Education funding

Ms. Marit Stiles: This question is for the Premier.

A new survey of teachers conducted by the CBC highlights again what we’ve been saying over and over: After more than a year of disruption and a failure of this government to support students or keep schools safely opened, our kids are not okay. Some 70% of survey respondents from boards in Hamilton, Halton, Niagara and Brantford worry that students won’t catch up academically. In Waterloo region, more than half of the teachers are worried students aren’t meeting learning objectives—and more and more aren’t showing up at all.

Every expert says we need to put in place more supports, more interventions.

Why is the government going back to pre-COVID-19 funding levels for our schools? Why aren’t our children their priority?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): To reply, the Minister of Education.

Hon. Stephen Lecce: On the contrary, in fact, the government of Ontario, under the Premier’s leadership, has put in place a $2-billion enhanced allocation, because we’re assuming that in September—while we look forward to a world with vaccines being provided to all Ontarians 18 and up who want one, effective tomorrow, we also realize that we have to be cautious, which is why we funded $1.6 billion. The difference between this $1.6 billion for September and the last is that this September’s funding is entirely driven by the province.

There’s an additional $85 million specifically for learning recovery and a 400% increase in mental health supports, when compared to the former Liberal government in 2017-18. There is more funding for ventilation, and further improvements beyond the 95% within our schools that have upgraded it as a consequence of our investments and our guidance.

We’re going to continue to work with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, but yes, most importantly, we’ve put in place the funding to ensure students and staff remain safe this September.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary question.

Ms. Marit Stiles: On the contrary, this government is flatlining education funding for the next year. They’ve given up. The only thing they’re promising Ontarians is more of the same terrible situation we’ve been in for more than a year.

Stretched school boards are being forced to turn to this so-called hybrid learning model, where the same teacher is asked to divide their time and attention between kids in class and those at home. This model is pushing teachers to the breaking point and, I’ll tell you, it means a lot less direct support for our students. They won’t get to learn outside, where we know it’s safer, because their teacher is going to be on the computer with students at home.

Speaker, why is this Premier still trying to cut corners at the expense of our children’s education and their well-being?

Hon. Stephen Lecce: We have put in place $1.6 billion, which has helped us hire over 7,000 additional staff this year, helped us improve 95% of air ventilation systems within the schools of this province; 700 million in additional dollars for air ventilation improvements, in partnership with the federal government, is being implemented as we speak. We’ve doubled the mental health allocation for our nurses—rather, doubled the public health nurses within our schools, and a four-time increase in mental health.

Mr. Speaker, it has to be said: If the member opposite was given the privilege to serve in government, their party and that of the other opposition parties, aligned with the teacher unions, would not have reopened schools in 2021 at all, absolutely contrary to the best interests of the mental health of children.

We’re on the side of parents and kids. We’re listening to the experts. Our aim is to get these schools open as soon as it is safe.

Long-term care

Mr. John Fraser: My question is for the Minister of Long-Term Care.

On Friday, it came to light that Ministry of Long-Term Care inspectors documented evidence of dehydration and malnutrition in one long-term-care home back in June 2020, almost a year ago. These findings align with the Armed Forces report that 26 residents died in that home from dehydration.

The Premier said at the time that there would be a full investigation and any results would be turned over to police. Well, the Solicitor General confirmed last week that that investigation never happened.

Speaker, through you: If ministry inspectors documented signs of resident neglect last year in a home where 26 people died from dehydration, why has it taken the minister almost a full year to launch an investigation?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): To reply on behalf of the government, the government House leader.

Hon. Paul Calandra: As I just said, obviously there was a commission of inquiry, which the Premier set up very quickly. In fact, during the pandemic we set up a commission of inquiry. I know that the Auditor General has also reviewed this, and the coroner has been engaged.

Let’s look at where we were when we took government. A decade and a half of Liberal inaction on long-term care led us to a situation that put us on the defence for the better part of a year in this province.

What have we done? We said we were going to end hallway health care. How are we doing that? By increasing ICU capacity—they left us with one of the lowest in North America. We increased testing from 5,000 to 75,000, so that we can track COVID-19 quicker. We increased funding for long-term care—rebuilding old, outdated homes; building 30,000 new homes over the coming years; adding staffing, up to 27,000 new PSWs; four hours of care.

Despite the broken legacy of the previous Liberal government, we’re getting the job done for today’s seniors and for future generations.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The supplementary question.

Mr. John Fraser: The government’s stories on this, quite frankly—I’ve been going through them—are dizzying.

Here are some of the comments from the Armed Forces members: “The facility should be shut down ... incompetent staff should be fired, and management should be charged.” What is happening “is criminal.” Other comments include “terrible,” a “shit-pit,” “horrifying.”

In testimony before the long-term-care commission in October 2020, Humber River Hospital CEO Barbara Collins noted that “food and water challenges” had contributed to deaths at at least one home, and suggested that the military knew that was the case.

So it’s hard to believe that the minister only became aware of these serious allegations two weeks ago. The timeline just doesn’t add up.

The bottom line is that those 26 families and many others who lost a loved one deserve justice, not a game of hide-and-seek.

Speaker, through you: Can the minister explain why she was so unaware that she is only now launching an investigation that was promised more than a year ago?

Hon. Paul Calandra: Mr. Speaker, this is a member who sat in the government for 15 years; underfunded long-term care; did not bring in a staffing strategy; did not bring in the hours of care that were required; through his lack of decision-making, left the province of Ontario on the defence for a year while we rebuilt ICU capacity, while we built up testing capacity. This is the legacy of the previous Liberal government, of which he was a member.

We moved right away to end that previous Liberal legacy of ignoring long-term care—30,000 new spaces, 27,000 new PSWs, increasing ICU capacity. We’re getting the job done for the people of the province of Ontario—a job that they so miserably failed. We will get it done, unlike the previous Liberal government of which he was a member for 15 years.

Tourism

Mr. Will Bouma: My question is for the Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries.

Over the course of this pandemic, we have seen the industries that this minister represents hit the hardest, and we know that they will likely take the longest to recover.

We are over a year into this pandemic and are heading into the summer months, which many tourism and travel small businesses rely on for critical revenue every year. These small businesses are in dire need of financial support, and I know this minister just made an announcement of a new tourism and travel small business grant last week. I am hopeful the minister can tell us more about this new program and elaborate on who is eligible and how they can apply.

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: Thanks to the member for raising this important question. He and I had an opportunity to travel across his great riding last summer, when we had bit of a reprieve from COVID-19.

It’s true: Many of the industries and sectors that I represent have been closed for over 400 days. That’s why, in an unprecedented show of support to these sectors, almost $1 billion in supports will be leveraged through this ministry and through other ministries to support our hardest-hit sectors in heritage, sport, tourism and culture industries.

On May 13, we launched this $100-million grant application that will run until June 25 for up to $10,000 to $20,000 in one-time grants that can be used for rent, for hiring staff, for marketing, for the like. I’m pleased to say, on behalf of all of my government colleagues, that almost 1,000 people have applied since last Thursday. Over 200 travel agents who weren’t captured in previous supports received it, and nearly 200 hotels and motels and nearly 200 hunting and fishing lodges.

There will be more to say in the supplemental.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary question.

Mr. Will Bouma: Thank you, Minister. This sounds like a great program and a great opportunity for these small businesses in the province, which is needed and well deserved. Every eligible business in the province should have the opportunity to apply for this grant.

What is our government doing to ensure these businesses are aware of the grant and have the support they need to apply?

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: We all have a role to play in supporting the hardest-hit sectors.

I can say this: We have had over 15 telephone town halls with the sectors; I have a tourism economic development and recovery task force, which will be reporting back soon; and of course, we had almost 1,000 people from the sector on a call on Thursday to tell them how to actually access the portal.

We also did a government-wide town hall for government members. I was pleased to see that over 100 staff and MPPs showed up, but I was very disappointed when only two people from the NDP and the Liberals and the Green Party showed up for these hardest-hit sectors. When you look at Niagara Falls, when you look at northern Ontario, when you look at Ottawa, when you look at Toronto, when you look at Hamilton—all really important places to visit in this province—their members didn’t show up.

I have to say, there’s $100 million there.

We all have a role to play in terms of supporting them, and I call on the members opposite to do their jobs.

College standards and accreditation

Ms. Laura Mae Lindo: My question is to the Premier.

Tomorrow, officials at PEQAB will accept or reject Charles McVety’s plan to grant arts and science degrees at his so-called university. Ironically, today is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, and it’s troubling that this application has gotten this far.

In the fall, this government rushed legislation through so the Premier’s close friend could build a university for his hateful rhetoric, particularly against LGBTQ2S communities and Muslim Ontarians.

While PEQAB requested extensive changes and had numerous questions for Mr. McVety, Canada Christian College’s CEO, Mr. McVety’s son, flew to Disney World this winter instead of responding. This delayed the process by four months. The McVetys had to ask for not one but two extensions.

Tomorrow, PEQAB will finally give them a yes or no.

Through you, Mr. Speaker, and to the Premier: If PEQAB denies a Charles McVety university, will he immediately introduce legislation to stop them in their tracks?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The parliamentary assistant, the member for Northumberland–Peterborough South.

Mr. David Piccini: I thank the member opposite for that question.

As we’ve said time and time again, this government respects the independent advice of our post-secondary PEQAB process. It’s thanks to this process that we’ve seen independence given to places like Algoma University. It’s thanks to these independent processes that we’ve seen greater autonomy for our institutions in the north—granting degrees and better unlocking the potential of a next generation of health care professionals in the north, better unlocking the next generation of francophone leaders in the north, Indigenous leaders in the north.

When it comes to respecting independent processes, this government will always do that.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Ms. Laura Mae Lindo: Back to the Premier: Charles McVety hosted a mask-free event at his college last month with hundreds in attendance, and video showed that there was no social distancing. It seems that following the science table is not something that Charles McVety is willing to do.

My office has received numerous emails indicating in no uncertain terms that members of Ontario’s post-secondary community do not believe that Charles McVety should be offering arts and science degrees—not when he ignores the public health guidelines, and especially given his rhetoric against LGBTQ2S and Muslim communities. Yet, this Premier continues to bend over backwards every time Charles McVety asks for a favour.

Through you, Mr. Speaker, and back to the Premier: Will the government immediately bring in legislation to rescind Charles McVety’s university before this session breaks for the summer?

Mr. David Piccini: This is about an independent process. This is about an independent process that this government supports.

If it was up to the members opposite, it would be politicians interfering in the independent process designed to support institutions in the north; it would be politicians deciding what courses are and aren’t offered.

That member might be competing with her colleagues to audition for minister of thought control, but on this side, we’re going to respect independent processes. We’re going to respect independent processes that have unlocked the potential for those learners in the north that I mentioned.

It’s this government that lowered tuition for university students. It’s this government that has expanded OSAP eligibility for our Indigenous learners, that has launched independent processes for our Indigenous institutes, for those important partners that we work with, to unlock the potential in northern Ontario.

What does that member have in common with all those things? She voted against every one of those measures to support our post-secondary learners.

COVID-19 response

Ms. Kathleen O. Wynne: My question is for the Premier. Speaker, as we move to the end of the school year, I recognize that there are going to be some discussions about whether in the next couple of weeks we can open schools for some time. But my question has to do with the broader issue of what happens in our schools in September.

One of the hallmarks of this government’s decisions on schooling has been a puzzling reluctance to actually talk with the people who are teaching our children and grandchildren. In the same way that it’s important to talk with doctors and nurses who represent the doctors and nurses of this province to glean their advice, it’s important that decision-makers talk with teachers and support staff, who have been working so hard this year to keep our students engaged.

Mr. Speaker, can the Premier tell this Legislature and the people of Ontario whether he and his Minister of Education have met with the leadership of the teachers’ federations and the support staff unions at any time since last July, almost a year ago, in order to plan for the beginning of the school year this coming September, and if not, when will he do so?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Minister of Education.

It’s why the government announced $1.6 billion, a nation-leading plan of investment; $2 billion overall, increasing the Grants for Student Needs, and a one-time increase in COVID-19 resources; more support for reading recovery and math recovery, recognizing the challenges of this disruption; a historic investment in mental health; and, of course, the provision, the choice for parents of in-class and online learning this September. We think that is an important and positive plan as we look forward to September.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The supplementary question?

Ms. Kathleen O. Wynne: Mr. Speaker, just to be clear, that answer was a no, because directors and trustees and administrators are not teachers; they are not support staff.

In fact, my question was, have the Premier and his minister met with the people who actually represent the people who are in a classroom with our students?

That is a puzzling reluctance, I will say again, because those are the people who hear from their members, who hear from the front line. That’s where the information should come from.

It’s my understanding, from a news report, that at a recent cabinet meeting, there was a preoccupation with the discussion about the golf industry. I have nothing against golf. My partner, Jane, is an avid golfer. But how is it possible that understanding the intricacies of the golf industry is more important than understanding what goes on in our schools from teachers and support staff?

Will the Premier and the minister develop an ongoing and frequent dialogue with the people who represent the literally hundreds of thousands of adults who work with the children of this province?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock.

We’re not going to have that this morning. If it continues, I’ll call you out by name, and if necessary, I’ll warn you and, if necessary, send you home.

Please start the clock.

The Minister of Education.

Hon. Stephen Lecce: It’s one thing to listen to teacher unions and federations; it’s another thing to be entirely beholden to them.

In the example of regulation 274, when the member opposite permitted teacher unions to hire exclusively based on seniority in the union, yes, they were listening to the teacher unions, and they were ignoring parents in this province. That’s why this government ended that regulation entirely.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I just scolded one side of the House. The same thing applies to the other side of the House.

Minister of Education, please conclude your response.

Hon. Stephen Lecce: In addition, we’ve listened to parents who said they want a choice this September for in-class and online learning. We recognize that the majority are going to choose in-class, as they should, as we support that development that is stimulated in an in-class environment.

It’s also why we listened to parents in the context of providing mental health supports, as they’ve realized the disruptions had a challenge on their child’s health. We quadrupled the investment from when the former Liberal government was in power in 2017-18, because we recognized that we want to reduce wait times and increase supports and early intervention.

It’s why we listened to parents as well, with a $1.6-billion plan, making every precaution and investing every dollar to ensure students are safe—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you. The next question.

Health care funding

Mr. Will Bouma: Speaker, we know that there is a gap between the number of nurses that we currently have and the future needs of our health care system. This is particularly true in sectors where front-line workers care for our most vulnerable patients, such as long-term care, home and community care, and acute care.

Speaker, I am proud that our government has committed to addressing the challenges in long-term care, by committing to an average of four hours of direct care. Of course, we need more nurses to deliver on that promise.

Can the Minister of Colleges and Universities tell us what actions the government is taking to increase the number of registered nurses and registered practical nurses in Ontario?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Northumberland–Peterborough South.

Mr. David Piccini: Thank you to the member for that important question.

It was because of the leadership of Premier Ford, the Minister of Long-Term Care and the Minister of Colleges and Universities that this government announced the historic $35 million to increase enrolment in nursing in our publicly assisted universities and colleges. This will result in an additional 1,130 practical nurses and over 870 registered nurses. This is the first increase in nursing seats in over 20—yes, 20—years. It’s truly historic.

We’re also increasing clinical placements so that we can ensure that our next generation of learners have the hands-on experience they need.

After decades and decades of neglect, this government understands that these important investments are needed to give our health care professionals of tomorrow the important experience they need to better support Ontarians today and tomorrow.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary question.

Mr. Will Bouma: Speaker, it is great news that the government is continuing to take real action to hire more front-line health care workers to support our long-term-care and health care system. I am sure the minister agrees that we cannot stop there. There are challenges with the supply of front-line staff, like PSWs, as well. We also know that nursing education isn’t always accessible for prospective students because of where they live.

Can the minister explain how this announcement about training more nurses fits into the broader work with colleges and universities to increase the supply of health care workers in Ontario?

Mr. David Piccini: That member is absolutely right.

One of the reasons I got involved in seeking election after working in the health care sector was because of years of systemic neglect—years under which we weren’t thinking outside the box to better unlock our learners of tomorrow and our well-trained health care professionals of tomorrow.

That’s why 2,000 additional nurses are so badly needed. That’s why we’ve also launched free tuition at our public and private colleges to support over 16,000 PSWs. Together, this will support our goal of hiring over 27,000 more health care professionals to support achieving four hours of direct care. That will place us as a leader in Canada in terms of direct hours of care to support our loved ones, like my grandparents, who fell victim to a neglected system—of all political parties.

But it’s thanks to investments of this Premier and this government that we will ensure that Ontarians of today and Ontarians of tomorrow are better looked after.

COVID-19 response

Mr. Jeff Burch: My question is to the Premier.

Citizens across Ontario were horrified when the Premier refused to open outdoor recreational activities based on an anecdotal story about his buddies going for a few pops after a game of golf.

Despite calls from municipal leaders, health experts, the Ontario Medical Association, and their own science table, this government has continued to keep outdoor recreation closed.

The scientific director of Ontario’s COVID-19 science advisory table has said that outdoor activities like golf, tennis and beach volleyball are low-risk, and that with some additional instruction, the province could allow people to once again participate in sports.

I’ve heard from hundreds of people in Niagara, some of whom voted for this government. They tell me that lockdowns have had a devastating impact on their mental health, and they ask that outdoor activities that can be done safely be opened up.

Will the Premier listen to science, support the member from Brampton Centre’s motion, and safely reopen outdoor recreational activities?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Minister of Health.

Hon. Christine Elliott: Thank you to the member for the question.

We obviously encourage people to go outdoors. Please enjoy this wonderful weather. Go outside. Take a walk. Go for a bike ride. Go play with your grandchildren outside. Garden if you’re able to. There are lots of activities that people can do safely.

But today is not the day to open up all outdoor recreational activities.

We are reviewing the evidence on a daily basis, speaking with Dr. Williams and others of our medical advisers. All of our decisions are based on the data and the clinical evidence.

But today is not the day to do it. It may be very soon. It may be June 2 or perhaps even before that. But today is not the day to open everything up.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary.

Mr. Jeff Burch: Speaker, that’s not what the science says.

The people of Ontario are sick and tired of hearing the Premier’s anecdotes about cheesecake, egg sandwiches and his buddies having a few pops while he ignores scientific evidence and advice.

Andrew and Jennifer own the Brock Golf Course in my riding and are struggling to pay the bills, with only a few precious months ahead to earn revenue when the weather is good. They know they’re not the only small business suffering, and they’re more than willing to do their part. But they don’t understand why they can’t serve the public when there is no scientific explanation why they are not permitted to safely operate. This is a golf course where seniors, kids and people of all ages and skill levels can get out and enjoy fresh air in a safe environment.

These safe outdoor activities are important to the people of my riding and people across Ontario.

When will the Premier finally listen to science, admit he got it wrong again, and open safe outdoor recreational activities?

Hon. Christine Elliott: Since the beginning of this pandemic, the health and well-being of all Ontarians has been our primary responsibility and our primary focus, and it will continue to be.

We are listening to the medical experts, including Dr. Williams, our Chief Medical Officer of Health, and the 34 medical health officers in all the public health unit regions across the province. We listen to what they’re saying.

We do encourage people to be outdoors. Enjoy this weather; it’s getting more beautiful each and every day.

But today is not the day to open everything up. I believe it would be irresponsible for us to do that today. We are following the evidence on a daily basis, and it will happen on or before June 2.

COVID-19 response

Mr. Mike Schreiner: My question is for the Premier.

The science is clear: Most COVID-19 outbreaks are happening in vulnerable essential workplaces, and outdoor activities are safe and should be open. That’s why, for weeks, I’ve been urging the Premier to focus on where the outbreaks are happening—vulnerable workplaces—and to reopen safe outdoor activities.

This is an equity issue. Not everyone has a yard to play in; not everyone can work from home.

So, Speaker, will the Premier follow the advice of scientists and public health experts by opening safe outdoor activities and focusing in on where the virus is spreading: vulnerable indoor workplaces?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Minister of Health.

Hon. Christine Elliott: Thank you to the member for the question.

We are encouraging people to be outdoors. Parks are open. Trails are open. People can be outdoors to enjoy it. Walking, biking, taking the dog out for a walk——whatever they wish to do. People can be outdoors.

I understand what you’re saying with respect to equity, but with all due respect, parks are open to everyone to be out and enjoy. So there is no equity issue here in terms of availability of outdoor spaces. People can be outdoors, and we encourage them to do so.

But today is not the day to open up everything. We are watching this on a daily basis. This time will come. This is not forever. But today is not the day.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Mr. Mike Schreiner: Public trust is vital to combatting COVID-19, and trust is built when you make decisions based on evidence and science.

Most of the spread is happening in vulnerable workplaces, not outdoors and not by travel. And yet, the Premier seems to be focusing all of his energy on closing outdoor activities and blaming the federal government for his mistakes.

So, Speaker, I’m asking the Premier to make a pivot today. Will the Premier start focusing on what experts are calling the blind spot in the government’s response to COVID-19 and mandate medical-grade PPE in vulnerable indoor workplaces, and mandate that they have proper ventilation in vulnerable workplaces?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

Hon. Monte McNaughton: The health and safety of every single worker in this province is our government’s top priority. That’s why we’ve now done more than 50,000 inspections and investigations related to COVID-19 in workplaces across the province. We’ve now issued more than 55,000 orders to improve conditions in those workplaces. We’ve now shut down 91 unsafe workplaces and job sites across the province.

But we’ve gone even further. We’ve now hired more than 100 new health and safety inspectors. That brings the ministry’s inspectorate to the largest number in provincial history. We have more than 200 guidance documents and posters, tip sheets and videos in dozens and dozens of languages available at ontario.ca/covidsafety.

We’ll continue to protect the health and safety of every single worker in this province.

COVID-19 immunization

Ms. Suze Morrison: There are three provincially designated hot spots and one additional hot spot in the M4Y postal code that has been prioritized by our local hospital in my community of Toronto Centre, despite being omitted by this provincial government from the list—four hot spots in total, in a riding that is barely more than seven square kilometres large. Tens of thousands of people in my community are at incredibly high risk of contracting COVID-19 because of our skyrocketing rates, these hot spot zones and the incredibly dense nature of our community.

For weeks, this government has held back vaccines from hot spots. It was nearly impossible to find an appointment. People were calling it the “vaccine Hunger Games” in my community.

Over the past week, we have finally started to receive a steady supply of vaccines and are beginning to curb the deadly outbreaks that are ravaging our downtown neighbourhoods. We’re just starting to get the situation under control.

My question to the Premier: Why is he ignoring the advice of Ontario’s science table and planning to pull that concentrated support from these hot spots in just two weeks, putting the safety of the entire province at risk?

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Minister of Labour, come to order.

Minister of Health to reply.

Hon. Christine Elliott: In fact, our plan to allocate 50% of the incoming vaccines to the hot spot areas over two weeks has been very successful, and we do have a reliable and steady supply of vaccines coming in. I can certainly advise the member that because of this plan, we have now seen—due to this allocation of vaccines to hot spots—that the hot spot areas now have 7.9% more coverage than the non-hot-spot communities. So I would call that a success.

We’re going to continue to roll out the vaccine supply. We have almost double the supply of vaccines coming in now than we had before and that is available to each public health unit to allocate the vaccines according to their own definition of their hot spots.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary.

Ms. Suze Morrison: I’m asking the minister to listen to the science table. Ontario’s science table gave this government clear direction that at least 50% of vaccines need to go to the 74 hot spot areas for no less than 25 days. Two weeks—14 days—does not 25 days make, the minimum standard recommendation that is coming from Ontario’s science table.

There are still too many people in these hot spots who haven’t received their first doses. If this government takes vaccinations out of those hot spots now, too early, we risk taking the province entirely backwards on our vaccination strategy.

Why is the Premier refusing to do what the experts at the science table are telling him: to stop the cycle of lockdowns by adequately maintaining the hot spot strategy for the minimum 25 days that was recommended by the science table?

Hon. Christine Elliott: The plan that we had to increase the vaccine supply to those hot spot areas by 50% has been successful—overall, virtually an 8% higher dosage rate in the hot spot communities versus the non-hot-spot communities.

In addition to that, the time that the allocation and the recommendation were made by the science table was when our vaccine supplies were much lower.

Now we have almost double the supply of vaccines coming in to all areas across the province. The designation is going to be by population and by risk, so those areas that are still at risk will still receive more vaccines. It is entirely due to the discretion of the local medical officers of health to have those vaccines concentrated in the areas that are still considered to be hot spot areas. We have more than adequate supply. I have confidence in the ability of the public health officers to make those decisions. People will be receiving much higher levels of doses of those vaccines.

COVID-19 immunization

Ms. Mitzie Hunter: My question is to the Minister of Health. I was listening to you very carefully. You know that in hot spot areas, like in my community of Scarborough–Guildwood, the test positivity still remains very high. In fact, in the Morningside area alone, the test positivity is 1,200 per 100,000 people, which is 10 times higher than the provincial average. That is a risk. You just said that hot spots where there is risk will receive more. My question to you is, how much more?

The Ontario science table says that hot spots should receive 50% more of the allocated vaccines. It doesn’t make sense to go back to a per capita distribution as if everyone bears the same risk, because we do not. Our communities that have high rates of positivity require more vaccines because that is safer for the whole province—we get the third wave under control.

My question is simply: Will you listen to the science table and go back to the 50% allocation—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you. The reply.

Hon. Christine Elliott: You’re absolutely right. The test rates do remain very high in certain parts of the province, which is why we need to be very, very careful about any potential reopening, which has been argued on that side all morning. That is why we need to be very careful, and we are being careful.

The strategy that we brought forward to allocate 50% of the vaccines into those hot spots is working—already an 8% higher level in hot spot communities versus non-hot-spot communities.

We need to continue to allocate the vaccines, which we are doing, based on population, as we were before, but also based on risk. So the areas that have higher-risk areas are going to receive more vaccines, which would, of course, include Scarborough.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary.

Ms. Mitzie Hunter: What I’m seeking an answer to is how much more allocation will the communities like Scarborough receive. They need to know that—for serious reasons.

When we look at the expansion of vaccines to 18-plus across the province—that’s good news.

But over the weekend, I spoke to a gentleman in my riding who is 96 years old. His name is James. He lives by himself. He is homebound. He does not leave his home, but he has support that comes into his home through the LHIN. He is still waiting for his vaccine, despite being eligible for the past five months, as part of phase 1. James demonstrates that now is not the time to turn our focus away from the hot spots because we still have vulnerable people who remain in the communities who are at serious risk.

There are thousands of homebound residents like James living in hot spots who are still waiting for their turn and want to know: Will the minister commit to 50% more vaccine supplies to hot spot communities?

Hon. Christine Elliott: Going forward, the vaccine allocation will be based on population and based on risk. I know that Scarborough has had a number of hot spot areas and will continue to do so, but all areas are now receiving much larger quantities of vaccines because we now do have a reliable and steady supply of vaccines.

We want to make sure that people such as James do receive their first dose, so we are working with our paramedic services and with our home care services to make sure that everybody who wants to receive a vaccine will receive a vaccine. James will not be missed out—he will receive his first dosage and his second dosage at the appropriate time.

Small business

Mr. Tom Rakocevic: My question is for the Premier.

Thousands of small businesses in my community and across Ontario have been forced to lock down during the stay-at-home order. These businesses have been doing their part to slow down the spread of COVID-19, but without help from this government, they risk losing everything they have worked so hard for, through no fault of their own.

Many local small business owners have contacted my office, frustrated with the lack of transparency from this government regarding the Ontario Small Business Support Grant program. They listened to this government and applied for the grant and patiently waited for weeks, only to be denied with no explanation given. When they tried to contact this government’s call centre, they still couldn’t get an answer.

Now the program deadline is closed, with countless thousands of businesses still needing the support to keep their lights on and their doors open.

Why is this government hanging these small business owners out to dry?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): To reply, the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Thank you very much for the question.

First of all, we are absolutely thrilled that 109,700 small businesses in Ontario have received almost $3 billion; in fact, it’s $2.82 billion already. That is an unprecedented amount of money that has gone out in three and a half months from this government to small businesses.

We’re very, very upset to see that the NDP did not support the doubling of that small business grant. That was $1.5 billion—

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Member for Scarborough–Guildwood, come to order.

Hon. Victor Fedeli: —that they voted to hold back from small businesses. We’re very sad to see that they did not support the new grant in the budget for the small business tourism and travel groups as well—very disappointed.

Jessica Lippert

Hon. Paul Calandra: Point of order?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Point of order, government House leader.

Hon. Paul Calandra: I hope the House will indulge me. I’d just like to wish my chief of staff, Jessica Lippert—I know a lot of you who have served for a long time will know her. Jessica celebrated her 30th birthday, so I just want to wish her a very happy birthday.

Deferred Votes

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Amendment Act (Supporting Individuals in their Homes and Communities with Assistive Devices for Mental Health), 2021 / Loi de 2021 modifiant la

Loi sur le ministère de la Santé et des Soins de longue durée (Appuyer les particuliers à la maison et dans la collectivité grâce à des appareils et accessoires fonctionnels pour la santé mentale)

Deferred vote on the motion for second reading of the following bill:

Bill 277,

An Act to amend the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Act with respect to assistive devices to support individuals with mental health needs in their homes and communities / Projet de loi 277, Loi modifiant la

Loi sur le ministère de la Santé et des Soins de longue durée en ce qui concerne les appareils et accessoires fonctionnels destinés à appuyer, à la maison et dans la collectivité, les particuliers ayant des besoins en matière de santé mentale.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): We have a deferred vote on the motion for second reading of Bill 277,

An Act to amend the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Act with respect to assistive devices to support individuals with m