role="main" class="main-container container js-quickedit-main-content" id="main-content">

April 11, 2007

38th Parliament, 2nd Session

< Previous sitting day

Next sitting day >

Hansard Transcripts

vol. A

Hansard Transcripts

vol. B

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcripts 2007-Apr-11 (PDF)

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L'ONTARIO

Wednesday 11 April 2007 Mercredi 11 avril 2007

ESTIMATES

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

ONTARIO LOTTERY

AND GAMING CORP.

PROSTATE CANCER

ONTARIO LOTTERY

AND GAMING CORP.

MOOSE TAGS

PARKINSON'S DISEASE

ONTARIO LOTTERY

AND GAMING CORP.

2007 BOOK DRIVE

ONTARIO POWER GENERATION

ENGINEERING BUILDING

BRENT POLAND

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY AND RESPONSES

YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES STRATEGY

FRENCH-LANGUAGE SERVICES

YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP

LEADING GIRLS, BUILDING COMMUNITIES AWARD

YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES STRATEGY

YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP

LEADING GIRLS, BUILDING COMMUNITIES AWARD

YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP

LEADING GIRLS, BUILDING COMMUNITIES AWARD

YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES STRATEGY

VISITORS

ORAL QUESTIONS

ONTARIO LOTTERY

AND GAMING CORP.

KYOTO PROTOCOL

ONTARIO LOTTERY

AND GAMING CORP.

CITY OF TORONTO

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE /

VIOLENCE FAMILIALE

ONTARIO LOTTERY

AND GAMING CORP.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

IMMIGRANT SERVICES

ONTARIO LOTTERY

AND GAMING CORP.

ONTARIO ARTISTS

WATER PROTECTION

AND CONSERVATION

ONTARIO LOTTERY

AND GAMING CORP.

NUCLEAR WASTE

PETITIONS

SMOKING LOUNGES

FRAUD

REGULATION OF ZOOS

VISITOR

LAKERIDGE HEALTH

REGULATION OF ZOOS

LONG-TERM CARE

SALE OF DOMESTIC

WINES AND BEERS

LONG-TERM CARE

TUITION

REGULATION OF ZOOS

LONG-TERM CARE

GRAVESITES OF FORMER PREMIERS

OPPOSITION DAY

BORDER INFRASTRUCTURE

The House met at 1330.

Prayers.

ESTIMATES

Hon. George Smitherman (Deputy Premier, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): Mr. Speaker, I have a message from the Honourable the Lieutenant Governor signed by his own hand.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): The Lieutenant Governor transmits estimates of certain sums required for the services of the province for the year ending 31 March 2008 and recommends them to the Legislative Assembly.

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

ONTARIO LOTTERY

AND GAMING CORP.

Mr. Gerry Martiniuk (Cambridge): There are far too many unanswered questions surrounding the Lottogate scandal. Day after day we've asked the Premier and his minister responsible for lotteries straightforward questions that anyone without something to hide should be able to answer, yet the McGuinty government chooses to deflect, deny and dither over providing information.

When did the government first learn of the problems–

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Stop the clock.

Point of order, the Minister of Health.

Hon. George Smitherman (Deputy Premier, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): Mr. Speaker, I don't believe it's appropriate in this House that an honourable member calls into question the integrity of another through the use of language such as in the statement by the honourable member.

The Speaker: I would caution all members. We've been off to a rather rocky start in the last few weeks and we must be very careful about the language we choose.

The member for Cambridge.

Mr. Martiniuk: When did the government first learn of the problems involving suspicious lottery claims? How could the minister responsible be blissfully unaware of the insider-win problems for so long? What was the involvement of the minister's office and the Office of the Premier in trying to cover up the extent of\the scandalous situation?

These are the basic questions that speak to the integrity and accountability of any government. By dismissing our calls for answers, Premier McGuinty is denying the people of Ontario the truth behind this scandal.

These questions are outside the investigation of the Ombudsman and are not subject to a subsequent OPP investigation. An inquiry by a fully empowered legislative committee would provide the answers that the people of Ontario deserve. They may not be the answers the Premier wants the public to hear, but they are what accountability and integrity demand.

Instead of deflecting attempts to get at the truth, it is time the Premier dropped his focus on communications strategies and allowed a thorough examination of the government's role in Lottogate. What is Premier McGuinty trying to hide by avoiding an investigation?

PROSTATE CANCER

Mr. Kevin Daniel Flynn (Oakville): I rise in the House today to raise awareness about prostate cancer and to highlight the important work being done by the Prostate Extreme Team. It's a non-profit organization from my community of Oakville, and it raises funds and awareness for prostate cancer research.

I'd like to acknowledge the founder, Steve Hutton, as well as Sherrie and Richard Deschamps, who help run this amazing organization. The team organizes snowmobile rides, ATV rides and a variety of other activities and fun initiatives to raise money for this worthy cause. I was lucky enough to participate in the Bala sled ride this year and had a wonderful time in support of this important cause.

Prostate cancer is the number one cancer threat to men—that's your fathers, your sons, your brothers and your uncles—and early detection can literally save lives. Over 95% of prostate cancers are curable if treated in the earlier stages. Many men are reluctant to consider their risk, much less to discuss it with their doctor.

One in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer within his lifetime. One in four of those men will die of this disease. Approximately 21,000 Canadian men are diagnosed each year. Numbers are only expected to increase as the baby boom generation ages.

Unfortunately, the cause of prostate cancer is not yet known. But with the hard work of groups like the extreme team, continued research for a cure and better prevention gives us all hope.

ONTARIO LOTTERY

AND GAMING CORP.

Mr. Ernie Hardeman (Oxford): A government that lacks transparency, integrity, responsibility and accountability is a government that people can't trust.

Every day for two and a half weeks, Premier McGuinty and his minister responsible for Lottogate have arrogantly shrugged their shoulders at the lack of confidence in the integrity of our lottery system. They have refused to answer direct questions about who in the Premier's office and the minister's office was aware of allegations of fraud and why it was ignored. They've avoided explaining how they could have possibly missed or chosen to miss a comprehensive number of warning signals that should have spurred action on cleaning up this mess more than a year ago.

They have tried to deflect responsibility for their lack of oversight by blaming everyone from the CBC to tens of thousands of hard-working retailers.

The government has provided contradictory answers about communications meetings and freedom-of-information requests involving the OLG. The Premier has failed to explain how and why several political spin doctors tied to his office, and with the Liberal election campaign team, were brought in to plot a communications strategy for Lottogate.

Many questions; no answers: The Premier has failed the test of leadership by hiding answers, ignoring questions and denying requests for the truth. If the Premier is confident that he and his minister should have no accountability for a scandal occurring under their watch, why won't this government agree to call for an open and transparent investigation by a legislative committee? Just what are they hiding?

MOOSE TAGS

Mr. Gilles Bisson (Timmins—James Bay): Yet again, we have a number of people in northeastern and northwestern Ontario who have been upset for years now with the moose tag allocation system. I want to bring to the House a report that has been basically prepared by both myself and Mr. Charlie Angus, the federal member for Timmins—James Bay, in regard to a consultation that we conducted across northeastern Ontario and northwestern Ontario in improvements to the current tag lottery systems.

I want to say, first of all, that this particular report will be available to members of the public, if they so wish to see it, by visiting my website at www.gillesbisson.com. I encourage the Minister of Natural Resources to accept this report as a recommendation of possible solutions to the current system. One thing is clear: The current system doesn't work. Far too many people who are interested in being able to obtain a tag are not able to do so, and have been frustrated for as much as 25 years in not being able to receive a tag.

The recommendations in this report look at a number of ways of making the system fairer, but at the same time protecting the herd, because the one thing that was very clear at all of the public meetings we had—anglers, environmentalists and others who attended all said that what is important is that we need to make sure there is a healthy moose population and that we don't endanger the herd. These recommendations are given within that context. I encourage the Minister of Natural Resources to take a look at some of these recommendations and, for once, to do something to resolve this long-standing problem.

PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Mr. Shafiq Qaadri (Etobicoke North): I rise to speak about World Parkinson's Disease Day, which will actually be taking place on April 11, a day when the global Parkinson's community asks us to consider the plight of citizens diagnosed with this debilitating neurological disease—a disease that robs them of their independence, their mobility as well as their livelihood.

As a doctor, I can tell you that Parkinson's is a complex condition and one of the more common neurological disorders, and one that we should be concerning ourselves with urgently. It's thought to be a disease of the elderly, but unfortunately, it's actually being diagnosed more and more in individuals in their 20s, 30s and 40s. It strikes randomly, with no preference for gender, race or lifestyle. We don't know how to predict, prevent or cure Parkinson's, but we can work to keep those who are battling the disease as healthy as possible for as long as possible.

Some of us had the opportunity of meeting with a number of Parkinson's disease patients recently in the Legislature when they visited here a couple of weeks ago. Hopefully, through that initiative and others, we'll be able to enhance the appreciation of the public as well as members of this Legislature. Currently, for example, something like 40,000 Ontarians suffer from Parkinson's disease.

So on April 11, World Parkinson's Disease Day, I commend Ontarians with Parkinson's, their families and the association working with them for helping to better foster treatment and understanding.

ONTARIO LOTTERY

AND GAMING CORP.

Mrs. Christine Elliott (Whitby—Ajax): The Premier's response yesterday to a question about why Mr. David Menzies of Richmond Hill was stonewalled for weeks by the OLG is extremely troubling. The Premier told the member for Oak Ridges that "obviously, as a result of raising this matter here today, this has elevated it automatically as a priority...." Why is it that until a problem is made public and the government is directly questioned, the Premier and his ministers are content to ignore the situation?

There is a pattern here. Last week, we brought forward the case of a senior from Ottawa who had also been ignored by the OLG upon raising a concern. Despite calling them since March 15, it was only when we questioned the Premier about his case on April 4 that the OLG decided to investigate.

The fact is that the minister ignored hints of suspicious insider wins and his chief of staff's awareness of the issue. When it was evident that The Fifth Estate was preparing to broadcast a story certain to rock Ontarians' faith in the integrity of our lottery system, the only plan of action from the McGuinty government was to prepare a communications strategy rather than address the problem.

Content to leave the OLG to investigate itself, the government sat back and did nothing but deflect until finally caught by the Ombudsman. And, incredibly, despite the Ombudsman's report, the people of Ontario continue to be stonewalled by the Premier and his minister as they repeatedly prioritize spin over substance, electability over accountability.

If there is no government cover-up, why won't the Premier take our advice to allow a Legislative committee to investigate the full story?

2007 BOOK DRIVE

Ms. Deborah Matthews (London North Centre): I rise to say thank you to the hundreds of people in the London area who donated thousands of books to children in remote northern communities through the Lieutenant Governor's 2007 book drive.

This was my third book drive, so I knew our community would rise to the occasion and fill a truck with books. But imagine my surprise when U-Haul donated a huge 26-foot truck instead of the small cube van I was expecting. So I put out a challenge to the community, "Please, help me fill this truck," and they did.

City Lights bookstore donated almost their entire children's section. The London Christian Elementary School delivered a school bus loaded with books to help fill the truck. Glencoe District High School put out the "Phoebe and Rory challenge," with staff member Scott McGregor's young children acting as spokespeople to get their community involved.

Many other schools in the London region also got involved. Retired teachers collected educational books from their neighbours and colleagues. High school and university students put in many hours packing up the books and loading the truck. Bill MacKenzie and Ken Regan gave up a whole day to drive the packed U-Haul to the drop-off site in Toronto. Altogether, between 40,000 and 50,000 books were collected.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this book drive such a success, and thank you to Lieutenant Governor James Bartleman for giving us the opportunity to help our fellow citizens.

ONTARIO POWER GENERATION

ENGINEERING BUILDING

Mr. Wayne Arthurs (Pickering—Ajax—Uxbridge): I rise today to commend the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in Durham region and Ontario Power Generation for their work at the university. The official opening of the Ontario Power Generation engineering building on March 30 introduced the newest facility to UOIT. It holds the key to Ontario's future electricity system research and development and the faculty will prepare its students to be leaders in our increasingly technological world.

A $10-million multi-year partnership between OPG and UOIT has been able to provide the OPG engineering building with equipment carefully selected to educate students about technologies of the future. The 40,000-square-foot, three-storey building includes 17 state-of-the-art labs.

Along with Energy Minister Dwight Duncan, OPG's chief nuclear officer, Tom Mitchell, and UOIT president, Ron Bordessa, I had the opportunity to view this building two weeks ago.

With this new facility, UOIT and OPG are helping train students to build a greener energy future for Ontario through its emerging energy systems lab with solar, wind, hydrogen and fuel cell technology.

The first group of students to complete this engineering program will be graduating this spring. OPG will be well served, as some of these graduates—these bright young minds—join them in their continuing efforts to energize Ontario.

Congratulations once again to UOIT, OPG and the Ministry of Energy on another step towards building a stronger Ontario.

BRENT POLAND

Mrs. Maria Van Bommel (Lambton—Kent—Middlesex): Today I stand in the place that belongs to the people of Lambton—Kent—Middlesex to pay tribute to a courageous young man who died while attempting to bring stability and security to a region and a country that lack in both.

Corporal Brent Poland, stationed with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, Hotel Company, was among six soldiers who were killed on Sunday in a bomb attack near Kandahar. Corporal Poland is the second soldier from Lambton county to die in Afghanistan.

Too often, we have a tendency to use words like "brave," "courageous" and "dedicated" with almost indifferent frequency and without proper context, and thus they tend to lose some of the magnificence of their meaning. In recognizing Corporal Brent Poland, these words fit the example and aptly eulogize this young man.

He gave the ultimate sacrifice—his life—for the freedom and improved quality of life for others, people he will never know and now will never have a chance to meet.

The people of the close-knit community of Camlachie and surrounding area where Brent was born and grew up are sharing a sense of loss. Brent was deeply loved by family, friends and comrades.

I know that everyone in this House joins me in extending our sympathy and appreciation to the Poland family for their sacrifice on behalf of all who seek to establish peace and stability in this world. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent for a moment of silence in memory of Corporal Poland.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Agreed? Agreed. Would all members and guests stand to observe a moment of silence?

The House observed a moment's silence.

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY AND RESPONSES

YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES STRATEGY

Hon. Mary Anne V. Chambers (Minister of Children and Youth Services): Mr. Speaker, our government has a vision of hope and opportunity for Ontario's children and youth. To bring our vision into clear focus, we have been working closely with our many partners to build a system that is centred on the needs of our young people, a system that provides prevention, early intervention services and more community-based programs to help them overcome the challenges they face in their day-to-day lives.

We have been hearing from educators. We have been hearing from organizations that work with youth. Most importantly, we have been listening to young people, because they have told us that they can help us to help them. I have taken the time to meet with young people and to listen to what they have to say. At our ministry's annual youth summit, at round table discussions I have hosted across the province and through informal conversations, young people in Ontario have provided me with thoughtful suggestions on how government can be helpful to them.

One year ago, I announced the details of our government's three-year, $28.5-million youth opportunities strategy, a broad plan to help young people faced with significant challenges achieve success and reach their potential. The strategy recognizes that some youth, particularly those in marginalized and underserved communities, often do not have access to opportunities and supports that would help them to find success.

Our youth opportunities strategy has several components that support young people, including a fully funded summer jobs for youth program which provides real-life work experience, training and support; partnering with local police services to create exciting summer jobs in a new youth in policing program; youth outreach workers who build relationships with hard-to-reach youth, provide them with advice and connect them with appropriate programs and services; giving young people who have left high school without a diploma a chance to earn credits and gain work experience through the Ontario public service learn and work program; helping high school students under 18 years of age who are at risk of becoming involved or are already involved in violent and/or offending activity increase their chances of success in school; and a new website, youthconnect.ca, that provides a forum for young people to access information, services and resources that will help them make good choices, achieve success and contribute positively to their communities.

In 2006, the strategy's various programs were implemented in underserved neighbourhoods in Toronto and Durham region that were identified as having the greatest need. By all accounts, the strategy has been a tremendous success. Last summer in Toronto, approximately 800 young people embraced the opportunity to apply their talents and develop additional skills in a variety of jobs, such as camp leaders, assistant webmasters, research assistants, tutors, mural artists, child care assistants and mechanic assistants.

Another 105 young people worked at interesting jobs with the Toronto and Durham regional police, such as hosting police information sessions at local community centres, cleaning up graffiti, providing car safety checks and demonstrations, as well as fleet maintenance and marine patrol.

Building on these and other successes over the past year, it has been my pleasure to announce that we are continuing the youth opportunities strategy in Toronto and Durham region and expanding it to underserved neighbourhoods in Windsor, London, Hamilton, Thunder Bay and Ottawa. In 2007-08, approximately 1,900 young people will benefit directly from the youth opportunities strategy's various components.

In determining where to expand the youth opportunities strategy, the Ministry of Children and Youth Services worked with and listened to community stakeholders and partners, including regional government officials and representatives from the probation, police, recreation, community health and youth employment sectors, to identify the communities that could most benefit from components of the strategy. Factors such as income levels, unemployment rates and crime and education levels have contributed significantly to the selection of specific cities and communities.

As I traveled around the province announcing this expansion, I also had the opportunity to meet with a cross-section of youth in each community to hear about their challenges and to learn about programs and services that are working well for them. Looking ahead, we will continue to listen to young people. We will continue to engage stakeholders and we will continue to create partnerships that benefit the young people of Ontario.

Our government has confidence in our youth. We know that our youth are talented and ambitious and have great potential. Through the expansion of our youth opportunities strategy, our government is determined to help them harness those talents and realize that potential.

FRENCH-LANGUAGE SERVICES

L'hon. Madeleine Meilleur (ministre des Services sociaux et communautaires, ministre déléguée aux Affaires francophones): Je suis très heureuse de prendre la parole aujourd'hui pour souligner un autre exemple de l'engagement du gouvernement McGuinty envers la communauté francophone.

More specifically, if adopted by this assembly, the proposed French-language services commissioner's office would have the authority to investigate whether the act is being complied with at his or her own initiative or in response to complaints, report on the results of the investigations, monitor government agencies' progress in providing French-language services and advise the minister responsible for francophone affairs on the administration of the French Language Services Act. At the same time, it would provide the province with an important new partner to work with in our efforts to improve French-language services.

Le gouvernement McGuinty croit fermement à l'importance d'assumer ses responsabilités quant à la prestation de services publics de grande qualité à tous les Ontariens et Ontariennes.

Twenty years ago, Ontario adopted the French Language Services Act, thereby providing Ontario citizens with the right to receive government services in French. In the

preamble of the act, the government explicitly recognized the important contribution of the French-speaking population to the cultural heritage of this province.

YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Hon. Harinder S. Takhar (Minister of Small Business and Entrepreneurship): I'm pleased to inform the Legislature about an important investment that furthers the McGuinty government's support for youth entrepreneurship in Ontario. How we encourage and support our young entrepreneurs will determine the future success of our economy in the global marketplace. It is important that we develop partnerships with organizations that help young entrepreneurs start businesses and help them become and stay competitive.

I am pleased to inform the Legislature that the McGuinty government has provided the Canadian Youth Business Foundation, known as CYBF, with $2.2 million to aid entrepreneurial development in the province.

I had the pleasure of making this announcement last Thursday at Helicopter Company Inc. This company is Toronto's only helicopter operation dedicated to tourism, and it employs over 30 hard-working staff members. Its rise to prosperity is a success story in every sense.

In 1999, CYBF helped the company get off the ground. The foundation provided co-founders Julia Henderson and Kevin Smith with financing and mentorship, the critical boost they needed to start their business at that point in time.

Year after year, the foundation provides young entrepreneurs like Julia and Kevin with the fundamental tools they need to succeed. These kinds of initiatives and assistance make a positive difference across Ontario.

This $2.2 million in funding makes the McGuinty government the foundation's main provincial funding partner. I am very proud of this investment, and I look forward to working with the foundation to foster youth entrepreneurship for many years to come.

Our work with CYBF is just one example of what the McGuinty government is doing to foster an entrepreneurial spirit among Ontario's youth.

We have worked hard to stimulate and support an entrepreneurial climate among the young people of this province. Let me just give you a few examples.

The Ontario Secondary School Business Plan Competition and the Summer Company program provide the future leaders of Ontario with an understanding of enterprise and entrepreneurship at an early age.

In addition to these existing programs, we are launching Global Edge, an exciting new program that gives post-secondary students international work experience, in partnership with some of the world's most successful and innovative companies. Fourteen young Ontarians will be placed in summer jobs around the world with companies such as DaimlerChrysler in Germany, ICICI Bank in the UK, Tata in India, Bombardier in Mexico, and Aecon in Ecuador. This exciting new program will give participants a global perspective on business and give them the knowledge of what it takes to be successful in the marketplace.

I'm sure it will be a learning experience that they will never forget. I can tell you that I'm very proud of this new program.

Encouraging young women to reach for their dreams and supporting them with good programs and useful resources is also a priority for our government.

In February, we hosted our first-ever Young Women Entrepreneurs Conference. This allowed young women to have the opportunity to learn from established businesswomen. Julia Henderson, co-founder of Helicopter Company Inc.; Michelle Planche, president of Paradigm Events; Erin Zagar, founder of EZDimensions; and Neena Kanwar of KMH were among the notable women who spoke at the conference. I know their stories inspired many young women who were in the audience that day.

We are committed to helping young entrepreneurs develop the skills they need to succeed. Our programs develop bright young minds, promote partnerships and provide positive support that makes a difference for up-and-coming entrepreneurs.

I am confident that our partnership with the Canadian Youth Business Foundation and the programs my ministry offers will contribute to many more small business success stories in 2007.

Small businesses account for 97% of businesses in Ontario and generate the majority of jobs. Making sure they succeed is essential.

This is an important task, and I look forward to sharing with you, in the weeks ahead, more information about my ministry's many new initiatives and programs. These initiatives will make major strides toward promoting and supporting our entrepreneurs and keeping Ontario a great place to conduct business.

LEADING GIRLS, BUILDING COMMUNITIES AWARD

Hon. Sandra Pupatello (Minister of Economic Development and Trade, minister responsible for women's issues): Before we begin, we need to take a moment to recognize our Canadian women's hockey team who became world champions last night in a 5-1 victory against the United States of America as the finalists in Winnipeg. Congratulations to our Canadian hockey team for winning. We're very proud of them.

As minister responsible for women's issues, it's been a great day. It's my privilege to meet a great many of the remarkable women and girls who live and thrive in our province. They contribute so much. Women lead organizations and excel in every occupation. They teach and inspire, they embrace challenges and overcome obstacles with confidence and creativity, and they are the heart of their families and the soul of their communities.

Last year, our government created the Leading Women, Building Communities Award to honour women for their exceptional community leadership. Last month, our government introduced the Leading Girls, Building Communities Award to recognize extraordinary young women who demonstrate great leadership and contribute so much to Ontario. These girls are championing issues in their schools and communities. Immersed in volunteerism, charitable work and social issues, they are role models, coaches and mentors to children and youth. And they are leaders for tomorrow.

Earlier today I had the pleasure of awarding three girls with Ontario's first-ever Leading Girls, Building Communities Award. They are accomplished young women with outstanding achievements. We're honoured that they're in the gallery today, and I hope you'll help me honour them.

Sarah Dell, thank you so much for being here today. Sarah is from Toronto, and receives our award for her volunteer efforts. Sarah has taken on key public roles as a volunteer, including serving as founder and co-host of the Easter Seals scholarship program and as provincial ambassador for Easter Seals. She has generously donated her time and energy on behalf of children and students with disabilities. Thank you so much for coming here today.

Nicole Turner wasn't able to be with us in the House today because she was off doing more work with Kiwanis. She was unable to stay for the session. Nicole is from London, where she makes an exemplary contribution as a peer facilitator. Nicole is active in fighting violence against women and in advocating on behalf of girls with physical disabilities. She is working hard to build a safe, equal society for girls and young women today. Thank you so much, Nicole from London. We are very proud of you.

Jenna Lambert, thank you for being here today. Some of you may remember Jenna's smiling face from the newspapers last summer, when she became the first female with a physical disability to swim Lake Ontario.

Hon. George Smitherman (Deputy Premier, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): That's an awesome feat, man—awesome.

Hon. Ms. Pupatello: Our Health Minister said, "That's an awesome feat."

Jenna says, "Nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself," and she's right.

Jenna also raised more than $170,000 through her swim for a new swimming pool for children with disabilities at the Kingston Family YMCA.

What a proud day this is for us in the House. Sarah, Nicole and Jenna, you are an inspiration to other young women across your communities and across all of Ontario. We look forward to hearing more from each of you as you continue being such extraordinary women leaders.

Please join me in congratulating all three of our award winners. Thank you so much.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Statements by the ministry? Responses?

YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES STRATEGY

Ms. Lisa MacLeod (Nepean—Carleton): I just want to congratulate those girls. It was very inspiring to listen.

On behalf of John Tory and the PC caucus, I'd like to respond to the Minister of Children and Youth Services, who has recently been on a rampage of feel-good announcements, though I'm going to note that each announcement has achieved very few results.

Summer job placements for Ontario's youth have been around for some time. While this is a noble idea, it is hardly a feather in the cap of the McGuinty Liberals. In fact, as we watch jobs disappearing in rural Ontario and young people moving away from their communities, I'd like to point out that little has been done in the way of incentives to encourage young people in rural Ontario to stay and work near their homes.

In addition, she has made announcements on children's mental health, and while the funding increases are a start, experts in the field will tell you that her one-off announcements will only delay inevitable layoffs of key mental health workers in Ontario if she is unable to persuade her cabinet colleagues to increase funding so it's sustainable.

She also decided to get ahead of what would have been expected to be a damning indictment by the Ombudsman for her reluctance to support children and youth of military families who are suffering with mental health needs. You'll remember that she claimed the funding shortfall at Phoenix Centre in Petawawa was the federal government's problem and callously passed the buck. But when it became clear that this government couldn't afford another CAS scandal, another Caledonia or another Lottogate, she had to backtrack, and thankfully so, because these kids deserve the treatment that they need.

Finally, this minister has raised in this House the Ontario child benefit, which, as we discussed a few weeks back, means simply that the poor get a pittance under the guise of a grand new scheme. Of course, those children and families living under stressful circumstances will receive a $250 down payment cheque from the McGuinty Liberals during the pre-writ of this election campaign, but what is particularly sad is that the full program will not take effect until two elections down the road.

Children and youth in Ontario deserve more than phony window dressing, they deserve more than feel-good announcements and they deserve more than smoke and mirrors. They deserve better, and they deserve real results for the real issues that they have to face, not just a novelty cheque tour which she's embarked upon.

YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Mr. Ted Chudleigh (Halton): On behalf of John Tory and the PC caucus, I'd like to respond to the Minister of Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

Last month, another 5,100 manufacturing jobs were lost in Ontario; this from a government that raised small business taxes by 38%. What did you expect, really? The first increase in taxes on small business in 14 years. Small business taxes have been going down for 14 years, creating jobs and economic opportunity.

You have increased fuel costs, input costs and electricity costs. You've hiked hydro rates by over 30%. All small businesses are always over the 1,000-kilowatt-hours-per-month threshold, and yet this is another broken promise. You promised you would not do it, and you did it again.

You increased property taxes. You raised business property taxes by lifting the hard cap on business property taxes, something you said you wouldn't do—yet another broken promise.

You've increased the cost of labour. You've allowed WSIB premiums to continue to increase while this board operates under a cloud of accusations of mismanagement while the unfunded liability again starts to rise.

From the budget just two weeks ago, Ontario's economy continues to suffer under Dalton McGuinty's leadership. In 2007, the Ministry of Finance has reduced their forecast on every major economic indicator—

Hon. Steve Peters (Minister of Labour): That's baloney, sheer baloney.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): The Speaker: I will ask the Minister of Labour to withdraw.

Hon. Steve Peters (Minister of Labour): I withdraw. I was telling the member to remember to tell the truth.

Interjections.

The Speaker: The Minister of Economic Development and Trade will come to order, and the government House leader will come to order.

Mr. John Yakabuski (Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: I just wanted to advise the Minister of Labour that I've heard that the defibrillator in the hall is out for repairs—

The Speaker: Sit down. We need to have a level of decorum in this place, and that includes using points of order for what are clearly points of order.

Interjection.

The Speaker: Points of order are not matters of debate. There's a place for that. The member for Halton is presently trying to debate.

The member for Halton.

Mr. Chudleigh: Apparently, I'm very trying.

The Ontario economy continues to suffer. Just two weeks ago in the budget, the Ministry of Finance had to reduce their forecasts on every key economic indicator, from GDP income growth to job creation and corporate profits. Ontario is now last among Canadian provinces in GDP growth and no longer the economic engine of this wonderful country. Is it any wonder that jobs are leaving Ontario in droves as businesses choose to locate in other jurisdictions?

LEADING GIRLS, BUILDING COMMUNITIES AWARD

Mrs. Christine Elliott (Whitby—Ajax): On behalf of the Progressive Conservative caucus, I would like to extend our sincere congratulations to Sarah Dell, Nicole Turner and Jenna Lambert on their remarkable achievements. These three accomplished individuals are indeed proven leaders in their communities and I wish to commend them on their unique initiatives. I'm proud to see that—

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

YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Ms. Cheri DiNovo (Parkdale—High Park): I'm responding to the Minister of Small Business on behalf of the New Democratic Party of Ontario.

If the McGuinty government really wants to help young entrepreneurs, there are two steps it would take immediately. First, they would freeze post-secondary tuition fees because our students are burdened more than anybody else with that, and going forward as young entrepreneurs they need to be freed from that onerous burden. And number two, they would actually reform the business education tax—

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Stop the clock. I will not warn the Minister of Economic Development and Trade again. It is necessary that all members are able to hear the contributions of the members who legitimately have the floor.

Ms. DiNovo: Here is what Jesse Greener of the Canadian Federation of Students says: "McGuinty has tried to define himself as the 'education Premier' but all voters have seen is a trail of broken promises."

The second step they would take right away is to reform the business education tax to help small business. They're doing nothing for small business. Here is what TABIA, the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas, says:

"Budget Fails Toronto Small Business....

"The provincial government taxes Toronto's commercial property to the hilt, with education levies that it uses elsewhere in the province."

So two moves that this government could do and they do not do: One is to freeze post-secondary tuition and the second is to actually help small business in this community.

LEADING GIRLS, BUILDING COMMUNITIES AWARD

Ms. Andrea Horwath (Hamilton East): I want to start by adding my congratulations to the success of the two young women who are here—Sarah Dell and Jenna Lambert—as well as Nicole Turner in their accomplishments and the wonderful contributions they've made to their own communities and to us as a whole.

The minister talked about the fact that it's a great day for them, and it certainly is. But it's not such a great day on the campus of the university that that member comes from when we know that women, young women particularly, are being mocked, that their perspectives as feminists are being made fun of, that sexual assault against them is being made into cartoons on the campus. In fact, it's ironic that the very young woman who is being spoofed in the Western university campus newspaper is a young woman who was here in this Legislature with the Miss G_ Project. Her name is Jenna Owsianik.

You'll know that the Miss G_ Project has been here several times trying to get women's studies and women's issues included in secondary education curriculum. That would be one way that we could, on a continuous and ongoing basis, acknowledge and recognize the contributions that women make to our communities and have made to our communities throughout history, not only for young women but for young men as well. This is one of the ways we can start valuing the contributions of young women in a much broader way.

I hope that the minister responsible for women's issues will speak to the minister responsible for education, who is also a woman, and perhaps we can get this happening in our secondary schools. I think it would be a great honour to put women in the spotlight on a day-to-day basis in our educational institutions.

YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES STRATEGY

Ms. Andrea Horwath (Hamilton East): In regard to the Minister of Children and Youth Services, I certainly want to say that the expansion is long awaited, because we all know that as programs were starting up here in Toronto, concerns and problems around violence were spreading out to other communities as a result. I only hope that as the minister went around the province announcing expansion, she announced a heck of a lot more than she announced in my community, which was some 11 positions for youth to partner with police services.

From my perspective, 11 positions for youth are simply not going to make much of an impact at all. So although the expansion is welcome, I suspect that many would feel it falls far short. If we really want to deal with some of the ongoing challenges that are facing children and youth, we need to recognize that many of the youth who are coming from low-income families cannot wait another five years for their families to have the increase in the child benefit that this government is waiting another five years to implement.

In other words, while this government is saying, on one hand, "We want to help our children," on the other they're saying to their parents, "But we're happy to keep you in poverty for another five years." Somehow it doesn't quite add up.

Whether it's the child benefit, the end of the clawback or the minimum wage, the bottom line is that challenged kids come from challenged family environments and we need to get at that issue, and this government has failed miserably in that regard.

I also want to make one comment on the issue of the website. This government thinks that websites are a solution to every problem. Well, I've got to tell you: If you're coming from a family that has significant income problems and challenges, it's not very likely that you're going to have a PC and it's not very likely that you're going to have a connection to the Internet. You can talk about websites that connect kids all you want, but the bottom line is that we all know it's grassroots programs and efforts at getting their families out of poverty that are going to make the best results for children in this province.

VISITORS

Mr. Frank Klees (Oak Ridges): On a point of order, Speaker: I would like to welcome my constituent, Mrs. Carol Patton, and her daughter Ashley Patton, who is finishing her last year of high school at Country Day School in King. We're also proud to say that Ashley was a recipient of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award last year. Please welcome them.

ORAL QUESTIONS

ONTARIO LOTTERY

AND GAMING CORP.

Mr. Robert W. Runciman (Leeds—Grenville): In the absence of others, I guess we will look to the Deputy Premier for our regular diet of non-answers. This deals with the Lottogate scandal.

Deputy Premier, since March 26, the official opposition has asked 107 questions about the scandal surrounding the lottery corporation in Ontario—107 questions and zero answers about who knew what, when they knew it and what they did about it. The minister responsible for lotteries and your government colleagues have taken every opportunity to dodge and deflect, dither and deny.

One year ago today, an e-mail was sent to officials in the minister's office, including his chief of staff, advising that the CBC was looking into the scandal. Deputy Premier, please tell us what happened when the minister was advised of this e-mail?

Hon. George Smitherman (Deputy Premier, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): Firstly, I want to say to the honourable member that looking for diet advice from me is probably a bit unhelpful at this time.

On the issue at hand, I do think that a lot of the information that people would like to know about is actually, perhaps, in the knowledge bank of the member who sits directly to his left.

One of the things that I think has been very interesting to people is that over the course of these very, very many questions, those which have remained unanswered have got a lot to do with what happened on July 5, 2001. One of the things the Conservatives seem to have worked hard to make people unaware of or forget about is the fact that the whole Edmonds circumstance began on the watch of that party while in government.

Accordingly, instead of asking all the questions to a government that has put forward its action plan and been working vigorously, perhaps the honourable member would serve us all well by providing us with some information about how this whole Edmonds affair began by talking to his seatmate.

Mr. Runciman: I'm not looking for diet advice; I'm looking for some meaningful answers to important questions.

The tally is now 108 questions, and the answers are, again, zero. This government's insistence on dodging, deflecting, dithering and denying at every turn is unacceptable to lottery-playing Ontarians who want to know that their government did everything in its power to protect the integrity of our lottery system. Will the Deputy Premier confirm for us whether or not his colleague was involved in any conversations with anybody in the Premier's office or the OLGC with respect to the lottery scandal between April 11, 2006, and October 15, 2006?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: The question I placed to the honourable member remains unanswered, and I think a lot of people want to know how it is that all of this focus comes on a circumstance about Mr. Edmonds, when at the heart of it, more than two years before our party enjoyed the privilege of governing, the seatmate of the person who is asking the question was the person in charge. So at the root of this—and it's referenced many times in the report of the Ombudsman. There are circumstances, indeed, that date to 1993, and questions could be asked.

But our strategy is clear and it's on behalf of those people who invest their dollar or invest their two dollars. It is to work vigorously to address on point the challenges that have been brought forward by the KPMG work and also that of the Ombudsman. That work remains apace, and the people in the province of Ontario know that we're dedicating ourselves to the necessary action to give them even greater confidence in Ontario Lottery and Gaming.

Mr. Runciman: There's no question the government strategy is clear: Dodge, deflect and cover up. That's essentially their strategy.

The minister continues to talk about the former government. I'll tell you, this member and other members of this caucus are not afraid to have a public hearing, which obviously can look back at past governments' actions or lack of same. We're not afraid to take that look. You're the people, you're the government, who are afraid to take a look, to have a committee of this Legislature take a look at what happened going back a number of years, but including the involvement of your minister responsible, his staff, the Premier's office and your political advisers.

Will you today agree to have a committee of this Legislature look into this scandal, the involvement of your minister, your Premier and previous governments?

Interjections.

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: Sorry about that, apple crisp.

To the honourable member, he said we want to take a look at the situation. A good, hard look has been taken. It's well informed in a document called A Game of Trust, a very substantial report that, along with the work of KPMG, has informed our actions. We're all interested in ensuring that the lottery-playing people of Ontario have confidence in the system. There seems to be a good bit of evidence that they do by the number of people who are playing—record numbers of people.

But the point is, the work has been done. The look has been taken and the work goes on apace, and a very, very vigorous pace indeed, to ensure that we address on point all of those recommendations that have come forward. Many are already addressed, and we will continue to ensure that the people of the province of Ontario can have the confidence they need in the OLG.

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

Mr. Frank Klees (Oak Ridges): My question is to the Deputy Premier. Now 110 questions asked; zero answers. Perhaps the Deputy Premier can shed some light on the late August 2006 meeting that was held to discuss the lottery scandal. We've heard that Wilson Lee, the current chief of staff to the minister responsible for lotteries, attended that meeting. Wilson Lee contradicted a statement coming out of the Premier's office saying that there was no recollection of a meeting. Shades of Gomery.

Will the Deputy Premier please advise this House whether or not he, the Premier or the minister responsible for lotteries was aware of that meeting?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: I now have a chance of asking another member of the cabinet of the past government: When Mr. Edmonds's circumstance arose in 2001, what was known of it and what was done about it?

The point is that it's not surprising—these people too have had the privilege of governing. When someone like The Fifth Estate is involved in doing an exposé, of course the machinery responds. This is appropriate. Subsequently, a big light has been shone on the OLG and we've learned lots about things that have gone on for too long and must be done better to give greater confidence to the people of the province of Ontario. We've learned that from the good work of the Ombudsman and from KPMG.

Accordingly, we're using all the energy that we have to dedicate ourselves to the task, which is what the people of the province of Ontario want to know, which is that when they put down that buck or two, when they're engaged in something that is about hope and about their dreams, they have a fair chance. We're working very vigorously to give them ever-increasing confidence on a daily basis.

Mr. Klees: Now 111 questions and zero answers. The people observing this question period must begin to wonder, what is it that the government is hiding? We simply cannot accept the assertion that this scandal was mushrooming under this government's watch and the minister responsible knew nothing about it. This constant dodging, ducking, dithering and denying is starting to send a message, not only to this House but to people across this province.

Does the Deputy Premier expect us and the public to believe that a chief of staff, a senior adviser to the minister, attended a meeting and the minister responsible knew nothing about it? Does the Deputy Premier really expect us and the public to believe that?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: What we know and what we're getting ever better evidence around is that the people of the province of Ontario have a tremendous capacity to draw their conclusions and to make judgments. We must look to the number of people who are playing the lotteries themselves as one form—so the expression goes, "People vote with their feet." As best I know, record numbers of people are involving themselves in the opportunity to invest a dollar or two in their dreams and in their hopes and perhaps in their aspirations.

Accordingly, the honourable member likes to talk about vegetables, but the reality is that if he wants to look at where this whole circumstance was mushrooming, instead of looking over this way, he need merely go down to the end and talk to his friend who was the responsible minister at that time. We've learned about circumstances. The big light has been shone and we are action-oriented to address these circumstances point on point on point.

Mr. Klees: Mr. Speaker, 112 questions and zero answers—all the more evidence why it's important that this House have an opportunity to get some answers. We need to know what the minister responsible and the Premier knew, when they knew it, what they knew about this situation. I would ask that the Deputy Premier stand in his place and answer this one question: Why do you object to a committee of this Legislature reviewing that information? What are you hiding? What is the government hiding? Why do you not want that examination by a committee of this Legislature?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: It seems rather counterproductive, when you've had reports, when you're in the midst of using your energy to move forward in a fashion that addresses these wrongs that have been ongoing for too long—and they want to stop the process. They want to go back for the purposes of some political show and tell on the offer that the former minister is going to come clean with all that he knows. This is the offer that they made. He's obligated to do so. The opportunity is available.

We've had a report from the Ombudsman, we've had a report from KPMG, and we're working on a diligent basis every single day to ensure that the lottery-playing public in Ontario has every confidence that their dollar invested is giving them a fair shot at their hopes and their dreams and their aspirations coming to life. We think that there's a good measure of progress reflected in the confidence that the people are expressing by ever record numbers of people playing lotteries in the province.

KYOTO PROTOCOL

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora—Rainy River): This question is for the Minister of the Environment. Minister, across Ontario people are increasingly concerned about global warming, about the kind of environment we're leaving for our children and our grandchildren. What's clear is that the McGuinty government must set meaningful targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions. My question is this: Will the McGuinty government set Ontario's target for greenhouse gas emission reductions at the levels required under the Kyoto accord by the year 2012?

Hon. Laurel C. Broten (Minister of the Environment): I'm pleased to have a chance to hear from the leader of the third party with respect to this important issue, because it seems like it is a new topic for him. I think that was reflected at the press conference that he had today. He knows full well that a member of his caucus, the member for Timmins—James Bay, has brought forward

an act, a private member's bill, that will be debated this Thursday, and in this House we'll have the opportunity to talk about what may be their plan with respect to climate change. But I can tell the leader of the third party that I have been working to develop a comprehensive plan for this province to build on the groundwork that we have laid since 2003. We look forward to building on the successes that we've had to date with respect to the plan to close coal, our greenbelt strategy and historic investments in public transit. We will have a real and meaningful plan and not play political partisanship with such an important issue to Ontarians.

Mr. Hampton: The question is very clear: Is the McGuinty government going to set targets according to the Kyoto accord or are you not? You have a record of inaction. What you've got is four years of inaction on this file. So the question remains the same. Kyoto is the internationally recognized standard by which all climate change plans are judged, and either the McGuinty government supports the Kyoto accord or you don't. The question is: Is the McGuinty government going to support the Kyoto accord or are you not going to support the Kyoto accord?

Hon. Ms. Broten: Perhaps my friend has been absent for a number of years as we talked about the historic and important issue of climate change. Myself and Minister Cansfield, then Minister of Energy, were at the MOP/COP meetings in Montreal, the historic continuation of those climate change discussions. We have participated in those discussions, and we are a government that has committed to and supports Canada's meeting its international obligations under the Kyoto agreement. We've said that in this House before; we'll say it again. We are doing our

part in Ontario. We are committed to phasing out our coal, we have protected a historic greenbelt, we have made historic investments in public transit and, unlike you, sir, we believe in building public transit and we believe in the importance of expanding a subway in this city of Toronto to make sure that commuters can get from the north into the south.

In your next question, I look forward to having a chance to talk to you about some of the many other—

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

Mr. Hampton: I still didn't hear this magic word. We hear a lot of discussion, and we know that the McGuinty government is good at discussion. We've seen a lot of photo ops, and we know the McGuinty government is good at photo ops. But the question is, are you going to set greenhouse gas emission reduction targets according to the requirements of the Kyoto accord or not? Which is it, Minister? Does the McGuinty government support the Kyoto accord? Are you going to set emission reduction requirements according to the Kyoto accord or not? Where is the McGuinty government on the Kyoto accord?

Hon. Ms. Broten: I guess I will say to my friend again that this government is committed to helping Canada meet its obligations under that international agreement. We have said that for a number of years and we are one of the provincial governments that is taking real and concrete action. Unlike you, if you take a look at the climate change plan you propose to put before this House tomorrow, we are not going to do Canada's obligations on the back of Ontario and let Alberta have a free ride. The last time I checked, Kenora—Rainy River wasn't in Alberta. I'm fighting for Ontario.

We believe in cap and trade and ratchet down, and we will continue to take significant steps with respect to meeting our commitments here in Ontario.

The Speaker: New question.

Mr. Hampton: To the Minister of the Environment: I take it, then, that the McGuinty government wants to adopt something akin to Alberta. If that's the case, then you are way off the Kyoto accord. Look, Minister, you can't weave and duck and dodge on this.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Order. We need to have a sense of decorum in here. I would appreciate the Minister of Energy and government House leader respecting that decorum and respecting other members. The leader of the third party.

Mr. Hampton: The climate change act that we have put forward would set targets according to the Kyoto accord by 2012. It would also make the environment commissioner a climate change watchdog with the power and resources to hold the government accountable if it fails to meet the Kyoto targets. So my question is even more straightforward, Minister: Will you and your Premier be voting in favour of the Ontario Climate Change Act? Will you be setting targets in compliance with Kyoto or not?

Hon. Ms. Broten: I would suggest that my friend read the act that he proposes to debate in this House tomorrow, because that act excludes action with respect to the forestry sector, somewhat like the work being done by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Our climate change plan, I can assure you, will take action and will ensure that there's a role for our forestry sector in carbon management here in Ontario. We take that very seriously, and we will take action.

Again, I suggest to you that you should read the act, because your subsection 3(3) states that if Canada does not meet its Kyoto obligations—and who does that mean? Alberta—by 2012, Ontario must further reduce its emissions due to the failure of the other provinces. Let me tell you, sir, I'm taking action here in Ontario. We will do the work that we need to do. We will set out a comprehensive plan that makes sense for Ontario and helps Canada meet its international obligations.

Mr. Hampton: We know that the McGuinty government is very good at holding phony photo ops with respect to the environment, but I didn't know your reading skills were deficient as well. Minister, the question is this: Is the McGuinty government going to set realistic targets for greenhouse gas emissions for Ontario which comply with the Kyoto accord or not? In terms of you and your Premier, are you going to vote for the climate change act which we have introduced, which will set Kyoto as the target, or are you going to vote against it? Which is it, Minister?

Hon. Ms. Broten: Ontario will continue to take a leadership role in this country with respect to helping Canada meet its international obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. We will not have a made-in-Alberta solution; we will not have a made-in-Texas solution. We have been straight and consistent with respect to our goal of capping and ratcheting down based on real targets. That is the way you fight climate change. That is the way you break the back of carbon and you reduce your CO 2 emissions.

Let me tell you about some of the announcements that you describe as photo ops that we have made. We have protected 1.8 million acres of greenbelt. We have contracts in place for 18 projects representing 1,300 megawatts of renewable power. We have invested $838 million to expand and modernize public transit in the GTA. And we will support investments in public transit, such as the York subway, that you do not.

Mr. Hampton: And virtually everything you talk about amounts to nothing more than promises to someday, perhaps, maybe take future action. That's the problem with the McGuinty government. You sign on to an American accord, which is not even Kyoto lite, and want to pass that off as somehow meeting the Kyoto requirements.

My question, again, is this: You're going to vote on this. Other members of the McGuinty government are going to vote on this. Are you going to vote to set Ontario's greenhouse gas emission targets according to the Kyoto accord or not, Minister? What's it going to be? You can't keep talking and doing nothing on a continuing basis. Are you in favour of Kyoto? Are you going to set Kyoto targets, or are you going to try to continue to spin the line?

Hon. Ms. Broten: I'm going to suggest that my friend pay closer attention to the actions being taken by our government, because last week, when we made our announcement that we would be undertaking discussions with American states that are taking leadership with respect to climate change, such as Governor Schwarzenegger, such as Governor Spitzer, I can tell you, sir, that I don't think Ontarians and folks around the world who know about this topic think that those individuals are not taking real action with respect to climate change.

They have put in place a regime that has received accolades from the David Suzuki Foundation and the Pollution Probe executive director. Let me tell you, I would prefer to take action that is receiving accolades from those two individuals than from you.

ONTARIO LOTTERY

AND GAMING CORP.

Mr. John O'Toole (Durham): My question is to the Deputy Premier, and it's on the lottery scandal issue. Minister, you are well aware now that we've had 113 questions, and we still have zero answers. The dodging, deflecting, dithering and denying continues, but the people of Ontario deserve better, and you know that.

We have established that the minister was aware, and does not deny, that meetings did occur in late August 2006. Perhaps the minister would tell the House today who attended those meetings and what was discussed.

Hon. George Smitherman (Deputy Premier, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): It's good to have the opportunity to have another member of the former government on record, standing in his place, taking absolutely no responsibility for a circumstance relating to Mr. Edmonds that happened on his party's watch.

We've taken very seriously the responsibility for ensuring that the confidence of the people of Ontario who are investing that dollar or two a week in the lottery is appropriately placed. And the evidence is that they're doing that in good numbers. I would assert that perhaps this is, in part, because we've taken so seriously the advice that came from KPMG and from the Ombudsman himself. We'll continue apace to implement all the recommendations that are there and continue to give confidence to the lottery-playing public of the province of Ontario.

Mr. O'Toole: Now we have 114 questions and still zero answers. The stonewalling and the covering up are the reasons why we want this matter referred to a standing committee of the Legislature for review. We need to have a process where we can get the answers required to restore the confidence and indeed the integrity of the lottery system.

Deputy Premier, if there is no cover-up and there's nothing you have to hide, and if this government is truly interested in transparency and accountability, then you will support our call to refer this whole affair to a standing committee. Will the minister support this motion in this House today? We're looking forward to an answer.

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: I too am looking forward to an answer. I want to know very badly why it is that the honourable member who sits in the front row remains silent on the circumstances associated with his very ministerial responsibility.

We have a good bit of information. The Ombudsman has investigated the circumstances rather thoroughly and, along with KPMG, has given very particular advice about the steps that should be taken, and we're taking those steps. In fact, they don't want to hear the quote, because they've heard it a lot, about the progress that was already in place—

Hon. Sandra Pupatello (Minister of Economic Development and Trade, minister responsible for women's issues): I want to hear it.

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: I don't have it at hand.

Subsequently, we're going to continue to pound away and to address the challenges that have been brought to everyone's attention in a very transparent fashion.

If the honourable members, in their conscience, have some recollection of the things they did or didn't do in government, then they should clear their conscience and let everybody know.

CITY OF TORONTO

Mr. Michael Prue (Beaches—East York): In the absence of the finance minister, my question is to the Deputy Premier. Today, the Minister of Finance was to meet with the city of Toronto's budget chief, Shelley Carroll, for what your officials describe as a listening exercise. What Toronto needs is not a listening exercise, but a government that is willing to take some action.

Toronto needs the finance minister to step up to the plate now so the city can provide badly needed light rail transit expansions, improve access to child care and recreation, and provide all the services for which it is responsible without the ignominy of having to raise taxes. Why have you and your government chosen to run a surplus budget for the province and let the city of Toronto do without?

Hon. George Smitherman (Deputy Premier, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): First off, it should come as absolutely no surprise to anyone in the province of Ontario that the NDP is against the idea that a government should have its books in balance. It's striking that in this place, after their failed five years, some in their party got it and left—

Interjection.

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: Yes, Bob got it. He's not stuck where you're stuck, which is in the idea that deficits are the norm. We believe fundamentally in a balanced budget. We're proud to be taking the steps to get there.

Along the way, the city of Toronto has received not only incredible respect and an acknowledgement of the crucial role they play as our province's capital, they have received new tools in the form of the City of Toronto Act, and they have received copious amounts of new resources from our government each and every year.

I represent Toronto, and I am very, very proud of the work that we've done. I'm proud as well, of course, that the finance minister continues to work with our partners at the city of Toronto to enhance the quality of life and opportunity in this fantastic city.

Mr. Prue: Mr. Deputy Premier, the only way that you were able to balance your budget was on the backs of the municipalities of this province. Toronto council has laboured over its shortfall throughout your government's entire mandate. You have bills to pay. You promised to fix the download of provincial services onto our cities because you said it was unfair, and you have singularly failed to do so. When will you start to pay your bills and relieve Toronto's hard-working property taxpayers of the burden of the $71 million that your government owes to them?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Mr. Speaker.

Hon. John Gerretsen (Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing): Let's just take a look at the facts and let's see what the city of Toronto has received from the province of Ontario this year alone: $26.7 million in housing funding; $222 million in TTC capital infrastructure; $200 million for TTC fleet modernization; in Ontario municipal partnership funding, OMPF, money they never received before, $79.4 million; $161 million in gas tax money, which they never received before this government came into office either; $200 million for TTC subway operations; $150 million for TTC vehicle replacement.

We believe in the city of Toronto. We're investing in the city of Toronto like no other government has done before, but they've got their own revenue tools as well. They should be looking at them the way they have, and that way, the city of Toronto can remain a viable—

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

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE /

VIOLENCE FAMILIALE

Ms. Monique M. Smith (Nipissing): My question is for the minister responsible for women's issues. First off, I'd like to join you in commending the first winners of the Leading Girls, Building Communities Award. It's great to see our government rewarding such outstanding young women for their wonderful achievements in promoting social change in their communities. It's also really great to have them here with us in the House today.

As we talk about their success and the success of our women's hockey team, I also want to bring to your attention and to the attention of those in the House the issue of other women in our community, women in my riding, but all across Ontario, who are suffering from domestic violence. This is a problem that I feel we must continue to work to prevent if Ontario is to be a safe and inviting place for women to work and live.

I know that much of the problem with domestic violence is that the signs of abuse go unnoticed by the people closest to the victims, whether they be neighbours, friends or even family members. Even more troubling is that even when the abuse is outwardly evident, many of those who are witness to it do not know what they can do to help the victim.

Minister, like other members in this Legislature, I would like to be able to instruct my constituents on what they can do if they suspect abuse is happening. I—

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

Hon. Sandra Pupatello (Minister of Economic Development and Trade, minister responsible for women's issues): I applaud the member from Nipissing for her interest in this matter. What is of great concern to us is that we move in the area of training, and that is training for all people on the front lines to help us identify when domestic violence may be going on.

One of the areas of training that is brand new to the government is assisting friends, neighbours and families in identifying signs of domestic violence. To that end, we have actually launched a program around neighboursfriendsandfamilies.ca. They can come to a website and they can get hold of pamphlets. The pamphlets are actually written in 14 different languages already. There are public service announcements already. This campaign is being launched in 70 different communities so far, with more communities signing on all the time. We're very pleased to see such a great take-up on this. It's information that neighbours, friends and families need to know.

Mais je me demande, en plus du financement et des programmes en place pour les femmes violentées dont nous venons d'entendre parler, qu'en est-il des services aux femmes francophones qui cherchent désespérément à s'échapper à la violence? Qu'avons-nous en place pour aider ces femmes et pour subvenir à leurs besoins uniques?

L'hon. M me Pupatello: La ministre des Services sociaux, s'il vous plaît.

L'hon. Madeleine Meilleur (ministre des Services sociaux et communautaires, ministre déléguée aux Affaires francophones): Moi aussi, je voudrais féliciter M me Smith de la circonscription de Nipissing pour son engagement envers les femmes qui sont en situation de violence. La violence faite aux femmes est une problématique humaine et sociale qui nous interpelle tous.

ONTARIO LOTTERY

AND GAMING CORP.

Ms. Lisa MacLeod (Nepean—Carleton): This is for the Deputy Premier—115 questions, zero responses.

There was a meeting on October 29, 2006, that was attended by top Liberal fixers Don Guy, Warren Kinsella, Bob Lopinski and Jim Warren. Media reports indicate that this meeting was held for the purposes of trying to spin the scandal. Rather than trying to fix the problem, it seems they tried to cover it up. This is not the action that Ontarians want or expect from their government, not when it comes to lottery tickets and their chance at the million. Will the Deputy Premier please tell us why the first instinct of his government was to cover this up rather than clean it up?

Hon. George Smitherman (Deputy Premier, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): I thought that the early part of the member's question was interesting, because it said "media reports." She's depending upon something that is not verified. But then she used the words "fix the problem," so here's the way I figure it: KPMG did a body of work and came back with an action plan. Subsequently, the Ombudsman did a very exhaustive investigative look at the circumstances. He indicated that those circumstances had been ongoing for more than a decade, traced back over a long period of time.

As a government, through the leadership of the minister and the leadership at OLG, we've been driving forward on the changes that have been recommended.

If anyone comes up to me on the street—and, by the way, I walk back and forth to work and the like and nobody has—I'd clearly say to them that we got a report. The report showed us—

Interjection.

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: I'm indeed very approachable. You're not very nice today.

But I'd just let them know that the report came back and said there's a bunch of stuff that needs to be done, and I'd let them know that we're bringing all the vigour in the world to get all of that done as fast as possible.

Ms. MacLeod: We all know the refrain by now: 116 questions and how many responses?

Interjections: Zero.

Ms. MacLeod: Zero. Dodge and deflect, dither and deny. This is why we need a standing committee of this Legislature to look into this matter so we can get the real answers without the stonewalling we're getting today and we've gotten every day for the past two weeks. If there's nothing to hide, if they did everything properly, if their first response came up in April of last year, if their instinct was to clean this scandal up rather than cover it up, there should be no problem with a committee investigation into what the minister's office knew and what the Premier's office knew and what they did about it.

So I'm going to ask it again: Will the Deputy Premier support our call for an investigation?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: As I've had the chance to say to many of the member's colleagues, I don't know what the member from Erie—Lincoln knows. She should ask him. If he's got anything that would be of benefit for everybody else to know, he should let them know.

The point is, the Ombudsman—the great, big, shiny light—went in there, took a good, hard look at the circumstances, developed an action plan, said he sees good results to date and encouraged us to move forward, and indeed we have, to restore the confidence of the lottery-playing public. And they are playing in very, very high numbers. So we agree: lots of problems there. They were there over a long period of time. We've got a really good plan and we're moving forward vigorously to implement it on behalf of the people of Ontario in an accountable fashion and consistent with our responsibilities.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Mr. Paul Ferreira (York South—Weston): In the absence of the finance minister, my question is to the Minister of Housing. Minister, we know that when it comes to affordable housing, your budget is a flimsy one. There is not a single new cent in this budget for affordable housing; it's all federal money, courtesy of the NDP's federal budget passed in 2005.

Minister, we've learned that your meagre monthly housing allowance violates the federal government's operating principles for how federal money can be spent, failing to use it to create and build new affordable housing. Minister, will you admit that your affordable housing plan does not add up?

Hon. John Gerretsen (Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing): Only the NDP can possibly say, in a budget that contains $127 million of new housing funding to our municipal partners and $181 million of housing allowances for 27,000 low-income-earning families in this province, that that's not good enough. We're saying that it's a darn good start. It's going to live up to our housing commitment to create 20,000 new units of housing in this province and 35,000 housing allowances in this province.

We believe that the investments we're making to help the low-earning wage earners of this province is good for the economy and it's good for those individuals who need that housing support; 27,000 families are going to benefit from this across the province. We think that's a darn good start to deal with these issues.

Mr. Ferreira: The minister's answer, indeed, is not good enough. In fact, it's pretty thin gruel that this government is offering low-income Ontarians, who are in desperate need of real, affordable housing.

The minister dodged my question, so I'm going to quote for him an answer from the federal Minister of Finance on his half-baked plan: "The new funding is not intended to support ongoing operational funding for existing social housing stock, rent subsidies, or to replace provincial and territorial investments in affordable housing."

My question to the minister is, will he admit that even though the NDP came through in the 2005 federal budget, your government has not delivered on affordable housing in the way that it was intended?

Hon. Mr. Gerretsen: I know this member is a new member, and the first question he should really answer for the students in his riding is why he is against the subway expansion to York University.

We believe that after many years of inactivity, both at the provincial level and the federal level, in the housing area, we have over the two and a half years since we signed the agreement with the federal government done more in housing than any other government in recent memory.

We believe that the 27,000 housing allowances that are going to help low-wage-earning parents and families in this province, as well as the $127 million that we've given over to housing providers across this province to utilize in the best way they know how to actually deal with housing issues that may be different from community to community, is a darn good way to help low-income families. We are proud of this program, and we know that many families in this province will benefit from the program that we announced in the budget.

IMMIGRANT SERVICES

Ms. Deborah Matthews (London North Centre): My question is for the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. Ontario is the great province it is today thanks in large part to the contributions of newcomers from all over the world. The recent release of the 2006 census data indicates that the country is becoming increasingly reliant on immigration to meet population growth targets and labour market needs. In fact, over the last three years, the London area has welcomed over 7,000 newcomers and will, I trust, continue to do so.

Newcomers now account for over two thirds of Canada's population growth, and with our aging population and low birth rates, immigrants will actually keep our population from declining in the future. But most newcomers settle in only a few urban areas. What are we doing to encourage newcomers to settle outside the GTA?

Hon. Mike Colle (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration): I want to thank the member from London North Centre for her question. As you know, Mr. Speaker, the member from London North Centre has done some cutting-edge, widely acclaimed research on demographic trends in Ontario, so she knows what she's talking about. One of the key things we've done in our government is that we've established immigration gateways across Ontario, so we are encouraging immigrants to look at centres for settlement other than Toronto.

We get enough in Toronto, but we're trying to encourage immigrants to go to London, to Windsor, to Ottawa, Sudbury and Brantford because we think those are great communities. That's why they've established international web portals in London, access centres and more program enhancement in those centres outside of Toronto, including Niagara, to attract immigrant investment, immigrant families to go to those great Ontario communities.

Ms. Matthews: Now, as Mary Williamson of the Cross Cultural Learner Centre in London indicated in the London Free Press, London wants to attract more skilled workers and people who are making choices as to where they live in the world.

You were recently in London for the launch of London's immigration portal and also the new access centre at WIL, a one-stop resource centre for immigrants and for employers. Minister, how is this access centre going to assist newcomers to come to and settle in London?

Hon. Mr. Colle: The one-stop access centre for newcomers that is now established in London is a model of the one that's already established in Toronto and the GTA on the TRIEC model. The access centre connects employers with newcomers and provides services to both so they can go to one stop and get all the information so they can follow a career or open up a business or find settlement services in London. London is a model city because Middlesex and London and the mayor, Anne Marie DeCicco-Best, are leaders in ensuring that they say to the whole world that London is a welcoming place for newcomers.

They've got the services now, they have the coordination of all the different community groups, so London is the place to go if you're looking to settle in Ontario, as is Mississauga, as is Mimico, as is Ottawa, Sault Ste. Marie. Come to Ontario; we want you.

ONTARIO LOTTERY

AND GAMING CORP.

Mr. Toby Barrett (Haldimand—Norfolk—Brant): My question is for the Deputy Premier. Just in case anybody has lost count, we're at 117 questions now and no answers on this lottery scandal.

Murray Campbell in the Globe and Mail last week: "It's just too patronizing for words." We know of the April 11, 2006, e-mail to the lottery minister's office. That was one year ago today. Minister Caplan said that this was just another routine FOI e-mail, there was nothing to it, that his office didn't get involved. But the Deputy Premier just a short time ago in this House said the appropriate machinery responded. Perhaps the Deputy Premier will tell us what the appropriate machinery was and how it responded one year ago, on April 11, 2006.

Hon. George Smitherman (Deputy Premier, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): I want to comment on the fact that the opposition party today has moved a lot of their questions around, but I find it very interesting that the former minister is not amongst those who's being given the opportunity to ask the questions. Perhaps it is because he knows all the answers. But the reality is that we're enormously grateful for the leadership of our colleague the Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal, and the team has worked to address issues of confidence that were developed in the reports by the Ombudsman and KPMG.

It indicated that there had been a pattern over a long period of time. Way more to the point, it gave us precise direction about how to move forward. We're addressing those on point, and I would say to the people of the province of Ontario that through the good leadership of the Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal confidence in the lottery corporation is stronger and getting stronger each and every day.

Mr. Barrett: Well, 118 questions now, zero answers. We know they're deflecting, dithering and denying. That's why we need a committee of this Legislature. We need a committee to take a look into the flow of information between the Premier's office, the minister's office and OLGC. If there's nothing to hide, if everything is above board and there's no cover-up, there should be no problem to have an all-party standing committee of this House.

Deputy Premier, my question: Will you support our call for an all-party committee to get to the bottom of this?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: The member likes the use language like "cover-up," and the thing that concerns us a lot is that we have a report from the Ombudsman that was written recently, after a very, very exhaustive bit of investigative work.

Interjection.

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: Oh, excuse me.

The problem we have is that from over there, they keep raising the spectre of a cover-up, which leads us to wonder what it was the member for Erie—Lincoln was up to. I really think that this is a matter for inside the family of that political party. They should ask those questions.

For our part, we've got a couple of reports from KPMG and the Ombudsman, and we're pounding forward vigorously on implementation to ensure that confidence, which is good today, gets better each and every day, and that more people invest their dollar or two in their hopes and in their dreams.

ONTARIO ARTISTS

Ms. Cheri DiNovo (Parkdale—High Park): My question is to the Deputy Premier. Minister, today the Ontario Federation of Labour was here representing thousands of cultural workers in this province. They were angry about the status of the artist act you introduced, because it is completely and totally inadequate. Instead of making meaningful change for the artists in Ontario, this government has done nothing other than celebrate artists for one weekend.

When are you going to keep your promise and introduce status of the artist legislation that actually improves the lives and incomes of Ontario's artists?

Hon. George Smitherman (Deputy Premier, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): I want to just illuminate an issue for the benefit of the Toronto members in the back row of the NDP—a quote from Mr. Howard Hampton this morning: "We don't need another subway mega-project that might perhaps happen sometime four, five years or six years from now extending the subway line into a lightly populated York region."

This is a very important moment to mark: that the historic position of the New Democratic Party of at least 12 or 13 years in our city has been reversed today by the member from remote northwestern Ontario. He's against Toronto, and he's against the idea that we have public transit that allows us to move.

On this issue of status of the artist, here's a quote from Rosario Marchese circa 1991: "I am committed to working with the arts community and my colleagues in other ministries to develop a strong and effective status of the artist policy in Ontario." Rosario Marchese, June 1991.

Ms. DiNovo: This is a new low across the aisle. Mr. Marchese's—

Interjections.

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

Hon. David Caplan (Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal, Deputy Government House Leader): Don't worry, we know; we know that—

The Speaker: The government House leader.

Mr. Richard Patten (Ottawa Centre): It's not a new low. I wouldn't talk about your colleagues like that.

The Speaker: The member for Ottawa Centre.

Interjections.

The Speaker: We'll just wait.

The member for Parkdale—High Park.

Ms. DiNovo: Yes, Mr. Speaker. All those Ontario cultural workers and artists are listening to this, and they're going to be reading the Hansard, and this is what you haven't done: You've done nothing to put into place recommendations of your own status of the artist report; you've done nothing to help child performers or to address the concerns of my Bill 191; you've done nothing to address housing issues for artists in Ontario; and you've done nothing to address collective bargaining issues for artists in Ontario. All you've done is a weekend in June.

This government should be absolutely appalled at their own inaction and the ridiculous answer we received which had nothing to do with the question.

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: The honourable member ought to borrow a little machine from the member in the front row. As one example, she says, "Nothing for housing for the artists." What about the TTC Wychwood barns project that you never had the capacity to move along? Housing for people in the arts is just one small example of our dedication to artists. Community museum operating grants up; cultural renaissance; investments all across the landscape in Toronto; Ontario Heritage Act; status of the artist legislation; entertainment and creative industries; arts education, $25 million; community libraries, $15 million; and a 38% increase to the Ontario Arts Council.

When those artists read the Hansard and they see the hollow kinds of questions the new member is sending, they'll understand everything about the dart from the Toronto Star that this member proudly received recently.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Order. New question.

WATER PROTECTION

AND CONSERVATION

Mr. Bruce Crozier (Essex): I have a quiet, soothing, refreshing question for the Minister of the Environment. Thanks to the Clean Water Act, we now have some of the safest and best-protected drinking water in Canada. I am still surprised that the Conservative and NDP members voted against legislation that implements 12 of the recommendations from the Walkerton inquiry.

I'd like to highlight that the Clean Water Act also protects the Great Lakes. Proximity to the Great Lakes is one of the many benefits of living in my riding of Essex. Protecting the Great Lakes is very important to my constituents, and I'm proud to be part of a government that is committed to keeping the Great Lakes for generations to come.

Minister, you recently introduced an important piece of legislation, the Safeguarding and Sustaining Ontario's Water Act. How will that act benefit Ontario?

Hon. Laurel C. Broten (Minister of the Environment): I'm very pleased to have a question that allows us to talk about the importance our government places on protecting the environment and protecting our sources of drinking water, rather than playing politics when it comes to water or the environment.

I know where the Harris-Eves-Tory party stood for many years and continues to stand today. They say that Ontario should give away its water for free. They say that water bottlers, slurry makers and other heavy consumers of water who make profits from those sales should pay nothing—nothing—for Ontario's water. We disagree, and our government says it's about time that industry pay its fair share to protect Ontario's most precious resource, and that is a legacy that we will be proudly leaving for generations to come.

The proposed water charges are in line with the actions taken by many other jurisdictions in North America. We are going to conserve and protect our waters in the Great Lakes and around Ontario for generations to come.

Mr. Crozier: We are all aware of the fact that 70% of Ontarians get their drinking water from the Great Lakes, and I'm pleased that you were able to explain why we are having to implement a modest water-taking charge. But I also know that you have travelled across the province, that you've met with important rural representatives in my own riding, in the riding of Chatham—Kent Essex and in others across the province, and it's clear that you have the best interests of rural Ontario at heart.

Since we're on the topic of clean, safe drinking water, would you mind clearing up some of the misconceptions out there that the members of the official opposition and the NDP caucus are perpetuating throughout rural Ontario about the important steps the McGuinty government is taking to protect drinking water in our great province?

Hon. Ms. Broten: We have a history in this province that has brought very much to light that it's not easy or inexpensive to have high standards for our drinking water. We learned those lessons from Walkerton and we've learned them from Justice O'Connor.

I have to say that I'd ask the Conservative Party, the party of John Tory, to stop fearmongering in rural Ontario. We've committed $120 million for source protection already. Our Clean Water Act includes an Ontario drinking water stewardship program that will provide rural Ontarians with $7 million in 2007-08 and $21 million over the next three years to allow for outreach education and to fund early action to protect drinking water. Ron Bonnett, past president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, says, "This first-stage financial assistance goes a long way toward addressing the concerns of the farming community."

Our government is listening to rural Ontario. I'd like to reassure rural Ontarians that we are not planning on metering their private wells, and I would encourage the members of the opposition to stop scaremongering.

ONTARIO LOTTERY

AND GAMING CORP.

Mr. Norm Miller (Parry Sound—Muskoka): My question is for the Deputy Premier. One hundred and nineteen questions so far and still zero answers. The dodging and deflecting, dithering and denying have got to stop. The people of Ontario need to have their faith restored that this government acted to close the barn door before the horse fled, not after. But as we've seen over the course of the last two and half weeks, over the last 119 questions, this government has refused to come clean about when it knew it and what it knew. That's why we need a committee to investigate.

Will the minister agree to refer this matter to a committee of the Legislature so we can clear up this matter once and for all?

Hon. George Smitherman (Deputy Premier, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): I'm grateful for one more opportunity to answer this question, but somewhat disappointed that yet again it hasn't come from the member for Erie—Lincoln. He likes to talk. He likes to talk about hiding under the desk, and it seems that he's become rather expert as this issue has been around the Ontario Legislature. Perhaps—

Interjection.

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: Oh, he is here, Mr. Speaker, only not in his seat.

The Ombudsman and KPMG have given us awfully strong advice about the steps that must be taken to restore all the confidence that may have been put at risk as a result of the challenges at the OLG over a long period of time. We've made really good progress already, and we're very dedicated, on behalf of those players in the province of Ontario, to move forward on all of the recommendations. We will continue to dedicate our daily energy to building on the recommendations that have been made. We think that the big light has been exposed, and it's our responsibility to move forward as swiftly as we can to address the recommendations on point. That's what we're doing.

Mr. Miller: One hundred and twenty questions; zero answers. The minister continues to dodge and deflect, dither and deny, and the questions go unanswered.

If there's nothing to hide, if everything was above board, if when they first found out they acted to clean it up rather than cover it up, there should be no problem with an investigation into the minister's office, the Premier's office and the OLG. What are you afraid of? Why won't you act to clear the air and agree to send this matter to committee?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: That's 120 opportunities when members over there made a determination that it was better to pursue this than to offer Ontarians a piece of public policy, as an example, or to ask questions in the Legislature about matters related to health, education, the environment and circumstances for children. Those are their choices and we respect that, but our obligation is to address the information that's been made available as a result of the exhaustive work of the Ombudsman and the advice of KPMG.

Everybody who's been around a long time knows—no one perhaps as well as the member from Erie—Lincoln—or has reviewed the Ombudsman's report. They know there are concerns that have been raised, and anyone who's been interested is very well aware of those. Our responsibility is to move forward, in as prompt a fashion as possible, to address on point the recommendations that were made, and we will continue to bring all of our energy dedicated to that very task.

NUCLEAR WASTE

Mr. Peter Tabuns (Toronto—Danforth): A question for the Deputy Premier: In the last month, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization has said that it would accept burial of nuclear waste in sedimentary rock in southern Ontario. Can you tell us if any community in Ontario will be exempted from being an area that may be considered for the deposit of nuclear waste; for instance, London?

Hon. George Smitherman (Deputy Premier, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): I know that the Minister of the Environment and others will look forward to the opportunity to address that question with the honourable member, building on past responses to it. But I would like to take the opportunity to speak to him as a Toronto member.

I'm very puzzled why your party leader has today reversed a long-standing NDP policy to build a new subway line to York University and beyond to York region, and especially why your party's fascination and fixation on issues in northwestern Ontario related to employment have not mattered one little bit for the hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of workers at plants in northwestern Ontario who will be put out of work as a result of this policy reversal.

Why doesn't the honourable member—a Toronto member with that weak-kneed Toronto back row—stand in his place and tell us, is he in favour of the subway line to York University and beyond to York region or does he stand with the historic policy reversal of his leader, who has abandoned the workers of northwestern Ontario?

PETITIONS

SMOKING LOUNGES

Mr. Toby Barrett (Haldimand—Norfolk—Brant): I have a petition set up by Jack Murray from Norview Lodge to maintain smoking rooms at Norview Lodge.

"Whereas Norview Lodge constructed their new home, including two designated smoking rooms, in compliance with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care design standards, 1998;

"Whereas it would cost the county taxpayers $60,000 to renovate the existing rooms to meet smoke-free Ontario design requirements;

"Whereas we do not feel it's safe to force residents outside to enjoy a cigarette;

"Whereas Norview Lodge becomes the home of the residents and they therefore should be afforded the opportunity to smoke in their home;

"We, the undersigned, petition the provincial government to provide for grandfathering in the legislation to allow smoking rooms that were built in compliance with the most recent design standards to remain open."

I agree with the sentiments and affix my signature.

FRAUD

Mr. Gilles Bisson (Timmins—James Bay): I have a petition signed by 331 people from the community of Val Rita in regard to a particular issue within the municipality dealing with fraud, and I table this with the Legislature.

REGULATION OF ZOOS

Mr. Bruce Crozier (Essex): I have a petition to the Ontario Legislative Assembly regarding the regulation of zoos to protect animals and communities.

"Whereas Ontario has the weakest zoo laws in the country; and

"Whereas existing zoo regulations are vague, unenforceable and only apply to native wildlife; and

"Whereas there are no mandatory standards to ensure adequate care and housing for zoo animals or the health and safety of animals, zoo staff, the visiting public or neighbouring communities; and

"Whereas several people have been injured by captive wildlife and zoo escapes are frequent in Ontario; and

"Whereas these same regulatory gaps were affirmed recently by the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario in his annual report;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to support MPP David Zimmer's bill, the Regulation of Zoos Act."

In support of it, I put my signature to the petition.

VISITOR

Mr. John O'Toole (Durham): I'd like to take a moment to introduce, in the visitors' gallery, James Moffat, the training and trades coordinator for the Ontario Sheet Metal Workers' and Roofers' Conference, and welcome him to the chamber.

LAKERIDGE HEALTH

Mr. John O'Toole (Durham): I'm also reading a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

"Whereas Durham hospitals currently receive" $279 "per person less funding than the rest of Ontario hospitals; and

"Whereas our hospitals need strong community support to address the issues of hospital funding inequity between hospitals in Durham region and hospitals outside the GTA 905 corridor; and

"Whereas the Ontario" McGuinty "government, by providing $7 million in ongoing funding and a one-time … $1-million cash infusion, is forcing Lakeridge Health to cut costs by $8 million; and

"Whereas these cuts come in the form of (1) major reductions in addiction care, child and adolescent mental health and crisis intervention services; (2) coverage of payment to physicians; (3) potential consolidations of some services from smaller sites" in "Bowmanville and Port Perry … and other so-called 'efficiencies';

"Therefore,

be it resolved that the CAW, Local 222, Retired Workers Chapter, representing some 9,500 retired auto workers and their families in Durham call on the Ontario government to support Lakeridge Health to (1) maintain essential core services at each site according to their current health service plan; (2) maintain their current addiction and mental health programs; and (3) maintain the current level of Lakeridge Health staff positions, volunteers and foundations whose caring, hard work and dedication have helped Lakeridge Health rank in the top 25% of hospitals in terms of efficiencies."

This petition has been submitted to me by Bernie Heming and a number of other retired workers from the CAW in the riding of Durham. I'm pleased to support this and present it to Alex.

REGULATION OF ZOOS

Mr. Jeff Leal (Peterborough): There seems to be great support across Ontario for MPP David Zimmer's bill.

"Whereas Ontario has the weakest zoo laws in the country; and

"Whereas existing zoo regulations are vague, unenforceable and only apply to native wildlife; and

"Whereas there are no mandatory standards to ensure adequate care and housing for zoo animals or the health and safety of animals, zoo staff, the visiting public or neighbouring communities; and

"Whereas several people have been injured by captive wildlife and zoo escapes are frequent in Ontario; and

"Whereas these same regulatory gaps were affirmed recently by the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario in his annual report;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to support MPP David Zimmer's bill, the Regulation of Zoos Act."

With a world-renowned zoo in Peterborough, I will affix my signature to this petition.

LONG-TERM CARE

Mr. Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North): "To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas Ontario will not meet the needs of its aging population and ensure access to hospital services unless long-term-care homes can provide the care and services that residents need; and

"Whereas staff are now run off their feet trying to keep up and homes are unable to provide the full range of care and programs that residents need or the menu choices that meet their expectations; and

"Whereas dietary, housekeeping and other services that residents and their families value are being put at risk by increasing operating costs; and

"Whereas some 35,000 residents still live in older homes, many with three- and four-bed ward rooms and wheelchair-inaccessible washrooms; and

"Whereas, on November 23, 2006, this Legislature unanimously passed a private member's motion asking the government to introduce a capital renewal program for B and C homes; and

"Whereas such a program is required to support the limited-term licensing provisions in the proposed new Long-Term Care Homes Act;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to increase long-term-care operating funding by $390 million in 2007 and $214 million in 2008 to provide an additional 30 minutes of resident care, enhance programs and meal menus and address other operating cost pressures, and introduce a capital renewal and retrofit program for all B and C homes, beginning with committing to provide $9.5 million this year to renew the first 2,500 beds."

I'm happy to sign this and support it.

SALE OF DOMESTIC

WINES AND BEERS

Mr. Kim Craitor (Niagara Falls): I have 28,000 signatures on the following petition that I want to submit. The petition reads as follows:

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas the province of Ontario restricts the sale of domestic wines and beers to the LCBO, the Beer Store and a few winery retail stores; and

"Whereas other provinces (notably Quebec) have been selling beer and wine in local convenience stores ... without any harm to the well-being of the public; and

"Whereas it is desirable to promote the sale of 100% Ontario VQA wines and Ontario brewed beer in a convenient manner consistent with a contemporary society, to promote locally grown and produced products, and support local convenience stores; and

"Whereas it is obvious that the market trends of selling wines and beer in convenience stores is not 'if' but when;

"We, the undersigned, hereby petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to amend the Liquor Control Act to permit the sale of 100% Ontario grown VQA wines and Ontario brewed beer in local convenience stores to the public throughout the province" of Ontario.

I'm pleased to sign my signature in support of this petition.

LONG-TERM CARE

Mr. John O'Toole (Durham): I'm pleased to present a petition, and with your indulgence, it's from Strathaven Lifecare Centre, Marnwood Lifecare Centre, Fosterbrooke community nursing home in Port Perry, Wynfield in north Oshawa, and from their administrators, community advisory councils and the residents in the long-term-care facilities in my riding. It reads as follows:

"Whereas Ontario will not meet the needs of its aging population and ensure access to hospital services unless long-term-care homes can provide the care and services that residents need; and

"Whereas staff are now run off their feet trying to keep up and homes are unable to provide the full range of care and programs that residents need or the menu choices that meet their expectations; and

"Whereas dietary, housekeeping and other services that residents and their families value are being put at risk by increasing operating costs; and

"Whereas some 35,000 residents still live in older homes, many with three- and four-bed ward rooms and wheelchair-inaccessible washrooms; and

"Whereas, on November 23, 2006, this Legislature unanimously passed a private member's motion" requesting "the government to introduce a capital renewal program for B and C homes; and

"Whereas such a program is required to support the limited-term licensing provisions in the proposed new Long-Term Care Homes Act," Bill 140;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to increase long-term-care operating funding by $390 million in 2007 and $214 million in 2008 to provide an additional 30 minutes of resident care, enhance programs and meal menus and address other operating cost pressures, and introduce a capital renewal and retrofit program for all B and C homes, beginning with committing to provide $9.5 million this year to renew the first 2,500 beds."

I'm pleased to present this to Craig and sign it on behalf of my constituents.

TUITION

Ms. Cheri DiNovo (Parkdale—High Park): This petition is:

"To Stop Tuition Fee Hikes and Improve Access and Quality in Post-Secondary Education

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas the Ontario Liberal government cancelled the tuition fee freeze after only two years and approved fee increases of up to 36% over the next four years; and

"Whereas tuition fees in Ontario have increased by more than four times the rate of inflation over the past 15 years; and

"Whereas a majority of Ontarians oppose tuition fee increases and support greater public funding for colleges and universities; and

"Whereas improvements to student financial assistance are undermined by fee increases; and

"Whereas the Ontario government's recent increase to student loan limits is set to push student debt to approximately $28,000 for a four-year program; and

"Whereas per student investment in Ontario still lags significantly behind the vast majority of jurisdictions in North America;

"Therefore we, the undersigned, support the Canadian Federation of Students' call to stop tuition fee hikes and petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to:

"—reduce tuition fees to 2004 levels for all students in Ontario and implement an immediate tuition fee freeze;

"—increase public funding for post-secondary education to promote access and quality;

"—expand access to financial aid in Ontario, especially for part-time students; and

"—double the number of upfront, need-based grants for Ontario students."

I agree with this petition and affix my signature hereto.

REGULATION OF ZOOS

Mrs. Maria Van Bommel (Lambton—Kent—Middlesex): This petition is on behalf of constituents in Wallaceburg, Petrolia, Strathroy and Chatham.

"Petition to the Ontario Legislative Assembly

"Regulate Zoos to Protect Animals and Communities

"Whereas Ontario has the weakest zoo laws in the country; and

"Whereas existing zoo regulations are vague, unenforceable and only apply to native wildlife; and

"Whereas there are no mandatory standards to ensure adequate care and housing for zoo animals or the health and safety of animals, zoo staff, the visiting public or neighbouring communities; and

"Whereas several people have been injured by captive wildlife and zoo escapes are frequent in Ontario; and

"Whereas these same regulatory gaps were affirmed recently by the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario in his annual report;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to support MPP David Zimmer's bill, the Regulation of Zoos Act."

I affix my signature to it as well.

LONG-TERM CARE

Mr. Norm Miller (Parry Sound—Muskoka): I have a petition to do with Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare funding, and it reads:

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas demand for health services is expected to continue to rise with a growing retirement population in Muskoka-East Parry Sound; and

"Whereas studies indicate that overcrowded emergency rooms result in higher mortality rates; and

"Whereas growing demand and lack of availability of long-term-care beds place increased pressure on acute care beds; and

"Whereas the operating budget for MAHC must reflect the growing demand for service in the communities of Muskoka-East Parry Sound;

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

"That the McGuinty government and the Minister of Health provide adequate increases in the operating budget of Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare to maintain current health services for the people of Muskoka-East Parry Sound and allocate more long-term-care beds for Muskoka-East Parry Sound."

I support this petition.

GRAVESITES OF FORMER PREMIERS

Mr. Jim Brownell (Stormont—Dundas—Charlottenburgh): I have a petition presented to me by some members of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario. It reads as follows:

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas the Premiers of Ontario have made enormous contributions over the years in shaping the Ontario of today; and

"Whereas, as a result, the final resting places of the 18 deceased Premiers are among the most historically significant sites in the province, but have yet to be officially recognized; and

"Whereas, were these gravesites to be properly maintained and marked with an historical plaque and a flag of Ontario, these locations would be a source of pride to the communities where these former Premiers lie buried, and provide potential points of interest for visitors;

"Now therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

"Enact Bill 25,

An Act to preserve the gravesites of former Premiers of Ontario."

As I agree with this petition, I have affixed my signature.

OPPOSITION DAY

BORDER INFRASTRUCTURE

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora—Rainy River): I move that, in the opinion of this House, the 2007 Ontario budget fails to address the pressing need for border infrastructure in the Windsor region; and

That, in the opinion of this House, the McGuinty government must immediately commit to funding the Windsor-Detroit corridor infrastructure, including tunnelled access to the next border crossing, and guarantee that there will be no toll roads.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Michael Prue): Mr. Hampton has moved opposition day motion number 2. The leader of the third party.

Mr. Hampton: The most recent provincial budget of the McGuinty government failed a lot of people in Ontario. It failed low-income Ontarians who work for minimum wage. They work hard and play by the rules but can't get ahead because the McGuinty government continues to insist on a minimum wage that is, frankly, too low. It failed Ontario families who need a real child care plan. It failed to fix the school funding formula. It failed a number of communities.

Today I want to raise the issues surrounding how this budget failed a particular region: the region of Windsor—Essex.

Windsor and District Labour Council president Gary Parent was quoted in a recent Globe and Mail

article as saying that Windsor is an economic barometer, that where Windsor is going, the economy of Ontario is sure to follow. That is not good, because as of March 2007, the unemployment rate in Windsor has now reached 10.6%, one of the highest unemployment rates the city has experienced in many, many years and one of the very highest unemployment rates in the province. With that kind of unemployment rate, Ontario is in trouble if Windsor is a barometer.

In contrast to an unemployment rate of 10.6%, I believe in a good job for everyone. That's because a good job is the best way to make sure that working families share in the province's prosperity. In Ontario, manufacturing jobs are some of our very best jobs. But there is a very clear crisis in Ontario's manufacturing heartland: a jobs crisis. Since June 2004, over 140,000 of Ontario's good manufacturing jobs have been lost, and Windsor has been hit especially hard.

These aren't just numbers. These are people with families, mortgages, car payments; people who work hard and who play by the rules so they can make a decent living. The McGuinty government is letting these people down. The McGuinty government's failed policies are responsible for the destruction of 140,000 Ontario manufacturing jobs; jobs with good pay, good benefits, decent pensions. The McGuinty government refuses to do anything to address these issues—other than the Premier giving himself a $40,000 pay raise.

People from Windsor know that when manufacturing plants close down and auto plants lay off workers, those lost jobs will have an impact far greater than the immediate number.

These problems are affecting Ontarians throughout the province, but in particular, they are hurting people in the Windsor—Essex region.

Windsor is facing some very difficult circumstances, as I say, with an unemployment rate in March 2007 of 10.6%. This is very serious. While Windsor needs action on a variety of fronts, inconsistent crossing times or delays for trucks at the Ambassador Bridge, which handles 25% of our nation's trade with the United States, cost the Windsor-Essex region and all of Ontario millions of dollars in lost manufacturing investment and jobs.

It's very clear: Windsor needs better border infrastructure to sustain jobs. For a decade, the people of Windsor have suffered because governments have tried to cut corners at the border. Once again, sadly, it looks like it's going to happen under the McGuinty government—a McGuinty government that is taking Windsor for granted. This is why I and my NDP colleagues have decided to raise the border infrastructure issues in Windsor today.

The McGuinty government could have done something about this in its recent budget but decided not to, so we want to make sure that the people of Windsor, the workers in Windsor, are not alone in calling for action now. The people of Windsor have noticed the McGuinty government's failure on this issue. They've noticed the fact that while a lot has been said, nothing much has happened.

Within a day of the provincial budget being tabled, members of the Windsor media were already calling the budget a failure and demanding action from Windsor's two absentee cabinet ministers. In the Windsor Star, Gord Henderson wrote that Dwight Duncan had been hung out to dry by his cabinet colleagues, and that if Duncan's contention "that the province's commitment to a third crossing is 'real and unequivocal,'" then "why didn't Sorbara refer to it in his budget speech and attach a price tag?"

The Windsor Star, in an editorial the day after the budget, said, "It's about time that Dwight Duncan and Sandra Pupatello showed finance minister Greg Sorbara a map of Ontario that includes the city of Windsor. If they can still remember where Windsor is, of course, because it is hardly to be found in Ontario's budget, which doles out cash for infrastructure projects in pretty much every region of the province except for Windsor and Essex county."

The people of Windsor know the McGuinty Liberals didn't stand up for them in this most recent provincial budget. They