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June 26, 2002

37th Parliament, 3rd Session

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Hansard Transcripts

vol. A

Hansard Transcripts

vol. B

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcripts 2002-Jun-26 (PDF)

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L'ONTARIO

Wednesday 26 June 2002 Mercredi 26 juin 2002

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

MATER'S MORTGAGES

EVENTS IN CALEDONIA

INCINERATION

CAMBRIDGE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

WORLD CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIP

ELVIS ZOVIC

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

TIMMINS MINING PROJECT

POLICE OFFICERS OF THE YEAR

SOINS À DOMICILE /

HOME CARE

VISITOR

REPORTS BY COMMITTEES

STANDING COMMITTEE

ON JUSTICE AND SOCIAL POLICY

STANDING COMMITTEE ON

REGULATIONS AND PRIVATE BILLS

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

LOI DE 2002

SUR LE TRAITEMENT PARITAIRE

DES RAPPORTS OFFICIELS

EN DEUX LANGUES /

OFFICIAL REPORTS IN TWO LANGUAGES PARITY ACT, 2002

RED LIGHT CAMERAS PILOT PROJECTS EXTENSION ACT, 2002 /

LOI DE 2002 SUR LA PROROGATION

DES PROJETS PILOTES AYANT TRAIT AUX DISPOSITIFS PHOTOGRAPHIQUES RELIÉS AUX FEUX ROUGES

CARE HOMES ACT, 2002 /

LOI DE 2002 SUR LES MAISONS DE SOINS

GASOLINE CONSUMER

PROTECTION ACT, 2002 /

LOI DE 2002 SUR LA PROTECTION

DES CONSOMMATEURS D'ESSENCE

BAN ON DRIVE-THROUGH RESTAURANTS IN TORONTO ACT, 2002 /

LOI DE 2002 SUR L'INTERDICTION

DE CONSTRUIRE DES RESTAURANTS PERMETTANT LES SERVICES À L'AUTO DANS TORONTO

BORDER SECURITY

MOTIONS

HOUSE SITTINGS

DEFERRED VOTES

HYDRO ONE INC. DIRECTORS

AND OFFICERS ACT, 2002 /

LOI DE 2002 SUR LES ADMINISTRATEURS

ET LES DIRIGEANTS DE HYDRO ONE INC.

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT ACT, 2002 /

LOI DE 2002 SUR LA GESTION

DES ÉLÉMENTS NUTRITIFS

RESCUING CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL

EXPLOITATION ACT, 2002 /

LOI DE 2002

SUR LA DÉLIVRANCE DES ENFANTS

DE L'EXPLOITATION SEXUELLE

ORAL QUESTIONS

EDUCATION FUNDING

NOTICE OF DISSATISFACTION

HYDRO DAM SAFETY

COMPETITIVE ELECTRICITY MARKET

EDUCATION FUNDING

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

LONG-TERM CARE

SLOT MACHINES

REGIONAL IMMIGRATION STRATEGY

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

DOCTOR SHORTAGE

ONTARIO DISASTER RELIEF ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE SERVICES

ONTARIO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

TRAITEMENT

DES RAPPORTS OFFICIELS /

TREATMENT OF OFFICIAL REPORTS

CONSUMER PROTECTION

PETITIONS

CHILDREN'S HEALTH SERVICES

HEALTH CARE

LONG-TERM-CARE FACILITIES

HEALTH CARE

CHILDREN'S HEALTH SERVICES

MATER'S MORTGAGES

COMPETITIVE ELECTRICITY MARKET

EDUCATION FUNDING

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

HYDRO ONE

ONTARIO DISABILITY

SUPPORT PROGRAM

SALE OF SCHOOLS

ORDERS OF THE DAY

TIME ALLOCATION

Wednesday 26 June 2002 Mercredi 26 juin 2002

The House met at 1330.

Prayers.

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

MATER'S MORTGAGES

Mr James J. Bradley (St Catharines): I'm rising in the Legislature today to make yet another plea on behalf of the individuals, many of them in

their senior years, who have been engaged in a very lengthy court case with the government of Ontario involving their financial losses from their investment in Mater's Mortgages.

The court case was initiated in September 1994 on behalf of over 4,000 individuals who were hopeful this matter would be resolved within months of the

commencement of the legal proceedings. To their dismay and disappointment, the court case has dragged on for almost eight years and there are few signs it will be concluded in the near future

without the co-operation of the government's lawyers.

Investors are of the view that lawyers acting for the government are deliberately placing obstacles in the way of a speedy resolution of the case and have

expressed the wish that a fair, out-of-court settlement be reached, or at the very least, that the legal proceedings be concluded quickly in the court.

Former Attorney General James Flaherty was kind enough to meet with representatives of the Mater's Mortgages investors and indicated, in response to a question

from me in the Legislature on November 24, 1999, that he was open, through the case management procedure, to assisting in expediting the resolution of these types of cases. Unfortunately, the case

remains mired in procedural wrangling.

I believe their case has the potential to be resolved relatively expeditiously through the mediation process, and I ask the Attorney General to assist by

instructing the lawyers acting for the government to co-operate in this regard.

EVENTS IN CALEDONIA

Mr Toby Barrett (Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant): I wish to let members know of a number of events coming up in the booming community of Caledonia.

First is the July 1 parade. It's one of the best-run community parades in our area over the summer. Over the civic holiday weekend we have what's referred to as

Golden Horseshoe Days. A pioneer village is constructed each year and features horse pulls and antique tractors. Of course there is the Caledonia Fair on into September.

This is a community that is experiencing very rapid growth. In fact, Haldimand county is one of the 20 fastest-growing communities in Ontario. The growth of

Caledonia alone is responsible for close to 60% of the population increase we're seeing in a traditionally rural area south of Hamilton.

Of course, with more people comes the need for more and better services. I am proud to have played a role in securing government funding for Caledonia's twin pad

arena and library project. Discussions with stakeholders have paid off with a provincial grant of close to $2 million.

I'm also very pleased with developments with respect to the mid-Niagara corridor, which will parallel the northern boundary of Haldimand. Yet again, coupled with

other initiatives, it can only bode well for the future economic development of this part of Ontario.

INCINERATION

Ms Caroline Di Cocco (Sarnia-Lambton): I must point out that there is a grave concern around the hazardous waste incinerator and landfill in St

Clair township. All the ministers, including the current Minister of Environment, have shown an appalling lack of due diligence in this matter. This government is jeopardizing the health of the

population and causing great harm to the environment.

Safety-Kleen is an example whereby the environmental assessment done for expansion entailed the new process begun in 1996 that's been described as having more

political intervention in decision-making and far less environmental planning.

The limits currently applicable to the hazardous incinerator at Safety-Kleen are less stringent than in the United States and less stringent than those

applicable to non-hazardous incinerators.

This hazardous incinerator and landfill is in the middle of prime farmland. A number of organic farmers have had to sell their properties because they were no

longer able to sell their food. The stack has the largest mercury output in the province. The possible contamination of crops and livestock, as well as the health risks to people, have been ignored

by all the Ministers of Environment of this government.

As was the case in Walkerton, the people of Sarnia-Lambton will pay the consequences for such incompetence and disregard for the environment.

CAMBRIDGE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Mr Gerry Martiniuk (Cambridge): More good news from Cambridge. I would like to bring to the House's attention an important environmental

achievement: the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment has named Cambridge Memorial Hospital winner of this year's Pollution Prevention Award. This is the first time that a hospital has

won this award in the organizational category, which includes most public institutions across Canada.

This award is the ninth time in three years that this hospital has been recognized for its outstanding leadership role in environmental managing. They are truly

a leader in Ontario.

You may recall that in the year 2000 Cambridge Memorial Hospital was the first community hospital in North America to receive ISO 14001 certification for

environmental management. This is a certification that is granted to only the finest organizations in their chosen application.

I would like to commend the staff, volunteers and board members for their continued hard work. The recognition they have received is due to the ongoing,

day-by-day effort of each and every member of front-line staff. I would especially like to recognize CEO Helen Wright, chair Charlie Wilson, former chair Mary Margaret Laing, members of the board

and the green team project leaders for their efforts to protect our precious environment. A big thank you from Cambridge and Ontario.

WORLD CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIP

Mr Dominic Agostino (Hamilton East): In October of 2003, the city of Hamilton will be hosting the World Cycling Championship. This is a

world-class lead event, probably the third-largest event in the world at any time when it comes to spectator sports. It is the largest single sporting event for the year 2003. There will be over

1,000 athletes from over 50 countries, 800 media, 450,000 spectators, plus a 500-million worldwide TV viewership.

I rise here today to urge this government to meet its end of the commitment to the World Cycling Championship. The federal government has put in $10 million

since October of last year. The city of Hamilton and the World Cycling Championship have asked the province of Ontario to come through with the $5 million that's part of its share for the World

Cycling Championship.

This government has seen fit to fund money toward the Olympic bid, and that's the right thing to do, and toward other sporting events, and it has been the right

thing to do. It is the right thing to ensure the $5 million that is necessary to ensure the success of the World Cycling Championship in Hamilton for the year 2003 is delivered by Ontario.

This event is one of the top sporting events in the world. It is an amazing sport when it comes to television audiences, particularly in Europe. It is only the

second time this event has been held in Canada. It was in Montreal in 1974.

I ask you today, I ask this government, I urge the government to come through with the $5 million that has been requested for the World Cycling Championship for

the city of Hamilton and be part of a team that's going to make it the greatest World Cycling Championship we've ever had in the history of the world.

ELVIS ZOVIC

Mr Doug Galt (Northumberland): Thank you for the opportunity to pay tribute to the career and life of a young Toronto Police Service constable

who was killed yesterday in a traffic accident. Elvis Zovic was only 26 years old. He was a young man with a bright future, a man who was just beginning his career as a police officer in

Toronto.

Constable Zovic was on his way to work yesterday morning when he was involved in a motor vehicle collision that took his life. He joined the Toronto Police

Service in October 1999 and had just begun what he considered a dream assignment. Constable Zovic had joined the mounted unit based at the Canadian National Exhibition only two weeks ago. Prior to

that, he worked as a uniformed officer at 22 division. Constable Zovic was excited about starting this new phase of his career. Staff Sergeant William Hurley at 22 division said he had a big love

of animals. As a veterinarian, I can relate to that.

Toronto Police Chief Julian Fantino paid tribute to the young officer, saying he was a consummate professional. He breathed and lived his job. Chief Fantino

called Constable Zovic's death a heart-wrenching situation and a terrible loss.

On behalf of the government of Ontario, I'd like to extend my heartfelt condolences to Constable Zovic's family and to the Toronto Police Service. We can only

imagine the grief they are feeling that such a young and promising life has been cut so tragically short.

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Mr Michael Gravelle (Thunder Bay-Superior North): The Conservative government's abandonment of children in this province with complex special

needs requiring residential placements is appalling beyond words. Despite legislation the Tories themselves brought forward which requires the government to enter into special-needs agreements with

these desperate families, hundreds of children are simply being tossed aside as their parents struggle to find appropriate full-time care.

Earlier today I hosted a media conference at which several families talked about their frantic efforts to get the government to meet its legislative obligation

to provide that care. Nancy Latowsky spoke about her son, Josh, who has been assessed as a priority for residential placement. Her only option appears to be a forced agreement to give up parental

custody of Josh in order to receive that care. This is unbelievable in light of the fact that former Premier Mike Harris said in this House last year that this would never be forced on any

family.

Mark and Suzanne Bashall told an astonishing story of a lawsuit brought against them by their local children's aid society demanding the Bashalls pay a portion

of the costs of the full-time care for their 11-year-old son, Christopher. What in God's name is going on? The CAS has recently backed down from the lawsuit, but is now threatening to simply take

their child out of this care, care which is the Bashalls' right under the law.

Minister Elliott, Nancy Latowsky and Mr and Mrs Bashall are in the members' gallery today. They are justifiably demanding that you meet with them after question

period today. Minister, surely this is the least you can do. This horrific treatment by the province is totally unacceptable and must be dealt with face to face by the minister. Minister, go and

meet with them.

TIMMINS MINING PROJECT

Mr Gilles Bisson (Timmins-James Bay): I would urge the minister to meet with these people.

Anyway, I'm actually up today in order to congratulate the government on something. Can you believe it?

I know it's hard to believe, but we have in a community in the city of Timmins a mining project that is still at the initial stages. It's Globex, it's a

talc-magnesium find that's just south of the city of Timmins. The mine itself is expected, should it come into production, to bring in over 100 jobs directly in the mining company. The big issue

for us in Timmins is, what happens to the smelter?

It has been learned that Globex, with the Quebec government, which has been very aggressive in trying to attract that investment into their province, has been

offering all kinds of incentives and all kinds of encouragement to have Globex establish the smelter in Rouyn.

As the local member for Timmins-James Bay, I have been after the government, talking to the minister and others, about trying to sit down with Globex to see what

can be done in the province of Ontario in order to compete with our Quebec neighbours and make sure we're able to bring that investment to the community of Timmins.

We're not able to announce today that we're anywhere near that, but I want to encourage and thank the government for actually having taken the time to pick up on

my request to meet with Globex. We'll be doing that later on this afternoon, listening to the presentation and then working together with the community of Timmins and the greater community of

Ontario to be able to find some way, should this project actually get off the ground, to attract a smelter investment in Timmins. I look forward to working with the government on that point.

POLICE OFFICERS OF THE YEAR

Mrs Margaret Marland (Mississauga South): Mississauga recently honoured its 2002 Police Officers of the Year in an awards ceremony held at city

hall. The five Peel regional police officers who received this prestigious award are Staff Sergeant Randy Patrick and Constables Dave Andrews, Darren Longpre, Ian Porter and Warren Robinson. They

were recognized for their tireless efforts in apprehending a team of suspects who are believed to be responsible for a dangerous heist at a Money Mart store in Mississagua.

The prime suspect in this crime, armed with a handgun, lay in wait for two Brinks guards, grabbed a money bag containing more than $100,000, stole a guard's .38

special revolver and fled on foot to a getaway vehicle. The officers implemented a plan involving 74 other officers from four police services. As a result, the key suspect was arrested and charged

with 11 Criminal Code offences, while six collaborators were also charged. Moreover, the prime suspect was in the midst of committing another Brinks robbery on the day he was arrested.

On behalf of all residents in Mississauga, I am privileged to congratulate these exceptional police officers. Your fine work is an example to your profession and

to our community. I would also like to commend all the officers with Peel Regional Police Service, Canada's fourth-largest police force and, in my opinion, our country's best police service. We are

very grateful that you are willing to risk your lives in order to serve and protect us. Thank you.

SOINS À DOMICILE /

HOME CARE

M me Claudette Boyer (Ottawa-Vanier): Compte tenu de l'importance des centres d'accès aux soins communautaires et du nombre

d'appels que j'ai à mes bureaux, je me dois encore une fois de rappeler à cette Assemblée le sort pitoyable de beaucoup de gens qui tentent de vivre dans leur foyer avec l'aide des

soins communautaires.

Budgets are cut, services are cut, housekeeping is cut, bathing is cut, attending care is cut, yet the clients' needs are constantly growing. Enough has been

said in this Legislature about home care.

The last time I spoke about this in the Legislature, I was asked to provide examples. Well, I hold a letter here from a constituent. She is 49 and handicapped.

Last August she was receiving six hours of service, in October five, and in June one hour per week. That translates as no washing, no ironing, no meal preparation, no grocery shopping and no

housekeeping.

Elle complète en disant qu'il lui reste deux choix : l'euthanasie ou le suicide assisté. Et ça, c'est une personne. Combien d'autres sont

dans la même situation ?

This Legislature adjourns tomorrow and summertime is a time of rest and reflection. I don't know how much rest will be afforded to those whose very existence

depends on these services for daily life, but I certainly hope that the Minister of Health will take time to reflect on the needs of these people and the pressing need to increase funding to

community home care so that they can live in their homes in dignity.

VISITOR

Mr AL McDonald (Nipissing): On a point of order, Mr Speaker: We have a special guest in the gallery today, First Class Constable Ryan Berrigan

of 22 division, Peel Regional Police Service, and his friend Jennifer. Policing must be in his blood, because his proud father, George Berrigan, is the chief of police of the city of North Bay.

Welcome.

REPORTS BY COMMITTEES

STANDING COMMITTEE

ON JUSTICE AND SOCIAL POLICY

Mr Toby Barrett (Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant): I beg leave to present a report of the standing committee on justice and social policy and move its

adoption.

Clerk at the Table (Ms Lisa Freedman): Your committee begs to report the following bill as amended:

Bill 74,

An Act to amend the Marriage Act / Projet de loi 74, Loi modifiant la

Loi sur le mariage.

The Speaker (Hon Gary Carr): Shall the report be received and adopted? Agreed.

This bill is therefore ordered for third reading.

STANDING COMMITTEE ON

REGULATIONS AND PRIVATE BILLS

Mr Rosario Marchese (Trinity-Spadina): I beg leave to present a report from the standing committee on regulations and private bills and move its

adoption.

Clerk at the Table (Ms Lisa Freedman): Your committee begs to report the following bills without amendment:

Bill Pr3,

An Act respecting the City of Ottawa.

Bill Pr8,

An Act to revive 1397399 Ontario Inc.

Bill Pr10,

An Act respecting Royal Ottawa Health Care Group/Services de Santé Royal Ottawa.

The Speaker (Hon Gary Carr): Shall the report be received and adopted? Agreed.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

LOI DE 2002

SUR LE TRAITEMENT PARITAIRE

DES RAPPORTS OFFICIELS

EN DEUX LANGUES /

OFFICIAL REPORTS IN TWO LANGUAGES PARITY ACT, 2002

Mr Bisson moved first reading of the following bill:

The Speaker (Hon Gary Carr): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

The member for a brief statement?

M. Gilles Bisson (Timmins-Baie James): La loi est très simple. Elle vise à modifier la Loi 8 pour s'assurer que, quand il y a

temps.

RED LIGHT CAMERAS PILOT PROJECTS EXTENSION ACT, 2002 /

LOI DE 2002 SUR LA PROROGATION

DES PROJETS PILOTES AYANT TRAIT AUX DISPOSITIFS PHOTOGRAPHIQUES RELIÉS AUX FEUX ROUGES

Mr Sterling moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 149,

An Act to extend the red light cameras pilot projects to November 20, 2004 or for an indefinite period / Projet de loi 149, Loi visant à

proroger jusqu'au 20 novembre 2004 ou indéfiniment les projets pilotes ayant trait aux dispositifs photographiques reliés aux feux rouges.

The Speaker (Hon Gary Carr): Is the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

The minister for short statement?

Hon Norman W. Sterling (Minister of Transportation): Two years ago, at the request of municipalities, our government introduced legislation

that has allowed them to test the effectiveness of red light cameras at intersections. The sunset date on that legislation was November 20 of this year. Five of the six municipalities have asked us

to extend the term of that pilot project to November 20, 2004. We are complying with the request, and I ask all members of this Legislature to support the extension of this date.

CARE HOMES ACT, 2002 /

LOI DE 2002 SUR LES MAISONS DE SOINS

Mrs McLeod moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 162,

An Act to provide for the accreditation of care homes, to protect the rights of tenants and to amend the Tenant Protection Act, 1997 / Projet de loi

162, Loi prévoyant l'agrément de maisons de soins, protégeant les droits des locataires et modifiant la Loi de 1997 sur la protection des locataires.

The Speaker (Hon Gary Carr): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

The member for a short statement?

Mrs Lyn McLeod (Thunder Bay-Atikokan): Very briefly, the purpose of the bill is to put in place a bill of rights for the tenants of care

homes, and to establish a care homes review board that is empowered to investigate complaints and to enforce the bill of rights. The bill also provides for the creation of an annually updated

registry of care homes.

This bill was first introduced and debated in this House two years ago. It was defeated by the government of the day, which said they were going to introduce

their own legislation. In the absence of that legislation having been presented, I felt it was appropriate to reintroduce the bill for debate.

GASOLINE CONSUMER

PROTECTION ACT, 2002 /

LOI DE 2002 SUR LA PROTECTION

DES CONSOMMATEURS D'ESSENCE

Mr Crozier moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 163,

An Act to provide information to consumers respecting the price of gasoline and the ownership of gasoline retailers and to require certain additional

information from major oil companies / Projet de loi 163, Loi visant à fournir des renseignements aux consommateurs en ce qui concerne le prix de l'essence et l'appartenance des

détaillants d'essence et exigeant certains renseignements supplémentaires de la part des grosses sociétés pétrolières.

The Speaker (Hon Gary Carr): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

The member for a short statement?

Mr Bruce Crozier (Essex): The main part of this bill is taken from Fairness at the Pump: Ontario Gas Prices Review Task Force report, that was

prepared for the Honourable R.W. Runciman when he was Minister of Consumer and Commercial Relations.

The bill requires every gasoline retailer to advertise a change in the price of gasoline at the retailer's gas station at least 72 hours before changing the

price. The bill also requires gasoline retailers to indicate on their price signs what portion of the price is dedicated to tax.

The bill requires gasoline retailers that are affiliated with major gasoline retailers to indicate their affiliation on signs at their gas stations and on

receipts issued at their gas stations.

Finally, the bill requires large oil companies that produce, refine and market gasoline to file segmented earnings reports with the Minister of Consumer and

Business Services annually.

BAN ON DRIVE-THROUGH RESTAURANTS IN TORONTO ACT, 2002 /

LOI DE 2002 SUR L'INTERDICTION

DE CONSTRUIRE DES RESTAURANTS PERMETTANT LES SERVICES À L'AUTO DANS TORONTO

Mr Bryant moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 164,

An Act to ban drive-through restaurants in the former cities of Toronto and York and the former Borough of East York / Projet de loi 164, Loi visant

à interdire de construire des restaurants permettant les services à l'auto dans les anciennes cités de Toronto et de York et dans l'ancienne municipalité d'East York.

The Speaker (Hon Gary Carr): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

The member for a short statement?

Mr Michael Bryant (St Paul's): Thank you, Speaker. Happy birthday to the member from Essex, I should add.

The bill regulates the issuing of building permits for constructing drive-through restaurants in the former cities of Toronto and York and the former borough

of East York. It seeks to restore live-in communities, against drive-through traffic, environmental hazards and erosion of our neighbourhoods in midtown Toronto.

BORDER SECURITY

Hon Carl DeFaria (Minister of Citizenship, minister responsible for seniors): On a point of order, Mr Speaker: A few weeks ago, we were

addressing the issue of the proposed change to a US regulation that would limit tourists' stays in the US to 30 days and seriously affect Canadian snowbirds.

Our government was active in supporting the efforts of Ellen White, president, and Heather Nicolson-Morrison, executive director, of the Canadian Snowbird

Association, who were successful in obtaining a letter from the commissioner stating that all eligible Canadians are exempt from the 30-day rule.

These impressive ladies are with us and I'd ask that they be recognized in this House.

MOTIONS

HOUSE SITTINGS

Hon Chris Stockwell (Minister of Environment and Energy, Government House Leader): I have a very important motion. I move that pursuant to

standing order 9(c)(ii), the House shall meet from 6:45 pm to midnight on Wednesday, June 26, 2002, for the purpose of considering government business and satisfying the member for St

Catharines.

The Speaker (Hon Gary Carr): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry?

All those in favour will please say "aye."

All those opposed will please say "nay."

In my opinion, the ayes have it.

Call in the members. This will be a five-minute bell.

The division bells rang from 1401 to 1406.

The Speaker: All those in favour of the motion will please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

Ayes

Agostino, Dominic

Arnott, Ted

Baird, John R.

Barrett, Toby

Bartolucci, Rick

Beaubien, Marcel

Boyer, Claudette

Bradley, James J.

Brown, Michael A.

Bryant, Michael

Caplan, David

Chudleigh, Ted

Clark, Brad

Cleary, John C.

Clement, Tony

Coburn, Brian

Conway, Sean G.

Cordiano, Joseph

Crozier, Bruce

Curling, Alvin

DeFaria, Carl

Di Cocco, Caroline

Dombrowsky, Leona

Duncan, Dwight

Dunlop, Garfield

Ecker, Janet

Elliott, Brenda

Eves, Ernie

Flaherty, Jim

Galt, Doug

Gerretsen, John

Gilchrist, Steve

Gill, Raminder

Gravelle, Michael

Guzzo, Garry J.

Hardeman, Ernie

Hastings, John

Hoy, Pat

Hudak, Tim

Jackson, Cameron

Johnson, Bert

Kells, Morley

Kennedy, Gerard

Klees, Frank

Kormos, Peter

Kwinter, Monte

Lalonde, Jean-Marc

Marland, Margaret

Martiniuk, Gerry

Mazzilli, Frank

McDonald, AL

McLeod, Lyn

Miller, Norm

Molinari, Tina R.

Munro, Julia

Mushinski, Marilyn

Newman, Dan

O'Toole, John

Ouellette, Jerry J.

Parsons, Ernie

Patten, Richard

Peters, Steve

Phillips, Gerry

Pupatello, Sandra

Ramsay, David

Runciman, Robert W.

Ruprecht, Tony

Sampson, Rob

Smitherman, George

Spina, Joseph

Sterling, Norman W.

Stewart, R. Gary

Stockwell, Chris

Tascona, Joseph N.

Tsubouchi, David H.

Turnbull, David

Wettlaufer, Wayne

Wilson, Jim

Witmer, Elizabeth

Wood, Bob

Young, David

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

Nays

Bisson, Gilles

Hampton, Howard

Marchese, Rosario

Martel, Shelley

Martin, Tony

Clerk of the House (Mr Claude L. DesRosiers): The ayes are 81; the nays are 5.

The Speaker: I declare the motion carried.

Mr Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): On a point of order, Speaker: I'm hoping, in view of this gesture of conciliation on my part toward the

government, that they might reconsider their position on ensuring that Bill 77, Marilyn Churley's adoption rights bill, receives third reading before the House adjourns.

Hon Mr Stockwell: On a point of order, Mr Speaker: To the third party House leader, I'm sorry, your foot is still in your mouth.

DEFERRED VOTES

HYDRO ONE INC. DIRECTORS

AND OFFICERS ACT, 2002 /

LOI DE 2002 SUR LES ADMINISTRATEURS

ET LES DIRIGEANTS DE HYDRO ONE INC.

Deferred vote on the motion for second reading of Bill 80,

An Act respecting directors and officers of Hydro One Inc. and its subsidiaries / Projet de loi 80,

Loi concernant les administrateurs et les dirigeants de Hydro One Inc. et de ses filiales.

The Speaker (Hon Gary Carr): Call in the members. This will be a five-minute bell.

The division bells rang from 1411 to 1416.

The Speaker: All those in favour, please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

Ayes

Agostino, Dominic

Arnott, Ted

Baird, John R.

Barrett, Toby

Bartolucci, Rick

Beaubien, Marcel

Bradley, James J.

Brown, Michael

Bryant, Michael

Caplan, David

Chudleigh, Ted

Clark, Brad

Cleary, John C.

Clement, Tony

Coburn, Brian

Conway, Sean G.

Cordiano, Joseph

Crozier, Bruce

Curling, Alvin

DeFaria, Carl

Di Cocco, Caroline

Dombrowsky, Leona

Duncan, Dwight

Dunlop, Garfield

Ecker, Janet

Elliott, Brenda

Eves, Ernie

Flaherty, Jim

Galt, Doug

Gerretsen, John

Gilchrist, Steve

Gill, Raminder

Gravelle, Michael

Guzzo, Garry J.

Hardeman, Ernie

Hastings, John

Hoy, Pat

Jackson, Cameron

Johnson, Bert

Kells, Morley

Kennedy, Gerard

Klees, Frank

Kwinter, Monte

Lalonde, Jean-Marc

Levac, David

Marland, Margaret

Martiniuk, Gerry

Mazzilli, Frank

McDonald, AL

McLeod, Lyn

Miller, Norm

Molinari, Tina R.

Munro, Julia

Murdoch, Bill

Mushinski, Marilyn

O'Toole, John

Ouellette, Jerry J.

Parsons, Ernie

Patten, Richard

Peters, Steve

Phillips, Gerry

Pupatello, Sandra

Ramsay, David

Runciman, Robert W.

Ruprecht, Tony

Sampson, Rob

Smitherman, George

Spina, Joseph

Sterling, Norman W.

Stewart, R. Gary

Stockwell, Chris

Tascona, Joseph N.

Tsubouchi, David H.

Turnbull, David

Wettlaufer, Wayne

Wilson, Jim

Witmer, Elizabeth

Wood, Bob

Young, David

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

Nays

Bisson, Gilles

Hampton, Howard

Kormos, Peter

Marchese, Rosario

Martel, Shelley

Martin, Tony

Clerk of the House (Mr Claude L. DesRosiers): The ayes are 79; the nays are 6.

The Speaker: I declare the motion carried.

Pursuant to the order of the House dated June 19, 2002, this bill is ordered for third reading.

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT ACT, 2002 /

LOI DE 2002 SUR LA GESTION

DES ÉLÉMENTS NUTRITIFS

Deferred vote on the motion for third reading of Bill 81,

An Act to provide standards with respect to the management of materials containing nutrients used on

lands, to provide for the making of regulations with respect to farm animals and lands to which nutrients are applied, and to make related amendments to other Acts / Projet de loi 81, Loi

prévoyant des normes à l'égard de la gestion des matières contenant des éléments nutritifs utilisées sur les biens-fonds, prévoyant la prise de

règlements à l'égard des animaux d'élevage et des biens-fonds sur lesquels des éléments nutritifs sont épandus et apportant des modifications connexes à

d'autres lois.

The Speaker (Hon Gary Carr): Call in the members. This will be a five-minute bell.

The division bells rang from 1419 to 1424.

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

Ayes

Arnott, Ted

Baird, John R.

Barrett, Toby

Beaubien, Marcel

Chudleigh, Ted

Clark, Brad

Clement, Tony

Coburn, Brian

DeFaria, Carl

Dunlop, Garfield

Ecker, Janet

Elliott, Brenda

Eves, Ernie

Flaherty, Jim

Galt, Doug

Gilchrist, Steve

Gill, Raminder

Guzzo, Garry J.

Hardeman, Ernie

Hastings, John

Hudak, Tim

Jackson, Cameron

Johnson, Bert

Kells, Morley

Klees, Frank

Marland, Margaret

Martiniuk, Gerry

Mazzilli, Frank

McDonald, AL

Miller, Norm

Molinari, Tina R.

Munro, Julia

Murdoch, Bill

Mushinski, Marilyn

Newman, Dan

O'Toole, John

Ouellette, Jerry J.

Runciman, Robert W.

Sampson, Rob

Spina, Joseph

Sterling, Norman W.

Stewart, R. Gary

Stockwell, Chris

Tascona, Joseph N.

Tsubouchi, David H.

Turnbull, David

Wettlaufer, Wayne

Wilson, Jim

Witmer, Elizabeth

Wood, Bob

Young, David

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

Nays

Agostino, Dominic

Bartolucci, Rick

Bisson, Gilles

Bradley, James J.

Brown, Michael A.

Bryant, Michael

Caplan, David

Cleary, John C.

Conway, Sean G.

Cordiano, Joseph

Crozier, Bruce

Curling, Alvin

Di Cocco, Caroline

Dombrowsky, Leona

Duncan, Dwight

Gerretsen, John

Gravelle, Michael

Hampton, Howard

Hoy, Pat

Kennedy, Gerard

Kormos, Peter

Kwinter, Monte

Lalonde, Jean-Marc

Levac, David

Marchese, Rosario

Martel, Shelley

Martin, Tony

McLeod, Lyn

Parsons, Ernie

Patten, Richard

Peters, Steve

Phillips, Gerry

Pupatello, Sandra

Ramsay, David

Ruprecht, Tony

Smitherman, George

Clerk of the House (Mr Claude L. DesRosiers): The ayes are 51; the nays are 36.

The Speaker: I declare the motion carried.

Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.

RESCUING CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL

EXPLOITATION ACT, 2002 /

LOI DE 2002

SUR LA DÉLIVRANCE DES ENFANTS

DE L'EXPLOITATION SEXUELLE

Deferred vote on the motion for third reading of Bill 86,

An Act to rescue children trapped in the misery of prostitution and other forms of sexual

exploitation and to amend the Highway Traffic Act / Projet de loi 86, Loi visant à délivrer les enfants prisonniers de la prostitution et d'autres formes d'exploitation sexuelle et

modifiant le Code de la route.

The Speaker (Hon Gary Carr): Call in the members. This will be a five-minute bell.

The division bells rang from 1428 to 1433.

The Speaker: All those in favour, please rise one at time and be recognized by the Clerk.

Ayes

Agostino, Dominic

Arnott, Ted

Baird, John R.

Barrett, Toby

Bartolucci, Rick

Beaubien, Marcel

Bradley, James J.

Brown, Michael A.

Bryant, Michael

Caplan, David

Chudleigh, Ted

Clark, Brad

Cleary, John C.

Clement, Tony

Coburn, Brian

Conway, Sean G.

Cordiano, Joseph

Crozier, Bruce

Curling, Alvin

DeFaria, Carl

Di Cocco, Caroline

Dombrowsky, Leona

Duncan, Dwight

Dunlop, Garfield

Ecker, Janet

Elliott, Brenda

Eves, Ernie

Flaherty, Jim

Galt, Doug

Gerretsen, John

Gilchrist, Steve

Gill, Raminder

Gravelle, Michael

Guzzo, Garry J.

Hardeman, Ernie

Hastings, John

Hoy, Pat

Hudak, Tim

Jackson, Cameron

Johnson, Bert

Kells, Morley

Kennedy, Gerard

Klees, Frank

Kwinter, Monte

Lalonde, Jean-Marc

Levac, David

Marchese, Rosario

Marland, Margaret

Martel, Shelley

Martin, Tony

Martiniuk, Gerry

Mazzilli, Frank

McDonald, AL

McLeod, Lyn

Miller, Norm

Molinari, Tina R.

Munro, Julia

Murdoch, Bill

Mushinski, Marilyn

Newman, Dan

O'Toole, John

Ouellette, Jerry J.

Parsons, Ernie

Patten, Richard

Peters, Steve

Phillips, Gerry

Pupatello, Sandra

Ramsay, David

Runciman, Robert W.

Ruprecht, Tony

Sampson, Rob

Smitherman, George

Spina, Joseph

Sterling, Norman W.

Stewart, R. Gary

Stockwell, Chris

Tascona, Joseph N.

Tsubouchi, David H.

Turnbull, David

Wettlaufer, Wayne

Wilson, Jim

Witmer, Elizabeth

Wood, Bob

Young, David S.

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

Nays

Bisson, Gilles

Hampton, Howard

Kormos, Peter

Clerk of the House (Mr Claude L. DesRosiers): The ayes are 84; the nays are 3.

The Speaker: I declare the motion carried.

Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.

ORAL QUESTIONS

EDUCATION FUNDING

Mr Gerard Kennedy (Parkdale-High Park): My question is for the Premier. It was reported in the media today that you're about to get tough with

school boards. Today, facing you in the gallery, are parents and students of a number of boards you've already got tough with; you've got tough on their kids' education. You've done that,

especially in urban areas like Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton and London that have all felt compelled to either pass deficits to fund the success of their students or to make cuts they can't in good

conscience make.

Premier, they want to know what kind of government you really lead. Are you a government that is prepared to listen to parents and students like this? Are you

prepared to tell them today that there's some possibility you don't know more than them and their boards, and that in fact you might make changes that would allow the cuts not to happen or these

boards not to have to defy you by passing deficits?

Premier, I want to ask you today to speak to these parents and these students. Are you prepared to make changes in your funding of the school boards that find

themselves in difficulty, unable to provide the services needed for their students?

Hon Ernie Eves (Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs): The honourable member will know that the Minister of Education and the

Minister of Finance have already provided for an extra $557 million in addition to the funding that was already going to all boards of education across the province of Ontario. We are responding.

We are also of course conducting a review of the funding formula, which will become an annual exercise as we go forward, to meet the needs of students in all 72 boards across Ontario.

Mr Kennedy: Premier, what the parents and students here today need is not an exercise, not public relations, not annually; they need you as

the Premier right now. Sitting in the corner is Kate Godsman. Kate Godsman has written a letter. In the letter she talks about the loss of education assistants in the kindergarten at the school she

goes to. She says that when kids are not taught what they need to know in kindergarten, they need more learning centres and reading clinics, and that this costs more money than having kindergarten

assistants and the kids don't feel as good about themselves.

areas, and your one-size-fits-all formula doesn't help them. Premier, since you've been Treasurer, you've taken away from that student, Kate Godsman, $2,016 worth of support since 1995.

I want you to speak to Kate Godsman and her mother, who are here, and tell them: is there a chance, is there a possibility that you, now the Premier, formerly

the Treasurer, will be putting back some of that $2,000 worth of support you've taken away from her and all the other students in the Toronto school board?

Hon Mr Eves: I'd like to know from the honourable member if he thinks every child in Ontario should have an equal opportunity for education,

regardless of where they are, where they're born, what their circumstances are. Whether it's Marathon or Markham, should they have an equal opportunity, yes or no?

Mr Kennedy: Kate Godsman is only nine years old, but I think she knows a bad answer. Premier, Kate Godsman and the other students and parents

are facing you now, and what they're looking for is for you to acknowledge that you took some $616 million out of the Toronto school board, $117 million out of Ottawa, $50 million out of London and

$54 million out of Hamilton.

Premier, when you say "equal," you mean equal misery. You mean, bring everybody down. You mean less for students like Kate Godsman; you mean less for each of

these students here.

Premier, you're sending investigators to these boards, probably all around the province. Instead, will you meet with these students? They're here, these

students and these parents, in room 351. There are over 100 of them. They want to know what kind of Premier you are. Are you a Premier prepared to give excellent education or are you going to make

them watch their schools deteriorate, crumble down and lose programs? Give us an answer.

Hon Mr Eves: First of all, let me correct the record. Since I have been the Premier, since April 15, I have not taken out one cent from any

board of education across the province and we have put in --

Interjections.

Hon Mr Eves: He said since I became the Premier. Hello? Earth to Dwight. You know these things? They're called ears.

The Speaker (Hon Gary Carr): Order. The member for Sudbury and the member for Kingston and the Islands, come to order please.

Minister?

Hon Mr Eves: The honourable member well knows that since April 15 this government has put an additional $557 million into the public education

system in Ontario. Only a Liberal could regard an additional expenditure of half a billion dollars as nothing, as a decrease as opposed to an increase in spending. There are 72 boards of education

in the province of Ontario. Every child in every board deserves an equal opportunity for education and success in Ontario and that is exactly what the fundamental funding formula is in this

government. We will continue to make sure, whether a child happens to be born in Marathon or Markham, that they get an equal opportunity to that education.

NOTICE OF DISSATISFACTION

Mr Gerard Kennedy (Parkdale-High Park): On a point of order, Mr Speaker: I want to express my dissatisfaction with the Premier's answer and

request a late show. I also want to send the Premier actual figures.

The Speaker (Hon Gary Carr): You can file that with the table.

HYDRO DAM SAFETY

Mr Sean G. Conway (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke): My question is to the Minister of Energy and it concerns hydroelectric dams in the open and

competitive electricity market that we've had in Ontario since May 1, 2002. You and all members of the Legislature know that a few weeks ago, on May 1, the electricity market opened to competition

in Ontario. Can you inform this Legislature: to the best of your knowledge, have hydroelectric generators changed their operating procedures to contemplate changes that are occasioned by the open

and competitive electricity market as compared to procedures those hydroelectric generators might have had in the pre-May 1, 2002, marketplace?

Hon Chris Stockwell (Minister of Environment and Energy, Government House Leader): I want to thank the member for the notice that he gave me

of the question. I appreciate it.

I can only tell you that the comments I've made to date are the comments that stand. I met with the Attorney General's office today and there's an OPP

investigation right now. The feeling is that if I offer up any more information, there could be a possibility it could prejudice that investigation. The information I've received, I've received,

and I've been informed that I can't comment any further than what I said yesterday and today. Those questions, I suppose, will be dealt with in the investigation.

Mr Conway: Several of my constituents, long-time residents of the Calabogie area, believe that a significant part of the tragedy that occurred

along the Madawaska River near the Barrett Chute generating station this past Sunday afternoon had to do with changes in the operating procedures of the hydroelectric stations that have long been

established on the lower Madawaska River. What do you have to say to those constituents of mine living in the Calabogie area who have those concerns and those questions?

Hon Mr Stockwell: Spills of water by operators of hydroelectric dams happen from time to time, and it's not just with respect to Hydro needs.

It could be other situations with respect to the amount of water they have. I can only tell you that those particular processes that were put in place are now being fully inspected and reviewed by

OPG. They have not only phoned but they're now physically sending people out to each individual dam to check it. This spill, as they say, is something that they have done for many years, not

specifically on this site, but spills around dams and other places.

That's all the information that I am prepared to give or that I'm allowed to give, and I can assure you that all the other dams that work in this practice are

having all their practices assessed and reviewed before any more spills take place.

Mr Conway: Minister, there have been hydroelectric dams on the Madawaska River for nearly a century. Long-time residents of the Calabogie area

have told me that what happened at the Barrett Chute-High Falls area this past Sunday afternoon, June 23, which tragically claimed the lives of two of my constituents and injured several more, was

both unexpected and quite unprecedented. There are in the province of Ontario over 70 hydro dams generating something like 7,000-plus megawatts of our electricity. It seems clear that the open

marketplace for electricity has brought about a change in the operating procedures of these hydroelectric stations.

My question is, not just on behalf of my constituents in the Calabogie area but on behalf of all Ontarians and those visiting our province this summer: can you

table with us today in writing the specific requests you have made of all hydroelectric generators in this province and the kinds of responses you have gotten or expect to get from those generators

to show the people of Ontario and their representatives that every reasonable step is now being taken to best protect the public safety of people living and recreating along those river corridors

where we have hydroelectric stations generating electricity in Ontario this summer?

Hon Mr Stockwell: That's a very reasonable request. I don't have any problem at all providing that to you or every other member of this House

if they'd like that. To table it means I have to have it here for tomorrow. I'm not really sure I'm going to be able to get it done by tomorrow. But your request to make sure we provide information

on how these dams now will handle these procedures to alert people and so on is not a problem. I will be happy to do that. I will be happy to get it to you as soon as possible. I'll also be happy

to show you what we've done since that tragic day on Sunday. I have no difficulty whatsoever in providing you with that information.

COMPETITIVE ELECTRICITY MARKET

Mr Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): A question for the Premier: The Hamilton Spectator has revealed yet another problem with your

privatized electricity market, this time a scheme to change the way hydro rates are charged in Ontario. Once again, consumers get burned.

Union Energy is forcing new contracts on consumers, new contracts that say that a fixed rate for hydro might not be a fixed rate after all. Union Energy wants

people to sign a blank cheque so that they can charge even more for hydro.

Premier, I guess that's what you would call market discipline. But wouldn't you agree, Premier, that a fixed-rate contract for hydro should deliver a fixed

rate?

Hon Ernie Eves (Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs): I'm not aware of the situation of which the leader of the third party speaks,

but if he could provide me with the information I'd be happy to look into it.

Mr Hampton: Well, Premier, it turns out that the source of the new cost, the new increase in hydro rates, is none other than your own

Independent Electricity Market Operator. Your Independent Electricity Market Operator wants to implement something called locational marginal pricing. For example, it would increase hydro rates in

a location if the transmission lines are congested. It means that not only will the cost of electricity itself rapidly move up, but the cost of transmitting the electricity would increase as

well.

So, Premier, my question is: why are you turning the purchase of electricity in our province into a bizarre crapshoot for businesses and consumers alike?

Hon Mr Eves: The Minister of Energy has a response to this.

Hon Chris Stockwell (Minister of Environment and Energy, Government House Leader): It's a process they've put in place that they sell to the

consumer, if the consumer wants this particular approach to paying their hydro. It's a variable. They're allowed to see their rate float, much like a mortgage. If you want to go to a short-term,

six-month mortgage, you can see a variable float on your mortgage. Hydro sales people have been working with the OEB to put out different packages that are acceptable to the consumers. If a

consumer doesn't want this particular package, the consumer doesn't have to accept this package. It's completely a decision of those buying the power.

You're suggesting it's a crapshoot. Well, if you think it's a crapshoot, then don't buy it. But simply because you find it difficult to understand doesn't mean

everybody does, and that may mean some people out there think this is a good way to go.

Mr Hampton: We've had almost a million consumers who were already signed up to so-called fixed-rate contracts, only to find they're paying

more than they thought they would, only to find they're paying more than they were told they would, and the minister's answer is, "Oh, well, whatever people sign is their responsibility." Well,

you've got a responsibility to protect people. Your television ads say that people should sign up for fixed-rate contracts, and yet it turns out here that if they sign these, they are in effect

signing a blank cheque. There's no guarantee of a fixed rate at all.

Minister, as economist Myron Gordon has said, you, the government, are creating risk for consumers and for businesses where there was no risk before. So my

question is, rather than creating new wrinkles whereby someone can raise the hydro price again, or a new clause whereby they can raise the hydro price another way, why aren't you out there

protecting consumers instead of finding new ways to increase the hydro bill?

Hon Mr Stockwell: This guy is unbelievable. He spent how long riding around this province in that bus, with the light bulb above his head?

Interjection: Two years.

Hon Mr Stockwell: Two years, telling everybody, "When the market opens, rates are going to double and we're going to have blackouts." So your

advice was, "You should sign a fixed-rate contract." You actually frightened these people into signing fixed-rate contracts. You said, "If you don't, on May 1 your prices are going to double." Now

you come into this House, when rates are well below what they were, and you're telling us you don't like fixed-rate contracts any more; you think they're somehow ripping them off. Well, six months

ago you were telling them their rates were going to double. You have told them absolutely everything, but nothing has come true. You've come in here on every single issue, every single time,

Chicken Little, telling them the sky is going to fall. These people signed fixed-rate contracts, and now you're telling them they're bad. For heaven's sake, the only thing you've been consistent on

about this is that you've consistently driven around the province in that bus, with the light bulb above your head, and told people a bunch of fantasy tales that came up in your head. That's

it.

EDUCATION FUNDING

Mr Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): I just say to the government, why don't you just ditch the deregulated market? Do that. Just ditch the

deregulated market, and people will be much further ahead.

My question is for the Minister of Education. All over the province, school trustees are being forced to choose between giving kids the education resources

they need and breaking your laws. Last night the Thames Valley District School Board passed a budget that said no to cutting special education, no to cutting teacher-librarians and no to cutting

educational assistants. But your government says if they do that, they're breaking the law. They're not allowed to vote for our children to receive the education resources they need. Minister, can

you tell us how it is that under your government it's now a crime to provide children with the education resources they need in order to succeed?

Hon Elizabeth Witmer (Deputy Premier, Minister of Education): The leader of the third party obviously does not understand that in all these

situations the board administrators, the directors of education, have brought in balanced budgets. It is trustees who have made the decisions, in some instances, simply not to accept those

recommendations.

You refer to this legislation as being our legislation. I think it's important for the member opposite to know there has always been legislation requiring

balanced budgets.

The Speaker (Hon Gary Carr): Supplementary?

Mr Rosario Marchese (Trinity-Spadina): Minister, clearly what you're doing is not good enough. I've got tell you, parents and kids don't come

here to Queen's Park to protest because they want to have fun. I also have to tell you, trustees do not risk breaking the law because they want to go in your privatized jails. They fight back

because they're caught in a straitjacket. They fight back to protect the programs they're losing.

You recently told me I should not encourage people to break the law. Here's what I tell you: when they tell you that in spite of what you are doing, essential

educational programs will disappear in many boards, what do you expect them to do?

Hon Mrs Witmer: We introduced the funding formula. We gave the city of Toronto, the Toronto board of education, $910 million in transition

funding in order that they could move to the funding formula. I think the member well knows that, despite the increased amounts of money that have been provided to the Toronto board over the past

number of years, there are still many activities that are funded by the Toronto board that are simply not part of the funding formula.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Mr David Ramsay (Timiskaming-Cochrane): I have a question to the Premier. Premier, 10 days ago I gave your Minister of Agriculture a letter I

received from Parmalat Dairy that stated they could not assure me they would continue to purchase milk produced in the Timiskaming district if your government approves the construction of a

200,000-tonne PCB incinerator in Kirkland Lake.

The dairy industry in Timiskaming is the only growing, sustainable sector of our economy, with a farm gate value of $15 million. On Monday of this week I also

gave your office a copy of this letter and spoke to your chief of staff about the gravity of the situation. The only feedback I have received is a call from the ag minister's office about an hour

ago stating I would be hurting my farmers by asking this question in the House today. I feel rather that she's more interested in intimidating me in doing my job than to save Ontario farms.

Premier, I'm asking you today to put a stop to this proposal and protect the economic viability of the largest agricultural area of northern Ontario and the

600 farm families who make their living on the land.

Hon Ernie Eves (Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs): The Minister of Energy has a response.

Hon Chris Stockwell (Minister of Environment and Energy, Government House Leader): The member has spoken to me about this as well. The whole

point of the environmental process is that these things are vetted through the process. If we had simply jumped in and usurped the process before it even got a chance to start, there would be many

members opposite who would be upset about it. I know members opposite ask me to speed up the environmental process of certain projects and so on in their ridings and, of course, I can't get

involved.

It seems to me that if you have any respect for the environmental process we put in place in this province, and I think everyone does, that it needs to happen

and it needs to be a full, broad review of environmentally sensitive issues, then it should happen. If it is not a meritorious or worthy request, then it won't stand the test. If it is, it will.

But I think we should leave that to the experts rather than you and me.

Mr Ramsay: This is an issue of the major purchaser of dairy products in Ontario and in the Timiskaming district. They feel that if they get

any complaints from their customers, they are no longer going to buy any of that milk from that district. That puts the viability of our agricultural area at peril. Your responsibility is to

protect jobs in Ontario and protect the environment. My job is to protect the economy of my region and to prevent an environmental disaster from happening.

The member from Sarnia earlier brought to our attention in the House here today how farms are being abandoned in St Clair township because of the Safety-Kleen

incinerator in Sarnia. You're asking my constituents, and you've just asked me and the people of Ontario, to have faith in an EA process in Ontario that will protect our food supply. Two weeks ago,

as you know, the Canadian Environmental Law Association issued a scathing report that stated that the EA process in this province is a hollow shell of what it was and what it should be.

Minister, how can you ask the people of Ontario to trust your gutted EA process to protect our food supply when your processes have tragically failed to

protect our water supply here in Ontario?

Minister, your government has the power and the obligation to step in now and protect northern agriculture and the safety of Ontario's food supply. I'm asking

you today to stop this project in order to protect the environment, our food supply and the 600 farm families that farm in Timiskaming district. Will you do that today?

Hon Mr Stockwell: I don't want to suggest that you're grotesquely overstating your position, but I think you are. With the EA process with

respect to the water supply issue, I presume you're talking about Walkerton. I'm not sure how the EA process was flawed in that situation. If you could explain it to me, that would be good. But it

seems like you're just piling rhetoric on top of possibly a good debate, and I don't think that's helpful.

Secondly, I can say to the member opposite that none of these applications come in that don't have opposition from community groups. They all have opposition

from community groups. If we use your methodology in accepting or not accepting them, nothing would ever get done, because there's always somebody opposed. That's why we built the environmental

assessment process. Yes, the report you cite says it's not up to snuff. There are other reports -- some of the best reports -- that say it is up to snuff.

Interjection.

Hon Mr Stockwell: It's not a question of that.

The point I'm trying to make to you is that we get these applications every day. If we dealt with the applications the way you're asking me to deal with them,

which is just to say no out of hand, nothing would ever get built and we'd be in a worse situation.

I trust the environmental assessment process. I believe it is a good process. I will stand by the process. If it doesn't meet the test, it won't happen; if it

does, it will.

LONG-TERM CARE

Ms Marilyn Mushinski (Scarborough Centre): My question is for the Associate Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. It's about an

article I'm

very concerned about in last Sunday's Toronto Sun. It refers to the level of care that was provided to a now-deceased resident. According to that article, the patient suffered greatly as a result

of shuffling back and forth in transfers between various health facilities. Minister, you may be aware that in my riding of Scarborough Centre, I have perhaps one of the largest concentrations of

seniors in the whole of Toronto. I have many families that have expressed great concern to me about this article. I would like you to provide an update on this issue, please.

Hon Dan Newman (Associate Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): I'd like to thank the member for Scarborough Centre for her very important

question. As the Associate Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, it's not only my job but my mission to ensure that every senior, not just in Scarborough but indeed in the entire province, gets

the care they require when and where they need it. I want to assure the member that in every long-term-care facility in Ontario, every time a complaint comes forward, it is followed up by one of

our compliance advisers. There are over 40 of these very capable staff who are there to ensure that our regulations are indeed being met.

Incidentally, there has been an increase of more than 25% in the number of advisers since we were first elected by the people of Ontario.

With respect to the matter mentioned by the member for Scarborough Centre, there is an investigation underway and it would be inappropriate for me to say

anything more specific. But let me again say to the member that I share her concern that those long-term-care facilities receive the care they need.

Ms Mushinski: Minister, I appreciate that you do share the concerns many of my residents, and indeed I, have.

Interjections.

Ms Mushinski: If they stopped barking on the other side, perhaps they would be interested in this question. Looking at the wider issue, I

wonder if you could tell this House what steps are being taken to ensure there is a seamless network of genuine care among CCACs, nursing homes and our hospitals so that patient care is always

given first priority over turf wars.

Hon Mr Newman: The member for Scarborough Centre raises a very important issue. I want to assure the member that should a family member have

an issue with the care their loved one is receiving in any of Ontario's hospitals, there is a patient advocate or a patient relations person designated in each of those facilities so they can have

their concerns addressed. If your loved one is in a long-term-care facility and there is a problem, you can raise a complaint with the facility and one of the compliance advisers I mentioned

earlier will investigate that complaint.

With respect to providing a seamless network, the Community Care Access Corporations Act, among other things will help streamline the waiting list process and

make the delivery of services more efficient. Placement coordination regulations came into effect on May 1 this year and will help alleviate many of the concerns the member raised. I want the

member to know I will do everything it takes to make sure all residents are treated with dignity, respect and, above all, the highest level of care.

SLOT MACHINES

Mr Dwight Duncan (Windsor-St Clair): I have a question for the Premier. On April 10 of this year the then gambling minister, Tim Hudak,

approved up to 800 slot machines for Picov Downs racetrack. This decision caused a firestorm reaction. In fact the industry expressed its outrage at this possibility prior to the cabinet taking its

decision. In a letter dated March 5, 2002, Jane Holmes, executive director of the horse racing association, wrote to Hudak, and I quote, "It seems incomprehensible that Picov Downs may be allocated

800 slot machines." Can the Premier tell us now whether in fact those 800 slot machines were allocated, and if a final decision has been taken, how many machines have been allocated?

Hon Ernie Eves (Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs): I believe the Attorney General has a response to this.

Hon David Young (Attorney General, minister responsible for native affairs): The member opposite, in raising this point, was good enough to

reference the fact that the letter in question refers to "up to" a certain number of slot machines. No decision has been made as to how many slot machines will be allocated. There will be a

consideration of various factors, including the business plan, and in due course there will be an announcement.

Mr Duncan: Minister, I say with respect that there is absolutely no argument that can be put for placing anywhere near 800 slots at Picov

Downs. The number of slots placed at other tracks was done in proportion to total betting. Using the same formula, Picov Downs would be allocated two machines.

At its March 19 board meeting, the horse racing association passed a motion that stated in part, and I quote, "The association is strongly opposed to an

allocation of 800 slot machines to Picov Downs as not being equitable, proportionate or consistent with the provincial racetrack slot machine program."

Published reports, however, have confirmed that Picov Downs gave a $60,000 campaign contribution to the Flaherty leadership campaign and $25,000 to the Eves

leadership campaign. Given that this allocation of slots violates the racetrack slot machine initiative, given the industry association's opposition to any more than a proportionate number of

slots, and given the fact that the then minister was supporting Mr Flaherty's leadership bid, would you not agree that the allocation of these slots in any number above proportion is inappropriate,

done for the wrong reasons and should be withdrawn in its entirety?

Hon Mr Young: In response to the first portion of the member's question, I acknowledged that he was fairly fair and accurate in his rendition

of the overall situation, but interestingly, in his supplementary he read from a letter that came from the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association. He failed to reference the fact that they

publicly said they thought there was a reasonable number of machines that could be put there. What they're encouraging is what I'm encouraging the member opposite to do, which is to allow for the

process to take place, the very same process that has taken place in relation to every other allocation of slot machines across this province, including, I might add, slot machines in his

community.

REGIONAL IMMIGRATION STRATEGY

Mr Joseph N. Tascona (Barrie-Simcoe-Bradford): I direct my question to the Minister of Citizenship. There have been several days of press

related to the federal immigration minister's proposal to locate newcomers with particular skills in areas or regions of the country that are in need of a particular type of skilled worker. It was

reported yesterday in the National Post that Minister Coderre said his provincial counterparts are delighted by these ideas. Minister, could you clarify Ontario's position on this matter?

Hon Carl DeFaria (Minister of Citizenship, minister responsible for seniors): I thank the member for the question. I met a few weeks ago with

Minister Coderre on this issue. I would like to indicate that matching a foreign skilled tradesperson or professional with a community in need is an idea that we believe warrants further discussion

and study.

What I have indicated to the federal government is that we will work to explore regional approaches to immigration. Regional approaches must include an

assessment of economic impact on Ontario. I have pointed out to the federal minister that Ontario is not in agreement with any strategy that reduces the number of skilled workers coming to Ontario.

Ontario receives 60% of Canada's immigrants each year. Our outstanding concern regarding adequate funding must be resolved. Ontario's immigrants cannot go on and on being shortchanged in terms of

national newcomer settlement funding. Ontario's immigrants deserve their fair share.

Mr Tascona: I thank the minister for his response. We've been hearing a lot lately about the new federal Immigration Act and their new

selection process for new immigrants coming to Canada. As you said in your response, 60% of newcomers choose Ontario.

Minister, what is our government doing to ensure that immigrants benefit both Ontario and choose to make the province their home?

Hon Mr DeFaria: I want to assure the honourable member and my colleague that Ontario is committed to helping skilled newcomers enter the

labour force quickly and to become full participants in our economy. We want to attract the world's best and brightest to Ontario by helping foreign-trained professionals and tradespeople qualify

for employment and meet skill shortages.

Our government is working hard to improve access to education and training opportunities for immigrants. For example, we invested $12 million over three years

to help foreign trade professionals and individuals employ their skills more quickly in Ontario. Some $3.5 million over three years was announced in the 2000 budget to support bridging programs for

foreign-trained nurses and pharmacists. We spent $14.4 million of the job connect program budget for 2001-02 to help newcomers prepare for the job market, and we spent $40 million in

The Speaker (Hon Gary Carr): New question.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Mr Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): My question is for the Minister of Environment. One of your own cabinet colleagues, the Minister of

Labour, thinks you're doing a bad job of protecting the environment. He thinks it's a bad idea to allow millions of litres of runoff from garbage dumps to be discharged into the Hamilton sewer

system and the Hamilton harbour. He had to file an application with the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, asking for a review of your policy of allowing this runoff to be discharged into city

sewers. He says he's been raising this issue for years with you and with the previous Minister of the Environment.

Minister, why should the people of Ontario trust you to protect the environment when obviously one of your own cabinet colleagues doesn't trust you?

Hon Chris Stockwell (Minister of Environment and Energy, Government House Leader): Let's understand this issue. The original environment

minister that the member was writing letters to was Bud Wildman, and that was in the NDP caucus.

Hon Dianne Cunningham (Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, minister responsible for women's issues): And they sat beside each

other.

Hon Mr Stockwell: That's right. And Mr Wildman didn't even bother writing him back. I appreciate the fact that you think just because people

are in cabinet, that somehow they don't represent their constituencies. They do, and this member does a great job representing his constituency, and he's brought this issue to my attention. I gave

him an undertaking that we would review it and get back to him as soon as possible with respect to an answer.

I have no difficulty --

Mrs Sandra Pupatello (Windsor West): Soft, warm and fuzzy.

Hon Mr Stockwell: Yes, soft, warm and fuzzy. You might want to go to that school.

In the future, if you have any concerns that you want to bring to my attention, I'll be happy to look at those as well.

Mr Hampton: This is unprecedented. People only write to the environment commissioner when they can't get any attention from the Minister of

Environment. This is really an unprecedented step.

We're actually finding a lot of people who are complaining about this. We're finding people complain about the government's decision to take water from the Tay

River, the deadly smog from coal-fired generating stations, the failure to provide safe drinking water, the minister advocating shipping PCBs to Kirkland Lake. People say, "When we ask the Minister

of Environment about these things, he ignores us."

Minister, if a cabinet minister in your own government has to file an application with the environment commissioner to get attention for an environmental

issue, what does it take for the citizens of Ontario to get some action from you on the environmental problems they raise?

Hon Mr Stockwell: Some action? This is the only government that's provided any action on the environmental front. It's true. You people

piddled around for five years buying NUGs -- $5 billion in NUGs, not doing anything about the coal-fired plants except running them, running them, running them, with no alternatives, running up the

debt, increasing all of the borrowing costs at Hydro One. This is the government, under Jim Wilson's leadership, that actually allowed green power to get on the grid, that actually allowed solar

and wind power on the grid. This is the government that's providing nuclear power, which is now clean power. This is the government that's providing opportunities for green power to get on the grid

so that people have an option to buy it.

What did you do when you were in power? You did nothing. All you did was traipse around Costa Rica looking for land to buy. You spent $5 million on NUGs that

produced no power. You made sweetheart deals with unions to write union fight songs. You people didn't do anything for the environmentalists in this province. We can thank Jim Wilson and this

government for defending the greens.

DOCTOR SHORTAGE

Mrs Sandra Pupatello (Windsor West): My question is for the Premier of Ontario. This week you were expressing frustration with the doctor

shortage throughout Ontario. You blamed the College of Physicians for a lack of will to streamline the integration of foreign-trained physicians into our health system instead of leaving them

working as cab drivers in most urban centres.

Is the Premier aware of the number of short-term solutions we have advanced to you to get people service in this province? Creation of a SWAT team to allow

foreign-trained doctors to get through quicker, and the Ministry of Health says there are 1,500 people who could work tomorrow; funding of community health centres' applications that are sitting on

your desk today; funding of nurse practitioners, 200 of whom are underutilized today; changing the billing to OHIP from clinics so there's a greater incentive for doctors to practise in family

practices.

Premier, we have given you short-term solutions, but you choose instead to blame the college. When will you take responsibility and acknowledge that solutions

have been presented to you and you've done nothing about them?

Hon Ernie Eves (Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs): That is simply not correct. This government has taken many steps to deal with

physician supply in Ontario, ranging from paying for medical students to go to school to accelerating the foreign physician component in Ontario. Yes, there could be more, I believe, and we are

taking steps to urge those who control this to allow people to practise medicine who are qualified to do so.

You didn't exactly quote the

article from the Kitchener-Waterloo Record correctly; I presume that's where you got this. We talked about the many things we were

doing, if she's reading from that article, to increase physicians in the province, and the minister certainly is doing that.

Mrs Pupatello: Premier, you're the one who said this week that you can't have doctors tomorrow. I'm telling you your own ministry has said

there are 1,500 people in Ontario who could be working tomorrow, but you instead choose to blame the college. You said there aren't short-term solutions and we're telling you that you can do things

short-term and long-term.

You, Premier, are obviously unaware that you control the mandate of the college. The college is a creature of the provincial government. I am suggesting to you

that with a stroke of a pen you can change the mandate of the college to streamline the process, to have some kind of amnesty period to get these doctors working. It is within your power to do this

and you can do it today without even bringing a bill into this House for debate. Surely all sides would agree to that kind of change. It is within your grasp to do it, and instead of blaming them,

you have the solution at your fingertips. I'm asking you today if you will expand the mandate of the college and insist that this work be done, and do it today.

Hon Mr Eves: As the honourable member's voice got louder and louder, she was getting more and more frustrated, I gather.

With respect to this issue, first of all, she talked about nurse practitioners. The government has made a commitment to doubling the number of nurse

practitioners in the province, and I assure her she won't have to wait too long until she sees some very concrete results out of that. With respect to the Ontario College of Physicians and

Surgeons, the members opposite are the first ones to jump up if they think there's even a hint of government interference with respect to independent boards that run professions and occupations.

Now I have the honourable member standing up in the House today urging us to interfere with a body that is charged with professional responsibility in Ontario.

ONTARIO DISASTER RELIEF ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Mr R. Gary Stewart (Peterborough): My question is for the Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Two weeks ago, many residents

in my Peterborough riding woke up to flooded basements, backyards and streets. A rainstorm that some say was comparable to the 100-year storm hit the city of Peterborough particularly hard. In some

areas over 200 millimetres of rain fell overnight, more than the cumulative amount for the entire month of June in 2001. The fire department has pumped water and sewage from almost 300 basements,

and public works crews have been working very hard to contain and repair the damage to municipal property. Small businesses and residents have suffered great loss.

Minister, I understand that the city of Peterborough can make an application to the Ontario disaster relief assistance program if the municipality is deemed a

disaster area. Could you please tell the House and the residents of Peterborough more about this program and the assistance that may be available to them?

Hon Brian Coburn (Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing): The Ontario disaster relief assistance program is intended to

alleviate the hardship suffered by farmers, homeowners and small businesses when essential property is severely damaged due to a natural disaster. This program provides financial assistance to

those who have sustained heavy losses for essential items such as shelter and the necessities of life.

One of the things it doesn't cover, though, is when you have private insurance, and that's something that is taken into account when an assessment goes on in

these situations. ODRAP, or the Ontario disaster relief assistance program, provides assistance when damages are so extensive that they exceed the financial resources of the affected individuals,

the municipality and of course the community at large. Recently, for example, Minister Hodgson declared the area around the Rainy River district a disaster area.

Mr Stewart: Thank you, Minister, for sharing this information with my constituents. Unfortunately, similar circumstances prevailed this

morning in another very devastating storm.

Minister, the city of Peterborough has informed me that they've passed a resolution to ask the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to declare the entire

city to be a disaster area. When can we expect a decision about this request to be made so that residents and businesses in my riding will know if the financial burden of cleanup will be

erased?

Hon Mr Coburn: Since the severe rainstorm of June 11 and 12 in Peterborough, our staff have been working closely with city of Peterborough

officials, providing timely information relating to the Ontario disaster relief program. They have toured the city and the affected area to see at first hand the amount of damage.

The city of Peterborough has indeed requested that the Minister of Municipal Affairs declare the city a disaster area for the purposes of gaining access to the

disaster relief program. After assessment and consultation to determine the amount of damage, those are things that are taken into account and reviewed by the minister. After timely review of that,

he will be able to respond to this request.

IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE SERVICES

Mr Tony Ruprecht (Davenport): I have a question for the Minister of Citizenship. Mr Minister, your ministry staff have admitted that funding

was cut from $5.1 million to $3.9 million for newcomer settlement services, which in turn affected a whole bunch of programs; for instance, the Ontario Welcome Houses, the Advisory Council on

is a province of promise where a young man's dream can become a reality."

how do you expect other people in Ontario to have their dreams come true when you're cutting this access to ESL programs and newcomer services? Will you stand up today and make one more promise,

and that is to reintegrate and reinstate those programs; for instance, the Ontario Welcome Houses, the Advisory Council on Multiculturalism, the race relations committee and finally ESL program

funding? Please reinstate them. We're begging you to do it.

Hon Carl DeFaria (Minister of Citizenship, minister responsible for seniors): I will refer it to the Minister of Education.

Hon Elizabeth Witmer (Deputy Premier, Minister of Education): I'd just like to make reference to the amount of ESL funding that has been

provided by this government since the introduction of the student-focused funding. In 1998, we were allocating $111.3 million. I'm pleased to say it's projected that this year we will be providing

$168.5 million to the boards to support them in this endeavour.

Mr Ruprecht: Mr Speaker, excuse me for a second, please. I asked the Minister of Citizenship about other kinds of programs. I asked him when

he is going to reinstate the Welcome Houses, and all I get here is the Minister of Education talking about one specific program, which forces me to ask my next question. It changes my next question

totally, and that is, across this province --

Interjections.

Mr Ruprecht: You haven't got the guts to answer this question, because you simply don't know. You can't make the promise to reinstate those

programs, because your money is being cut off.

Over here, we have a number of people of Portuguese background. They have come and they want to find out today when you will reinstate their specific program,

and you are pushing it off to the Minister of Education. We want to know from you what you are going to do about these programs. They're here today specifically to ask you that question.

Toronto. The demand is high. But do you know what you are doing? You're cutting it by 31%. That's shameful. How will they integrate? How will they become good Canadian citizens?

Finally, I tell you simply this --

The Speaker (Hon Gary Carr): Order. The member's time is up. Minister of Education?

Hon Mrs Witmer: I'm going to refer it back to the Minister of Citizenship.

Hon Mr DeFaria: I don't know if the member was preparing petitions when the member from Barrie-Simcoe-Bradford asked the question and I

answered the question here. But if he was, he probably should be going back to his petitions. That's what he does better in this House.

The government is committed to helping newcomers. Ontario spends approximately $50 million a year on settlement and language training programs for immigrants.

My ministry's $3.9-million newcomer settlement program funds more than 80 community agencies that provide services for the Portuguese community. Those people there can applaud for me. Come on, you

can applaud for your member. You know very well we provide services.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Order. The member for Davenport, take his seat. The member for Davenport, you've asked your question. It's now the minister. You

have about 10 seconds to wrap up.

Remarks in Portuguese.

Mr Ruprecht: On a point of order, Mr Speaker: Remarks in Portuguese.

The Speaker: Order. Member, take your seat.

Interjections.

The Speaker: You didn't even realize no one heard you, which may have been the point of it. The clock was stopped. We've had our fun now.

You've probably cost the Liberals another question by those antics, which doesn't matter to me. If you don't want to have the questions, that's fine. We got down to the Liberal question. We

probably won't today. If you don't want to have your colleagues ask questions, it's fine by me. I don't care how many questions we get in here.

ONTARIO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Mr John O'Toole (Durham): That's a hard act to follow.

My question is to my very good friend the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. As MPP for Durham I consider it a duty, indeed a privilege, to

ensure that this House does everything possible to support the Durham university. My constituents and the residents of Durham region and surrounding areas want reassurance that the University of

Ontario Institute of Technology will be open on

schedule in 2003. It is vital, indeed it's critical, that legislation to establish the university will be passed by this House.

Gary Polonsky, president of Durham College, as well as Doug Wilson, chair of the board of governors, and Bob Strickert, vice-chair, are among the members of

the educational community who are anxiously awaiting the passage of this legislation. It is also about the students. There are families in Durham who are looking forward to the next step in

establishing the university.

Minister, can you confirm that the incorporation of the Durham legislation as part of the budget bill will provide the necessary support to establish the

university on schedule?

Hon Dianne Cunningham (Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, minister responsible for women's issues): I'm happy to respond to the

member for Durham who poses this as a critical question to myself. I want everyone in this House to know that the member for Durham has worked for over two years with regard to representing his

constituents as a strong supporter of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.

Members of this House will know that this legislation to establish UOIT is part of the 2002 budget bill introduced by the Minister of Finance. I think it's a

fitting combination because this is a good news budget which works perfectly with a good news bill which will, of course, support our young people from Durham and their families, as well as others

across this great province of Ontario. It's being debated before the House. We hope it will be passed in the very near future. It is critical that it be passed. It's our newest university and we

know that it will start on time for those students.

Mr O'Toole: Thank you, obbligato, Minister.

I appreciate the fact that the minister is committed to providing priorities and service for students and employers and in providing the finest educational

opportunity in Durham. I commend you for your leadership, vision and commitment.

I also realize that the new university in Durham is only one part of our response to a larger issue and that is the issue of the double cohort. Minister, can

you ensure that there is space for every qualified post-secondary student at our colleges and university? Students in the double cohort year are scheduled to begin their application process within

the next six months. Could you kindly provide us an update on how our colleges and universities will meet and accommodate this challenge to the students and make this province a great place to

live, to work and to raise a family?

Hon Mrs Cunningham: It's with pride that I say that earlier this week, on Monday, it was great to be able to join the chair of the Council of

Ontario Universities as he and I made an announcement to say that this year we're on track, that the increase in acceptances for next September, alone, is exactly in line with the increase of

applicants.

This is what we strove for this year as we saw our grade 13 students fast-tracked. Those are generally students who are hoping to go on to university. I think

it's a test for the province, for the colleges and the universities, the parents, our students in our secondary schools, their teachers and their guidance teachers to work together to get this

great accomplishment for September. I believe, and I'm absolutely positive, that every member in this House can reassure our young people there will be a space for them in September 2003. Our plan

is working, it's in place and we're very proud of the way our system works on behalf of students.

Mr Dwight Duncan (Windsor-St Clair): On a point of order, Mr Speaker: I seek unanimous consent to pass Bill 65, government order G65, the bill

that would answer this and approve the Durham college. I seek unanimous consent to give second and third readings for passage of that bill right now.

Hon Chris Stockwell (Minister of Environment and Energy, Government House Leader): I appreciate the opportunity the House leader for the

opposition is giving me today. If he had only given it to me before we introduced the budget bill, he would have known full well we accepted it. But if we accept the offer now, it will make the

budget bill out of order.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon Gary Carr): I suggest the House leaders have their meetings outside of the House, and certainly not during question period,

and I'm glad I'm not part of it.

TRAITEMENT

DES RAPPORTS OFFICIELS /

TREATMENT OF OFFICIAL REPORTS

The Speaker (Hon Gary Carr): The member for Timmins-James Bay.

M. Gilles Bisson (Timmins-Baie James): Ma question est pour le premier ministre. Vous savez que plus tôt cet après-midi, j'ai

déposé à l'Assemblée un projet de loi intitulé Loi de 2002 sur le traitement paritaire des rapports officiels en deux langues. Ce projet de loi, dit que, quand on donne le

pouvoir à une commission d'enquête d'aller rechercher quelque chose comme Walkerton, à la fin de la journée, quand le rapport est déposé ici à l'Assemblée,

Je vous pose une question très simple. Êtes-vous préparé à accepter ce projet de loi ?

Hon Ernie Eves (Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs): Of course it has always been the government's policy, since 1986 I believe,

to publish any such report or document in both official languages. I certainly don't disagree with the principle the honourable member is suggesting in the House today. I would add one slight word

of caution, and that is that where the health and safety of individuals might be concerned, as was the case with Mr Justice O'Connor's report with respect to Walkerton, I think there has to be some

leeway with respect to those types of things. But in principle, I agree with the honourable member's suggestion.

M. Bisson: J'ai la moitié de la réponse que je veux avoir, mais ce qui est clair, c'est que, si on aurait eu un tel projet de loi en

place, ça veut dire que, quand M. O'Connor avait fait son travail, en même temps qu'il écrivait son rapport en anglais, on aurait eu des traducteurs en place pour faire la

traduction pour qu'elle sorte pas mal en même temps que le rapport qui est sorti sur Walkerton.

Ma question est très simple. Si vous êtes d'accord avec le principe, est-ce que vous êtes préparé à donner le support de votre

caucus quand ce projet de loi vient ici, soit aujourd'hui, demain ou à l'automne ?

Hon Mr Eves: To the honourable member, I've just heard about his suggestion today, obviously. I'm quite prepared to take it under

consideration. I would remind him, though, that the Walkerton report, for example, was some 800 pages long. It's fairly substantial. But I think in principle it's a good idea.

CONSUMER PROTECTION

Mr Bruce Crozier (Essex): My question is for the Minister of Consumer and Business Services. Today I introduced a bill called the Gasoline

Consumer Protection Act. It would require service stations to give 72 hours' notice prior to price changes. It would require gasoline stations, on their signs, to indicate how much tax is in a

litre of gasoline. It would require gasoline station retailers to indicate any connection they might have with a major gasoline supplier. It would as well require that oil-producing companies,

gasoline-producing companies, segregate their earnings so that we can tell what they made from production, what they made in the wholesale area, what they make in the retail area.

I know the minister shares my concern for consumer protection. Therefore, I wonder if the minister would support me on this private member's bill and would

also support a motion for unanimous consent for second and third readings.

Hon Tim Hudak (Minister of Consumer and Business Services): It's with great regret that I refer this to the minister responsible for gas

pricing issues, the Minister of Energy.

Hon Chris Stockwell (Minister of Environment and Energy, Government House Leader): Thank you for that ringing endorsement.

I think obviously the member opposite would accept the fact that before anyone would agree to second and third reading and passing a bill, they should have the

opportunity to read it. You just introduced it today. I heard your brief explanation of your bill, and I think it would be imprudent of me to respond for an entire government until we've actually

seen the bill, had a chance to caucus the bill and talk about the bill.

So at this point in time, no, I can't agree to second and third reading of this bill, but I will give you an undertaking that certainly, in due course, this

caucus will consider it and in the fullness of time we will come back with a sharp, clear response.

Mr Dwight Duncan (Windsor-St Clair): On a point of order, Mr Speaker: The government refused to give unanimous consent to passing Bill 65, the

Durham bill. There's another bill on the order paper, Bill 139. The bill is identical to the other bills before this House. I seek unanimous consent to give second and third reading and final

approval of the Durham College bill, Bill 139, which originally came out of Mr Flaherty's budget and stood in Mrs Cunningham's name. The bill is identical. I seek unanimous consent to pass second

and third reading of Bill 139.

Hon Mr Stockwell: The member is playing games over there.

Interjections.

Hon Mr Stockwell: To be fair -- and I don't want to take up a lot of time in the House -- these bills were all tabled, we had to time-allocate

them, we tried to get debate and they wouldn't pass them. Now that they're in a budget bill they want to pass them so the budget bill is out of order. It's just silly gamesmanship. Let's get on

with the business of the House, for heaven's sake.

PETITIONS

CHILDREN'S HEALTH SERVICES

Mr Sean G. Conway (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke): I am pleased to present two petitions today on the same subject. It's a wonderful petition

from Principal David Cresswell and the students and staff at Rockwood public school at RR 7, Pembroke, a petition which reads, in part:

"To the Legislative Assembly...:

"Whereas the Ontario Conservative government is planning to close the children's cardiac surgery services unit at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario in

Ottawa by April 2003; and

"Whereas the Conservative government is planning to centralize all children's cardiac surgery services in Toronto....

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

"To cancel all plans to centralize children's cardiac surgery services in Toronto and to keep open the children's cardiac surgery services unit at the

Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa."

Proudly, I present and endorse this petition. A similar petition is signed by scores of people in the Deep River, Pembroke and Petawawa area calling as well on

the government to maintain the children's heart surgery facilities at CHEO in Ottawa.

HEALTH CARE

Mr John O'Toole (Durham): I'm pleased to present a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario on behalf of my constituents in the riding

of Durham.

"Whereas we, the undersigned, wish to express our concern about the current debate on our health care system; and

"Whereas medicare has saved a generation of Canadians from fear of financial ruin due to illness; and

"Whereas this system is now in peril...." -- according to these people;

"Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to work co-operatively to uphold the five principles of the Canada Health Act

which are in need of reinforcement and new commitment. These principles are: accessible, universally available, publicly administered, portable and comprehensive.

"We further ask that Canadians be provided with a properly funded and sustainable not-for-profit health system. We ask that Canada take back its role as a

leader in national health care, insured by a public health system fully supported by the federal and provincial governments."

I'm very pleased to present this for Elizabeth Faira as well as to give it to the dutiful page here, Andrew.

LONG-TERM-CARE FACILITIES

Mr John C. Cleary (Stormont-Dundas-Charlottenburgh): I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

"Whereas the over 60,000 Ontarians living in long-term-care facilities are older, frailer and sicker and require more care than ever before;

"Whereas government funding has not kept pace with increasing needs of residents of long-term-care facilities; and

"Whereas current funding levels only allow limited care;

"Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly to ask the government to provide additional operating funding to increase the levels of

staffing to an acceptable level of service and to reduce the risk to those individuals living in long-term-care facilities across Ontario."

I have also signed the petition, along with 464 of my constituents.

HEALTH CARE

Mr John O'Toole (Durham): The petitions keep coming in and I keep reading them.

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas we, the undersigned, wish to express our concern about the current debate on our health care system; and

"Whereas medicare has saved a generation of Canadians from fear of financial ruin due to illness; and

"Whereas this system is now in peril;

"Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to work co-operatively to uphold the five principles of the Canada Health Act

which are in need of reinforcement and new commitment. These principles are: accessible, universally available, publicly administered, portable and comprehensive.

"We further ask that Canadians be provided with a properly funded and sustainable not-for-profit health care system. We ask that Canada take back its role as a

leader in national health care, insured by a public health system fully supported by both the federal and provincial governments."

I'm pleased to present this on behalf of one of my constituents, Ms Lofsky.

CHILDREN'S HEALTH SERVICES

Mr Jean-Marc Lalonde (Glengarry-Prescott-Russell): "To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas the Ontario government is shutting down the heart surgery unit at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario; and

"Whereas every year CHEO treats 140 cases of seriously ill children close to home; and

"Whereas centralizing children's heart surgery in Toronto would force patients and their families to travel 400 to 600 kilometres away from home at a traumatic

time; and

"Whereas there is a waiting list for cardiac surgery in Toronto but not at CHEO; and

"Whereas the people of eastern Ontario demand accessible, quality health care for their children;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to immediately override the government's decision to close this life-saving program and to

ensure that top-quality, accessible health care remains available to every child in eastern Ontario."

This is accompanied by two municipal council motions that come from North Glengarry and North Dundas.

MATER'S MORTGAGES

Mr James J. Bradley (St Catharines): This is to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

"Whereas Mater's Mortgages investors have battled for a decade to receive compensation for their losses, which were incurred as a result of overzealous action

on the part of an official in the Ministry of Financial Institutions, as was proven recently in a parallel criminal case;

"Whereas Mater's Mortgages investors believe that their civil action against the government of Ontario has been unduly and unnecessarily delayed in the courts

by legal representatives acting for the government of Ontario;

"Whereas the new investors' committee of Mater's Mortgages has requested that legal representatives of the government of Ontario meet with legal

representatives of Mater's Mortgages investors to discuss the possibility of reaching an out-of-court settlement in the investors' civil case against the Ontario government;

"Whereas many Mater's Mortgages investors are senior citizens who placed their life savings in these assessments and have suffered from extreme stress and

financial hardship and continue to do so;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to encourage the government of Ontario to take immediate action to appoint a case manager to

expedite the case involving the class civil action of the representatives of Mater's Mortgages investors against the government of Ontario;

"Further, we petition the Legislative Assembly to urge the government of Ontario to engage immediately in serious discussions with legal representatives of

Mater's Mortgages investors with a view to reaching a fair out-of-court settlement with the investors and urge the government to instruct its legal representatives to cease any and all legal

activity designed to prolong the duration of the case."

I affix my signature.

COMPETITIVE ELECTRICITY MARKET

Mr Tony Ruprecht (Davenport): I have a petition that concerns hydro deregulation. It's a very serious petition. It's addressed to the

Parliament of Ontario and reads as follows:

"We, the undersigned residents of Toronto, demand that the government postpone the electricity deregulation process scheduled for May 1.... until the Ontario

public is given proof that deregulation will not result in price increases, and

"Place a moratorium on any further retailing of electricity until the Ontario Energy Board comes up with a standard contract to be used by all retailers;

and

"That a standard contract spell out in clear terms that residential users are waiving their rights to future rebates in exchange for fixed rates over a

specified period of time; and

"That a non-partisan public education campaign begin immediately, explaining what consumers should look for, and look out for, when signing contracts."

Since I agree with this petition, I am signing it as well.

EDUCATION FUNDING

Mr David Caplan (Don Valley East): I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

"Whereas the Progressive Conservative government promised in 1995 not to cut classroom spending, but has already cut at least $2 billion from our schools and

is now closing many classrooms completely; and

"Whereas international language weekend classes are a needed part of learning for many students in my area; and

"Whereas the Education Act, specifically regulation 285(5), mandates provision of these programs where demand exists; and

"Whereas the Conservative government's" -- Ernie Eves's -- "funding formula is forcing the Toronto District School Board to cancel these Saturday classes for

parents and students who want this programming;

"Therefore,

be it resolved that we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to instruct the Minister of Education to restore meaningful

and flexible funding to the Toronto District School Board, to ensure that they are able to continue to accommodate these Saturday international languages classes."

I agree wholeheartedly with this petition and I have affixed my signature to it.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Mr Michael Bryant (St Paul's): "To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas the number of tenants receiving above-guideline increases is growing exponentially, and;

"Whereas many of these increases are for increases in utility costs, many of which have gone down since; and

"Whereas tenants should not have to pay for improvements forever, even when the costs have been realized by these rent increases; and

"Whereas the Tenant Protection Act does not give a tenant relief due to the costs being realized or a drop in utility costs; and

"Whereas tenants should not be receiving rent increases where there are work orders issued for the building;

"Therefore

be it resolved that we, the undersigned, petition the Ontario Legislature to immediately pass MPP David Caplan's Bill 134" -- with the strong

support of the MPP from St Paul's, Michael Bryant -- "entitled the Fair Rent Increases Act at the earliest possible opportunity so that tenants can get relief from above-guideline increases once

the bills have been paid."

I so support the petition and this bill that I'm going to sign this one myself.

HYDRO ONE

Mr David Caplan (Don Valley East): These petitions just keep coming on.

This one's called Stop the Sale of Hydro One.

"To the Ontario Legislature:

"Whereas" -- Ernie Eves -- "the Conservative government plan to sell off Hydro One and Ontario's electricity transmission grid -- the central nervous system of

Ontario's economy;

"Whereas the government never campaigned on selling off this vital $5-billion asset and never consulted the people of Ontario on this plan;

"Whereas Ontario families want affordable, reliable electricity -- they know that the sale of the grid that carries electricity to their homes is a disaster

for consumers;

"Whereas selling the grid will not benefit consumers -- the only Ontarians who are going to benefit from this plan are Bay Street brokers and Hydro One

executives;

"Whereas selling Hydro One and the grid is like selling every 400 series highway in the province to private interests -- selling the grid means the public

sector will no longer be responsible for its security and protection;

"Therefore,

be it resolved that we, the undersigned, petition the Ontario Legislature as follows:

"We demand that the Conservative government" and Ernie Eves "halt the sale of Hydro One until the government has a clear mandate" -- and I think that's the

important part of this petition -- "from the owners of Hydro One -- the people of Ontario."

This is an outstanding petition. I agree with it, and I have affixed my signature to it.

ONTARIO DISABILITY

SUPPORT PROGRAM

Mr Gilles Bisson (Timmins-James Bay): I'm so glad to see the Liberal caucus supporting our NDP petitions against the privatization of Hydro.

It just warms the heart.

Anyway, I have literally thousands of names here from various constituents across my riding. It reads as follows.

"Petition...

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas people with disabilities who rely on the Ontario disability support program payments are facing rising costs; and

"Whereas people unable to work because of serious disabilities have had no increase in support since 1995; and

"Whereas with loss of rent controls their rents have skyrocketed, placing huge financial strains on many ODSP recipients;

"Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to bring fairness to the Ontario Disability Support Program Act, 1997" -- support

Mr Tony Martin from Sault Ste Marie's bill that would have done the same -- "by amending it to provide for regulations requiring annual cost-of-living adjustments to income support programs."

I gladly put my signature to this petition, along with my friend from Sault Ste Marie.

SALE OF SCHOOLS

Mr Tony Ruprecht (Davenport): I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and it reads as follows:

"Whereas the Hughes Public School at 17 Innes Ave in the city of Toronto closed down and its premises have been declared surplus by the Toronto District School

Board (TDSB);

"Whereas the city of Toronto has issued a building permit to the TDSB permitting the reconstruction of Hughes Public School for an entity called Beatrice

House, for the purpose of a private academic school;...

"Whereas within the context of the zoning bylaw (438-86), the subject lands have been designated as R2 Z0.6 and permits a `private academic, philanthropic or

religious school';

"Whereas the TDSB has chosen not to lease the subject premises to a computer training company for $1.25 million annually. Instead, the board has chosen to

lease it to the Beatrice House for a fraction of the current market value;

"Whereas a lease has not been signed between the TDSB and Beatrice House while renovations to the building are underway;

"Whereas local taxpayers' concerns have been ignored by the TDSB;

"Whereas other locations, such as the Brother Edmund Rice School at 55 Pelham Park or the Earlscourt Public School at 29 Ascot, which are being closed down,

have been offered to Beatrice House to no avail;

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

"That the Honourable Minister of Education investigate the leasing arrangement between the Toronto District School Board and Beatrice House inasmuch as:

"

(1) Boards are to seek fair market value when selling, leasing or otherwise disposing of schools, except that the price for the property not to exceed the

value of the ministry's grant for the new pupil places when the purchaser is a coterminous board, a provincial school or a publicly funded care and treatment facility offering programs leading to a

diploma;

"

(2) Boards are to offer the property to coterminous boards and other public agencies operating in the area in accordance with the priority order currently

specified in regulation 444/98;

"

(3) Toronto District School Board has not dealt in good faith with our neighbourhood residents;

"Therefore, we respectfully ask you to consider our plea for justice. The Toronto District School Board has ignored our concerns and due diligence. We as a

community tried everything within our power to fight the glaring and obvious wrong done to us, to no avail."

I'll sign this petition as well.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

TIME ALLOCATION

Hon John R. Baird (Associate Minister of Francophone Affairs): I move that pursuant to Standing Order 46 and notwithstanding any other

standing order or special order of the House relating to Bill 109,

An Act to implement the measures contained in the 2002 Ontario Budget, and to Implement other initiatives of the Government of

Ontario, when Bill 109 is next called as a government order, the Speaker shall put every question necessary to dispose of the second reading stage of the bill, without further debate or amendment,

and

That no deferral of the second reading vote pursuant to standing order 28(

h) shall be permitted and;

That on the same day that the bill receives second reading, it may be called for third reading and;

When the order for third reading is called, the Speaker shall put every question necessary to dispose of this stage of the bill without further debate or

amendment; and

That no deferral of the third reading vote pursuant to standing order 28(

h) shall be permitted; and

That, in the case of any division relating to any proceedings on the bill, the division bell shall be limited to five minutes.

The Acting Speaker (Mr Bert Johnson): The Chair recognizes the chief government whip and deputy House leader.

Hon Mr Baird: I would ask for unanimous consent that the leadoff speech be given by Mr Wettlaufer.

The Acting Speaker: Agreed? It is agreed.

Mr Wayne Wettlaufer (Kitchener Centre): I'd like to thank all the members of the House for departing from the original plan.

We all know 2001 was a very difficult year. The global economy underperformed what was anticipated, and certainly Ontario was no different, but nevertheless,

in spite of what the global economy did in the year 2001, we see now where the economy is rebounding quite nicely in Ontario and elsewhere in the world.

For a period of five years, we had growth of 5% or better in the GDP. Last year, Ontario's growth was only 1%. In the wake of the terrorist attack on September

11, where we had an economic expansion that was fragile, forecasts indicated that certainly we wouldn't be in that 5% growth target. The forecasts themselves proved to be optimistic for last year

and this year they have proved to be pessimistic. They never anticipated the growth would rebound the way it has.

I think we have seen that the growth has been so phenomenal in the last couple of months in Ontario that I believe Ontario's economy has demonstrated once

again that it can surpass anything in North America and anything in any jurisdiction of the G7.

The tax cuts our government implemented from 1995 until the year 2000 have cushioned any negative impact from the downturn in the US economy. Already our

economy is outstripping the growth in the American economy. These policies we implemented are responsible for the rebound in our growth.

Ontario's economy is forecast to grow this year at a rate of 3.1%. Next year real growth is anticipated to be at 4.2%. We are growing at a very good rate.

Ontario's economy is once again leading this country and is helping the federal government balance its books.

Job creation, consumer and business confidence, consumer spending and housing markets are all renewed and they point to vigorous growth. Is there anybody here

who can honestly say that tax cuts didn't contribute to this? There are those critics across the way who say, "Oh well, the government isn't proceeding with its tax cuts." Just a minute. We may not

be proceeding with all the tax cuts, but for small business the corporate tax cut is still being put in place.

Another tax cut that was near and dear to my heart -- I've been advocating for it for a couple of years -- was the cut in sales tax on automobile insurance. As

you know, the NDP put that into effect in the early 1990s; I believe it was 1992. They imposed a 5% PST on automobile insurance premiums. Everybody who drives a car has to buy automobile insurance,

and with premiums now approaching $1,000 on average, that's a $40 assessment against absolutely every Ontarian driving a car. We have reduced that to 1% in this budget.

The automobile industry, not just the automobile but the auto parts sector as well, and the telecommunications equipment manufacturing industry were

particularly hard hit last year, but they are growing now at a very good rate. The tragic events of September 11 dealt a terrific blow not just in human costs but certainly in economic costs

through the destruction of economic activity and sharp but temporary declines in confidence. Of course, that relates immediately to a reduction in spending.

Although the province was severely affected by the global slump, the economy performed much better than it did during the early 1990s, when the NDP was in

power. At that time, we know that worldwide growth had also faltered, but it had faltered for a much shorter time elsewhere in the world and certainly in the United States than it did here in

Canada and in Ontario. So our rebound from that short-lived reduction in growth -- I shouldn't say reduction in growth, but reduced growth this year -- was directly related to our economic policies

between 1995 and now. Without those economic policies, we could very easily have been in the same situation that the province was in when the NDP was in power. But our government knew what was

necessary in the intervening years, and certainly now the steps we have taken are going to aid the economy to be renewed again.

There have been some attacks by those people who engage in propaganda about the amount of money that we spend in health care and how much money we spend in

education. Joseph Goebbels headed up the Hitler propaganda machine during World War II. I can only say that his propaganda, his philosophy, was to tell a big enough lie often enough that people

will eventually believe it. Some of our critics are engaging in just that kind of despicable propaganda.

Health care expenses are up. In 1995, health care expenses were $17.5 billion -- $17.4 billion to be exact. They are now $25.7 billion. Education: we are now

spending a record amount in education at $14.3 billion.

Prior to the budget coming out, there was some polling done as to what Ontarians expected in terms of their government in the budget. Ontarians expected

increased spending in health care, Ontarians expected increased spending in education, and Ontarians expected increased spending on the environment, but not just increased spending -- increased

attention to, increased focus on, those areas. This budget responded in those ways.

Shortly after the budget, the National Post conducted a poll. The poll gave us pretty good marks. Of those polled, 77% agreed with our government increasing by

$5 a carton the provincial tax on cigarettes; 68% supported our government in the $245-million new investment into clean water initiatives; 64% agreed with the increase of $1.7 billion that the

budget put into health care. Health care, by the way, is now receiving 45% of all government operational spending here in Ontario. Some 64% agreed with the $1.8-billion increase in government

revenue through the sale or rental of public assets; 64% agreed with the $117 million in new funding for public schools, an increase of 3% over last year; 64% agreed with $520 million for new

municipal infrastructure; and 58% agreed with delaying the increased tax deduction for parents whose children attend independent schools. I may not agree with that one, but I'm talking about the

average in Ontario.

Numbers like that show that Ontarians overwhelmingly support this budget and this government, because they believe they can continue to trust this government

in managing the books. They can trust us more than they can trust either of the two opposition parties. They believe that only the Eves government can face the challenge of guiding Ontario smoothly

through a new area. They also believe --

Mr George Smitherman (Toronto Centre-Rosedale): You don't believe that, do you?

Mr Wettlaufer: I certainly do believe it.

They also believe this budget was one that presented a bold plan for our government to keep its commitments to quality health care, quality education and a

clean environment.

I think we need to look at what the budget did for small business. Small business, as we know, accounts for 61% of all new jobs created. We know as well that

between 1995 and now, 893,000 net new jobs have been created in the province of Ontario. So the budget, in allowing small corporations and small businesses to continue to enjoy some profits and to

pour some of those profits back into creating jobs, definitely was of benefit to small business.

Ontario employment is projected to increase between 1.5% and 2% this year. Most of that is because of small business and because of the opportunities we give

small businesses to operate here in Ontario. In the last eight months, 70,000 net new jobs have been created. Yes, there were job losses between May and September last year. There were 22,000 job

losses in that period,

whereas now the economy has rebounded so strongly that 70,000 ne