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December 9, 2021

42nd Parliament, 2nd Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcript 2021-Dec-09 (PDF)

L032 - Thu 9 Dec 2021 / Jeu 9 déc 2021

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Thursday 9 December 2021 Jeudi 9 décembre 2021

Orders of the Day

Anti-Asian Racism Education Month Act, 2021 / Loi de 2021 sur le mois de sensibilisation au racisme anti-asiatique

Endometriosis Awareness Month Act, 2021 / Loi de 2021 sur le mois de sensibilisation à l’endométriose

Members’ Statements

Government services

International Human Rights Day

Northern Ontario / Nord de l’Ontario

Lacrosse championships

Tibet

COVID-19 response

Haliburton County Huskies

Brampton North organizations

Events in Scarborough–Rouge Park

Report, Integrity Commissioner

Visitors

COVID-19 deaths

Surgery delay deaths

Question Period

COVID-19 response

COVID-19 testing

COVID-19 response

Nuclear energy

Child care

Government’s record

Broadband infrastructure

Mental health and addiction services

COVID-19 testing

COVID-19 response

Treaties recognition

Electricity supply

COVID-19 immunization

COVID-19 response

Grace Johnson

Jordan Hunter

Paige Wiggins

Grace Johnson

Business of the House

Holiday messages

Holiday messages

Legislative pages

Season’s greetings

Deferred Votes

Build Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2021 / Loi de 2021 visant à protéger nos progrès et à bâtir l’Ontario (mesures budgétaires)

Reports by Committees

Standing Committee on Public Accounts

Introduction of Bills

Right to Timely Mental Health and Addiction Care for Children and Youth Act, 2021 / Loi de 2021 sur le droit des enfants et des jeunes à des soins de santé mentale et au traitement de toxicomanies en temps opportun

Local Choice for Local Elections Act (Ranked Ballot By-Laws), 2021 / Loi de 2021 favorisant la prise de décisions à l’échelle locale (règlements municipaux sur le scrutin préférentiel)

Protecting Vulnerable Persons in Supportive Living Accommodation Act, 2021 / Loi de 2021 sur la protection des personnes vulnérables dans les logements supervisés

Day of Remembrance and Action Against Anti-Asian Racism Act, 2021 / Loi de 2021 sur la Journée du souvenir et d’action contre le racisme anti-asiatique

Petitions

Land use planning

Tenant protection

Road safety

Land use planning

Order of business

Orders of the Day

Adventure Learning Experiences Inc. Act, 2021

Adventure Learning Experiences Inc. Act, 2021

1921628 Ontario Inc. Act, 2021

1921628 Ontario Inc. Act, 2021

1664503 Ontario Inc. Act, 2021

1664503 Ontario Inc. Act, 2021

New Edinburgh Property Management Service Ltd. Act, 2021

New Edinburgh Property Management Service Ltd. Act, 2021

2238990 Ontario Inc. Act, 2021

2238990 Ontario Inc. Act, 2021

Total Pest Management Services Ltd. Act, 2021

Total Pest Management Services Ltd. Act, 2021

Vos Food Store Equipment Ltd. Act, 2021

Vos Food Store Equipment Ltd. Act, 2021

Royal assent / Sanction royale

Private Members’ Public Business

Hungarian Heritage Month Act, 2021 / Loi de 2021 sur le Mois du patrimoine hongrois

The House met at 0900.

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

Prayers / Prières.

Orders of the Day

Anti-Asian Racism Education Month Act, 2021 / Loi de 2021 sur le mois de sensibilisation au racisme anti-asiatique

Mr. Ke moved third reading of the following bill:

Bill 34,

An Act to proclaim May as Anti-Asian Racism Education Month / Projet de loi 34, Loi proclamant le mois de mai Mois de sensibilisation au racisme anti-asiatique.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’ll recognize the member for Don Valley North to lead off the debate.

Mr. Vincent Ke: I’m honoured to have the privilege to present third reading of my private member’s bill, Bill 34, Anti-Asian Racism Education Month in May. Speaker, from the bottom of my heart, I want to say thank you to all my colleagues for your tremendous support.

Ontario is often the leader when striving to set a basic course of action for others to follow. I’m proud to accept the responsibility to contribute to our combined efforts to inspire significant social change—change that promises to shine a light on the social inequities and the injustices that cause innocent people harm through no fault of their own.

I have witnessed the trauma of anti-Asian racism myself. One of my close friends, Yi Mao, a community leader and a strong woman, is also a victim of anti-Asian racism. Recently, she was jogging on a track field in her neighborhood. She was terrified when a medium-sized, unleashed dog ran around her. She approached the owner, asking him to put his dog on a leash. The owner expressed racist remarks and punched her twice while the dog was running and jumping around her. She was totally traumatized, shaking and experienced headaches even weeks after the incident.

Speaker, I want to express my sincere appreciation for the attention and consideration that Bill 34 has received. I believe wholeheartedly that it will be the beginning of stopping the turbulent tide of anti-Asian racism in our midst. Racism starts with attacking our differences; we will end racism by celebrating our diversity.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Further debate?

Despite incidents like this, being elected and having the privilege to be here in this House means we have an opportunity to do something about it, and this is what the bill aims to do. To be clear, Speaker, every time I speak out, racist attacks increase in the media or online. No elected representative should have to dread speaking out, but we know that in doing so it will bring a torrent of racist abuse. No member in the Legislature should worry about how much strain it will put on their mental health, on their family’s well-being, merely for speaking about these things. And, yet, that worry never escapes us.

But it is important to speak out, and to be proud of our identity as people of Asian heritage; to represent, to not just speak our truth and our lived experience, but to be an active part of taking action against it.

Speaker, we all know that anti-Asian racism is not new, but it did reach new heights during the pandemic. Since the pandemic began, Ontarians of Asian heritage have experienced a dramatic increase in racist attacks, from verbal abuse to online harassment to physical assault. I’ve spoken before in this House about a handful of specific attacks. I mentioned a young Asian man who had an egg thrown at him as he left to work—not very far from Queen’s Park. Another Asian woman was shouted at and called “corona” as she crossed the street on Bloor. Another was harassed on the TTC and told to go back where she came from.

These attacks happened to people I personally know and love. They are our friends, our families, our neighbours, our community members.

Speaker, people of Asian heritage face these types of aggression every day, but we shouldn’t have to. We should never have to, and yet these attacks are not isolated incidents. They’re symptoms of systemic racism that Canadians of Asian heritage have faced for generations. This racism is an inextricable part of our country’s history.

Over 130 years ago, after approximately 600 Chinese workers died building the Canadian Pacific Railway, Canada brought in the Chinese head tax to restrict immigration from China. One hundred and seven years ago, Canada denied entry and forced the return of the Komagata Maru, which proved to be tragic. And 80 years ago, the Canadian government detained and dispossessed more than 90% of Japanese Canadians in internment camps. And it wasn’t until 1967 that Canada removed immigration restrictions on the basis of race that kept people of Asian descent out of this country. That was only 54 years ago, Speaker. Many in this chamber were alive for that.

We cannot forget this racist history, and we cannot allow racism of any form against anyone. We cannot be silent on anti-Asian racism. We have been silent on anti-Asian racism for far too long. Silence is no longer an option, and so I call on all of my colleagues and everyone to speak up against anti-Asian racism.

I’m proud to support this bill. Education is vital in addressing and combatting racism and discrimination against Canadians of Asian heritage in Ontario. And later today, I will be tabling a bill on this issue as well, which will call for May 10 to be declared a day of remembrance and action against anti-Asian racism. Because while education should be one tool in Ontario’s anti-racism tool box, I think it’s important to acknowledge the trauma and abuse that has already been endured by generations of Canadians of Asian heritage in this province and have a strategy to address this issue at the provincial level.

We cannot oppose anti-Asian racism without acknowledging our past, without listening to the Asian community and validating their experiences, and without the appropriate resources to dismantle systemic discrimination that hurts so many of us.

Speaker, this bill is a step in the right direction, but I hope that it doesn’t stop here and that this government continues to work across party lines to address this issue.

The Acting Speaker (Ms. Jennifer K. French): Further debate?

Hon. Paul Calandra: That is certainly a difficult and challenging speech to follow. But in very many ways, I think people who may be watching this today should note that whilst the members who speak to this speak passionately about it, and while they may be upset about it, this is actually a remarkable day because not only are they prepared to fight back—their passion and disappointment, more than anything, that we have to still be talking about bills like this at this particular time. But I want to thank the member for Don Valley North, the member for Parkdale–High Park and a number of other members who have been seized with bringing something like this forward.

There has been a lot of work that has been done across party lines, as the members have talked about, and it is incumbent on all of us, obviously, to do something about this. All of our communities—I know my community, in particular, of Markham–Stouffville has been enriched by the many members from many different Asian communities across our community and they have meant so much to helping us make my home town of Stouffville and Markham so much better than it was before.

There are some people, when you talk to them, who don’t understand how this can hurt—and anybody who watches these speeches today, again I would say, shouldn’t be under the illusion that their ugly words are changing our resolve, because today is a day that we continue to fight back. I must say, I did speak to somebody, and the comment to me was that, “Oh, everybody goes through this. You know, I’m sure as an Italian Canadian, you went through this. And then, you know, at other points in time it’s other communities that go through it.” But that’s the whole point: We shouldn’t be going through this anymore in this province.

I’m going to be deliberately short, Speaker, because I know there are other people who want to speak to it, but I want to sincerely thank the member for Don Valley North and I want to thank the member for Parkdale–High Park and all the other members who are going to speak to this motion today. It is overdue. We will continue our fight to ensure that nobody has to go through what the member for Parkdale–High Park has gone through, what the member for Don Valley North has been fighting for ever since he got elected to this place.

And if I can say a special thank-you to the member for Don Valley North, who in a very short period of time has done so much not only on a personal level but to represent his community, Madam Speaker.

So thank you for the opportunity to say a few words. And thank you to the member for Parkdale–High Park for bringing to the floor her very real experiences and for letting everybody know that we won’t be shut up in this place just because people leave nasty messages on our machines or confront us in public. We’ll take steps to make sure that it stops and that it never happens again.

The Acting Speaker (Ms. Jennifer K. French): Further debate?

Mr. Aris Babikian: Good morning, Madam Speaker. It is my great pleasure to participate in the third reading of Bill 34,

An Act to proclaim May as Anti-Asian Racism Education Month. I would like to congratulate my Don Valley North colleague on this important initiative he tabled at this House.

Regrettably, no society is immune to the scourge of racism and hate. You just need a demagogue to mobilize society and turn one against another. In the last 20 months, we have heard of and witnessed increased acts of racism against our Asian neighbours and friends; unfortunately, the COVID pandemic exacerbated this phenomenon, especially against the Chinese community. The anti-Asian bigotry, hatred and prejudice are alien to our society. They contradict Canadian values and beliefs. The perpetrators of these crimes do not represent Canadians or Ontarians.

My riding of Scarborough–Agincourt comprises a diverse society that enriches our daily lives. Over 55% of residents are of South Asian descent. I have heard from so many of them and listened to the humiliation and prejudice to which they have been subjected in their schools, businesses and neighbourhoods. To express my indignation and abhorrence against these acts, I have participated in press conferences and community events. I have done so to sensitize the public about these heinous incidents and to condemn them. To eliminate such unacceptable acts, 17 Asian and Canadian organizations came together and launched the Stronger Together coalition. I was there to launch the coalition.

Madam Speaker, it is our duty to condemn these deeds by a tiny minority and educate future generations of the catastrophic result of prejudice, xenophobia and hatred. By doing so, we will be able to highlight the many contributions of Chinese and other South Asian citizens made to our province and country. Their sacrifices and hard work to make our province a better place for all go back to 1788. Furthermore, they were vital in building the Canadian Pacific Railway. Since then, they have helped us build Canada into what it is: the best country in the world.

Madam Speaker, education is essential to build an inclusive, harmonious and just society. Bill 34 will provide future generations of Ontarians the opportunity to learn about the productive nature of our Asian neighbours and their achievements in making Canada a leading nation and the envy of everyone. I encourage everyone to vote in favour of this indispensable bill.

The Acting Speaker (Ms. Jennifer K. French): Further debate?

Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: Good morning, Madam Speaker. While it gives me great pleasure to rise to speak about this issue, it also is disheartening that we still have to discuss these issues in the 21st century. As the minister responsible for mental health and addictions, I constantly have to deal with issues that relate to people’s mental health. Of course, what underlies people’s mental health? It’s the ability for them to live and to be able to enjoy all the benefits of the society we live in.

One of the things that is extremely important to me is to ensure that the type of services we deliver in the province to the people of the province are services that are culturally appropriate and culturally sensitive to the needs of each of the groups that make up our great province.

Prior to coming to government, one of the things that I used to do a great deal was work with different cultural groups to try to understand the different cultures, not from the standpoint of how we’re different, but in fact how we’re really very similar and just perhaps do things a little differently. I used to refer to it back then as the collective cultural conscience of the province of Ontario.

What makes us unique, not just as a province but also as a country, is the fact that we celebrate who each of us are, and we celebrate together. That kind of celebratory activity that takes place is extremely important to ensure that all of us fulfill whatever our dream is in this great province of Ontario. So when I listen to the speakers this morning, it’s disheartening to hear that, and I certainly support, from the standpoint of mental health, the passage of this bill.

The Acting Speaker (Ms. Jennifer K. French): Further debate? Further debate?

Pursuant to the order of the House dated December 6, 2021, I am now required to put the question.

Mr. Ke has moved third reading of Bill 34,

An Act to proclaim May as Anti-Asian Racism Education Month. Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? I declare the motion carried.

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

Third reading agreed to.

Endometriosis Awareness Month Act, 2021 / Loi de 2021 sur le mois de sensibilisation à l’endométriose

Ms. Stiles moved third reading of the following bill:

Bill 58,

An Act to proclaim March as Endometriosis Awareness Month / Projet de loi 58, Loi proclamant le mois de mars Mois de sensibilisation à l’endométriose.

The Acting Speaker (Ms. Jennifer K. French): I turn to the member from Davenport.

Ms. Marit Stiles: It’s an exciting day, I know, for a lot of us: both the end of this session, heading into the holidays, and a really wonderful opportunity. I’ve got to say, what a gift to so many across this province who suffer from endometriosis that we could have this opportunity today to hopefully pass this important legislation. I want to start by saying that I will be splitting my time with my colleagues on this side.

It was just such a pleasure last week to see this bill brought forward for debate. The bill seeks to make March Endometriosis Awareness Month in the province of Ontario. I have to say, I introduced this bill a couple of years ago with the member from Toronto Centre, MPP Suze Morrison, who I want to thank very much for her support of this bill. Originally, in the last session, it died on prorogation, and maybe that was just as well, because here we are. We actually have an opportunity to pass the bill and then, come next March, we will be able to use the opportunity to spread awareness and information and education around endometriosis in this province.

Right off the top, what I really want to do today here for third reading is to thank again the Endometriosis Network Canada, EndoAct, Change for Endometriosis Ontario, folks like Katie Luciani, Philippa Bridge-Cook and all the endo warriors—that’s what they call themselves—out there, as well as those in the medical community. There are many, but I’ll name a few: Dr. Sony Singh, Dr. Catherine Allaire, Dr. Ally Murji and others.

I also want to thank MPP Robin Martin, who had spoken last week in the debate on this bill.

I want to say for all of those who speak about this, particularly those who have had experiences with endometriosis: It’s not easy. It’s not easy to talk about what makes us different, also as people who menstruate, particularly as women but also as gender-non-binary and trans people who suffer from endometriosis. Talking about these issues has been full of shame and stigma for so many years. It’s one of the reasons why a disease like this kind of flies under the radar.

I’ve had so many people approach me in the last week, even just within this chamber, and say, “I had no idea how many people suffered.” It’s one in 10, actually, and that’s probably a low estimate because so many more people don’t ever get diagnosed.

That’s why awareness months like this are so very important, because we have an opportunity to spread awareness and education. But we also have to commit, Madam Speaker, through this bill—I’m hoping that this will lead to a dialogue with government to ensure that we can have better education in our schools, more resources, more research and ultimately a provincial action plan on endometriosis.

I want to wrap up very quickly by sharing some words from Philippa Bridge-Cook, who is the board chair of Endometriosis Action Canada, because I think she sums it up very well. I do want to, again, acknowledge all of those people who have worked so hard to gain awareness around this issue—and see this as a real triumph, I have to say. She says, “Many people with endometriosis have long delays in getting diagnosed and difficulty accessing effective treatment because of lack of awareness and understanding of the disease.

The passage of Bill 58 to proclaim March as Endometriosis Awareness Month will help raise much-needed awareness of this disease and is an important step towards raising societal awareness of the devastating disease. Awareness is the first step to creating change and improving the lives of patients suffering from endometriosis.”

I wish her well. I thank all those endo warriors out there. Thank you very much. I hope that we have the support of all members of this chamber.

The Acting Speaker (Ms. Jennifer K. French): Further debate?

Ms. Natalia Kusendova: Good morning, everyone. It is a great honour for me to rise in this House to speak to Bill 58, a bill to proclaim the month of March as Endometriosis Awareness Month in the province of Ontario. As a nurse, I know the value of raising awareness of this common disease, and I am happy to note the support this is receiving from our government. I’d like to thank the members opposite for their work in drafting this piece of legislation. I am always in support of working alongside the opposition when opportunities present themselves.

Speaker, endometriosis is a disease where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, leading to pain and sometimes infertility for those suffering from it. The spread of this tissue causes a chronic inflammatory reaction that can result in the formation of scar tissue. While many of us might not know what this disease is, it is a disease that affects many around the world. According to the World Health Organization, endometriosis affects roughly 10% of reproductive-age women and girls globally, which is a figure of around 190 million people, and it tragically can begin at quite a young age.

But as the member for Davenport mentioned during second reading of this bill, there is a pressing issue surrounding how many women do not get diagnosed for this disease due to the stigma that surrounds menstruation. Tragically, this means that many women right here in Ontario are not getting the assistance from care providers to treat the symptoms of this painful disease because of shame and because of fear. And there are immense costs imposed by endometriosis that follow from this.

It is costly for sufferers who have a lessened quality of life due to chronic pain; it is costly for sufferers who have to withdraw their focus from their studies in school due to their chronic pain, meaning that their educational experience is now impacted; and it is costly for sufferers who have their work life impacted by this debilitating pain, leading to a poor work-life balance and losses for Ontario’s economy. As the member for Davenport mentioned in her remarks during second reading, these costs can actually be quantified.

Research shows that endometriosis costs the Canadian economy at least $1.8 billion every year due to the impact of painful symptoms that hinder sufferers in their daily lives. Tragically, some sufferers choose to leave their schooling and leave their jobs because the pain that they experience is too severe. And while those with a diagnosis can get treatment that helps to alleviate these terrible symptoms, those who are resigned to suffering in silence have no ability to lessen the pain.

Knowing all of this, it becomes clear why action on this disease is so immediately necessary. Endometriosis Awareness Month would serve many uses in helping sufferers and non-sufferers alike. Most importantly, it would also do as the name suggests: raise awareness for this disease that affects many women and girls around the world but does not receive the amount of attention it should warrant, because women’s health is health.

The World Health Organization specifically states, “There is a need for more research and awareness raising around the world to ensure effective prevention, early diagnosis, and improved management of the disease.”

When sufferers are afraid to seek important medical attention due to fear or shame or embarrassment, this is a medical tragedy. It prevents our medical professionals, especially our male medical professionals, from offering the support and treatment that they have the expertise to provide to sufferers. When sufferers cannot access treatment that manages the disease and alleviates symptoms, it means that the disease can be allowed to worsen in the body, leading to worse health outcomes, not only physical health, but also mental health. This could mean that sufferers develop fertility issues, painful pregnancies and very serious conditions, including the possibility of having a stroke.

It is also important to mention the mental health impacts that suffering from endometriosis in silence can have on those with the disease. When a person has an ailment that they feel cannot be talked about, they suffer in silence. They feel isolated. They feel different. They feel that no one can relate to the symptoms. They feel that they will be judged by their condition.

By raising awareness, we are saying to sufferers that you are not alone, help is available, and it is not taboo to put your medical needs first or to talk about menstruation—even in this House. By starting a dialogue, by doing away with these stigmas, we are promoting better health outcomes and better quality of life for those with endometriosis.

As a nurse, I cannot emphasize enough how all medical journeys begin with a single step: the decision to get the health care that one needs. When societal norms stand in the way of individuals deciding to seek care in the first place, it is something we must all commit ourselves to work towards fixing. By empowering those with this disease to get treatment, we are also supporting our health care professionals, who want nothing more than to help Ontarians put their health first. Our health care system is here for Ontarians and this government will always be committed to the health and well-being of patients and providers alike.

I am proud to have had a chance to speak in support of this bill today. I know that it will make an important difference for those currently suffering from endometriosis. I’d like to once again offer my appreciation to the member for Davenport and to the member for Toronto Centre for working together to put this important legislation forward, and also for having the courage to speak about an issue that might not be comfortable to everyone in this House. I really commend that honesty and the courage to bring this forward.

The Acting Speaker (Ms. Jennifer K. French): Further debate?

Ms. Jill Andrew: Thank you to the members from Davenport and Toronto Centre for putting forward this legislation calling for March to be the endometriosis month of awareness. I stand here today as the critic for women’s issues of the official opposition, and I support this bill.

Not all who menstruate are women, and not all women menstruate. This piece of legislation is a step forward for all people who menstruate, and this includes transgender, non-conforming and non-binary community members, who, like BIPOC members, have long histories of experiencing inequity and discrimination in our health care system.

Recognizing endometriosis month in this province is an important step towards menstrual education. It’s also the start of talking about other menstrual-related conditions, including fibromyalgia and menopause, and their physical, mental and economic impacts. It has been documented that Black people, for instance, who menstruate are disproportionately impacted by endometriosis and fibromyalgia than, say, white persons who menstruate, and that increased body pain and tenderness are associated with decreased socio-economic status.

Menstruation impacts many people in our communities—over 50%, at that—yet it is still shrouded in secrecy, embarrassment and stigma. Endometriosis can impact many parts of the body, not only the reproductive system, yet it remains under-researched. In fact, in the past 20 years, only $7 million has gone to endometriosis research.

People suffering from endometriosis need targeted treatment that recognizes the distinct nature of their pain—the debilitating nature of that pain—and there shouldn’t be a hefty price tag attached. One reportedly researched treatment is called a TENS machine. Though not specific to period pain, it has been marketed more recently for it. However, the price is supposedly around $150 to $200 for this machine. By contrast, when they’re marketed to men as muscle pain relief, the cost is around $30 to $40.

Speaker, women and other people who menstruate should not be price-gouged to treat this often debilitating condition. People managing menopause shouldn’t be paying for hormone replacement therapy. The “pink tax” differential treatment is systemic discrimination rooted in patriarchy and medical sexism. Paid sick days, for instance, would be a crucial tool to help workers heal: those who are menstruating, those who are missing work, missing income because of endometriosis. Living with endometriosis should not mean that you’re losing income.

People dealing with endometriosis should not have to deal with sexist labels like “PMSing.” They need support through responsive, culturally relevant, and gender identity and expression-inclusive care. Toronto Youth Cabinet, the Period Purse, YWCA Ontario, OSSTF, OECTA and ETFO are just a few of the student, community and unions that have spoken out on period poverty and have spoken out against medical sexism.

Youth at Bleed the North are fighting to end period poverty and period stigma through curriculum reform. I had the pleasure of meeting them recently for National Period Day. Since starting in 2020, this youth-led organization has supplied over 50,000 period products across this province.

I am really, really honoured to be standing in support of this bill; of any bill that is absolutely going to put equity and inclusivity at the centre and ensure that everyone who needs access to health care can get that, irrespective of their race, of their class, of their gender identity or their expression.

The Acting Speaker (Ms. Jennifer K. French): Further debate?

Ms. Suze Morrison: It’s an absolute pleasure to rise and speak to the third reading of Bill 58, which is a bill to proclaim March as Endometriosis Awareness Month. I want to start by thanking my amazing colleague for Davenport for bringing this bill forward and for being able to work on it together when we first tabled this bill two years ago. It was an absolute pleasure to work with you.

Speaker, endometriosis is a disease experienced by one in 10 menstruators of reproductive age. This includes women, trans and non-binary people. I think it’s really important to remember, when we do this work, that we are being inclusive of gender-diverse and gender non-conforming folks. There are many trans men and non-binary people who have uteruses, who menstruate and who cannot be excluded from really important conversations on reproductive health. So I do want to say that.

Speaker, endometriosis causes extreme pelvic pain and nausea. It can lead to infertility. It often goes undiagnosed, often because of the stigma associated with menstruation and the shame of that, leaving those who suffer to often suffer in silence.

Endometriosis is a complex disease. It affects one in 10 menstruators in Canada and over a million people across this country. It’s a condition where the tissue that normally lines your uterus—the endometrial tissue, the endometrium—grows outside of your uterus, and these tissues have been found implanted all over the body. In fact, it’s most commonly found in ovaries, fallopian tubes and the lining of your pelvis, but it’s been found in every single organ in the body, which can often lead to issues that involve incredibly specialized medical care that can be incredibly difficult to access across multiple specialties.

I spoke with one endo warrior as we were working on this bill, I believe about a year, year and a half ago, and she shared with me that she had endometriosis in her chest, in the sac around her heart; and how complicated that was to treat because her endometriosis surgeon didn’t have the specialization needed to actually access the cavity in her heart, so she required a cardiothoracic surgeon who didn’t have the specialization to be able to recognize and remove the endometrial tissue when he found it.

They had to basically have a co-led surgery between two very, very specialized surgical fields and get those two surgeons working hand in hand during the same procedure to remove that endometrial tissue from the sac around her heart.

It has been found in every single organ in the body; as she mentioned recently, someone had found the tissue in the skin. So it’s not just a reproductive health issue. Endometriosis affects your entire body and can cause debilitating lifelong pain. It’s not just a case of bad cramps.

Speaker, I also want to share a letter I received from a constituent of mine named Lulu. Lulu says:

“When I was 17, I got my first surgery for endometriosis during which the doctor was more focused on my future fertility than how much pain I was living in.

“The surgeon left a spot of endometriosis in me ... rather than removing it because there was a slim chance of affecting my future ability to get pregnant, even though I had begged for all of the endometriosis to be taken out and explained that I didn’t want kids.

“It took almost 10 years to see a doctor after that who actually believed how bad it hurt. Now I’ve been on medication for the last three years that costs $330 a month. Some months I haven’t had the money and I’ve gone without, in pain.

“The medication changes my entire hormonal system, and it’s slowly degrading my bone density, but it’s the only option I have to live a life of any kind of quality. I need surgery desperately, but when I finally got on a wait-list, that list was nearly two years long.

“Because the government didn’t adequately address the COVID pandemic, that wait-list has gotten two years longer. Two more years of taking a medication that causes harm just to avoid debilitating pain.

“The province needs to step up funding for all medications required for folks with endometriosis to live our lives....”

Speaker, again, that was a quote from Lulu.

I strongly encourage all members of this House to support this bill.

The Acting Speaker (Ms. Jennifer K. French): Further debate? Further debate?

Pursuant to the order of the House dated December 6, 2021, I’m now required to put the question.

Ms. Stiles has moved third reading of Bill 58,

An Act to proclaim March as Endometriosis Awareness Month.

Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? I declare the motion carried.

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

Third reading agreed to.

The Acting Speaker (Ms. Jennifer K. French): I recognize the deputy government House leader.

Mr. Michael Parsa: Speaker, no further business.

The Acting Speaker (Ms. Jennifer K. French): There being no further business, this House stands in recess until 10:15.

The House recessed from 0944 to 1015.

Members’ Statements

Government services

Mr. Wayne Gates: I’m always pleased to rise in the House to discuss issues facing my riding of Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fort Erie.

ServiceOntario in Niagara Falls is understaffed and overwhelmed. Seniors, residents living with disabilities, people without a computer and people new to our province are standing in line, 30 to 40 people outside in the cold, often for hours. If you drive past the ServiceOntario location on Thorold Stone Road, you can see folks quite literally lined up around the corner in wind, snow and all sorts of conditions. My office has received many calls and emails from frustrated residents. The situation has become so bad that we recently received a report of a neighbour opening their home to allow seniors, who were waiting in line to renew their health cards, to go to the bathroom while they wait.

Wages are inadequate in privately run facilities, with new employees only making $16 an hour and experienced employees, with multiple years of seniority, only making $18 an hour. In a publicly run facility, they make $24 an hour with benefits. The funding agreements for these ServiceOntario locations are, quite frankly, broken. As this government well knows, many of our ServiceOntario locations were privatized in the 1990s by the Conservative government before this one. It was a bad deal then, and it’s a bad deal now.

Residents in every community across the province deserve high-quality, timely and accessible government services, especially when it comes to something as important as renewing our health cards or registering our child’s birth. We need action. We need help. And we can’t continue to ignore issues like these that affect people every day in our communities across the province of Ontario. It’s unacceptable, and it must change.

International Human Rights Day

Mr. Michael Parsa: Tomorrow is human rights day. It’s a day where we dedicate and stand in solidarity with all those around the world who continue to face persecution due to their personal, political or religious beliefs. All of us as global citizens have an obligation to do more and stand up for those who are unable to.

Speaker, this year’s theme focuses on equality, which means that we’re all born equal and free in both dignity and in rights. And although this seems like a universal concept that should apply to everyone, as many of you here in the Legislature and those watching at home know, that isn’t always the case. Every year, I am fortunate enough to participate in an event hosted by the International Centre for Human Rights and have the opportunity to speak with the director, Ardeshir Zarezadeh, on the work that he and his colleagues are doing here locally and in Iran in the Middle East.

I want to thank Salman Sima and countless others who dedicate hours of their time to helping people as far away as those in the Middle East. They step up and go above and beyond and try their very best to help people where their basic rights are taken away from them. Speaker, the work of such individuals and organizations are proof that we can all do more. And as Ontarians, we can do better and we must do better.

Nobody, and I mean absolutely nobody, should ever have to live through human rights injustices or face inequality. Over the holidays, please take a moment to reflect on these issues and lend a helping hand when possible.

And with that, Speaker, I do want to end on a positive note. To all my colleagues in the Legislature and everyone at home, I hope that you get to spend some time with your families and loved ones over the holidays, and I look forward to our return in the new year. Merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah and happy holidays.

Northern Ontario / Nord de l’Ontario

M me France Gélinas: Speaker, I thought I would share my wish list with you.

All I want for Christmas is a full-time nurse practitioner for the nursing station in Foleyet and one in Gogama.

I want a settlement of community boundaries for Mattagami and Wahnapitae First Nations within a year—not decades.

I want for the students of Gogama to be able to go to school in their community. Busing 10- and 11-year-old kids for three hours a day is just too hard on them.

I want the numerous power outages in Gogama to be fixed. There were 58 of them last year, lasting 248 hours.

I want Highway 144 at Marina Road to be made safe.

I want the proposal for a long-term-care home in Capreol to be funded.

I want LifeLabs to stop leaving frail, elderly people outside in minus-20-degree weather at the Azilda and Val Caron sites.

I want the residents of Cartier, Dowling, Onaping, Levack and throughout Nickel Belt to have home care services, finally.

I want the Beaver Lake welcome centre on Highway 17 to stay open.

I want the old gold mine site on Long Lake to be cleaned up.

I want Laurentian to collaborate with the AG.

Je veux que l’Université de Sudbury devienne une université franco pour, par et avec les francophones.

Je veux que les modèles de petites maisons de soins de longue durée deviennent viables pour les communautés comme Alban.

I want fast, affordable, reliable Internet.

I want 911 everywhere in Nickel Belt.

I want gas prices to be regulated.

I want Highway 69 to be four lanes.

I want all of our roads to be better maintained in the winter.

And I want to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Joyeux Noël. Bonne et heureuse année, tout le monde.

Lacrosse championships

Mr. Dave Smith: I’ve had the opportunity to rise in this House on a number of occasions to wax poetically about some of the great things that have come from my riding that I often refer to as God’s country.

As we head in to 2022, my community will be celebrating an amazing success story that will be entering its 150th year. In the spring of 1872, the very first organized game of lacrosse arrived in Peterborough. Not even with the storied history of the world famous Peterborough Petes has any sport come close to the success that Peterborough has had in lacrosse. In the modern era, since the Mann Cup has been awarded as the national championship for senior box lacrosse and the Minto Cup has been awarded for the national junior box lacrosse championship, Peterborough holds the record for the most national championships, with an awe-inspiring 29.

Speaker, it’s not just the combined total; we actually have more Minto Cup championships than any other community and more Mann Cup championships than any other community. Stemming from that first game on Victoria Day weekend in 1872, the formation of the Peterborough Red Stockings lacrosse team started the institution that has become Canada’s de facto lacrosse-player factory.

I invite everyone to come to Peterborough next summer to celebrate North America’s oldest sport in Canada’s winningest community. And let’s hope that we’ve seen COVID far enough in the rear-view mirror so that my boy Cory Vitarelli will lead the Lakers to complete the almost unheard of four-peat in a national championship.

Tibet

Ms. Bhutila Karpoche: A groundbreaking report by Tibet Action Institute, titled Separated From Their Families, Hidden From the World, released this week, shone a light on China’s vast system of colonial boarding schools inside Tibet.

The Chinese government has separated three out of four children aged six to 18 from their families, cut them off from their roots, their language, culture, religion, and subjected them to intense political indoctrination. Children are being coerced away from their families and communities. Tibetan parents have no choice but to send their children away because the Chinese government has deliberately shut down local schools, and parents have reported being threatened with fines and serious punishments when they resisted sending their children away.

Touted by the Chinese government as a means for providing education to a sparse and far-flung population, the schools are a cornerstone of an assimilationist agenda and a systematic effort to co-opt, undermine and ultimately eliminate Tibetan identity in an attempt to neutralize Tibetan resistance to Chinese rule.

The impact of this on Tibetan children and their families—including psychological and emotional trauma—and the implications for whole generations of Tibetans and the long-term survival of the Tibetan identity are grave. It is imperative that the Canadian government urgently call on China to halt its implementation of this system in Tibet. We’ve seen it here in Canada, Speaker, and we cannot have it repeat anywhere.

COVID-19 response

Mr. Roman Baber: Like the saying goes, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” It’s the holiday season, but Ontarians got fooled again because the government is about to steal Christmas.

For more than a year, they were telling us that vaccination is the best and sure way out of the pandemic. But now, 90% of us are vaccinated, but we’re still on the naughty list, and public health won’t leave us alone. Three health units are already back in restrictions. Windsor-Essex and Sudbury are back in restrictions. Kingston FLA—with over 92% first dosed, one of the highest rates in the world—brought restrictions back. Of course, the government pretends that it has nothing to do with it. It’s the local health unit—sure.

Speaker, 90% of us are vaccinated. If we trust the science and the vaccine is safe and effective, then why the masks? Why the testing, the tracing, the isolation, the apps on our phones?

Of course, yesterday, Pfizer said that we need a fourth shot against the Omicron variant. Don’t act surprised.

Almost all of us are vaccinated. For those that are unvaccinated, nothing can be done. It’s their choice and almost all of them, given their age and profile, are highly unlikely to experience a bad outcome. The best thing the government can do for Christmas is to leave us alone. Remember the Britney Spears video? It’s back in the news. “Leave Britney alone”? Leave Ontarians alone. Leave us alone. It’s the best thing you can do for our health.

Haliburton County Huskies

Ms. Laurie Scott: I want to recognize a recent and fantastic addition to Haliburton county, a new Ontario junior hockey team. Last spring, the Ontario Junior Hockey League announced one of its 22 franchises would be relocating to Haliburton county and are now known as the Haliburton County Huskies.

Hockey is so important to Haliburton county. It’s more than just a sport when community members rally together in team colours to cheer on their players, win or lose.

The Haliburton County Huskies have made the brand new S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena in Minden their home ice. This is a great way to bring our community together to enjoy a new facility and to spur on the economy.

Haliburton has been home to many hockey and sports heroes, some featured on Dysart’s mural wall, such as NHL hockey players Cody Hodgson, Matt Duchene, Ron Stackhouse and Bernie Nicholls. Former NHL player Walt McKechnie came to Haliburton almost 40 years ago and never left. He opened a bar and is now a local councillor and a legend.

The Huskies continue to do well this season in their division with hometown boys Ryan Hall and Joe Boice, along with local players in reserve if they’re needed. The games are assisted by our very own local fan and voice Rick Lowes from Moose FM.

If you’re looking for some great hockey and inspiring community energy, I encourage you to come out to Haliburton county for a game this season.

Hon. Todd Smith: Go, Huskies!

Ms. Laurie Scott: Go, Huskies!

Brampton North organizations

Mr. Kevin Yarde: I would like to start off by wishing everyone here in the chamber a very merry Christmas and Happy New Year. As this is our final day of this session, I would like to also use this opportunity to highlight a few of the great local organizations of Brampton and in Brampton North.

I want to thank the city of Brampton for all of their great work in highlighting the multiculturalism of our vibrant city. I had the pleasure of joining them for the Hindu Heritage Month flag raising last month and their Social, Cultural and Economic Empowerment and Anti-Black Racism Unit’s anti-Black racism conference last week.

A few months ago, I had the pleasure of touring Embrave and the Knights Table. Embrave is an anti-violence organization providing shelter, counselling and advocacy supports for women, two-spirit, gender-queer, trans and non-binary folks and their children experiencing any form of violence in the region of Peel and beyond. And Knights Table has served the needs of people dealing with issues of poverty and homelessness in the Peel region. They assist everyone, regardless of colour, culture, religion, economic status, gender, sexual orientation or social condition.

I also want to commend some of the many great local religious institutions. The Masjid Mubarak has been helping folks throughout the pandemic by hosting vaccine clinics and food drives. The Heart Lake Baptist Church has also been hosting food drives and helping at-risk youth develop life skills.

There are many local organizations I didn’t mention in Brampton and in Brampton North, and I also would like to thank them as well.

And what I would like for Christmas, Mr. Speaker, is lower auto insurance in Brampton, better health care and a third hospital in Brampton. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone.

Events in Scarborough–Rouge Park

Mr. Vijay Thanigasalam: My riding of Scarborough–Rouge Park is full of holiday season celebrations, Christmas celebrations this year. It is certainly that time of the year, filled with holiday spirit and Ontario spirit to give back.

In the beginning of this year, Highland Creek Community Association approached me with an ambitious goal of donating over 500,000 pounds of food. Well, Mr. Speaker, I’m pleased to say that, right in time for Christmas, we’ll hit the goal of donating 500,000 pounds of food to the Daily Bread Food Bank, for a total dollar value of over $270,000. Thank you to everyone at the Highland Creek Community Association and Italpasta for their generous donation.

This season is all about giving back. This Saturday in my riding there will be a children’s Christmas giveaway organized by the Malvern Community Collective Group and Voyzant Cares in partnership with GlobalMedic and the Toronto Black community collective. Kids will be given Christmas toys to bring a smile on their face.

Report, Integrity Commissioner

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I beg to inform the House that the following document has been tabled: A report concerning the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, from the Office of the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario.

Visitors

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I am very pleased to inform the House that page Felicia Pagulayan from Brampton North is one of today’s page captains, and we have with us her mother, Diane Pagulayan, and her father, Russ Pagulayan.

We’re also joined by the parents of another page captain, Alfie Tabachnick, from the riding of Davenport: his mother, Nadia Sapiro, and his father, Scott Tabachnick.

Welcome to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. We’re delighted to have you here.

COVID-19 deaths

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Timiskaming–Cochrane has a point order.

Mr. John Vanthof: I seek unanimous consent for the House to observe a moment of silence for the 39 Ontarians who have succumbed to COVID-19 over the course of the last week.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Timiskaming–Cochrane is seeking the unanimous consent of the House to observe a moment’s silence for the 39 Ontarians who have succumbed to COVID-19 over the course of the last week. Agreed? Agreed.

Members will please rise.

The House observed a moment’s silence.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you. Members may take their seats.

Surgery delay deaths

Mr. Roman Baber: Point of order.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for York Centre has a point of order.

Mr. Roman Baber: I seek the House’s unanimous consent to observe a moment of silence for the 4,000 Canadians that, according to the Canadian Medical Association, have lost their lives because their surgeries were delayed.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for York Centre is seeking the unanimous consent of the House for a moment’s silence in memory of the Canadians who have lost their lives because their surgeries have been delayed. Agreed? Agreed.

Members will please rise.

The House observed a moment’s silence.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you very much. Members may take their seats.

Mr. Roman Baber: Point of order.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for York Centre has a point of order.

Mr. Roman Baber: Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to observe a moment of silence for the more than 1,000 Ontarians who lost their lives last year due to an increase in deaths from overdoses.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Government House leader.

Hon. Paul Calandra: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. While I do appreciate what the member is trying to do, there will be many opportunities for us to continue to debate these things and to talk about all of the things that we can do to ensure that people who are suffering from overdoses, people who are struggling with COVID—and the things that we, as a Legislature, want to accomplish.

So in that vein, I know the member opposite may have a number of these points of order, but just to inform the House, I will be saying no to those. I know that’s what the member wants. I think it’s time that we get into question period, sir, but that in no way diminishes how a vast majority of this Legislature feels on the issues that the member is raising. There are more appropriate ways to deal with that, Mr. Speaker.

I want the people who are impacted by these decisions to know that all of the members of this Legislature understand how important these issues are and that we will not allow points of order like those from the member opposite and what he is trying to do here today to distract all of us in what it is that we want to accomplish on their behalf and on behalf of the province of Ontario.

Mr. Roman Baber: Speaker?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): On the same point of order?

Mr. Roman Baber: I don’t believe that—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Is it on the same point of order?

Mr. Roman Baber: Yes. I don’t believe that the response by the government House leader is appropriate. I’m perfectly within my rights to seek a point of order and to seek unanimous consent.

We sought unanimous consent for the victims of COVID-19 who passed away in the last month. That was agreed. We sought unanimous consent to recognize the folks who passed away from surgery delays. That was granted. I sought unanimous consent to recognize the folks who died from an increase in overdoses.

If the government House leader does not wish to observe a moment of silence for those because of cancer screenings missed, that’s entirely within his rights, but he cannot editorialize. I ask the Speaker to put the question again.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for York Centre is seeking the unanimous consent of the House for another moment of silence, this time in memory of the victims of drug overdoses. Agreed? I heard a no.

It is now time for oral questions.

Question Period

COVID-19 response

Ms. Catherine Fife: First, Mr. Speaker, I just want to say, on behalf of Andrea Horwath and Ontario’s official opposition, we want to wish everyone a happy and healthy Christmas season.

My question is to the Premier. The Premier has not demonstrated the leadership in Ontario that was needed during this pandemic. He opposed vaccine certificates to help small businesses, he planned on scrapping them in January, and businesses are still in the dark about their use. He refused new safety zones around health care facilities even as people waded through anti-vax protesters just to get their children vaccinated. Nurses have called his refusal to mandate vaccines for workers in health care and education cowardly. Nurses have said that.

This Premier has been caving to anti-vaxxers this entire time. Does the Premier not realize how dangerous it is to send these mixed messages out into the province of Ontario?

Hon. Doug Ford: Thank you so much to the person across the aisle there, Mr. Speaker.

I’ll tell you what we have done. In every single category, we’ve had a robust plan that focuses on making sure we are focusing on getting people to the testing stations, getting people to get a rapid test. We have distributed 34 million tests in 40,000 sites—40,000 sites, 34 million tests. That’s more than every single province and territory combined in the entire country. We’re making sure that we get 11 million tests out to schools in packs of five.

We’re are putting pop-up locations in malls and shopping centres, in transit locations and in workplaces to make sure it’s convenient for people to get tested. We are going to focus on making sure we do everything we can to keep the people of Ontario safe.

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

Ms. Catherine Fife: Speaker, this Premier has not used the session to invest in the supports that people need in Ontario. He’s diverted billions of dollars to two highways that pave over farmland, won’t address congestion and will be a waste of money.

Under his watch, hundreds of millions of dollars in grants went to businesses that didn’t even qualify for his own poorly designed program. He gave the 407 a billion-dollar gift behind closed doors. Meanwhile, so many Ontarians and small businesses needed support during this pandemic, but the Premier did not show up for them.

Why has this Premier spent billions of dollars on his buddies when so many Ontarians are not getting the support that they need to make it through this pandemic with any integrity at all?

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

Hon. Christine Elliott: Thank you to the member opposite for the question. Our government has been focused on the health and well-being of Ontarians throughout this pandemic. We have spent over $5.1 billion since the start of this pandemic on increases to our health care system. We’re putting in an additional $1.8 billion, in 2021-22, in hospitals. We are supporting critical care capacity, investing in that: $778 million to help hospitals keep pace with patient needs, $760 million to support hospitals with more than 3,100 extra beds, and $300 million to increase surgical and diagnostic procedures.

That’s the extent of the investments our government is making in the people of Ontario and the people’s health of the province of Ontario.

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

Ms. Catherine Fife: This Premier has cut base education funding in this fall economic statement by half a billion dollars. He did nothing to support burned-out front-line health care heroes, which has directly resulted in a staffing crisis in our health care system. It’s meant crowded emergency rooms, with long wait times and ICUs struggling to find staff to help patients during this challenging time. And this Premier refuses to do anything to address the crushing cost of living thanks to his long-standing low-wage policies.

Why hasn’t the Premier put the people of Ontario first and ensured that they have the health and the education services they need to get through this pandemic? They deserve so much better.

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

Hon. Stephen Lecce: There is no government in the history of this province that is investing more in public education, in public health care than this Premier and this Progressive Conservative government. We are doing so every single year, in every successive budget. We have increased investment to hire more educators, to hire more front-line staff. Within public education alone, we are on track to spend 200 million more dollars this year than we projected, which is already up $600 million. We’ve allocated $1.6 billion for COVID resources.

We lead the nation in ventilation investment: $600 million, 70,000 HEPA units. In Waterloo, in every region of Ontario, we have HEPA units in every single classroom in schools without mechanical ventilation. We now have expanded testing, the only province to send five take-home tests in a kit to protect the holidays and ensure children are safe upon the return in the new year.

This is leadership. This is proactive action to reduce risk. We have the lowest cases in the nation, one of them, and one of the highest vaccine rates. We’re going to continue to lead and protect this province.

COVID-19 testing

Ms. Catherine Fife: My question is also to the Premier.

In the science table’s new report this morning, it’s clear that rapid antigen tests are going to be an important tool in helping to keep Ontarians safe. That is the best advice that we have received. So just to confirm, will the minister announce today, right here in this Legislature, that this is Ontario’s new policy, that anyone who wants a rapid test can walk into a pharmacy and get them free of charge?

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

Hon. Christine Elliott: Well, the science table brief that was recently released essentially affirms Ontario’s rapid testing strategy. Every week, over one million rapid tests are deployed to thousands of workplaces, hospitals, home and community care settings, long-term-care homes, and schools and child care centres across the province. As of December 6, Ontario has distributed over 34 million tests, which is significantly more than all of the other provinces combined. In fact, Ontario has deployed nearly 60% of all rapid tests distributed in Canada.

And for context, Quebec has deployed 5.7 million tests and British Columbia has deployed 1.16 million tests. So we do have a wide array of rapid testing alternatives available in Ontario, free of charge to people who need them. The only time that people are charged $40 is when they require a test for travel purposes. Other than that, if they’re symptomatic or asymptomatic but have been close to someone with COVID, they will receive a test free of charge.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary.

Ms. Catherine Fife: Speaker, the Premier’s own staff told reporters that there are five million tests still on shelves here in Ontario waiting to be distributed. Experts have weighed in, saying that they want more rapid tests. The price of those tests shouldn’t be a barrier; $40 is a barrier for many families.

Dr. Jüni, the head of the province’s science table, said, “It makes sense from a scientific perspective to use rapid tests more frequently ... and to make rapid tests more available in this province.”

It is clear from the science table that the more we can use rapid tests, the better. So why does the Premier have five million of these tests sitting in storage instead of making them freely available this holiday season when we are in a crisis with the new variant? There has never been a more important time, actually, to show some leadership and get those tests into the hands of Ontarians.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Premier?

Hon. Doug Ford: Through you, Mr. Speaker, as the Minister of Health and Deputy Premier mentioned, we are distributing a million every single week. If my opposition leader understands inventory control, that’s going to last us about three to four weeks as we ramp up over a million a week. Again, we’re going to malls, we’re going to shopping centres, we’re going to transit areas, we’re going to workplaces, distributing all the rapid tests we can get out there.

Again, if you add up all the provinces, as the Minister of Health mentioned—BC, a little over a million; we have Quebec, over five million. We have distributed 34 million tests, 40,000 sites. We’re going to have pop-up centres around the province so people can come in right from holiday markets to high-transit areas. That’s what we’re focusing on. We’re going to continue making sure that we don’t let the well run dry and have zero. We need three or four million in stock at all times until—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you. The final supplementary.

Ms. Catherine Fife: I can tell you that Ontarians aren’t waiting for this government to get anything right. A local doctor from my area in Kitchener-Waterloo has launched an online campaign to get tests to all households. Dr. Dalia Hasan, an ICU doctor, said, “We want the provincial government to step up and deliver rapid tests to our community so that they can safeguard the public at large.” That’s what’s at stake.

Dr. Hasan has set up the Twitter account COVID Test Finders to help people get their hands on rapid tests. Her campaign is so popular that Twitter hashtag #FreeTheRATs, or rapid antigen tests, was the number one trend in Canada yesterday. People are desperate.

Why won’t the Premier listen to the medical experts calling for more widespread rapid tests and make them freely available across Ontario before the holidays? People are waiting for this kind of leadership. So much is at stake. Do your job.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’ll remind the members to make their comments through the Chair.

I’ll allow the Premier to reply.

Hon. Doug Ford: Again, I’m just going to repeat the numbers until it sinks in: 34 million tests. That’s more than every single province and territory combined. We are distributing more than 60% of all the tests in the country—34 million. Eleven million tests, because of the great leadership of our Minister of Education, are going out to every single student’s household, and they’re in packs of five so they can be used for their parents, their siblings, anyone within the household. That’s what you call proper distribution.

We are getting our hand on every single rapid test there is available in the entire country because we have a strong plan to get these out the door and into households, into workplaces, into shopping malls. In any area that we have large volumes of pedestrians, we’re going to be there to make sure the people of Ontario get tested.

COVID-19 response

Ms. Jill Andrew: My question is to the Premier. Our communities and our schools have been demanding safe schools since the beginning of this pandemic. Sadly, those calls have gone unanswered.

For us in St. Paul’s, McMurrich Junior Public School was also hit by closure. It closed from an outbreak, bringing the total number across Toronto schools to 28 as of this week. McMurrich parents and many others in our community have been calling for rapid tests for months. The member for Davenport and myself have written to the government amplifying this request. It was only once the outbreak was reported that support was received—too little, too late.

Speaker, my question is to the Premier. Sending students home with tests through the break is not enough. What about January, February, March, April, May and June? What is this government doing to rebuild trust in parents, teachers and education workers that sending kids back to school in the new year will, in fact, be safe?

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

Hon. Stephen Lecce: We have extended second-term funding, over $300 million under the Premier’s leadership, to ensure we hire more staff to ensure our schools remain safe. We’ve stepped up investment. Every school in St. Paul’s, without exception, has better air ventilation because we got ahead of this virus by investing, before September, in improvements writ large—70,000 HEPA units within classrooms. That’s making a meaningful difference. In fact, the science table acknowledged that in their last report.

With respect to rapid tests, we are the only province in the nation to send home rapid tests on a proactive basis, announced before Omicron even entered our shores, because we are working and safeguarding to protect children every step of the way. We’ve expanded testing. We have PCR take-home tests to make lives easier for families, and we’ve hired 2,000 additional educators, EAs and ECEs. These are making a difference.

Five in six schools in this province right now, at the peak of this wave, have no active cases. We take nothing for granted, and I share the member’s concern. We’re doing everything possible to protect our children, keep them safe, and keep our community strong, and we’ll continue to—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you very much. Supplementary question?

Ms. Jill Andrew: What the member and the government side don’t realize is if McMurrich’s calls were answered months ago, the school probably wouldn’t have gotten closed.

My question is to the Premier. As kids were home last week from Monday to Friday, many parents were also forced to stay home and oversee their virtual learning without another option. While this government extended their broken paid sick days program, it still only covers three days. Speaker, some of our parents needed five days, others parents needed 14 days to stay home with kids who were sick quarantining. For those without paid sick days, like the parent who works as a contractor and plumber who contacted me, that meant it hit their family’s income.

Speaker, through you, can the Premier explain why parents in St. Paul’s, and across Ontario at that, are expected to take an income loss when they must stay at home with their sick children for the sake of our collective health and safety?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Government House leader to reply.

Hon. Paul Calandra: Speaker, it was announced just the other day that we were going to continue the supports that we put in place for workers right through to July. We’ve known right from the beginning that we had to put supports in place for individuals during COVID. It is an extraordinary time.

We’ve just heard the Minister of Education highlight some of the nationwide leading investments that we made to keep our students safe. But at the same time, the Premier knew right from the beginning that we had to keep our workers and our essential workers safe. That is why he negotiated an over-$1-billion program of support for our workers.

There were some gaps in that that we had hoped would have been filled by a federal budget. When that wasn’t the case, we stepped in to ensure that workers had access to additional paid sick days to close that gap. As I said, the Minister of Labour and the Premier have announced that that will continue right through to the end of July.

Nuclear energy

Mr. Michael Parsa: My question is to the great Minister of Energy. Minister, it was great to hear you speaking so highly of nuclear power and all that it has offered Ontario in this House just a couple of weeks ago. Speaker, I am proud to be part of a government that has been a strong advocate for the nuclear sector. We all know that clean and reliable electricity generated by nuclear facilities will be needed to continue powering Ontario’s families and businesses in the years and decades ahead.

Minister, can you tell us what you and our government are doing to increase Ontario’s capacity to generate emissions-free, low-cost and reliable electricity?

Hon. Todd Smith: Thanks to the great member for the great question.

Our Premier and our government have never been shy about our support for nuclear power. That’s why it was such a pleasure last week to be able to join OPG on World Nuclear Energy Day as we announced some incredible news for Ontario and the world, Mr. Speaker, the selection of OPG’s technology partner for the Darlington SMR project. The announcement positions Ontario to be a global leader on new nuclear technologies like small modular reactors, which represent tremendous economic and environmental opportunities for our province, our country and the world.

Nuclear power is already the backbone of our energy system here in Ontario, providing 60% of our baseload every day. It’s reliable, it’s competitively priced and it’s clean power. By building on our nuclear capacity, we’re continuing our global leadership and we’re on our pathway to net zero emissions.

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

Mr. Michael Parsa: I want to thank the minister for that excellent answer. That’s really fantastic news for Ontarians. I’m glad to hear that our province is continuing to lead the way on this exciting new technology. While the Liberals squandered Ontario’s clean energy advantage and drove jobs out of this province, our government is restoring that advantage and building on it.

Minister, you mentioned that this project has a number of benefits to offer beyond just generating emissions-free, low-cost and reliable electricity. Can you tell this House more about what the small modular reactor project at Darlington will do for the region and for Ontario’s economy as a whole?

Hon. Todd Smith: Thanks very much to the great member again. Canada’s nuclear sector already supports 76,000 jobs here in Ontario and an expert supply chain—220 companies in the supply chain here in Ontario.

Operational and regulatory experience here in Ontario means that our province can be a first mover on this cutting-edge technology, and that’s really important. It means even more good-paying jobs in the Durham region, Ontario’s clean energy capital, but in communities across the province that are home to supply chain companies, like Port Hope and Peterborough and Cambridge. Really, they’re all across Ontario. And there’s a lot of interest from our colleagues in Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Alberta and other provinces and jurisdictions around the world.

I can tell you, Speaker, the world is watching what’s happening at Darlington right now with this small modular reactor. It was the talk of the town in Paris, France, last week at the world—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you very much.

The next question.

Child care

Ms. Bhutila Karpoche: My question is to the Premier. A child care report revealed yesterday that if the government doesn’t sign a child care deal by early next year, the province will lose $1 billion in funding. That’s money the province could use right now to lower fees for parents. Ontario is the only province without a deal, and if $1 billion of funding isn’t a big enough carrot, I’m not sure what is actually going to compel this government to get a deal done.

It’s been 233 days since the federal government announced program details, and this government’s stalling has led to a $1 billion worth of funding being at stake. Can the government assure parents that a deal will be signed as soon as possible so that this funding is not lost?

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

Hon. Stephen Lecce: I want to thank the member opposite for the question. We would both agree that the legacy and heritage of the former Liberal government is indefensible—a 400% increase in child care costs. All of our constituents pay that price. Every mother and father today pays the price for their inaction. Parents deserve better.

In the first budget, our government introduced an Ontario Child Care Tax Credit, which, yes, incrementally makes life more affordable. Regrettably for New Democrats and Liberals, you opposed that measure. When the Premier allocated $1 billion to build 30,000 more child care spaces that are accessible and, more importantly, affordable, New Democrats and Liberals coalesced to oppose it.

This government is committed to getting a deal, yes, as soon as possible. We provided the financials to the feds. They know what we need to get to $10. If they have the political will, they will respond in kind and get this deal wrapped up so that we can make child care finally affordable, after the 40% increase over the national average under the Del Duca Liberals.

Mr. Speaker, we’ve made the case for affordability. We’re going to stand up for Ontario and get the best deal, a fair deal, for the families we serve.

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

Ms. Bhutila Karpoche: Back to the minister: Continued delays hurt families. The report showed what most of us in this House already know: If a couple with two children cannot access subsidies, licensed child care at any income is—

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock. I apologize to the member for Parkdale–High Park.

The member for York Centre must come to order.

Please restart the clock again. I recognize the member for Parkdale–High Park.

Ms. Bhutila Karpoche: Speaker, the report showed what most of us in this House already know: If a couple with two children cannot access subsidies, licensed child care at any income level is remarkably unaffordable. Infant spaces in Toronto average $85 a day or about $1,700 a month. Parents are paying the price for this government’s inaction. That’s not fair or right.

Speaker, again to this government: A billion dollars’ worth of funding is at stake—life-changing money for families in Parkdale–High Park and across Ontario. Will they get the deal done?

Hon. Stephen Lecce: Every single year, New Democrats and Liberals vote against roughly $400 million in direct financial relief to parents with the Ontario Child Care Tax Credit, which was enriched by the Minister of Finance in the last budget. That’s half a billion dollars over three years. That makes a difference in savings directly to support parents in Ontario.

Now, in the words of the executive director of the Association of Day Care Operators of Ontario, who said:

“There are practical reasons why the Ford government needs to keep working to get Ontario’s child care deal right. Ontario isn’t just Canada’s most populous province, it’s one of the fastest-growing and most diverse. Its child care system is also more complex. In addition to government-run kindergarten facilities and centres owned by municipalities, there is a mix of large not-for-profit institutions.... These small businesses account for about 25%” of our operators—most are women-owned.

“Arriving at an agreement that includes all of these service providers may take some extra time, but respecting Ontario families means the deal needs to be flexible enough to support” all of them to expand the range of options to support them.

“No government should be criticized for working towards this goal.”

We’ll continue to work in good faith to land a good deal, a fair deal for Ontario families.

Government’s record

Mr. Roman Baber: Merry Christmas, Speaker. My question is to the Premier.

Almost four years later, the Premier broke almost every major promise he campaigned on. He campaigned on ending hallway health care, but we now have less health care capacity and less health care workers.

He campaigned on lowering hydro rates by 12%, but hydro rates are up. He’s running a global adjustment on steroids funded by the taxpayer.

He promised to restore accountability to government, but he passed the Crown Liability and Proceedings Act and used the “notwithstanding” clause to overrule the court to give himself an electoral advantage.

He said he’ll reduce car insurance rates—yeah, right.

The Premier said we won’t have autism parents protesting on the lawn of Queen’s Park, but he dismantled the autism program, and the wait-list is up from 23,000 kids to more than 50,000 kids.

Will the Premier have the courage to admit that on the items I just listed, it’s promises made, promises broken?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): And to respond, the government House leader.

Hon. Paul Calandra: Well, when I look at the province of Ontario, I look at how we compare to every other jurisdiction with respect to our fight against COVID. I’m proud of the people of Ontario, and I’m proud of most of the members of provincial Parliament who have stood with us to fight COVID, but it’s so much more.

I look at the Minister of Transportation and the things she is doing to bring transit opportunities across Toronto—the Ontario Line. I’m going to have a subway into York region—something that we have fought for, for so long. We’re getting it done.

I look at the Minister of Health and the investments she is making to increase critical care and ICU capacity—something that should have been done ages ago is getting done.

I look at the Minister of Long-Term Care—30,000 beds, 27,000 new PSWs.

I look at the Minister of Finance and say to myself, “Here is an economy that is roaring back to life.” We’ve taken all of the jobs that we’ve lost and we’ve added 100,000 new jobs, with thousands left to be filled. I look at a province of promise, Mr. Speaker, despite—

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

Mr. Roman Baber: Actually, the Premier campaigned on the Sheppard subway; he didn’t campaign on the Ontario Line. The Ontario Line is not even hard rail. I don’t think anyone told the Premier that it’s not an actual subway. No wonder the Premier gave the House leader a $27,000 raise, but he can’t get away with it.

Hydro rates: promise broken. End hallway health care: promise broken. Restore accountability to government: promise broken. Reduce auto insurance rates: promise broken. Fix autism: promise broken.

The Premier who campaigned on efficiencies and gravy trains is now doing a Liberal giveaway tour. He’s the conductor of the gravy train. But there’s no greater promise broken than when they told Ontarians that when we had 70%, 80%, 90%, that we’ll go back to normal and we’ll get to do things we enjoy. We’ve done what was asked of us, Speaker, and 90% of us are vaccinated, but the promise is broken.

Did the Premier knowingly break this promise, or will he finally admit that they never had an exit strategy?

Hon. Paul Calandra: Mr. Speaker, I think this member’s questions confirm for me that one of the best decisions this Premier made was asking this member to leave our caucus and go sit as an independent.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order.

Hon. Paul Calandra: I think that applies to every—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order. The government House leader to respond.

Mr. Roman Baber: It’s always personal with this guy.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Member for York Centre, come to order.

Mr. Roman Baber: Stand up for your government.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for York Centre will come to order.

The government House leader has the floor.

Hon. Paul Calandra: He says it’s always personal for me. Well yes, actually, it is personal for me because I actually ran in this place to make a difference. I ran because I didn’t like what was happening to the province of Ontario. So is it personal for me? Yes, it is personal for me. Is it personal for me when the member stands up and talks down all of the things that will help us get out of COVID? Yes, it’s personal for me.

It’s personal for me as it is to all of the members on this side and most of the members on that side. We may disagree once in a while, Mr. Speaker, but I can tell you this: Most of the members of this House have seen Ontario become one of the best jurisdictions in its fight against COVID, in an economy that is roaring back to life, despite that member. But after June 2, we won’t have to worry about—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order.

The next question.

Broadband infrastructure

Mr. John Yakabuski: Before I turn my question to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, I want to wish our son Zachary a happy 43rd birthday today, and, yesterday, our grandson Leopold a happy sixth birthday.

To the minister: This week we have seen several announcements related to the expansion of broadband connectivity throughout southwestern Ontario. Essex and Middlesex counties have received news this week that construction of new broadband infrastructure is now under way, and thousands of households will soon have access to fast, reliable broadband.

I know that constituents in rural parts of my riding are often frustrated by the lack of reliable Internet connectivity. Speaker, through you to the minister: What steps are being taken by the province to connect more Ontarians to fast, reliable high-speed Internet?

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: I’d like to thank the member from Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke for that important question. Our government has made access to high-speed Internet an absolute priority, and we’re walking our talk with another example just this past week. We announced that more than 1,400 homes, businesses and farms in the Essex and Middlesex counties region will be receiving high-speed access. This represents a $6.2-million infrastructure investment—upgrades that are badly needed. Our government is seeing this through.

There is going to be additional good news coming throughout the holiday season for our communities throughout rural Ontario because we’re demonstrating that we are absolutely committed to nearly $4 billion of infrastructure investment so that every community in this province can have confidence they have high-speed Internet. This is the largest single investment in high-speed Internet in any province in Canada in history, and we have our—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you very much. Supplementary?

Mr. John Yakabuski: Back to the minister: These announcements and this government’s investments in broadband and cellular technology are undoubtedly positive for Ontario’s rural families and businesses. However, I know from the farmers in my riding that agriculture is a 21st-century business, at the forefront of new innovations. In order to remain competitive, Ontario’s farmers need access to this type of infrastructure as well.

Speaker, through you, can the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs tell us what targeted investments in broadband infrastructure will do to support Ontario’s agricultural and agri-food businesses?

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: I appreciate the focus on farmers, because while high-speed access is very important to small businesses and families throughout rural Ontario, our farmers are early adopters of the digital world and new technologies because we have to remain competitive. We need this access that our government is providing because farming has changed. Today, farmers are embracing the digital world, managing on a daily basis their nutrients. They are improving animal husbandry. They are looking to improve feed conversions and overall efficiencies so that we’re producing top-quality food right here at home that Ontarians can have confidence in.

Our government’s investment in broadband and cellular access will absolutely enable farmers across this province to be outstanding in their field. I can tell you, the innovations adopted in greenhouses as well are helping our sector lead by example. Ontarians, this Christmas season and through the holidays, can have every confidence that they have great-quality Ontario-grown food close to home.

Mental health and addiction services

Mr. Jamie West: I recently told the Premier that Sudbury had 218 opioid overdose memorial crosses, and now we have five more. One of the new crosses was erected by Rick Comeau. Rick recently lost his granddaughter Tashana to an overdose. Rick told me that Tashana was very enthusiastic. He described her as, “so sweet. Happy-go-lucky and loving. But the addictions were too strong.”

Tashana was 27 years old. She leaves behind a seven-year-old son and a three-year-old baby girl. The family is devastated. Tashana’s mom is in deep sorrow. She’s full of guilt even though she knows she did everything she could to help her daughter. My community mourns with Rick and his family.

Last November, there were 51 opioid overdose memorial crosses in Sudbury. Two weeks ago, there were 218. Today, there are 223. My question today is the same as before: How many crosses will we have to erect before the Premier takes action on opioid addiction in Sudbury?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): To the Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.

Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: Thank you for the question from the member opposite. We know that Ontarians across the province of Ontario are fighting to beat their addictions, and we know many of them have been reaching out for help. That isn’t any different anywhere in the province of Ontario.

Our government firmly believes that every Ontarian deserves to be fully supported in their journey, from prevention to recovery. That’s why we announced $32.7 million in new annualized funding for targeted addictions service and supports, including treatment and care for opioid use disorder. These investments include $6.9 million in provincial opioid response investments, such as harm reduction supplies and supports, and over $18.8 million in bed-based investments for adults and youth who need intensive supports, including adding 30 new youth treatment beds at Pine River Institute, and adding new adult addiction beds, as well, throughout the province.

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

Mr. Jamie West: Back to the Premier. Rick has a lot of experience with addictions. He’s recovered from drug and alcohol addiction and he has worked as an addictions counsellor for 35 years. He was devastated when the police showed up at his door to tell him his granddaughter Tashana was dead.

Rick told me, “If fentanyl was out when I was hooked on heroin, I would have died. It’s Russian roulette every time you use.”

Rick said, “Trying to get help is like getting a slap in the face. When people are ready for treatment, you have to wait three, six, nine months. This stuff is killing people” every day. “We need places that can help them today, not tomorrow. They can’t wait. If you make them wait, they will die.” Right now, there is no help for them.

I asked Rick what Sudbury needs. He said, “Supervised injection sites. And, we need an opioid treatment centre in Sudbury.” He said, “The Premier must know that the north needs help too—not just in the south.”

My question to the Premier: How many more young people like Tashana have to die from overdose in Sudbury before the Premier finally decides to help Sudbury?

Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: Once again, I thank the member opposite for that question. We’re very well aware of the issues relating to addictions and overdoses. We are building, through the Roadmap to Wellness, a continuum of care to look after the needs of individuals because we know that treatment and recovery are an important part of the continuum of what needs to be done. And, Mr. Speaker, we’re not just talking about it, as previous governments have and done absolutely nothing—I am here because of the fact that the previous government did nothing.

Our government has invested to date, annually, $525 million, and we will continue working to build continuums of care, working with the service providers and ensuring that individuals that need the help get the help where and when they need it, not having to travel to different parts of the province. This is something that we’ve taken into account, and if you look at the Roadmap to Wellness, you’ll see that those services are being placed throughout the province of Ontario, and in remote areas, utilizing other mechanisms to deliver those services—

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

COVID-19 testing

Mr. John Fraser: My question is for the Premier. Despite what the minister, the Premier and their offices say, the RATs still aren’t free. Rapid antigen tests are not free at drugstores. They cost $40 a test, compared to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, UK and Germany, who are providing them for free. They should be widely available and free for people. They should have been in the hands of parents in September, yet it’s December and they’re still not in the hands of parents. That’s incredible.

So, Speaker, through you: When will this government finally move to make rapid antigen tests free for all families here in Ontario and get them into their hands?

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

Hon. Christine Elliott: Well, the tests are free and are available to the people of Ontario. The only time that people need to pay $40 for tests is when they need it for travel purposes. But if they’re symptomatic, or asymptomatic and having been in contact with someone with COVID, they will be able to receive these tests free of charge, where they are available.

As more people head indoors and attend family meetings over the winter months: access to publicly funded COVID-19 PCR specimen collection at select pharmacies; providing take-home PCR self-collection kits for eligible individuals, allowing them to pick them up and return the specimens to the pharmacies; expanding ID NOW and rapid PCR testing to select assessment centres and pharmacies across northern Ontario; and bringing asymptomatic testing directly to Ontario with pop-up testing sites in higher-traffic public settings to provide vaccine education and help reduce the risk of transmission over the holidays.

In addition to all of that, there are going to be rapid tests that are going to be distributed to every school child. Thanks to the Minister of Education, they will have five tests to take home which can be used. These are rapid tests that are going to make sure that our children are safe when they return to school and over the holidays.

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

Mr. John Fraser: Speaker, the minister appreciates the difference between a rapid test and a PCR test that can take two days. I appreciate, though, the fact that the minister is here every day to answer questions and that she doesn’t see question period as a 22-minute, one-day-a-week endeavour.

Here’s the thing: Scott Moe has set the RATs free at all the Co-op stores in Saskatchewan. Do you know why he has done that? Because he knows it’s important to get it into the hands of people. That’s why he freed the RATs in Saskatchewan, and that’s why we need to do it here.

They cost pennies to make, except the government and the Premier and the minister are satisfied that some families may have to go to Shoppers Drug Mart and pay 40 bucks because they need a rapid test, and they don’t have another option, because it’s not available to them. That’s what happens. If it happens to one family, it’s too many, and it’s been happening to more families than that.

What do the minister and this government think about a rapid test costing $40 in this province? Someone is charging $40 for a test that they’re giving away for free in Saskatchewan. Tell me, Minister: What does this government think about that? I haven’t heard you say a word—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock for a minute, please.

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Minister of Health, please. I’ve stopped the clock for a minute to allow the government members to stop heckling.

Now that they’ve stopped, we’ll start the clock again and I’ll allow the Minister of Health to answer.

Hon. Christine Elliott: Thank you. We have already distributed over 34 million rapid tests across the province of Ontario. These are all being deployed in many locations, as requested. They’re being deployed in schools. They’re being deployed in hospitals, in congregate settings and in long-term-care settings. At work, people who require them can receive them through the provincial portal or through their local chamber of commerce.

They are widely distributed, so much so that I actually wrote to my federal counterpart, Minister Duclos, last week, asking the federal government to please approve more types of rapid tests, so that we can distribute them even more. That is something that the minister has agreed to do. Ottawa will soon be delivering a larger number of rapid tests. We are distributing everything that we have, and over a million a week is a significant deployment of rapid tests.

COVID-19 response

Mr. Bill Walker: My question is to the Minister of Finance. I want to commend him for the stellar and balanced job he has done stewarding the needs of people and providing financial support to the people of Ontario during the pandemic.

Speaker, as we all know, Ontario has faced a once-in-a-lifetime crisis that placed an incredible burden on our health care system, our economy, our families and our communities. I remain proud that in the face of these unprecedented challenges, the people of Ontario have shown true compassion, resolve and Ontario spirit.

Through you, Speaker: Can the Minister of Finance tell us how the government is planning to ensure that all that Ontarians have done and endured will continue to contribute to combatting COVID-19?

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Thank you to the member from Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound for that terrific question. He’s right about Ontarians’ compassion and resolve, Mr. Speaker.

That’s why in Bill 43, the Build Ontario Act, our first pillar is protecting our progress because we’re going to ensure that our front-line health care heroes have the resources they need by saying yes to investing over $1.8 billion to support 3,100 beds, reduce surgical and diagnostic imaging backlogs and help hospitals keep pace with patient needs; and yes to adding and upskilling over 5,000 registered nurses and registered practical nurses and 8,000 personal support workers to our hospital and health care system; and yes to expanding home and community care by investing $548 million over three years to help hospitalized patients continue their recovery and rehabilitation at home.

Mr. Speaker, we are saying yes to fixing the years of neglect by the previous Liberal government in our health care and our long-term-care system.

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

Mr. Bill Walker: My thanks to the Minister of Finance for that response and for the representation he provides to the people of Pickering–Uxbridge every single day.

In his role as President of the Treasury Board, he did in-depth analysis and he noted, as he did in his comments, that the health care system faced long years of neglect under the previous Liberal government, who again and again said no to building an Ontario for the future.

So, Speaker, through you, could the Minister of Finance tell us how this government is balancing working towards Ontario’s long-term prosperity while also protecting our progress?

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Thank you again to the member for that question. The member is right: Ontario needs a plan that looks to the future. That’s why the second pillar after our fall economic statement and fiscal update is building Ontario.

Previous governments said no, but we are saying yes to fighting gridlock and building the Bradford Bypass and the 413 and over 400 projects in our highways and rehabilitation renewal program; yes to working with First Nations, working with the northern communities to build the roads that will unlock the economic potential of the Ring of Fire; and yes to shovels in the ground to create jobs and build the housing, long-term-care capacity and public transit that Ontario needs.

Mr. Speaker, we know that tomorrow’s prosperity depends on getting shovels in the ground today. That’s why we have a plan—a plan to build Ontario, a plan to support Ontarians by growing the province as the best place to do business, to work and to raise a family.

Treaties recognition

Mr. Sol Mamakwa: Remarks in Oji-Cree.

My question is to the Premier. Public statements by this government often reveal a deeply uninformed perspective on the Indigenous people who have always lived on these lands and on whose backs the crown and non-Indigenous people have disproportionately benefited. These statements are out of step with reconciliation, out of step with modern legal developments, and out of step in keeping with the constitutional mandate of the honour of the crown.

Will Ontario ensure that advancement of development in Treaty 9 territory will only take place with the free, prior and informed consent of all First Nations affected?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Peterborough–Kawartha and parliamentary assistant.

Mr. Dave Smith: Our government takes the duty to consult very seriously, and that’s why we have engaged in conversations with all First Nations. We’ll continue to ensure that we meet our obligation of consultation as we move forward.

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

Mr. Sol Mamakwa: Back to the Premier: Speaker, the Premier has publicly stated on numerous occasions that the Ring of Fire mining development is going ahead no matter what: “We’re doing it.” “If I have to hop on a bulldozer myself”—those are the kinds of comments we hear. These statements reflect this government’s intent whether the people of Treaty 9 consent or consider it safe and fair to do so. This is the very essence of colonialism, Speaker. How can the Premier possibly know what’s best for a place he won’t even visit?

Will Ontario listen to the people who are worried about this project—a project that will change their ways of life permanently—and commit today to a consultation process in the Ring of Fire based on free, prior and informed consent?

Mr. Dave Smith: Our government has engaged in consultations throughout this entire process. That’s why we were able to sign an historic agreement with Marten Falls and Webequie First Nations for a permanent pathway, a roadway into those communities so they don’t rely on winter roads moving forward. In addition to that, Mr. Speaker, our government has met, just this past week, with the leadership of Mushkegowuk to continue that ongoing conversation with them, to make sure that we have that prior, informed consent as we move forward with this.

Electricity supply

Ms. Lindsey Park: My question is for the Minister of Energy.

As we look ahead to 2022 and do the reflection that comes with entering a new calendar year, many countries and world economies will be reflecting on not only the status of the pandemic but also climate change and the future of energy use.

The reality is, most grids struggle to handle the intermittent nature of renewable sources such as solar and wind energy, so more reliable baseload power is needed that is not coal-fired. Many predict that natural gas will have a comeback and there will be a global rehabilitation of nuclear power which is greenhouse gas-free.

Can the minister share his vision for the future of energy in Ontario?

Hon. Todd Smith: Thank you very much to the member opposite. First of all, I’d like to congratulate her on her recent wedding. Welcome to the club.

I know that the member from Durham is very passionate about Ontario power generation. Durham is the clean energy capital of Canada. Over 6,000 megawatts of clean, reliable, affordable electricity come out of that region every year in Pickering and Darlington’s facilities, and we know that that is what has allowed us to shut down coal plants—it’s our investment into facilities like Darlington and the rehab that’s going on there, the refurbishment, and at Bruce Power as well, the world’s largest nuclear power plant over on Lake Huron. Mr.

Speaker, 60% of our power, every day, of our electricity, comes from those facilities here in Ontario. We are a leader in that area. That’s why last week we were able to make the announcement in her riding, where OPG has selected GE Hitachi to build the first new nuclear since 1993, something that is going to help other jurisdictions around the world do what we—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you very much. The supplementary question.

Ms. Lindsey Park: It was a great announcement to hear last week that OPG is moving forward and choosing GE Hitachi as its technology partner to build the first grid-scale small modular reactor in Canada at Darlington. This technology has the potential to be deployed to more areas of Canada and the world than Candu reactors, and at a better price point.

The emerging world accounts for two thirds of energy-related carbon emissions yet lacks the cash and innovation base to invest or invent its way to a cleaner energy system. We have that nuclear innovation base in Ontario. What’s the plan to get it to market?

Hon. Todd Smith: I’m so excited about this project, and I know the member opposite is as well. This is the BWRX-300—it’s a boiling-water reactor that’s going to be built right there on site at Darlington. The key thing about this project—and the world is watching this project because it has first-mover status, meaning we have the environmental assessments, we have the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission that has approved this site for the first new nuclear small modular reactor that’s going to be built there.

This is going to be a tremendous opportunity for jurisdictions around the world to get off carbon, clean up their emissions and hit the targets that they have set in Paris and in other forums.

Particularly about this project, GE Hitachi already has about 100 employees here, in the House leader’s riding, in Markham. They’re going to increase that to 700 employees in the development stage. And then for the construction of the project in the member’s riding, 1,700 individuals will be working on that project. There are already 76,000 people working in our nuclear sector in Ontario. This project is only going to grow that, and we’ll be able to export this small modular reactor around the world. The impact on our GDP is going to be astronomical, Mr. Speaker. I’m excited—

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

COVID-19 immunization

Mrs. Jennifer (Jennie) Stevens: My question is to the Premier. As you know, I believe there are times when the government and the opposition can and must work closely together and times when we must raise our voices loudly against policy failures. Seniors in Niagara are left waiting for their booster shots when we know that they are vital to fighting the new variants. Niagara Public Health is prioritizing vaccinating children. I support that; however, it has put pressure on the pharmacies across Niagara to deliver booster shots to seniors quickly.

Throughout the pandemic, Niagara Public Health and pharmacies have been heroes, and continue to be. However, they can use much-needed support. We ramped up the capacity before. Looking at the Omicron variant and the incoming Christmas holidays, if this government is serious about the booster efforts and vaccinating children, will you ramp up capacity so seniors in Niagara that want a booster before the holidays can get it?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Government House leader.

Hon. Paul Calandra: I appreciate the question. As you know, we have ramped it up, in fact, Mr. Speaker. To the credit of the people of the province of Ontario, we’ve hit 90% with respect to the first and almost 90% on second doses. As the Minister of Education has highlighted on a number of occasions, youth from five to 11—I think we’re approaching over 25% who have received their first dose.

We also were one of the first jurisdictions to actually start initiating booster shots. Recently, the age was lowered to 50. We have had a groundbreaking effort across the province of Ontario. Part of the massive investments we have made—the member is right. We are offering these booster shots across multiple platforms. We’ve gone into long-term-care homes to make sure that they were given the first boosters. They’re available at pharmacies.

We will continue this effort and continue these investments so that not only the good people of Niagara but across the province—we can continue to get not only the boosters but get our kids double-vaccinated, Speaker, and maybe surpass, even, that 90%, which is a world-leading figure right now.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Mrs. Jennifer (Jennie) Stevens: Back to the Premier: My team is scrambling to find open booster appointments for seniors that just want to be safe before the Christmas holidays. Anyone who struggles to find one, you can reach out to me directly in Niagara. But it is getting harder and harder to find appointments.

One predominant pharmacy in Niagara is already booking well into January. I have heard from seniors that have called around to every pharmacy before just giving up and hanging up. Monday’s expanded eligibility will make this worse, Speaker. Ontario has the supply. There are solutions the government could act on, but they haven’t. Seniors are stuck waiting and waiting because of Ford’s poor planning yet again. They’ve been waiting weeks already and they still have to wait longer to finally get their booster, even as families are getting together over the holidays.

Will this government act and treat seniors fairly by ramping up capacity today?

Hon. Paul Calandra: Speaker, we actually have done just that. The member will know that when we expanded eligibility, it was still based on when you received your first dose. Somebody like me who—well, not a senior yet, Mr. Speaker. I won’t be eligible to get my booster into January.

To me, it is wonderful news. It is wonderful news to hear that so many people are lining up to get their boosters, Mr. Speaker. This is really good news, because we keep hearing from the opposition that somehow people aren’t doing it because it’s hard for them to do so. But what I’m hearing from the member opposite is that our efforts are working and they’re paying off and that this 90% target we have right now, we are going to exceed and surpass it. That is wonderful news. I do encourage people: Keep booking. We will keep making sure that not only do we have vaccines from the federal government, but that we have somewhere for you to get that and that the people of Ontario can remain safe.

COVID-19 response

Ms. Mitzie Hunter: My question is to the Premier. Speaker, this is one of my last two questions I can ask this government before the year is out. My riding of Scarborough–Guildwood has been a COVID hot spot for two years now. With the new variant of concern ripping through schools and the community, people in my riding are concerned and they’re really looking to this government for action.

With the rise of this Omicron variant now, the cases we see are going up and up and up, and Ontarians and the people of Scarborough–Guildwood are expecting action.

No one wants to see schools and businesses close. No one wants another lockdown.

Yet with 1,290 cases today, what are the actions that this Premier and his government are planning to take and have not yet been announced to make the holidays safe for families? Will his government provide leadership and guidance before it is too late? What measures are you planning to strengthen to prevent a holiday bump in 2022?

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

Hon. Stephen Lecce: Mr. Speaker, we obviously are taking action to keep families safe. We share a broad level of concern about the Omicron variant, which is precisely why the Minister of Health, the Premier and our entire government have announced that over the holidays there will be asymptomatic testing pop-up clinics across the province of Ontario.

Within our school setting, before Omicron even came to this country, we announced the proactive deployment of five rapid antigen tests for every child in every school, public or private, to ensure communities are safe upon their return. We’ve announced the extension of term 2 funding—300 million more dollars to provide more staffing and stability within our schools. And we continue to improve the ventilation of the schools—over $600 million. We’re doing it in partnership with various ministers in this government, to ensure the air standards are improved right across Ontario. Mr. Speaker, 70,000 HEPA units are in place as we speak, as they were in September when school commenced.

We’ll continue to work with the Chief Medical Officer of Health to do everything possible to keep these school settings as safe as possible.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary.

Ms. Mitzie Hunter: Speaker, back to the minister: With the warnings that the science table has already suggested—that by mid-January we will be at 3,000 cases, without factoring in the Omicron variant—why is this government reluctant to proactively do what eventually you must do?

I have stood in this House many times asking this government for vaccine equity for hot spot communities like mine in Scarborough–Guildwood. We are again facing a rise in cases, and action is needed to protect people in these hot spots. We need vaccinations in schools during school hours. We need fairness for families. We are running out of time to implement these measures before the holiday break.

Will the minister make boosters available to those 18 and over in hot spot communities now?

Hon. Stephen Lecce: We are very committed to expanding access to vaccines for all families. That’s why we’ve launched, for four to 11-year-olds, a vaccine program that so far leads the nation, with roughly one in four of these elementary students already at one dose. That’s incredible progress by any measurement, but we know there’s more work to do.

For our high school students, we’re at over 80% double-vaccinated.

We have one of the highest rates of immunization in the nation. We are proud of that.

Also, in addition to high rates of vaccination, we have one of the lowest case rates for youth under 19. We have done that through ventilation, through three-ply quality masks, through expanded testing options.

With respect to the ongoing work, we’ve announced an additional $304 million for expansion of testing, rapid antigen and PCR take-home tests, which are making a difference, to ensure our families, our communities and our educators remain safe this holiday.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you very much. That concludes our question period.

Grace Johnson

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’m going to first recognize the member for Ottawa South.

Mr. John Fraser: Point of order: I have some news that’s really exciting and also kind of sad. Many of you know Grace Johnson, my executive assistant. The exciting

part is, she’s going to be leaving my office on an adventure that she has been planning for a long time.

I want to say this out loud—I think you all know this, because she knows more people than I do in here: Wherever Grace is, she lifts up everybody around her. I don’t have enough time to say all the things that she has done to support me, and all of us. She is a wonderful person.

I’m sad to see her go, but I’m really happy at the same time, so it’s kind of a weird time.

I used to say to Grace, “I get up every morning and I pray for grace, and when I get to the office, you’re here.” Sadly, that’s not going to be the case in the new year—unless, of course, I find a new Grace, which is highly unlikely because she’s not replaceable.

I just want to say thank you to Grace. She’s right over there. I made her come down.

Jordan Hunter

Ms. Mitzie Hunter: Point of order, Speaker.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Scarborough–Guildwood on a point of order.

Ms. Mitzie Hunter: If I can just beg the indulgence of the House, I would like to wish my nephew Jordan Isaac Oscar Hunter a happy first birthday tomorrow.

Paige Wiggins

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks on a point of order.

Hon. David Piccini: I, too, would like to rise on a point of order with exciting yet sad news for me.

I’ve had the honour of working with my executive assistant, Paige Wiggins, since pretty much first getting elected as a new MPP. It’s been exciting to tackle the challenges of elected life, but I’ve done so with confidence, having Paige by my side from day one. She’s about to embark on a new, exciting adventure, which I was just told about a few days ago, and I wish her nothing but the best. She’s been a remarkable asset, and I have not been able to do my job—and the people of Northumberland–Peterborough South have been better served having Paige in our constituency office.

Paige, merry Christmas. Wishing you the best of luck in your future endeavours. We’re sad to see you go.

Grace Johnson

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound.

Mr. Bill Walker: I’d also like to congratulate Grace on all that she’s done. She stood here as the epitome, frankly, of the staffer that goes beyond the partisan stuff. She is always bubbly, she’s always personable. She certainly made John Fraser look a lot better and do a lot better things in this House.

But we can all learn from Grace: to go across the aisle, to do the right things, to do the proper things and not be partisan overboard—yes, we have a job to do.

Grace, you have been a great colleague, a great ally, a great friend. We wish you well. Ontario’s loss is certainly England’s gain. All the very best in your future endeavours.

Business of the House

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The government House leader has a point of order.

Hon. Paul Calandra: This will be very underwhelming, Mr. Speaker.

I’m rising on a point of order, on standing order 58, to outline the status of business—first to say that there will be no night sitting this evening, which is good.

When we come back in February, we will, of course, be dealing with a motion that we have tabled with respect to the exciting broadcast standards of this place, based on the hard work of the Legislative Assembly committee.

Holiday messages

Hon. Paul Calandra: Before we leave, Speaker, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank you, the Clerk and Deputy Clerk, the table officers, the Sergeant-at-Arms and all of the security and peace officers who have kept this place very, very safe throughout all of this.

I, too, have come to know Grace very well. She has been an incredible, incredible asset, especially when we were learning our job in the beginning, quite frankly. They never were shy in helping us out—but also Bianca in Mr. Schreiner’s office, as well as Jasmine and Kevin in the opposition leader’s House office. Of course, my own team—Patrick Kelly, who sits here and is riveted by how exciting this place is all of the time; and, of course, Chandni, who is now here all the time listening. Owen in my office, Monika in my office and Rachel in my office all do tremendous work.

I, too, am losing my chief of staff for a short period of time. Jessica Lippert has been here for a very long time. You all know her. She is going to be leaving on maternity leave very soon. I was thinking of asking for unanimous consent that we order her to call her child Paul Calandra Lawson, but I suspect the House would not agree to that, so I won’t go down that road.

Finally, just to say a very merry Christmas, happy holidays and season’s greetings to everybody here. None of us signed up for what we have had to go through over the last number of months, but I would think that all members of Parliament, even the ones that I very much disagree with, have risen to the occasion and have represented their communities very, very well. It is an absolute honour to serve with all of you. Thank you.

Holiday messages

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Point of order, the member for Timiskaming–Cochrane.

Mr. John Vanthof: On behalf of the official opposition, I would like to congratulate Jess and make it very clear that I would say no to that unanimous consent motion.

I would like to thank everyone for all the work they do, and for the people who we don’t see, like the people in the cafeteria every morning—I fight very hard for that place—and the people who ask us the seven questions every morning, and the people—sometimes we’re here a bit late at night—who come to clean our offices. I would like to say, once in a while we’re still there when they come. I love th