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November 25, 2024

43rd Parliament, 1st Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcript 2024-Nov-25 (PDF)

L185 - Mon 25 Nov 2024 / Lun 25 nov 2024

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Monday 25 November 2024 Lundi 25 novembre 2024

Members’ Statements

Transportation infrastructure

Public protest

Miracle on Main Street

Violence against women

Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

Northern Health Travel Grant

Businesses in Essex

Youth involvement in politics

Cambridge Santa Claus Parade

Jim Aitcheson

Introduction of Visitors

Wearing of scarves

Victims of intimate partner violence

Question Period

Domestic violence

Government accountability

Cycling infrastructure

Red tape reduction

Energy policies

Sexual violence and harassment

Government spending

School safety

Addiction services

Affordable housing

Public safety

Domestic violence

Forest industry

Member’s birthday

Visitors

Reports by Committees

Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy

Standing Committee on Justice Policy

Standing Committee on the Interior

Introduction of Government Bills

Resource Management and Safety Act, 2024 / Loi de 2024 sur la gestion des ressources et la sécurité

Petitions

Sexual violence and harassment

Cycling infrastructure

Land use planning

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Orders of the Day

Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024 / Loi de 2024 sur le désengorgement du réseau routier et le gain de temps

Strengthening Cyber Security and Building Trust in the Public Sector Act, 2024 / Loi de 2024 visant à renforcer la cybersécurité et la confiance dans le secteur public

Cutting Red Tape, Building Ontario Act, 2024 / Loi de 2024 visant à réduire les formalités administratives et à favoriser l’essor de l’Ontario

Royal assent / Sanction royale

The House met at 1015.

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

Prayers.

Members’ Statements

Transportation infrastructure

Mr. Hardeep Singh Grewal: It’s great to rise this morning to talk about some of the great work that our government is doing.

Under Premier Ford’s leadership, with the support of the great Minister of Transportation, our government is committed to addressing congestion and improving travel times across Ontario through Bill 212, Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act. This legislation focuses on managing the impact of bike lanes in high-traffic areas to enhance efficiency on our roadways.

In Toronto, bike lanes on major streets like Bloor Street, Yonge Street and University Avenue have contributed to significant delays. While cycling infrastructure remains vital, our primary responsibility is to ensure the efficient traffic flow in our busiest corridors. With gridlock costing the Ontario economy $11 billion each year, it’s time to take meaningful steps to address congestion and improve commute times for all Ontarians.

Speaker, we understand the importance of safe cycling infrastructure and are committed to redirecting bike lanes to less congested routes. This approach ensures all road users can travel safely and efficiently. This is part of our broader plan to reduce congestion, which also includes Highway 413, a critical project that will ease traffic and reduce commute times for those in Peel region.

Speaker, with Bill 212, we’re building a stronger, more efficient Ontario—a province where people spend less time in traffic and more time with their families, at work or in their communities.

We’re getting it done. We’re reducing gridlock and we’re improving drive times across the province of Ontario.

Public protest

Mr. Joel Harden: Liberty, to cite a famous expression, is the soul’s right to breathe. But if that soul can’t take a deep breath, our laws are too restrictive. Sadly, Speaker, I fear that’s what’s happening right now in my beloved city of Ottawa.

For the last 13 months, Palestinian human rights events in our downtown have been peaceful without an incident. They involve families, including seniors and children.

Politicians do not direct the police—I want to be clear—but we are responsible for shaping policy on public safety and ensuring our civil liberties are protected. The rules for protest in any community in Ontario cannot simply change overnight. We have to set realistic expectations for our safety and our civil liberties. I am filing a formal complaint with the civilian members of our local Ottawa Police Service Board, and I invite members of Ottawa who share my concerns to do the same.

Miracle on Main Street

MPP Zee Hamid: I rise today to highlight the incredible work done by an amazing foundation in my riding of Milton. The Tiger Jeet Singh Foundation is an incredible Milton-based charity started by wrestling legends, humanitarians and philanthropists Tiger Jeet Singh and his son Tiger Ali Singh. Their foundation, in partnership with Halton regional police and the Downtown Milton BIA, is excitedly preparing for their 16th annual Miracle on Main Street festival on December 7.

Miracle on Main Street is an engaging, fun-filled and inclusive holiday festival with amusement rides, vendors, stage performances, concerts, pony rides and more. But even more heartwarming is that our community gathers in the spirit of generosity and kindness. Last year, the Miracle on Main Street drive raised over $1.1 million in combined donations and sponsorships. That meant that thousands of children in Ontario received Christmas gifts who otherwise might have gone without.

As a resident of Milton, it is my honour and privilege to have attended the Miracle on Main event for many years. Each year, I have been deeply moved by the generosity, compassion and sense of community. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Tiger Jeet Singh Foundation, all of the sponsors, donors, business partners, volunteers and attendees.

Violence against women

Ms. Jessica Bell: Today is the international day to end violence against women. Violence against women is a worldwide issue and it affects us here in Ontario where, on average, a woman or a child loses their lives every six days because of men’s violence.

I want to recognize the organization, Wrapped in Courage, who is here today in the Legislature. I want to recognize the countless women who have survived abuse and violence. I want to recognize the survivors and advocates who are demanding action.

Last April, we made history. We convinced the Ontario government to support a bill declaring intimate partner violence an epidemic. But since then, progress has stalled. On the first day of the fall session this year, a simple motion to pass the bill was struck down. Every day of inaction puts lives at risk. Nearly 100 municipalities have declared intimate partner violence an epidemic, and provinces like Nova Scotia and BC are leading the charge. Ontario needs to catch up.

This November 25, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we are calling on the Conservative government to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic. Lives are depending upon it.

I invite you to a vigil tonight, in support of our cause and this cause. It will be hosted at 6 p.m. at Queen’s Park.

Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

Mr. Ernie Hardeman: I always enjoy attending the royal winter fair and this year was no different. Held annually in Toronto, it’s when the country comes to the city for just a few days of celebration of everything agriculture. In fact, it’s become the largest indoor agriculture and equestrian event in the world, and it’s a place where Canadians can exhibit our world-class agriculture products and livestock.

It also recognizes and celebrates those Canadians who have raised the bar in the agriculture and agri-food sector and demonstrated outstanding leadership in their local communities. One of the most prestigious honours at the fair is the Woman of Excellence in Agriculture Award, and I’m proud to say that this year’s winner is Oxford’s own Sue Hilborn.

Sue has been involved in agriculture for over 50 years, attended the Royal Agricultural College and recently completed her 33rd season at RedBarn berries and veggies in Woodstock with her husband Don. She is a long-time vendor at our local farmers’ markets, as well as a big supporter of shopping and buying local. It’s always great to see her and Don when I visit the Woodstock Farmers’ Market; their fruits and veggies are some of the best around. She’s also involved in many local agricultural and charitable organizations, such as 4-H and VON Sakura House, our residential hospice.

Congratulations, Sue, on being this year’s winner. Thank you for your dedication to agriculture and making Oxford a better place.

Northern Health Travel Grant

Mr. Guy Bourgouin: Every week, my constituents come to my offices and ask when the Northern Health Travel Grant will finally be updated. Last April, the government promised to bring coverage up to date with the cost associated with travelling for health care, but we’re still waiting for these changes to take effect. These updates are long overdue and people in my community are relying on them.

There are families in my riding who have postponed medical appointments because they cannot afford the travel. One family had to travel to Ottawa four times this year, spending thousands of dollars of their own money because the travel grant doesn’t even come close to covering their costs. I wish I could tell these families that the update is in force and that they can book their flights to take their kids to surgery in Ottawa or plan to drive their parents to an appointment in Timmins, but the truth is the government is not following through on their promises.

Speaker, how many more will be forced to dip into their savings or go into debt just to access health care? It is unacceptable for someone in this province to pay to access health care that every Ontarian is entitled to. We deserve a health care system that works for us, not one that makes us pay the price for living up north. My constituents need more than empty promises; they need action, and they need it now.

Businesses in Essex

Mr. Anthony Leardi: Speaker, today I want to tell you about a great place called McGregor, Ontario. McGregor is the home of Wolfhead Distillery, where you can taste and purchase fine distilled products such as premium whisky, apple caramel whisky, coffee whisky liqueur and banana caramel vodka.

McGregor is also the home of the region’s newest grain elevator, established by South Essex Grain. This state-of-the-art grain elevator will be able to process 30,000 bushels of wheat or other grains per hour and contributes to Ontario’s fantastic agricultural output.

Also in McGregor is Walker Aggregates, which is expanding its quarry operations to continue supplying our builders with important aggregate to build Ontario’s highway and other key infrastructure.

Finally, in McGregor, you can buy a vast variety of Ontario-grown and Ontario-made products, including meat, dairy, baked goods, fresh produce and more at the Farm House Market. It’s local food grown for locals at the Farm House Market.

McGregor is a vibrant town making important contributions to Ontario’s economy and it is located in the beautiful county of Essex.

Youth involvement in politics

Mr. Ted Hsu: Saturday, I spoke to a Queen’s University student who has started paying income tax and feels a new perspective on tax cuts—or paying billions to build Highway 413 that will be sheltered from an environmental assessment by Ontario’s current government.

How do you get political parties to listen? Make a promise to vote. Students, you’re getting an Ontario stuck with unaffordable housing while other provinces are building faster. You’re hit with inflation, but you’ll pay a lot more into the Canada Pension Plan than you’ll get out. There are less of you to support retirees. Your government has to help you be more productive to make up the difference. Make a promise to vote.

Students, your education was damaged by the pandemic. There’s a shortage of child care and educational assistants, and you feel the cuts from the underfunding of universities and colleges by the current government. Promise to vote.

People aren’t working together because they’re angry. Leaders have given us social licence to be uncivil, and, to top it off, you’ve been handed a long-term threat to civilization: an earth that’s heating up and the enormous cost in damages and breakdowns that come with climate change.

Ontario can do things to help fix all of these. Make all political parties adjust when you promise to vote.

Cambridge Santa Claus Parade

Mr. Brian Riddell: I’m honoured to stand before you today to share a few highlights from the Cambridge Santa Claus Parade. The Christmas parade is always a reminder of the incredible sense of community in our region. This year was no exception. It was heartwarming to see the citizens of Cambridge come together to celebrate the spirit of the holiday season.

The smiles on the children’s faces and the energy that lit up the streets showed just how important these events are in bringing our community together. In fact, I only saw one unhappy face. He was dressed in all green and was calling himself the Grinch.

The Cambridge Santa Claus parade had an astonishing turnout. Thousands gathered along the streets, making it one of the largest crowds I’ve ever seen for a Santa Claus parade.

Many thanks to all the volunteers and people that participated. Their energy was contagious, and I’m looking forward to doing it all over again in the Ayr Santa Claus Parade.

Reflecting on these events, I’m reminded of the incredible community we have in my riding. These festive parades are another example of the support that the people of Cambridge provide each year at this time of season.

Jim Aitcheson

Mr. Matthew Rae: Today, it is with great sadness, I rise to mark the passing of the mayor of Perth South, Jim Aitcheson. Jim dedicated much of his life to serving the community he loved, leaving a lasting impact on Perth South and Perth county.

For over 18 years, Jim served on Perth South council, serving as councillor, deputy mayor and, most recently, mayor. He also served for 13 years on Perth county council, serving as warden for three terms. Jim led the county through the difficult COVID-19 pandemic.

Jim also served on the board of Quadro Communications, playing a pivotal role in bringing fibre optic Internet to Perth South.

For many years, Jim was a steadfast public servant who worked to ensure the voices of rural Ontarians and our agricultural sector were heard.

Beyond the political life, Jim was involved with the Optimist Club of Downie since 1981 and received the Ontario Volunteer Service Award in 2010 for his work.

Thank you to his wife, Lori, and children, Tracey, Kelly and Greg, for sharing Jim with us for so many years.

It was always great to chat politics and farming with Jim. He will be missed by many across Perth county and Ontario.

Introduction of Visitors

Hon. Michael Parsa: I’d like to welcome executive director Marlene Ham and all her colleagues from OAITH to the Legislature as we mark the first day of the 16 Days of Activism and their Wrapped in Courage campaign to end gender-based violence. I look forward to meeting with them. Thank you. Thank you all for everything you do in our province. Welcome to the Legislature.

Miss Monique Taylor: I would also like to welcome all the women and allies who are here today for the Wrapped in Courage campaign on the international day to end gender-based violence. From Hamilton, we have Erin Griver and Sharan Kaur from Inasmuch House, Mission Services of Hamilton; Tessa Mcfadzean from Good Shepherd; and Nawal Vajeed from Nisa Foundation. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Mr. John Fraser: Welcome Cyndi McLeod, Diana Mockute and Anish Dwivedi from Global University Systems, a network of 40 higher-education institutions brought together by their shared passion for accessible, industry-relevant qualifications and graduate success.

They have a reception in room 228, during lunch. I encourage everybody to join.

Mr. John Yakabuski: I have a number of introductions today, so please bear with me. I would like to begin with Leigh Sweeney, who is the executive director of Bernadette McCann House in Pembroke, a facility providing safety and support for those experiencing abuse and intimate partner violence. She is here today to join in the Wrapped in Courage campaign. Thank you for your service and your dedication over so many years, Leigh.

I would also like to introduce the second most important rock in my life next to my wife, Vicky: my executive assistant from my constituency office, who has never been here before in over 20 years, Laura Lapinskie, for the first time at Queen’s Park.

Applause.

Mr. John Yakabuski: She deserves a medal more than that standing ovation, I can assure you.

Also for the first time—I don’t know when I will get another chance; I know I’m taking time—but I have here today our son Lucas Yakabuski; his wife, Meredith Stokes; and their absolutely gorgeous, adorable and beautiful—our granddaughter—Ruby Alice Yakabuski for the first time at Queen’s Park.

I would be remiss if I didn’t reach out and wish my big brother Frank Yakabuski a happy 72nd birthday today.

Mr. Mike Schreiner: I’d like to welcome all OAITH members who are here today for kicking off their Wrapped in Courage campaign, with a special shout-out to Sly Castaldi, executive of Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Mr. Will Bouma: I would like to welcome, from Nova Vita Domestic Violence Prevention Services, Melanie McFadden and Natasha Dobler. Thank you for your service to our community.

Ms. Sandy Shaw: On behalf of MPP Taylor for Hamilton Mountain, and on this International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, in the middle of an intimate partner epidemic, I want to welcome to the House members from the YWCA: Daniela Giulietti and Amy Deschamps. Welcome to your House.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Assuming there are no objections, I’d like to continue with the introduction of visitors.

Ms. Aislinn Clancy: It’s an honour to rise here today and welcome the members of OAITH who are here at Queen’s Park for Wrapped in Courage. And I want to give a special shout-out to the Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region and all the stakeholders that are doing the fight every day to push back against gender-based violence. Thank you for being here.

Hon. Rob Flack: It’s a great pleasure to introduce, from Second Harvest, Lori Nikkel and Winston Rosser. Throughout Ontario, they rescued and redistributed 40 million pounds of food worth $155 million to non-profits.

I would also like to welcome to Queen’s Park the members of the Ontario Greenhouse Alliance. I think everyone knows the reception tonight from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. is one of the best of the year. I’m sure it will be well attended. Welcome to Queen’s Park all.

MPP Wayne Gates: I’d like to welcome Jennifer Gauthier, executive director, from Birchway Niagara, and Cyndi McLeod, CEO and president of the University of Niagara Falls Canada. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

MPP Andrea Hazell: It is my honour, also, to welcome to the House this morning members from the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses. Thank you for all the good work that you do. Welcome to your House.

Mrs. Robin Martin: It’s my honour to introduce David Lepofsky, my constituent, here for the AODA meeting and ARCH. Welcome to the Legislature.

MPP Jill Andrew: I, too, would like to welcome members from OAITH. I would like to welcome Marlene, Abby, Amber and Melissa.

I’d also like to welcome Kendall Trembath, from Saakaate House; Sly Castaldi, from Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis; Tessa Mcfadzean, from Good Shepherd Hamilton; Carla, from Women’s Habitat of Etobicoke; Erin, from Chrysalis House; Christy Savage, from Nelson House; Melanie, from Pavilion family resource centre; and Abi, the president of Redwood.

I want to give a special thank you to Rebecca, from Embrave Agency to End Violence, located in Peel region, who spoke profoundly about the lack of shelter space in our province.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’ll remind the members not to make political commentary when they’re introducing their guests.

Mr. Ted Hsu: I’d like to welcome the Ontario Greenhouse Alliance to the Ontario Legislature, and I look forward to meeting with them early this afternoon.

Ms. Christine Hogarth: It is absolutely my pleasure to introduce Carla Neto, executive director; Lina Almanzan, director of philanthropy; and Alicia Whyte, who is manager of programs and client services from our amazing Women’s Habitat in Etobicoke. Thank you, ladies, for what you do every day. I love you.

MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam: I’m very proud to rise today and lend my voice to the welcomes, as well as a very special acknowledgement of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

We have in the House, obviously, many members of OAITH. We want to say thank you for all the work that you do and to welcome you into the House.

This morning, I was joined by a number of legal clinics—13 of them in total. They work under the coalition banner of Your Way Forward and I want to recognize their good work across Ontario. They are: law assistance of Windsor, Elgin-Oxford Legal Clinic, Community Legal Assistance Sarnia, Durham Community Legal Clinic, Northumberland Community Legal Centre, Peterborough Community Legal Centre, Community Advocacy and Legal Centre, the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario, Justice for Children and Youth, the Centre francophone du Grand Toronto, Scarborough Community Legal Services, the Chinese and Southeast Asian Legal Clinic and the South Asian legal clinic.

Now, Speaker, I will persevere to name the lawyers that are in this House today: Douglas Kwan, Genrys Goodchild, Rosalea Thompson, Laura Murphy, Karen Andrews, Michelle Choe, Scott Baird, Gurmat Randhawa, Karine Chan, Christy Tang, Kerr Harvey, Ameerah McClean, Alicia Lam, Alisha Riley, Miriam Roger, Mary Birdsell, Samira Ahmed, Imbisat Chaudhry, Zara Mercer, Tamar Witelson, Mallik Fernando, Eileen Liu, Patrick Gillespie, Amy Slotek, Arnaz Zamani, Aissa Nauthoo, as well as Viviane Kone. Thank you very much and welcome to your House.

Hon. Todd J. McCarthy: I wish to welcome to Queen’s Park today members of the Bowmanville Rotary Club, founded 100 years ago in 1924. Among them today here are Bernard Sanchez, Rob MacIver, John Burns, Pauline Calvert, Joe Solway, Gord Wallace, Rebecca Grieve, Steve Burnett and Rachel Boyd.

Mr. Joel Harden: Joining all the welcome to the folks from OAITH and your amazing work—nice to see so much purple in the House today.

I also want to thank folks from the disability rights community for being here. I particularly enjoyed meeting, earlier today, with Rahima Mulla and your daughter Farrah. Rahima, thank you for everything you do to make our city more accessible and safe. We appreciate you.

Mr. Rudy Cuzzetto: Today I would like to welcome members from Armagh House and Embrave, two transitional homes in Mississauga–Lakeshore. Thank you for being here today.

Mr. John Vanthof: On behalf of the official opposition, I would also like to welcome the Ontario Greenhouse Alliance and their latest addition, Mr. Steve Peters.

Hon. Nina Tangri: I’d just like to take a moment to thank all of our constituency staff. I have mine joining us here today: Saroj Gandhi, Ranjit Bassi, Kam Sandhu, Aftab Sehgal and Samooh Hourieh. Welcome to your Queen’s Park.

Mr. Terence Kernaghan: It gives me great pleasure to welcome the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors. We had a wonderful discussion this morning about efficiency, cost certainty and something this government would do well to learn about, which is how to deliver projects on time and on budget.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’ll remind members not to make political comments while they’re introducing their guests.

MPP Zee Hamid: I’d like to welcome page Macarius Kamel, from my riding of Milton, and also congratulate him on being the page captain today. He is joined by his proud parents, Sameh Kamel and Silvana Kamel, as well as his aunt Youanna Salama and his wonderful teacher Lynn Nolan-Fox. Welcome to the House.

MPP Jill Andrew: I would also like to say welcome to David Lepofsky from AODA Alliance and all the disability advocates who are here fighting for a society that fits everyone. Thank you very much.

Hon. Graydon Smith: I’d like to welcome to the House today representatives from Louisiana Pacific Building Solutions: Bob Hopkins, their vice-president and treasurer, here from Nashville, Tennessee; Kevin Betcher, director of signing operations from Swan Valley, Manitoba; and Tim Yanni, manager of regional forest resource departments, here from beautiful Sault Ste. Marie. Welcome to Queen’s Park. I look forward to our meeting later today.

Mr. Chris Glover: I want to welcome to the House all of the disability advocates, and I want to give a special welcome to Rahima Mulla and to Nora Green, who have been working on disability advocacy for a number of years. Thank you for all of your service.

Mr. Robert Bailey: I would like to introduce, in the west gallery today, Cyndi McLeod, the CEO of Global University Systems, from Niagara. Accompanying her is Anish Dwivedi, Diana Mockute, Ehsan Safdari and Boris Podlubniy. Welcome to Queen’s Park. I think they have a reception today in 228 at noon.

Mr. Sol Mamakwa: From the Association of Ontario Midwives, I would like to introduce Diane Simon, a Mi’kmaw midwife and the data and health policy analyst for the Indigenous Midwifery team; and Donika Stonefish, policy analyst for the Indigenous Midwifery team, from Walpole Island First Nation. Meegwetch for joining us today.

Ms. Patrice Barnes: I wanted to welcome the parents of page Anuva today: her mom, Surbhi, who is here; her father, Manu; and her brother, Arnav. Welcome to the House.

Hon. Neil Lumsden: I was beginning to pull a hamstring getting up and down so much. I’d like to welcome the leadership team from my constituency office in Hamilton East–Stoney Creek. They’re up behind me. They always have my six, as they do every day. They do fabulous work: Julian, Tony, Jane, John, Allyson and our new co-op student, Francis. Welcome.

Mr. Brian Riddell: I’d like to welcome the mayor of Cambridge, Jan Liggett, who will be here shortly.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I, too, would like to welcome a very special guest to the Legislature: the member for Elgin–Middlesex–London in the 37th, 38th and 39th Parliaments, and Speaker in the 39th Parliament, Steve Peters. Welcome back. It’s always good to see you.

Wearing of scarves

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I understand the member for Kitchener South–Hespeler has a point of order.

Ms. Jess Dixon: Speaker, if you seek it, you will fund unanimous consent to allow members to wear purple scarves in recognition of the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses Wrapped in Courage campaign to end violence against women.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Ms. Dixon is seeking the unanimous consent of the House to allow members to wear purple scarves in recognition of the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses’ Wrapped in Courage campaign to end violence against women. Agreed? Agreed.

I understand the Leader of the Opposition has a point of order she wishes to raise.

Ms. Marit Stiles: Yes. Good morning, Speaker. I seek unanimous consent for the House to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic in Ontario.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Ms. Stiles is seeking the unanimous consent of the House to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic in Ontario. Agreed? I heard a no.

Victims of intimate partner violence

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I understand there’s a second request.

Ms. Marit Stiles: Yes. Thank you, Speaker. I seek unanimous consent for the House to observe a moment of silence in memory of the lives lost to intimate partner violence in Ontario.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Ms. Stiles is seeking the unanimous consent of the House to observe a moment of silence in memory of the lives lost to intimate partner in violence in Ontario. Agreed? Agreed.

I’ll ask members to please rise.

The House observed a moment’s silence.

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

It is now time for oral questions.

Question Period

Domestic violence

Ms. Marit Stiles: Intimate partner violence is growing exponentially in the province of Ontario. Just this year, there were at least 42 reported cases of intimate partner and gender-based violence—specifically deaths—right here in Ontario. A teenage girl, a whole family in Harrow, a 62-year-old woman in London—these are not one-offs; this is an epidemic.

Ninety-five municipalities all across this province and six other provinces have declared intimate partner violence an epidemic. Why won’t the Premier declare intimate partner violence an epidemic?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members will please take their seats.

To reply, the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

Hon. Michael Parsa: I thank the honourable colleague for their question.

Violence against women and girls is a horrific crime. Our government has zero tolerance for it, which is why we have been very clear—which is why we supported the bill that was put forward by the opposition, so that we can continue to review, hear from experts, some of our partners who are here right now, who are doing wonderful work to support women and girls and families across the province. We have made a commitment to make sure they have the supports and resources to continue to provide those supports to families.

We are investing $1.4 billion annually to make sure that those supports and services are available to families across the province. We partnered with the federal government on the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.

We will work with any partner, any level of government to stop violence against women in our province, once and for all.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order. Order.

The supplementary question.

Ms. Marit Stiles: Speaker, 34 women were killed just this year between January and June. That’s an average of five women killed every month.

What survivors and advocates want is to hear from this Premier a declaration that this is an epidemic, because that would mean more resources. That would mean the government is treating this crisis with the urgency that it deserves.

So I want to ask this Premier right now to stand here and tell me: How many more people have to die before this government declares intimate partner violence an epidemic?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members will please take their seats.

The Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order.

Hon. Charmaine A. Williams: Intimate partner violence is horrific—it is. We do all know that it is horrific and every time a woman’s life is taken short because of an abuser, we all feel it. That’s why I’m going to say this number: 1-866-863-0511—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order.

Hon. Charmaine A. Williams: You see, Mr. Speaker, what the members of the NDP don’t understand is that isolation—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Opposition, please come to order.

Hon. Charmaine A. Williams: —is a strategy that abusive people use to keep women in abusive relationships. As the members opposite keep making really damaging and scary statements that the government is doing nothing, they are further contributing to the isolation that many women are staying in, and we have to stop that.

We are investing billions of dollars to keep women safe. We need women to know that they do not need to suffer in silence. There is a number they can call, the Assaulted Women’s Helpline, to get support from the many organizations that are there working hard: 1-866-863-0511.

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

Ms. Marit Stiles: Speaker, no, sorry; here’s the thing. Try this number out for size: 800 women. Eight hundred women went to Ottawa’s Interval House and had to be turned away because they did not have space. So you can call the 1-866 number, and I hope women do, but I want to tell you something—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order.

Ms. Marit Stiles: I want to tell you something: Right now, more women than ever before are stuck at home unable to leave their abusers because there is no room for them in the shelters.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order.

Ms. Marit Stiles: More women are forced to stay living with their abusers because rent is skyrocketing. They cannot leave because of the cost of living. We are living in a crisis; it is an epidemic.

Will the Premier do the right thing, once and for all? No more studies, no more committees—declare an epidemic and do the right thing today.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members will please take their seats. Order.

Interjections.

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

This is a very sensitive and important issue that the House is discussing at the moment. I would ask members to listen to each other’s response or question, as the case may be.

Start the clock. To reply: the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

Hon. Michael Parsa: Speaker, once again, I want to reiterate: No woman or girl in this province should ever be subjected to violence. We have passed legislation and have made investments and made it very clear: We will work with any level of government, any partner that will help us to prevent and end violence against women in our province.

That’s why Minister Williams and I joined the federal government and we signed on to the national action plan to end violence against women in the province. That partnership came with an additional $162 million to help our wonderful partners who are doing great work in every community in this province to prevent violence from happening in the first place, to support survivors. Mr. Speaker, that support is augmenting the $1.4 billion that we’re investing in the supports and services in the province.

No woman or girl in this province should be left behind. We will work with any level of government, including my colleagues in opposition. This is not a political issue, Mr. Speaker. We all need to—

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

The next question.

Government accountability

Ms. Marit Stiles: Speaker, it seems like in this province the only people who get what they’re looking for are people who pony up the cash at these guys’ fundraisers.

Tonight is the night that the Premier and the Minister of Transportation are going to hold court at a $1,000-a-ticket closed door fundraising event. That’s right.

Last week, we learned that the trucking association told their members they were going to present a tally of tickets sold to the minister in the hopes that he would actually listen to their concerns. No organization should feel like they need to make a political donation to be heard by any government.

Will the Premier cancel this sketchy fundraiser, give the truckers their money back, and take a meeting?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Attorney General.

Hon. Doug Downey: The reason the Leader of the Opposition knows when the fundraiser is and what is being charged and will know who has donated is because we have a very open system. There are fair rules, with transparency and accountability throughout the system. And of course every donation is recorded and publicly available so voters can scrutinize the money.

Mr. Speaker, last week I congratulated the member opposite for the $1.1 million that she raised in the summer. It’s really incredible.

So it’s an interesting request from the member of the opposition to cancel fundraisers. I wonder if her colleague up in Sudbury, Jamie West, is going to cancel his. Oh, no, that was November 2 that one happened. There are others coming, but I’ll answer more in the supplementary.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’m going to remind the members to refer to each other by their riding name or their ministerial title as applicable.

Supplementary question.

Ms. Marit Stiles: Well, the Attorney General knows perfectly well they’re ministers of the crown, right? What we’ve got here is a quid pro quo kind of situation, which—they know perfectly well what they are doing.

The Ontario Trucking Association has a very reasonable and legitimate ask: They just want better oversight to make roads safer, something that members of this House, by the way, have been very clear in advocating for.

Why is it so hard to get this government to listen without some kind of quid pro quo? You should not need to donate to a political party to get good things done in this province. That’s the truth.

Will the Premier and the minister return the donation from the truckers’ association and just take a meeting?

Hon. Doug Downey: The number of meetings that I took and that my colleagues took while we were in recess—hundreds each, Mr. Speaker; of course with no fee for that because that’s our job.

The member opposite waxes eloquent—well, eloquent, sort of—but here’s what I’ve learned in time, Mr. Speaker, as sort of a life lesson: I learned a long time ago that people often accuse you of doing things that they would otherwise do themselves, and so people that gossip to you generally will gossip about you. I think what the NDP are afraid of is the kind of activity they would get up to if they were ever on this side of the House.

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

Ms. Marit Stiles: Well, I guess they’re not going to cancel it, but there’s no surprise there. We had the mental health mixer with the minister responsible for mental health and the health minister. We had a private colleges soiree organized by the former minister of colleges herself. We had the greenbelt fiasco. Where does it end?

It has never been more clear, though, what is going on here, because you’ve got the Conservatives’ chief fundraiser, their bag man, Tony Miele, giving the ministers quotas. There’s another fundraiser tonight with the Solicitor General—1,500 bucks a pop—and a breakfast with the health minister coming up for $1,000. Man, that’s got to be some crazy-delicious muffin. Who can afford that? Private health care companies, that’s who can afford that.

So I want to ask the Premier again: How many more government policy decisions are you going to sell off to the highest bidder?

Hon. Doug Downey: I’m loath to advertise it, but the leader of the Liberal Party is having a $3,300 fundraiser in December. I’m not hearing the prop-up NDP saying anything about that. Mr. Speaker, you know—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order.

Hon. Doug Downey: I can’t even hear myself, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I can hear you. I’d ask you to continue.

Hon. Doug Downey: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Look, there are rules, there’s accountability, there’s transparency. We all have the same rules to abide by. Whether you’re in the Legislature or you want to be in the Legislature, people have the ability to participate. There is complete transparency and accountability, Mr. Speaker. That’s the kind of system we should have. That is the kind of system we do have.

Cycling infrastructure

Ms. Jessica Bell: My question is to the Premier. The government wants to block lawsuits arising from people being injured and killed because of the removal of the Bloor, Yonge and University Avenue bike lanes. It shows the Conservatives know full well that incidents of injury and death are going to go up. It’s like this government is willing to risk the lives of Ontarians, but they’re not willing to risk being sued over it.

My question is to the Premier. What are you going to say to the families who needlessly lose a loved one on these roads?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): To respond, the Minister of Transportation.

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: Thank you very much for that question. Every single time in this House we’ve put forward measures to make our roads safer—we’ve brought forward legislation that brings in the toughest penalties against anyone that is contravening our Highway Traffic Act as well.

But, Mr. Speaker, let’s be clear: Let’s make it safer. That is why we are saying it doesn’t make sense to rip up some of our busiest roads in the entire city to accommodate a very few percentage of people that use their bikes. It is better for them to use secondary roads, which is also safer for them as well.

We’ve got to get this city moving. Toronto ranks as one of the worst in all of North America, the third-worst in the world. It’s about making sure we get this city moving again. It’s about making sure that everyone is safe on the roads. And Mr. Speaker, we’ll continue to get it done.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order.

The supplementary question: the member for Oshawa.

Ms. Jennifer K. French: The fight that this Premier and Minister of Transportation have picked against bike lanes seems to be vendetta-driven rather than data-driven. The government has pretended this was about improving congestion, but as reported by the Trillium: “A draft of a briefing document prepared for the Ontario cabinet” shared that “prohibiting bike lanes doesn’t solve traffic congestion and ... often has the opposite effect.”

Not one of the people allowed to come to committee spoke in favour of this initiative, not one. Instead, they came with terrible stories of death on our roads.

Why is the Premier hell-bent on ripping up well-planned municipal infrastructure when he knows it will worsen congestion, cost untold millions and, worst of all, cost the lives of vulnerable road users?

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: Mr. Speaker, let’s be clear here: Ripping up the busiest roads in Toronto—not only in Toronto; in Ontario, in North America. Ripping up lanes, 50% of the lanes, and accommodating a very small percentage of people makes absolutely no sense at all. That’s why Toronto ranks as the worst in North America for gridlock, according to the TomTom study—the third-worst in North America. The policies that the city has been putting in place just do not work. That’s why we’re stepping in, and that’s why we’re going to get this city moving again.

For 15 years, the previous Liberal government did absolutely nothing. They didn’t build any public transit. The NDP opposed every single one of our public transit projects. They opposed highways—the 413, the Bradford Bypass—the Ontario Line, which will move 400,000 people every single day. Both the Liberals and NDP opposed that. They don’t want anything done in this city or in this province. But we’re going to get shovels in the ground, and we’re going to get it done.

Red tape reduction

Mr. Rick Byers: My question is for the Minister of Red Tape Reduction.

Ontario is a great place to live, work and raise a family. But for far too long, under the previous Liberal government, red tape made life harder for all Ontarians. Small businesses struggled with outdated rules and regulations. Families trying to start new projects or access services faced delays and frustrations because of overly complicated processes and paperwork.

The impact of unnecessary red tape took time and money away from the things that mattered most, like creating jobs, lowering costs and growing Ontario’s economy. Governments should make life easier, not harder for the people and businesses in our province.

Speaker, can the minister please tell this House how our government is cutting red tape and helping our economy?

Hon. Mike Harris: Thank you to the member from Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound for that question.

Our government is committed to addressing the challenges faced by people, businesses and families across this province. The Cutting Red Tape, Building Ontario Act, our government’s 14th red tape package, is an important step towards addressing these challenges, making everyday life in Ontario easier and more affordable. That’s because this bill, if passed, will provide $20 million in annual compliance cost savings, including saving people and businesses 56,000 hours. That’s more time and money back into the pockets of Ontarians.

These savings are in addition to the work our government has done saving people and businesses over $1 billion annually and freeing up 1.5 million hours of unnecessary red tape since 2018. We will continue to get it done in this PC government.

Mr. Rick Byers: It’s encouraging to hear the minister talk about the important work our government is doing to make life easier and more affordable for businesses and individuals across Ontario.

We know that affordability challenges didn’t just appear overnight. They were the result of years of inaction and patchwork failures by the previous Liberal government. For 15 years, they drove up costs and added burdensome regulations, making Ontario the red tape capital of Canada.

Our government must continue to demonstrate leadership and strengthen Ontario’s standing in the global economy, while creating the conditions for people and businesses to thrive now and into the future.

Speaker, could the minister please explain what our government is doing to fix the disastrous and costly legacy left by the previous Liberal government?

Hon. Mike Harris: I’ll tell you, under the leadership of the Ontario Liberals, it became known—like you said—as the red tape capital of Canada, costing businesses $33,000 annually. That’s more than any other province in Canada.

Now, Speaker, the Trudeau-Crombie carbon tax supported by the Liberals and their NDP allies is adding more to the cost of living to families across this province.

While they focused on making life harder, our government is getting it done. We froze fees for driver’s licence knowledge tests. The Liberals—what did they do? They piled on costs.

We are cutting red tape for housing and infrastructure development. The Liberals created endless delays and chased over 300,000 good-paying jobs out of this province.

We are saving the people and businesses of this province over $1 billion in annual compliance cost savings. The former Liberal and NDP coalition’s total regulatory compliance costs were $15 million a year in 2017.

We will not go back. We are only moving—

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

The next question.

MPP Lise Vaugeois: My question is to the Premier.

This year, school boards received $1.4 billion for AODA improvements. We have built the standards of the AODA into the Ontario building code. All new GO Transit stations, train platforms and bus stations adhere to the AODA. We have delivered over 2,200 accessible buses to municipalities.

The province is making historic investments to make Ontario more accessible today and for the future. We are getting it done, Mr. Speaker.

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

MPP Lise Vaugeois: Students with disabilities face crushing disability barriers in school and university. Patients with disabilities face multiple barriers in our health care system. In 2022, your government received final reports and recommendations from the K-12 Education, Post-Secondary Education and Health Care Standards Development Committees, but not one of these reports has been implemented.

Premier, can you tell us today when your government will enact the promised health care and accessibilities standards recommended by experts almost three years ago?

Energy policies

Mr. Billy Pang: My question is for the Minister of Energy and Electrification. For years, Ontarians have been burdened with expensive energy bills. They felt the impact of high energy costs in their wallets. Families struggled to get by, with many choosing between heating and eating. Seniors on fixed incomes had to cut back. Small businesses fought hard to stay open because of expensive energy bills. This is the Liberal legacy of a broken energy system. Their bad policies left us with high costs and limited options for far too long. Ontarians want affordable, clean and reliable energy, and they want investments in renewable sources to cut costs, protect the environment and grow the economy.

Speaker, can the minister please explain how our government is helping to make energy more affordable for everyone?

Hon. Stephen Lecce: I want to thank the member from Markham–Unionville for being a champion in this House against the Liberal carbon tax and assure him that the Affordable Energy Act helps remediate the issues he has cited. Families a decade ago paid the highest energy bills on the continent because of an ideological, failed experiment under the Liberals that they want to bring back to the people of Ontario today under their leader—a plan that will send many families back as they pay higher bills and a carbon tax in this province that they cannot afford.

That’s why, in the Affordable Energy Act, we commit to do what the Liberals didn’t, which is signed procurements based on competition. They signed 33,000 contracts above market, paying 80 cents a kilowatt hour when they could have used nuclear power at nine to 10 cents a kilowatt-hour—a total abdication of leadership and responsibility, and families today pay the price.

The legislation before this House ensures that affordability and competition in our procurements are the way forward. It also commits to conservation expansion that all families in all regions can save money, reducing the bills for the people in this province.

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

Mr. Billy Pang: Energy is the backbone of our economy and our way of life. For decades, Ontarians have relied on a system that was supposed to provide affordable, reliable power, but under the Liberals, we saw skyrocketing costs and policies that hurt families and businesses.

Today, the world is moving forward. Countries are investing in new technology and looking for smarter ways to meet growing energy needs. Ontario has a unique advantage: We have resources, talent and innovation right here at home. With the right leadership, we can use those strengths to make energy more affordable and meet future demands. Ontarians deserve to know that our government is planning for the future.

Speaker, can the minister please share how our government is using Ontario’s nuclear advantage to ensure affordable, reliable energy for years to come?

Hon. Stephen Lecce: Ontario’s clean energy advantage is driven by our nuclear fleet. I’m proud that our government is expanding nuclear energy in this province, because we need another four and a half cities of Toronto being added to the grid by 2050. We must act with urgency and really look to the future with a generational plan to build affordable energy for our kids and our grandkids.

Yes, we are refurbishing Pickering and Darlington. We are extending the life of those assets for another 30 years. We are expanding Bruce Power: another 5,000 megawatts of clean non-emitting power, enough power for five million homes. But that will not be enough. We need to lean in with more net new nuclear energy expansion and other forms of energy expansion so that we secure affordable, reliable energy for the next generation.

Sexual violence and harassment

Ms. Catherine Fife: My question is for the Premier.

On November 12, CBC reported that in 2022-23, 56% of criminal cases were withdrawn, stayed or dismissed simply because our courtrooms are understaffed and underfunded by this Conservative government. In 2022 alone, 1,326 cases of sexual assault were disposed of before their trial date.

This year I introduced Lydia’s Law, which would increase transparency in the handling of sexual assault cases so we can ensure funding is going to the right places in the justice system. On May 14, the day before Lydia’s Law was due to be debated in this Legislature here at Queen’s Park, the government silenced debate by sending this bill straight to committee, silencing survivors in Ontario. Lydia’s Law currently sits at committee, where it languishes—yet another failure of this government.

To the Premier: When will this government return Lydia’s Law to the House for debate to ensure that survivors of sexual assault get their day in court, at the very least?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members will please take their seats.

The Attorney General.

Hon. Doug Downey: It’s the power of language. She says, “Sent to committee to languish,” and we expedited it going to committee. This is a very serious issue, and over the summer, the great member from our party, who has spent so many hours putting together a review of what’s been happening in the system—the member from Kitchener South–Hespeler has spent the entire summer, along with the committee, hearing from stakeholders, hearing from others about what’s happening with intimate partner violence. So to suggest in front of our guests here today that nothing is happening is not an accurate reflection of what’s really going on.

Mr. Speaker, I’ll have more to say in the secondary part, after the next question.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The supplementary question: the member for Windsor West.

MPP Lisa Gretzky: That subcommittee is separate from the justice policy committee—and you know it, because you control the committee. You could call that bill back any time.

Like the government stalling Lydia’s Law, over seven months ago, I brought forward Bill 173, the Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic Act—again, sent to committee separate from the subcommittee. At that time, there had been 17 femicides in a five-month period. As of yesterday, there have been 59, six of them last month alone. That’s 42 additional reported femicides while the Conservatives delay a declaration. Those are just the IPV and gender-based cases that resulted in death; it doesn’t include survivors, current victims or children.

Nova Scotia recently passed an NDP bill like mine and declared IPV an epidemic. They did it in one day. Nearly 100 Ontario municipalities have declared IPV an epidemic.

Speaker, why doesn’t our Premier believe IPV is an epidemic, and how many women and children have to die before he does?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order. Members will take their seats.

I remind the House to make their comments through the Chair, not directly across the floor of the House.

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’ll ask the Associate Minister of Auto Theft and Bail Reform to come to order.

To reply for the government, the Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity.

Hon. Charmaine A. Williams: Bill 173 is not languishing. My parliamentary assistant, the member from Kitchener South–Hespeler, has been working very closely, actually, with the member from Toronto Centre—the only one who seems to be taking interest in actually doing the work in committee because the members who have been yelling over there have not shown up to committee to actually participate.

Also, Mr. Speaker, the first round had over 80 members of the community who had been working in this sector participate and give their suggestions, advice and recommendations. The second phase is ministries working and talking about what we’re doing in government, and the third phase is hearing from the victims. That work is going to be happening next.

We want to encourage all people who have something they want to share at committee for us to hear to put their name forward and to be a deputant or to delegate. The work is being done and—

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

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock for a moment. I’m going to ask the House to come to order.

We have a tradition in this House not to make reference to the absence of members in the chamber. I think it’s reasonable to request that there are no references to the absence of members from committee—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order—and I would ask members not to do so.

Hon. Graham McGregor: Where were you?

Miss Monique Taylor: Okay, where were you?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I just said it is not helpful to make reference to the absence of members from committee. Please don’t do it.

We can move on. Start the clock.

The member for Orléans.

Government spending

Mr. Stephen Blais: Mr. Speaker, Ontarians are dealing with one of the most challenging economic and affordability crises in generations. Grocery prices are up. Utility prices are up. Home prices are up and up. Wait times for health care are up. The number of Ontarians without a family doctor, including 100,000 in the Premier’s backyard of Etobicoke, are up. At one million people, the number of Ontarians using a food bank is up.

But that’s not all. Government spending is up. Government debt is up. Government tax collection is up and up.

If the high-tax Tories are spending more than has ever been spent, borrowing more than has ever been borrowed and taxing more than has ever been taxed, while Ontarians can’t access emergency rooms because they’re closed, don’t have a family doctor and can’t see one, and can’t afford to buy their groceries, can the Premier explain if this is really what getting it done looks like?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): To respond, the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Mr. Speaker, remind me which party put up the carbon tax to make life more unaffordable. Was it the Conservative Party? Was it the NDP opposition? Was it the federal Liberal Party supported by the NDP? Absolutely. And what’s making life more expensive for Ontarians and Canadians? The carbon tax, Mr. Speaker. Taking money out of their pockets—that’s what they’re doing.

This government, on the other hand—

Interjections.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: That’s something the previous Liberal government didn’t do. They increased the debt-to-GDP. They increased the debt; their credit ratings went down.

The only difference between us and them is that our debt-to-GDP has improved, our interest expenses have gone way down, and we got an upgrade from the credit rating agency. So we’re doing it differently.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order.

The member for Hamilton West–Ancaster–Dundas, come to order. The member for Ottawa South, come to order.

Supplementary?

Mr. Stephen Blais: The number of Ontarians using food banks and the number of Ontarians without a family doctor aren’t the only things that are up. The number of Ontarians without a job is up. When the Premier was elected, the unemployment rate was 5.9%; it’s now 6.8%. Mr. Speaker, did you know that under this Premier, 130,000 more Ontarians are unemployed than when he was elected? Sadly, but not unsurprisingly, those aren’t the only metrics that are up.

Something else, unfortunately, has gone down. Business confidence in Ontario is at an all-time low, so much so that in the past 12 months, Ontario has lost 28,000 jobs in construction, and Ontario has lost 8,400 jobs in manufacturing, all while those numbers are up in BC, Alberta and Quebec.

How is it that the government that is spending like none other, borrowing like none other and taxing like none other can’t get Ontarians a family doctor or a job?

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Mr. Speaker, I look at the economy, and when we took over—$800 billion. Do you know what it is now? It’s $1.13 trillion. The economic pie has grown—$330 billion. That means more jobs, more money in people’s pockets. That means economic prosperity to fund the world-class services that we have in this province.

When they had the opportunity, when we tabled cutting the gas tax, putting more money in people’s pockets, the taxpayer rebates, $200 cheques, which way did they vote? They voted against it. When they had an opportunity to help the hard-working people of Ontario, they said no. Luckily, the people of Ontario have a government that says yes, a government that works hard to put more money in their pockets.

School safety

Mr. Lorne Coe: Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Education.

Bullying is a serious issue in our schools. It hurts our children, their mental health and their ability to learn. Parents are worried about what happens to their kids at school. Teachers are asking for more support to deal with bullying. And students need to feel safe when they step into their classrooms.

We hear stories all too often about the harm caused by bullying, whether it’s in the hallways, on the playground or online. These are not just isolated incidents.

We know that every child deserves to feel safe and respected. Parents and communities want to see action.

Can the minister please share what our government is doing to address bullying and create safer schools for our children?

Hon. Jill Dunlop: Thank you for the question.

And to the member from Whitby: I want to recognize his tireless advocacy, on behalf of his own granddaughters and all children across Ontario, to protect them from the harms of bullying in our schools.

Speaker, we are the government that is listening to parents and making the necessary investments to protect and promote a healthy learning environment for our students. That’s why our government has taken decisive action to strengthen formal guidance to school boards through changes to PPM 144—bullying prevention and intervention—to align with the realities of today and create safer schools for our students.

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

Mr. Lorne Coe: Speaker, bullying isn’t just about name-calling. It’s about kids feeling like they don’t belong. It’s about fear, isolation and being singled out for who they are.

We’ve heard from parents who are heartbroken about the struggles their kids face. We’ve heard from teachers who see the pain and hurt in their students but need more tools to help. And we’ve heard from students themselves, asking for change and support.

Bullying can take many forms, whether it’s words, actions or even silence in the face of discrimination. No child should feel unsafe because of their culture, religion, gender or who they are, or who they love.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Question?

Mr. Lorne Coe: Speaker, can the minister please share how our government is standing with students and ensuring that every child feels safe, supported and included in Ontario’s schools?

Hon. Jill Dunlop: As a mother, I have witnessed bullying and had to deal with the fallout and the long-term negative impact it has had on children’s mental and physical health. That’s why I stand here today to reconfirm my commitment to the students of Ontario. If you’re a student who is facing hateful comments because of your culture, your religion or nationality; if you’re a student who is being bullied or treated unfairly because of your skin colour; if you’re a student who is facing slurs because of your sexuality or gender; or if you are a student who feels isolated or like you don’t belong, I want you to know that this government, my ministry and Premier Ford are here for you.

Speaker, everyone—teachers and students—deserve to feel safe, supported and included in Ontario’s schools, and parents know this government will never stop fighting for their children’s rights to go to school free from hate and bullying.

Addiction services

Ms. Bhutila Karpoche: The city of Guelph is having to allocate half a million dollars to EMS services to address the fallout from closing its safe consumption and treatment site—a closure that this government is forcing. We’re hearing the same concern from municipalities across this province: Shutting down these critical sites will increase pressure on emergency services and hospitals, worsening an already strained system.

Can the minister explain why this government is putting lives at risk by taking away overdose prevention services and adding an even greater burden to our front lines?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Member for Essex and parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Health.

Mr. Anthony Leardi: Speaker, this government has introduced a new program. It’s called the HART hub style of service. HART stands for Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hub. If you have an addiction, you can go to that HART hub and seek services, which services might include counselling; they might also include medical services.

Those HART hubs are very important because they are going to put people back on the track to recovery, not like the drug injection sites, which attract crime, which attract more drug trafficking and which attract needles—needles that are left in our parks, needles that are constantly being found by schools, needles that are being found by child care centres.

Mr. Speaker, the mothers and the fathers of the province of Ontario do not want these drug injection sites anywhere near the schools in Ontario. That’s why we’ve introduced legislation to impose a 200-metre protection zone around every school in Ontario so that we don’t have any more of these needles being left in our children’s—

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Member for Hamilton Mountain will come to order.

The supplementary question?

MPP Jamie West: Everyone in Sudbury knows of the Crosses for Change. This is an overdose memorial with hundreds of crosses on the corner of Paris and Brady.

The first cross was for Myles Keaney. Denise Sandul put it there for her son, and she put it where his body was found. But Paris and Brady wasn’t where Myles’s body was found. Her first memorial for her son was across from an EMS building, but Denise moved it when EMS met with her and explained to her how many overdose deaths they see and how it affected the mental health of their members.

Today, Myles’s cross at the Crosses for Change is joined by hundreds of others. My question is, how many hundreds of other crosses should Sudbury erect before the Premier takes overdose deaths seriously?

Mr. Anthony Leardi: A tragic death such as that is certainly a tragedy, and anybody who is suffering from addiction needs to have treatment and should seek that treatment. We encourage people who are suffering from an addiction to seek treatment for their addiction.

One of the places they’ll be able to go as a result of the initiatives introduced by this government is a HART hub. Once again, HART hub stands for Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hub, where a person can go to get treatment for their addiction, where they can get back on the road to recovery. These are great places for people to go to, Mr. Speaker.

But we don’t want drugs being trafficked near injection sites, which is what is currently occurring. What has happened at these drug injection sites is an increase in violence, including gun violence and including knife violence. The mothers and the fathers of Ontario do not want these drugs near their schools, and we’re taking action to—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): If members repeatedly ignore the Speaker’s request to come to order, they will be warned.

Affordable housing

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

All across Ontario, families cannot afford to pay the rent, because rents have skyrocketed since your government was elected: A two-bedroom apartment in Kitchener has gone from $1,485 to $2,282 a month; in London, from $1,309 to $2,190; in Toronto, a shocking 40% increase in the last two years alone, to $3,308 per month.

This government’s policies are resulting in unaffordable rents for working families and people cannot find an affordable place to live. This disproportionately affects women experiencing intimate partner violence, presenting a barrier to escape because they can’t find a safe, affordable place to live with their children. But your government keeps saying no to building deeply affordable, non-profit and co-op housing.

Today, I give the Premier an opportunity: Will you say yes to funding, with public dollars, deeply affordable, non-profit and co-op housing?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): To respond, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Hon. Paul Calandra: I appreciate the question from the member opposite. The member knows and I’m sure the member will agree that when we took office, some of the policies of the previous Liberal government had made it very difficult for people to get shovels in the ground. In fact, purpose-built rentals were at the lowest point in the history of the province, and we knew we had to take steps very, very quickly to increase that supply.

That is why we have done things like remove the provincial portion of the HST from purpose-built rentals. We’ve exempted them from development charges. We’ve removed parking minimums along transit corridors. We actually are seeing the results of that. We have the highest level of purpose-built rental housing in the history of the province.

At the same time, we worked with the federal government to help them better understand the needs of the province of Ontario when it came to affordable housing. The previous agreement signed by the previous Liberal government with the National Housing Strategy wasn’t meeting our needs, so we reformed that agreement so that we can do the exact same things the member is talking about.

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

Mr. Mike Schreiner: Let’s be clear: With this government’s policies, no minimum wage worker in any community in Ontario can afford average market rent. Ninety-three per cent of the deeply affordable homes built in the province of Ontario were built before 1995; that’s when the government stopped supporting co-ops and non-profits. And yet, this government continues to say no to non-market solutions. That’s why people are leaving Ontario. That’s why women who are facing intimate partner violence are struggling to be able to find a safe, affordable place to call home.

If the government is not going to say yes to building deeply affordable, non-profit and co-op housing, will they at least say yes to legalizing six-to-11-storey buildings along major transit and transportation corridors, where builders tell us that will reduce their build times in half, so we can at least build more market rental homes?

Hon. Paul Calandra: I’m glad to hear that the member opposite isn’t completely opposed to building market homes, because we understand how important that is. Of course, we have a transit-oriented community program across the province of Ontario. We’ve reduced costs, including parking minimums, along those transit corridors, so that we’ve reduced the costs by about $100,000 per unit along those corridors. We’ve reduced the GST or the HST portion of it to get more homes built.

Ultimately, the fundamental thing that we can do is get more supply online, because when you add more supply in the way that we are doing, the highest levels in recorded history in the province, you will start to see the rents come down, in fact, as supply is increased.

The member, I’m sure, is happy to know that the rents have started to decline in the province of Ontario, in particular here in the city of Toronto, so we are making progress. But I agree completely with the member opposite: The only way we’re going to see true progress is if we unleash the opportunity to build even more homes across the province of Ontario. I look forward to his support of the actions that we’re going to take to ensure that we can get that done even quicker.

Public safety

Mr. Hardeep Singh Grewal: My question is for the Solicitor General.

Across Ontario, families are worried about rising crime. They see it in their neighbourhoods, they hear it on the streets, they see it in the news and they see it in their daily lives. Parents are concerned for their children’s safety as they go to school. Seniors are worried about going out alone. Businesses are struggling with the impact of theft and vandalism. And people are asking for action.

Speaker, crime not only hurts victims, it tears at the fabric of our communities. People in my riding want to know that our government is standing up for them and taking bold steps to make our streets safer. Can the Solicitor General please tell us how the Safer Streets, Stronger Communities Act will help keep families and individuals safe?

Hon. Michael S. Kerzner: Mr. Speaker, show me a government that has prioritized public safety, and I will show you our government, led by Premier Ford, that does it morning, noon and night; that leads by example; that has a plan that’s amazing to put more boots on the ground, by having over 2,080 new people who want to serve as constables go to the Ontario Police College; that’s fighting auto theft hard with $51 million; that’s getting the violent and repeat offenders off our streets, a $112-million investment; and most recently, coming forward with the Safer Streets, Stronger Communities Act.

Mr. Speaker, we will not stop in keeping Ontario safe.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary.

Mr. Hardeep Singh Grewal: Families across Ontario and my riding want to feel safe. They want to know that their children can play outside without fear. They want to know their homes and neighbourhoods are secure.

But crime is changing. Organized groups are behind thefts, scams and violence, and people want to know what’s being done to stop this. People want to know how our government is taking action to prevent crime before it happens. Communities need our government’s support and strong leadership. They need solutions that go just beyond reacting to crimes. They need investments that make our neighbourhoods safer and help our law enforcement tackle crime.

Speaker, can the Solicitor General please explain how our government’s proactive measures under the Safer Streets, Stronger Communities Act will help address crime before it starts?

Hon. Michael S. Kerzner: The Safer Streets, Stronger Communities Act is another pillar that follows the Community Safety and Policing Act and other measures that we have brought forward that send a message across Ontario that we will not tolerate violent and repeat offenders. As I’ve said before, if people feel they have to act in a criminal way, we have room for you.

But, Speaker, last week, Bonnie Crombie finally says we need to have meaningful bail reform, but she refuses to call dear leader in Ottawa that it’s time to get it done there. It’s time to take us seriously. It’s time to step up at the borders. She should call the Minister of Public Safety in Ottawa, and she should meet him at the border and see that our guns are coming in. It’s unacceptable. Our government, under Premier Ford, will not stop.

Domestic violence

MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam: My question is to the Premier. Today marks 230 days since this government promised to pass Bill 173, to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic. This morning, lawyers from 13 legal clinics across Ontario came to Queen’s Park, including those from Your Way Forward. They came to share their legal opinions about what this declaration will do for survivors in Ontario. The lawyers assert that the intimate partner violence declaration is not just symbolic, but that it would “profoundly strengthen survivors’ access to justice by compelling courts, tribunals and administrative bodies to consider intimate partner violence when reviewing the facts of a legal case.”

This government isn’t working for survivors when they deny survivors the specific legal tool recommended by the legal experts to obtain access to justice.

This morning, this government for the fourth time denied the opportunity to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic. Why do Conservatives continue to wear their purple scarves while breaking the promise to survivors?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members will please take their seats. Order.

To reply, the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

Hon. Michael Parsa: Speaker, let me make it very clear once again to all my colleagues in this chamber: When it comes to violence against women and children, we are focused on action. This is a serious issue, and it requires actions—actions that deliver concrete and tangible results for women, for girls and families who are experiencing gender-based violence.

Some of the programs and supports that I mentioned earlier—that includes the emergency shelters, counselling, a 24-hour crisis line, safety planning, transitional housing supports backed by $18.5 million of annual investment to help women escape abusive situations.

Mr. Speaker, I will ask my honourable colleagues across: In budget 2024, we increased funding through this sector by $5.5 million; in addition, $4.5 million for Victim Quick Response Program. Unfortunately, my honourable colleagues across voted against these initiatives, so I’m asking my colleagues across to join us together in working together to—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The minister will take his seat.

Supplementary: the member for Toronto–St. Paul’s.

MPP Jill Andrew: This Conservative government has said no to our motions calling for real affordable housing, including supportive and transitional housing. This government has ignored the crisis in our shelter system. Embrave Agency to End Violence in the Peel region has had to turn away 500 women this year alone. There are no beds. Hundreds of women and children are being turned away from shelters and left with no choice than to go back to unsafe housing with abusive partners.

No matter what this government pats themselves on the backs for during their dog-and-pony show IPV phase 2 committee hearings, if the woman or child is dead, Speaker—if they are dead, there is no tomorrow.

A hundred municipalities have declared intimate partner violence. My question is to the Premier: Will this Conservative government declare IPV an epidemic today so Ontario can release life-saving funding and resources necessary to address this public health crisis—

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

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you. Thank you. The member will take her seat.

Stop the clock.

The member will please take her seat.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Okay. I’m reluctantly going to warn the member for Hamilton Mountain and the Associate Minister of Auto Theft and Bail Reform and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. I’ve warned three of you.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Hamilton—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Toronto–St. Paul’s is warned.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’m going to name the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. I’m going to name the member for Toronto–St. Paul’s.

Mr. Calandra, you will leave the chamber.

Mr. Calandra was escorted from the chamber.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Ms. Andrew, you’re going to leave the chamber for the day.

MPP Andrew was escorted from the chamber.

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

The Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity can reply.

Hon. Charmaine A. Williams: This is a very—it’s an emotional conversation that we’re having here because we know how impactful violence against women is, not just on the women but for their children, for their families and for their community. All of our hearts are in the right place. We all want to do the right thing and want to do the things that are going to really make Ontario the safest place for women to live, without the fear of violence and intimidation and all of that.

I just want to encourage everybody to really pay attention and be a part of the work that is happening in committee, because it is being led by a crown—the member from Kitchener South–Hespeler. She is doing amazing work with the member from Toronto Centre. We want to make sure that everybody has their time to speak and be a part of this committee.

Again: 1-866-863-0511. That is the Assaulted Women’s Helpline—

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

Forest industry

Mr. Brian Saunderson: My question is for the Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products. Ontario’s forestry sector is a long-standing cornerstone of our economy. It is not just about wood or paper; it’s about jobs, families and communities. Rural and northern communities rely on forestry operations to keep their economy strong.

Sadly, this critical industry is facing growing pressures. Rising costs from the Trudeau-Crombie carbon tax hurt forestry businesses across our great province. This tax increases the cost of transportation, equipment and energy—things no forestry operation can avoid. Because of this regressive tax, families in this sector worry about the impacts of layoffs and plant closures. It’s clear that the Trudeau-Crombie carbon tax hurts hard-working Ontarians in the forestry sector.

Can the associate minister please explain what our government is doing to support Ontario’s forestry industry and protect these vital jobs?

Hon. Kevin Holland: Thank you to the member for Simcoe–Grey for that important question and for the great work he does in his riding.

The health and sustainability of our forests are essential to the environmental well-being of Ontario’s resources. Responsible stewardship and sustainable development of Ontario’s forests are the heart of what my ministry does. The forest industry in Ontario generated $18 billion in revenue from manufactured goods and services in 2020, and supported more than 148,000 direct and indirect jobs in 2021.

My ministry implemented the forest sector strategy to support this vital part of Ontario’s economy. It will create opportunities to further economic prosperity and generate high-quality jobs while supporting Indigenous, rural and northern communities that depend on the forest sector.

Our plan will continue Ontario’s history of sustainable development and position the province as a world leader in making and selling forest products from renewable, sustainable and responsibly managed forests.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you. That concludes our question period for this morning.

Member’s birthday

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for St. Catharines has informed me she has a point of order she wishes to raise.

Mrs. Jennifer (Jennie) Stevens: Thank you for letting me rise here today on a point of order.

Today I would like to wish my colleague, my wingman, Jamie West, MPP for Sudbury, a very happy birthday. Jamie, I would say I feel the need—the need for speed. Happy birthday.

Visitors

Mr. Mike Schreiner: One of my constituents arrived halfway through question period today. I want to have a warm welcome for Denise Mansur, who is a strong, successful Black woman entrepreneur—owner of Ms. Meri Mak clothing and Meri Men’s clothing in downtown Guelph. Welcome, Denise.

Mr. Chris Glover: I also want to wish my colleague from Sudbury another happy 39th birthday.

I also want to welcome to the House a good friend of mine, Diane Simon, and also her friend, Donika Stonefish, who are with the Association of Ontario Midwives. Welcome to your House.

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

MPP Lisa Gretzky: I just want to remind everyone in the House that there is a picture with OAITH, all the shelter and service providers, on the grand staircase right after question period.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you. There being no further business this morning, this House stands in recess until 1 p.m.

The House recessed from 1200 to 1300.

Reports by Committees

Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy

Ms. Laurie Scott: I beg leave to present a report from the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy and move its adoption. I will hand this to page Elissa.

The Clerk-at-the-Table (Mr. Christopher Tyrell): Your committee begs to report the following bill, as amended:

Bill 212,

An Act to enact two Acts and amend various Acts with respect to highways, broadband-related expropriation and other transportation-related matters / Projet de loi 212, Loi visant à édicter deux lois et à modifier diverses lois en ce qui concerne les voies publiques, les expropriations liées aux projets d’Internet à haut débit et d’autres questions relatives au transport.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Shall the report be received and adopted?

Interjection: No.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): At least 12 members having stood in their places, we are now going to have a 30-minute report-stage debate on the motion for the adoption of the report on the bill, as amended, pursuant to standing order 38(b). In this debate, each recognized party is allotted 12 minutes, and the independent members are allotted a total of six minutes.

I recognize the member for Ottawa Centre to start off the debate.

Mr. Joel Harden: I appreciate the opportunity to participate in this debate.

The reason this debate needs to happen, Speaker, is that I fear this House does not have the information it needs to make consequential decisions on road safety that involve serious injury or even, sadly, death.

Here is the context, and the Minister of Transportation knows this context very well: The last collision statistics we have in Ontario indicate that in 2023 there were 49,106 collisions due to reckless driving that involved serious personal injury or death. Speaker, 49,106—that’s a rate of 134 people per day. There are 124 people in this House—there’s a rate of injury and death that is worse than the amount of people when this House is full. That should be cause for concern.

My concern as a serving member at this committee is that we did not allocate sufficient time to hear from residents of Ontario. There was more interest to participate in delegating to this bill than any other bill I have ever seen in the history of my six years here at Queen’s Park. And yet, we had one truncated day, when most witnesses came from this great city of Toronto and a couple from my city of Ottawa. This is so much bigger than that. What about the safety of roads in the north? What about the safety of roads in the southwest? What about the smaller communities?

What about the city of Kingston, or what about the city of Waterloo—both of which have passed motions asking this government not to implement this bill. Why didn’t we allocate sufficient time to make sure that those people could contribute to our study of this bill? The government has time-allocated this bill. I will say for the record—I said it at committee; I want to say it here too—the member for Kitchener Centre, because of the rules of time allocation, was not allowed to advocate for her constituents at committee. So I am gravely disappointed.

The government knows I disagree with them on the policy of the bill. That’s fine. That’s one thing. But the process for research and public consultation to this bill was deeply, deeply, deeply flawed.

Ms. Catherine Fife: Undemocratic.

Mr. Joel Harden: Absolutely. The member for Waterloo says it was undemocratic. She is right.

I want to note for the record, Speaker, that last night, as I was making my way down here from Ottawa, I heard word that a cyclist was killed in the city of Brampton.

I was reading a report, which I’ll talk about later, about Karl Mann, a 65-year-old cyclist found dead at the side of the road on September 26 near Bridlewood, a community in Kanata.

These tragedies are continuing to happen, and my fear is that this government has not opened up the consultation process widely enough for us to figure out how this bill could reduce critical injury and death. We know it is happening right now, and we can actually do something about it in this House. We could follow the leads of jurisdictions like Quebec, the city of Montreal, which has actually created dramatic improvements in road safety because of protected road infrastructure.

When the minister talks about moving vulnerable road users onto secondary roads, what he’s actually saying is that he’s happy to move people into more crowded road places than the places that professionals have installed to keep us safe.

So are we serious about road safety or not? Are we prepared to consult or not? I submit at this point, Speaker, that the answer is no.

I’ll go to the member from Oshawa.

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

Ms. Jennifer K. French: I’m glad to be able to stand in my place and beseech this government to slow this down and be thoughtful about what they’re doing and the harm that they are going to be causing.

We are fresh out of committee. We had spent not enough time in committee on Bill 212. Some know it as the bike lane bill. Others know it as “the 413 doesn’t have any environmental oversight” bill—whatever. We did not have the opportunity to make this bill any better, and I wish that the government would have slowed down and listened to people. We had record numbers of people who wanted to come before committee.

We had 10 pages of the single-line people and agencies who wanted to present at committee, but because of the time allocation motion, which is fancy for the “shortening of process” motion that the government put forward, we had, what, 15 we got to choose, and of those, the government members would have had to choose people to come before committee. Do you know that not a single one of them supported the initiatives that the government was bringing forward? Not a single one came to committee and said that.

So if they’re going to tell us that those folks existed—they didn’t even have time to get their ducks in a row to come to committee or to make a submission. So the process was flawed.

Also, Speaker, I have had the opportunity to be here for 10 years, and, most days, I hope to continue, but I’ll tell you, in all of those years of doing committee work, and even on the days that we scramble to get amendments through the House—or amendments to committee, to be able to debate them. This government didn’t have the nerve to take their very substantial 11-page amendment that actually gives them permission to rip and tear, to rip out the bike lanes, to not allow others to maybe reimburse if they feel like it, all of those things—11 pages that no one got to see during the committee process.

It was the afternoon before we had to debate it in clause-by-clause. No one got to weigh in. No one got to see this amendment. I think it would be unparliamentary for me to call them chicken, but that’s what I’m inclined to say. I’ll withdraw.

Speaker, the process has been unfair and a mess. It just speaks to the minister and Premier’s drive to do whatever they want.

Breaking down this amendment, which I’ll be happy to do later—it gives this minister wild powers, yes, to rip out the bike lanes, which they had told us were coming, to disallow future bike lanes. But there are also sections in here where it gives the minister an opportunity to—if a municipality doesn’t jump through the hoops in the exact amount of time, they may or may not reimburse them; things like that. That is not how you build relationships and partnerships with your municipal partners.

This is also a bill about the 413. There were people who really wanted to come and talk about the 413 and this expedited process that would exempt it from the Environmental Assessment Act, from the Planning Act, from the greenbelt plan. There wasn’t space for those folks at committee.

I am glad to be able to take this opportunity to tell them to slow it down and do better. But this fight isn’t over, even if they are rushing us through this time.

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

Ms. Jessica Bell: I’m pleased to be speaking about this bill today.

The Bloor, the Yonge and the University Avenue bike lanes are in the riding of University–Rosedale. Health care workers, high school students, the thousands and thousands of students who go to the University of Toronto, parents—these bike lanes are regularly used by people in my riding and surrounding ridings so they can get from A to B quickly and safely. That is the goal of the bike lanes.

I, like my colleagues, was very surprised and shocked to see the last-minute, 11-page amendment to Bill 212. The bill came into committee bad, and it came out of committee terrible, quite frankly. The amendments give the Conservatives authority to remove the entirety of the Bloor, Yonge and University Avenue bike lanes. They give themselves permission to not necessarily pay back municipalities for all their costs. And they insulate themselves from lawsuits. So it’s A-okay if someone gets killed on these roads because a bike lane is removed, but it is not okay for this government to get sued because of the actions they’re taking—very, very interesting priorities there.

We had a record number of people sign up to speak; we had a very limited number of people who were available, who actually could.

We had the city of Toronto come out and say this is actually reducing injuries and deaths on these streets, and it has actually led to an increase in cycling traffic.

We had the local BIA come out and say it has actually led to an increase in customers, based on Moneris data—so not made-up fantasy stuff, but credit card data.

We had people come in again and again, telling us they’ve lost a loved one as they were cycling to get to work or just for recreation. They’re devastated by it. They don’t want that devastation to happen to anyone else.

Did the government listen? No, they didn’t.

It is a fantasy to think that three bike lanes in downtown Toronto are the reason why this entire region has some of the worst congestion times in North America. The Bloor bike lane is not the reason why the 401 is jam-packed, and people know it.

If this government is serious about addressing congestion in the GTHA, it is high time this government invests in transit operations, which this government is not doing, so people can—

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: Whoa—

Ms. Jessica Bell: No, no. You’re investing in capital, but you’re not investing in operations.

All of the entirety of the TTC’s routes—

Mr. Steve Clark: Making it up over there.

Ms. Jessica Bell: Oh, yes, “making it up”—are not as fast as they should be. People are waiting for a long time for the bus. Fares are very expensive. So people are choosing to drive because the TTC and transit systems are not as fast and reliable as they should be, and that’s on this government.

I’ve also found the Minister of Transportation’s comments very dangerous—the comments that cyclists should just go on side roads and that somehow they don’t deserve to quickly take the quickest route to where they want to go. The reason why is because it fuels this divisive culture war between cars versus cyclists, and it gives licence to a very small number of drivers who give themselves permission to more aggressively drive around cyclists, which will result in more people dying. It is completely unnecessary. This government has a responsibility to govern for everyone.

I urge this government to focus on the issues that people care about. Fix congestion. Invest in transit. Look at the health care crisis we’re facing. Put more funding into schools. Solve our affordable housing crisis. Stop these divisive games.

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

Next, I’ll recognize the Minister of Transportation.

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: I think many of the comments that you’ve heard from the opposition really sum up pretty much what they stand for when it comes to building Ontario, which is in opposition to everything that this government does. The members talked about public transit, the members talked about congestion, yet they have voted against every single one of our measures that we have put forward to support and build public transit and highways across this province.

Let’s look at this bill closely. This will help speed up Highway 413, this will help speed up the Bradford Bypass, and those members opposite and the Liberals oppose that, which is a shame. We’ve seen record gridlock across this city, and they don’t want those projects to be built fast.

Then you look at the NDP and you look at why construction unions are leaving them in droves. Nobody wants to support them. It’s because they oppose every form of building in this province, whether it be public transit, whether it be highways—everything, they are opposed to.

The Ontario Line, a project that will move 400,000 people—most of that line will service NDP-held ridings. Some 400,000 people a day will move on that—28,000 cars off the road—and those members will vote against it and oppose that. I think that’s a shame.

The cost of not building is far greater.

The members opposite continue to have this mentality that you shouldn’t build in this province. That’s what the Liberals did for 15 years—they built absolutely nothing, and the NDP helped and supported and propped them up, unfortunately.

When we talk about GO Transit and expanding all-day, two-way GO, the members opposite vote against that. They don’t support our investments into that. They just want the status quo, and that’s very unfortunate.

Now let’s go to the policy of bike lanes in this piece of legislation. We are removing three bike lanes that have caused an enormous amount of congestion within the city of Toronto. We see it every single day.

Bloor Street: Let’s take that as an example. Ripping up 50% of our infrastructure, 50% of roads, to accommodate a very small percentage of people who use them—does it make sense? Ask the businesses on Bloor Street. I urge the members opposite to drive through those areas.

They just don’t want people in cars. They’re so far from reality, it’s not even funny. They want nobody in cars. They think everybody can just jump on their bike, ride around all year. But a reality check, folks—there’s a northern Ontario, there’s a southwestern Ontario. There’s a province here that is far greater than just the downtown core of the city of Toronto, and people need to move. And guess what? Probably this week or next week, we’re going to get snow, and these bike lanes are going to be even less used—and it’s going to make even less logical sense to tear these up to accommodate a very small percentage of bicycle riders across this.

We have a duty to get people moving. We want to get this city moving. We know that we are seeing record-breaking congestion because of a lack of development in the past 15 years by the previous Liberal government.

This government is about building. This government is about investing. It doesn’t matter how much the NDP want to oppose our progress in the building of public transit or highways in this province. We’re going to keep going. We’re going to keep getting shovels in the ground, and we’re going to build for the future.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Next, we have the member for Guelph.

Mr. Mike Schreiner: It’s bad enough that the government fast-tracked this bill through time allocation and limited the amount of public input that’s being allowed, which I think is one of the reasons that people are deeply concerned about debating the committee report on this bill, especially when the government brings forward amendments at the last minute that basically say that if you’re a vulnerable road user, a cyclist in Toronto—you don’t even necessarily have to be a resident of Toronto.

My seatmate here from Kitchener Centre cycles up University almost every day from the GO station, when she commutes in.

If you are injured, if you’re killed—you’re not able to sue the government for putting your life at risk. What does that tell you about this government’s priorities and how much they care or don’t care about public safety? We know that the biggest barrier to more people cycling is safety concerns. And this government is basically saying with these amendments to this bill, “We don’t care about your safety. As a matter of fact, if your safety is threatened and you want some legal recourse for that, we’re not even going to allow you to have that step.”

Let’s talk about transparency and access. Let’s talk about people being able to come to committee and talk about this bill.

Let’s talk about drivers like myself. I drive my electric vehicle into Queen’s Park pretty much every week. I drive along Bloor a lot, and I drive up University a lot. Every time I’m commuting here, I look at the cyclists going past me, and as a driver, I say, “Thank you, cyclists. Thank you for choosing an affordable option for you and an option that reduces gridlock for me, because it’s one less vehicle on the road”—and now that’s being taken away.

When I go along Bloor Street and I go to support businesses along Bloor—especially the Bloor Street BIA. They tell me—like what’s happening in jurisdictions all over the world—that when you bring in safe cycling infrastructure, cyclists shop local. They support local businesses. They benefit the local economy.

As a matter of fact, sales along Bloor Street, particularly in the Annex region out through the High Park region, have gone up. They don’t want to be a thoroughfare. They actually want to be a neighbourhood where people stop and shop locally. Having that cycling infrastructure there is good for businesses and good for the local economy.

The member talks about gridlock. I would suggest that the member travel the 401. I come in from Guelph to Toronto all the time on the 401. When the 401 widening between Toronto and Milton was completed about a year, year and a half ago, it was fantastic. My commute time went down for about three months. And now, it’s pure gridlock again. We have 75 years of data that shows that when you build new highways and expand existing highways, it leads to more gridlock.

That’s exactly what’s going to happen with the 413, which is why I don’t think they want an environmental assessment or any expert analysis on 413. They know it’s going to show that it’s going to make gridlock worse. As a matter of fact, they’re actually denying an environmental assessment on 413.

Toronto, this summer, experienced $4-billion worth of flood damage. If you’re going to build a highway over the headwaters of two of the major rivers coming into Toronto, you’re actually going to increase flood risk.

I would say we shouldn’t even build the highway. But if the government is going to insist on wasting $10 billion to $13 billion that isn’t going to benefit anyone else in the province and force people from Bracebridge and Sudbury and other places to pay to remove bike lanes, at the very least, they should do an environmental assessment to make sure we mitigate flood risk. That didn’t happen either.

Instead, we’re fast-tracking this bill through without proper assessment and analysis.

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

Mr. John Fraser: It’s a pleasure to speak to this committee report.

Here’s the bottom line: This government is in a hurry to pass this bill—lightning speed. We all know the Premier wants it.

Here’s the thing: It’s about public safety. Cyclists have genuine concerns; they need to be listened to. They need alternatives.

The government is in such a hurry that it’s indemnifying itself. It’s avoiding liability for a decision that it’s making really quickly. It’s going so fast.

Here’s what I wish, Speaker: I wish that the government and the Premier had the same sense of urgency for taking action on intimate partner violence. I wish they had the same sense of urgency for finding a family doctor for the 2.5 million Ontarians who don’t have a family doctor. I wish they had the same sense of urgency to end hallway health care. I just wish they had the same sense of urgency for things that are important in health care and education for all Ontarians, but sadly, they don’t.

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

The Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy reported the following bill, Bill 212, as amended.

Ms. Scott has moved the adoption of the report. Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? I heard some noes.

All those in favour of the motion will please say “aye.”

All those opposed will please say “nay.”

In my opinion, the ayes have it.

Call in the members. This is a five-minute bell.

The division bells rang from 1325 to 1330.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members will please take their seats.

The Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy reported the following bill, Bill 212, as amended.

Ms. Scott has moved the adoption of the report.

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

Ayes

Allsopp, Tyler

Anand, Deepak

Babikian, Aris

Bailey, Robert

Barnes, Patrice

Bethlenfalvy, Peter

Bouma, Will

Bresee, Ric

Byers, Rick

Clark, Steve

Coe, Lorne

Cuzzetto, Rudy

Dixon, Jess

Dowie, Andrew

Downey, Doug

Dunlop, Jill

Gallagher Murphy, Dawn

Grewal, Hardeep Singh

Hamid, Zee

Hardeman, Ernie

Hogarth, Christine

Holland, Kevin

Jones, Trevor

Jordan, John

Kanapathi, Logan

Kerzner, Michael S.

Kusendova-Bashta, Natalia

Leardi, Anthony

Lumsden, Neil

Martin, Robin

McCarthy, Todd J.

McGregor, Graham

Mulroney, Caroline

Oosterhoff, Sam

Pang, Billy

Parsa, Michael

Piccini, David

Pinsonneault, Steve

Pirie, George

Rae, Matthew

Riddell, Brian

Romano, Ross

Sabawy, Sheref

Sandhu, Amarjot

Sarkaria, Prabmeet Singh

Sarrazin, Stéphane

Saunderson, Brian

Scott, Laurie

Skelly, Donna

Smith, David

Smith, Graydon

Smith, Laura

Surma, Kinga

Tangri, Nina

Thanigasalam, Vijay

Thompson, Lisa M.

Tibollo, Michael A.

Wai, Daisy

Williams, Charmaine A.

Yakabuski, John

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): All those opposed to the motion will please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

Nays

Armstrong, Teresa J.

Bell, Jessica

Bourgouin, Guy

Bowman, Stephanie

Burch, Jeff

Clancy, Aislinn

Collard, Lucille

Fife, Catherine

Fraser, John

French, Jennifer K.

Gates, Wayne

Glover, Chris

Gretzky, Lisa

Harden, Joel

Karpoche, Bhutila

Kernaghan, Terence

Mamakwa, Sol

Mantha, Michael

McCrimmon, Karen

McMahon, Mary-Margaret

Pasma, Chandra

Rakocevic, Tom

Sattler, Peggy

Schreiner, Mike

Shaw, Sandy

Stevens, Jennifer (Jennie)

Stiles, Marit

Taylor, Monique

Vanthof, John

Wong-Tam, Kristyn

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Trevor Day): The ayes are 60; the nays are 30.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I declare the motion carried.

Report adopted.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The bill is therefore ordered for third reading.

Standing Committee on Justice Policy

Mr. Lorne Coe: Speaker, I beg leave to present a report from the Standing Committee on Justice Policy and move its adoption.

The Clerk-at-the-Table (Mr. Christopher Tyrell): Your committee begs to report the following bill, as amended:

Bill 194,

An Act to enact the Enhancing Digital Security and Trust Act, 2024 and to make amendments to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act respecting privacy protection measures / Projet de loi 194, Loi édictant la Loi de 2024 visant à renforcer la sécurité et la confiance en matière de numérique et modifiant la

Loi sur l’accès à l’information et la protection de la vie privée en ce qui concerne les mesures de protection de la vie privée.

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

Report adopted.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Pursuant to the order of the House dated October 29, 2024, the bill is therefore ordered for third reading.

Standing Committee on the Interior

Mr. Aris Babikian: I beg leave to present a report from the Standing Committee on the Interior and move its adoption.

The Clerk-at-the-Table (Mr. Christopher Tyrell): Your committee begs to report the following bill, as amended:

Bill 214,

An Act to amend various energy statutes respecting long term energy planning, changes to the Distribution System Code and the Transmission System Code and electric vehicle charging / Projet de loi 214, Loi modifiant diverses lois sur l’énergie en ce qui a trait à la planification énergétique à long terme, aux modifications touchant les codes appelés Distribution System Code et Transmission System Code et à la recharge des véhicules électriques.

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

Report adopted.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Pursuant to the order of the House dated November 6, 2024, the bill is therefore ordered for third reading.

Introduction of Government Bills

Resource Management and Safety Act, 2024 / Loi de 2024 sur la gestion des ressources et la sécurité

Mr. Graydon Smith moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 228,

An Act to enact the Geologic Carbon Storage Act, 2024 and to amend various Acts with respect to wildfires, resource safety and surveyors / Projet de loi 228, Loi édictant la Loi de 2024 sur le stockage géologique de carbone et modifiant diverses lois concernant les incendies de végétation, la sécurité des ressources et les arpenteurs-géomètres.

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

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Would the minister care to briefly explain his bill?

Hon. Graydon Smith: The Resource Management and Safety Act proposes amendments to the Surveyors Act, the Forest Fires Prevention Act and the Oil, Gas and Salt Resources Act with respect to various matters to enable the use of modern technology and to increase community safety.

The act also enacts the Geologic Carbon Storage Act, 2024, to allow the ministry to regulate geologic carbon storage.

Petitions

Sexual violence and harassment

Ms. Catherine Fife: This petition is entitled “Justice for Sexual Assault Survivors (Bill 189: Lydia’s Law).” I asked about this particular piece of legislation this morning. This has been signed by thousands of concerned residents in Waterloo region and, in fact, across the province.

The fact of the matter is that this bill is not being dealt with by the IPV committee. This bill was sent to justice, where it is languishing. To add insult to injury, this bill never got debated in this House, even though 1,326 sexual assault cases got thrown out of court and disposed of without survivors actually having their day in court.

I just want to make the point that it is very difficult to get a sexual assault case into the court system. In fact, the test mark for these cases is profound. So not only did these people, primarily women, experience sexual violence; they are again victimized by the court system which is supposed to deliver justice to them.

On this day, when we’re wearing purple and we’re acknowledging that sexual violence is prevalent in the province of Ontario—this is the day to call Lydia’s Law and debate it here in this House, giving sexual assault survivors their voice back in the province of Ontario.

I will affix my signature. It’s a great petition. And I will give it to page Juliet.

Cycling infrastructure

Mr. Anthony Leardi: I have a petition to present today. It’s really a petition of complaint. It’s signed by people complaining about the fact that there are municipalities ripping out automobile lanes and replacing them, in the most inappropriate spots, with bicycle lanes.

It’s further complaining about the fact that such unreasonable behaviour is leading to automobile congestion, such as the automobile congestion that occurred last night in Toronto, when professional hockey players couldn’t get to their game because they were caught in gridlock.

In

summary, it calls upon the Legislature of Ontario to immediately remove bike lanes along Bloor Street West in Etobicoke–Lakeshore.

I support this petition. I’ll sign it. And I’m going to give it to this page, Elissa, who I’m sure will be dutiful and bring it to the Clerk’s table at the centre of the chamber.

Land use planning

Ms. Aislinn Clancy: I’m here to deliver a message from the people of Waterloo region. Farmers in Wilmot have had their land unfairly threatened to be expropriated for an unknown cause. This has caused a lot of alarm. These are intergenerational farms. The people of Waterloo region want a fair and transparent process, and they’ve asked us to protect our precious farmland.

I support this bill, and I thank those who have signed it. I will affix my name and pass it to page Maadhav.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Mr. Steve Clark: Point of order, Speaker.

The Acting Speaker (Ms. Bhutila Karpoche): I recognize the government House leader on a point of order.

Mr. Steve Clark: Madam Speaker, if you seek it, you will find unanimous consent to allow members to make statements in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, with five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s loyal opposition, five minutes allotted to the independent members as a group, and five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s government.

The Acting Speaker (Ms. Bhutila Karpoche): The government House leader is seeking unanimous consent to allow members to make statements in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Agreed? Agreed.

Statements? I recognize the leader of the official opposition.

Ms. Marit Stiles: Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Today is the day that we come together to remember the lives lost to intimate partner violence, to violence against women, and to stand in solidarity with the countless others who continue to live in fear.

We remember women like the 14 women who were killed at École Polytechnique in 1989 simply because they were women—it’s near and dear to my heart; I was a university student then as well.

We honour the memory of so many other women—Carol Culleton, Nathalie Warmerdam and Anastasia Kuzyk, whose tragic deaths in Renfrew county exposed systemic failings that still put lives at risk.

We remember Carly Stannard-Walsh; her children, Madison and Hunter; and Jennifer Polak, a caring mother of two who was taken from her children too soon.

Just last week, we mourned Parween Adel, a mother fatally stabbed in her own home in Oshawa while her kids looked on.

These stories and so many others remind us that intimate partner violence isn’t just someone else’s problem; it is a crisis in every corner of Ontario.

Speaker, back in April, hundreds of survivors and advocates joined us here at Queen’s Park to demand action. Today, there are also many, many others who have joined us here at Queen’s Park.

Back in April, we convinced this government to support our Bill 173 that would declare intimate partner violence an epidemic. Let’s remember, that doesn’t just come out of nowhere. That was the number one recommendation of the Renfrew coroner’s inquest report. It was number one for a reason, because from that everything else follows. It’s absolutely essential—something that 95 municipalities and six other provinces have already recognized. We saw that as a moment of hope, I will say. But since then, progress has stalled.

On the first day of this fall session, we asked for one simple thing: again, for this government to vote to pass that bill. Instead, they voted it down.

Today, again, we asked for unanimous consent to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic in the province of Ontario. Again, the government voted that down.

Here’s the thing: Every single day that this government delays, more women are trapped in violent homes. That’s the truth. More children live in fear. More families are torn apart. Inaction isn’t neutral. It is a choice, and that choice is costing lives in the province of Ontario. We know the solutions, and this is I think why so many of us on this side have been so frustrated, along with survivors and advocates and people on the front line, by this government’s attempt, frankly, to spin their wheels, to continue the consultation and the conversation.

My goodness, how many more people have to be retraumatized before you get the message? There are actions that are there. There is a road map in the coroner’s report. It is time to take action now.

I spoke a little bit this morning about some of the things—I want to reiterate and revisit some of the numbers.

Over 40% of women in Canada are going to experience intimate partner violence in their lifetimes. Last year alone, 58 women in Ontario were killed by men charged or deemed responsible for their deaths. This year, that number is on track to being even higher. It isn’t just a statistic. It is an indictment of our inaction.

Just a few months back, I was in Harrow one evening, meeting with folks in that community. The next morning, while I was still there in Essex county, you could feel the ripple happening across the community as people started to hear about Carly Stannard-Walsh and her kids, Madison and Hunter, who were murdered in their home the night before by someone they should have been able to trust. If you’ve ever been around something like that happening in a small community—you can just feel it. Everyone is touched by it.

Everyone has someone who knows someone in that family—the mayor, whose kids, I think, played soccer with them; the other folks in the grocery store who knew the kids, whose kids went to school with those kids. Everybody has a connection to the family. So the impact is massive. The tragedy is enormous. You can feel it.

These are not isolated incidents. I want to again remind the members opposite—you can call the Assaulted Women’s Helpline. Please do—to anybody watching this right now, if you are feeling danger.

To the members opposite: 800 women contacted Interval House of Ottawa in the last year and had to be turned away because there was no room.

This is the story I hear over and over again in every corner of this province. It is getting worse because the housing crisis, the affordability crisis is getting worse every day, which means it is harder and harder for women and their families to escape their abuser, because there’s simply nowhere else to go. Unless we start to approach this as the crisis that it is, as the epidemic it is, we will get no closer to saving the lives of those people.

Again, I want to ask the members opposite to work with us and declare intimate partner violence an epidemic. It is time to get to work.

The Acting Speaker (Ms. Bhutila Karpoche): Next statement?

MPP Andrea Hazell: Madam Speaker, I am sharing my time with the member from Kitchener Centre.

Today, we stand on the brink of change. We gather not just to talk, but to ignite a movement—one that champions the rights of every individual and boldly confronts the harrowing reality of gender-based violence.

I want to take a moment to shine a light on the incredible work of OAITH. Their dedication to uplifting survivors and advocating for justice is a beacon of hope in our communities. They remind us