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July 23, 2018

42nd Parliament, 1st Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcript 2018-Jul-23 (PDF)

L007 - Mon 23 Jul 2018 / Lun 23 jui 2018

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Monday 23 July 2018 Lundi 23 juillet 2018

Introduction of Visitors

Attack in Toronto / Attaque à Toronto

Speech from the throne

Oral Questions

Curriculum

Executive compensation

Curriculum

Health and long-term care

Health care funding

Immigration and refugee policy

Horse racing industry

International trade

Economic development

Refugees

Labour dispute

Automotive industry

Mental health and addiction services

Northern transportation

Government spending and accounting practices

Energy conservation

Visitor

Introduction of Visitors

Members’ Statements

Curriculum

Pravin Lata Sharma

Hospital funding

John Graves Simcoe

Gun violence

Riding of Orléans / Circonscription d’Orléans

Pelham Summerfest

First responders

Danforth neighbourhood

Economic development

Petitions

Indigenous affairs

Curriculum

Energy policies

Curriculum

Curriculum

Long-term care

Anti-smoking initiatives for youth

Orders of the Day

Urgent Priorities Act, 2018 / Loi de 2018 portant sur les priorités urgentes

The House met at 1030.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Good morning. Please join me in prayer.

Prayers.

Introduction of Visitors

Mr. Vijay Thanigasalam: Today I have the distinct pleasure of welcoming my good friend all the way from Alberta: Garnett Genuis, MP for the riding of Sherwood Park–Fort Saskatchewan.

Mr. David Piccini: Today I have the honour of introducing a young student who worked on my campaign and who, sadly, we’ll be losing off to university, like so many others, come September but who is in my office over the summer. Nico Johnson is visiting from Cobourg.

Ms. Kathleen O. Wynne: Mr. Speaker, I know this is your prerogative and it is in no way indicative of how I will behave in this House, but I am in this instance going to beg the indulgence to introduce our friend and former colleague Deb Matthews, who is the former member for London North Centre.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): And I would add that Deb Matthews served London North Centre in the 38th, 39th, 40th and 41st Parliaments. Again, welcome back to the Ontario Legislature.

Mrs. Amy Fee: I would like to welcome a huge campaign supporter of mine who volunteered. His name is Alan Keeso. He was out door-knocking day after day with me and has been quite the supporter all along through my campaign. Thank you, Alan, for coming down today.

Hon. Ernie Hardeman: I’d like to introduce Jay Heaman, who is visiting Queen’s Park today from the great riding of Oxford. Thank you very much for coming to Queen’s Park, Jay.

Mrs. Gila Martow: I just see that my friend Stewart Kiff is here. Welcome once again. I’m so glad to see your face.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: I know it’s introduction of visitors, but I have just been notified that Alma Ferguson, the mother of Rob Ferguson, a reporter for the Toronto Star, passed away last night. I think it’s appropriate that we note and give our condolences to Rob and his family.

Mr. Robert Bailey: I’d like to introduce a good friend of mine from my riding of Sarnia–Lambton, Stephanie Lobsinger, who is in the east members’ gallery. Her daughter is a page here again.

Ms. Peggy Sattler: I am very pleased to welcome this morning Harmy Mendoza and Carla Neto from the Woman Abuse Council of Toronto, or WomenACT; Roza Nozari, who is here from the 519; and Laura Hartley from Interim Place and the Peel Committee Against Woman Abuse. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I wish to inform the House that we have in the House today, in the Speaker’s gallery, a former member of the Legislature who served in the 32nd, 33rd, 34th and 35th Parliaments, representing the riding of Hamilton West: Richard Allen is here with us today.

Attack in Toronto / Attaque à Toronto

Hon. Todd Smith: Point of order.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I recognize the government House leader on a point of order.

Hon. Todd Smith: I seek unanimous consent that five minutes be allotted to each of the recognized parties, five minutes to the independent Liberal members and five minutes to the independent Green member in order to make statements about the tragic shooting that took place on Danforth Avenue in Toronto last night, and that following the statements the House observe a moment of silence in memory of the victims.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The government House leader is seeking unanimous consent that five minutes be allotted to each of the recognized parties, five minutes to the Liberal members and five minutes to the Green member in order to make statements about the tragic shooting that took place on Danforth Avenue in Toronto last night, and that following the statements the House observe a moment of silence in memory of the victims. Agreed? Agreed.

I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Doug Ford: Today, the residents of this city and our entire province are in shock. During a year in which we have already lost too many people to gun violence, last night we witnessed the most brazen shooting yet. Today, people across Toronto woke up to the devastating news of a mass shooting in a crowd of pedestrians in one of the city’s busiest neighbourhoods.

Our first thoughts go to the victims of the shootings and their loved ones. As of right now, we know two innocent people are dead, lives cut short and families devastated, and there are as many as 12 other victims. The thoughts of our entire province and country are with them and their families right now.

I also want to thank the police officers, paramedics and other first responders, who were so quick to act in the aftermath of the shooting, as well as the bystanders on site who helped in the response.

The shooter is dead, but that will not delay or deter us from seeking justice. Our police services are engaged in a full-scale investigation. I encourage anybody with any knowledge of this horrific act of violence to contact the police immediately. I have been briefed by our provincial security adviser and our top officials. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.

As a lifelong Toronto resident, I’ve always been proud to speak up for and to defend this city. Unlike so many other places, we have always been confident that this is a safe city. Today, for too many, this confidence is shaken. But I want the people of Toronto to know that our entire province is behind you. What happened last night is tragic, and it should be a cause for anger. It reminds us that the status quo is not good enough. We must do everything we can to bring criminals to justice while preventing other potential shootings.

As Premier, my commitment is that I will do everything in my power to keep our neighbourhoods safe. We will make sure our police have the tools and resources they need to do their jobs, and we will work with our municipal and federal counterparts to identify, apprehend and convict those who commit, or plan to commit, violence.

All of us can also do our part. If you know somebody in your life whom you believe is at risk of committing gun violence, I’m asking you to step forward and let the appropriate authorities know.

What happened on Sunday night was despicable, but I hope it is also a catalyst for all of us to come together to protect our communities against this kind of outrageous violence.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The leader of the official opposition.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: I’m going to be sharing my time with the member for Toronto–Danforth.

Last night, our city and our province witnessed a terrible, senseless tragedy, one that has shattered the lives of many people, and one that leaves all of us holding our loved ones closer. This morning, like millions of people in this city and across Ontario, my heart is with the victims of last night’s shooting, with their families and loved ones, and with everyone in the Danforth community, everyone in the city, everyone in the province. I know that we’re all thinking of the victims who are in hospital. We’re all praying for their recovery, and for those who need to recover from the emotional trauma of this horrific event.

On behalf of the official opposition and all New Democrat MPPs, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to all of the first responders—to the police and to the emergency services and paramedics.

Nous remercions la police et les services d’urgence.

I want to also extend our gratitude to the health care professionals who are working to this very minute to help the victims, and to all those on the Danforth who comforted a stranger, cared for a victim and aided the efforts of the police and emergency responders. Your quick thinking and immediate compassion and care have not only saved lives; you’ve reminded us, in the face of unbearable tragedy, that we live in an incredible community, in an incredible province where violence will never be tolerated, and where the people of Ontario always look out for each other.

Today, as the police continue their investigation, I know that all Ontarians stand together to support the victims and to support one another. The Danforth is a very vibrant, amazing neighbourhood. Lots of amazing small businesses are there—people who live their lives day in and day out in just such a great community. This tragedy last night does not reflect the Danforth. It does not reflect Toronto. It does not reflect our great province, and it’s up to us to make sure that we stay strong together.

Mr. Peter Tabuns: This morning is a very hard day for my community and for this entire city. For people in my constituency, the Danforth is our home. It is the centre of our community. It’s where families enjoy dinner together. It’s where couples go for a stroll on a summer evening. It’s where people spend time with those they love the most. That’s what the Danforth is.

For a moment last night, our community was shattered by a despicable act of violence in the very heart of our neighbourhood. We are struggling to make sense of a senseless act. But I know that our strong, caring and vibrant community will come together. We already are. We will support the victims and their families. We will begin to heal.

To the victims of this violence and their loved ones, I offer you my deepest condolences on behalf of every member of the Toronto–Danforth community. I hope that the injured and the traumatized will find the strength to recover fully from the physical injuries and the emotional trauma that they have experienced.

To the first responders, emergency and police services, and hospital workers, I offer the appreciation and thanks of our entire community.

The Danforth is a wonderful community. It has been a safe home to families for many generations, and that’s exactly what we will remain. We are a unified and loving community, and we will find answers together. We will offer each other strength and understanding together. We will heal together.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Ottawa South.

Mr. John Fraser: I’ll be sharing my time with the member from Don Valley West.

On behalf of our caucus, I would like to express our deep concern, prayers and support for all the victims of last night’s senseless violence on the Danforth, and for their families. As a father and a grandfather, I cannot find the words to express the grief and the sadness of the two families of the two young people whose lives were lost. It is simply not fair that this would happen.

Nos pensées et nos prières sont avec les victimes et les familles prises dans la fusillade insensée d’hier soir.

Guns are claiming too many lives, too many young lives, in our communities. It is up to all of us in this Legislature, at all other levels of government and in our communities to put an end to the senseless loss of life.

Merci aux premiers répondants et aux professionnels de la santé qui ont pris soin des victimes.

I would like to thank all first responders for their swift and coordinated action. I would also like to thank all the health care professionals who treated and continue to treat the victims, and for doing their best to bring comfort and reassurance to their families.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Don Valley West.

Ms. Kathleen O. Wynne: I am so saddened to stand here today to speak to this tragedy that unfolded on the Danforth last night. As many have already said, this is a senseless tragedy, and still our impulse is to try to make sense of it, to understand what happened and why. We have to do that.

But what we’re all feeling today, I think, is the deep pain for the victims of this violence and for their families, their friends and their communities. We’re worried about the lasting impact on all of those lives, and particularly mourn the two lives that were lost.

The Danforth is such a gathering place. As the member for Toronto–Danforth has described, most of us who live here have happy memories of great meals, parades in the cold—such life along all the storefronts and the restaurants of Greektown. The shock of this tragedy is only just settling in.

The community will respond. It will pull together. Already I’ve heard voices on radio reaffirming the vitality of the neighbourhood. But there’s no way to deny the fear that we all feel when such a random and what we really think of as an impossible violent act takes place.

As in the aftermath of the van attack in North York, there will be questions, there will be more information and there will be some answers. But it will be up to all of us here, all of those in city government, in the community, in law enforcement and all of the first responders to work together to ensure that we do everything humanly possible to prevent this from ever happening again.

But today, we hold the victims and their families, and the people who love them, in our hearts. We weep with them and for them and want them to know that we are so deeply sorry that they are having to experience such fear and anger and loss.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Guelph.

Mr. Mike Schreiner: Mr. Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart and much sadness today. The tragic and horrific shooting on the Danforth has shocked and saddened the city of Toronto, the people of our province and our entire country.

On behalf of all members of our party, my thoughts and prayers and condolences are with the victims and their families. My heart goes out to everyone on the Danforth affected by this senseless act of violence.

It’s hard to imagine the horror of that moment last night. I want to sincerely thank the first responders who ran into danger last night. The front-line police officers, EMS, hospital workers and fire services all deserve our gratitude and support. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

I also want to thank and acknowledge the everyday heroes who acted to help their co-workers, customers, friends, family and strangers. I’m inspired by your bravery and your deep instinct to care for people in need around you.

With tears in my eyes this morning, I read the news. I was especially moved by the story of Tanya Wilson, who exposed herself to danger by opening her tattoo shop to help two bleeding victims, a mother and her adult son. Placing them in her tattoo chairs, Ms. Wilson administered first aid, helping them for half an hour until paramedics arrived and found them. Her story and others give me hope that even in the face of unspeakable evil, the human spirit and courage are to put care for others before our own safety.

Senseless acts of violence have no place in our streets, but the sad fact is that such acts of violence are all too common in today’s world. But I know that we are a strong and resilient people. Toronto is a proud and caring city. We will not, we cannot allow such random acts of violence to shut down this city or prevent us from spending time with family, friends and community in public spaces.

While we remain vigilant, we will not be afraid to celebrate the city and each other. We cannot allow the cowardly actions of a disturbed individual to drive us apart, make us afraid of each other or prevent us from opening our arms to strangers. We are stronger than that. We are better than that.

So while we mourn the loss of life today, I know that in the coming days, there will be discussions about how we prevent such tragedies in the future. I ask my colleagues in this House and my fellow citizens all across Ontario that we have that conversation in a respectful, dignified and productive way; in a way that honours those who lost their lives last night; in a way that brings us together, pursuing a collective agenda—that our cities, our streets and our communities be safe for everyone. If we stick together, we can turn a senseless act of violence into meaningful change.

I want to close by offering my heartfelt condolences to those who lost loved ones last night. The pain and loss you feel are real, and we are here for you, we grieve for you and we pray for you.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I want to thank all the members who just participated with their eloquent comments, and would ask the House now to rise to observe a moment’s silence.

The House observed a moment’s silence.

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

Speech from the throne

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): On Monday, July 16, 2018, the House leader of the official opposition, Mr. Bisson, rose on a question of privilege in order to indicate that the opposition members had not been provided with advance copies of the speech from the throne at the same time that the media had been provided with advance copies. Initially, the member framed this omission as a possible breach of privilege; he subsequently framed it as a contempt of the House.

The government House leader, Mr. Smith, noted that there is no requirement that the government must provide advance copies of the speech to members but that it had nevertheless done so shortly before its presentation to the House. He also indicated that the government had taken steps to protect the confidentiality of the embargoed media copies of the speech to prevent its premature disclosure before it was read to members of the House by the Lieutenant Governor.

Having reviewed the statement provided under standing order 21(c), the written submissions of both House leaders and the relevant precedents and procedural authorities, I am now prepared to rule on the matter.

Let me begin by explaining the concepts of privilege and contempt. Erskine May, the pre-eminent authority on Westminster parliamentary procedure, defines parliamentary privilege in the following terms at page 203 of its 24th edition:

“Parliamentary privilege is the sum of certain rights enjoyed by each House collectively as a constituent part of the High Court of Parliament; and by members of each House individually, without which they could not discharge their functions, and which exceed those possessed by other bodies or individuals. Some privileges rest solely on the law and custom of Parliament, while others have been defined by statute.”

Categories of “individual” or members’ privileges include freedom of speech, exemption from jury duty and exemption from being subpoenaed to attend court as a witness. Categories of “collective” or House privileges include the right to regulate internal affairs, the right to institute inquiries and the power to discipline.

It is important to distinguish breaches of privilege from the separate but related concept of contempt. The third edition of House of Commons Procedure and Practice explains the distinction in the following terms on pages 80 and 81:

“Any disregard of or attack on the rights, powers and immunities of the House and its members, either by an outside person or body, or by a member of the House, is referred to as a ‘breach of privilege’ and is punishable by the House. There are, however, other affronts against the dignity and authority of Parliament which may not fall within one of the specifically defined privileges.

Thus, the House also claims the right to punish, as a contempt, any action which, though not a breach of a specific privilege: tends to obstruct or impede the House in the performance of its functions; obstructs or impedes any member or officer of the House in the discharge of their duties; or is an offence against the authority or dignity of the House, such as disobedience of its legitimate commands or libels upon itself, its members or its officers.... In that sense, all breaches of privilege are contempts of the House, but not all contempts are necessarily breaches of privilege.”

Dealing first with the opposition House leader’s claim that there was a breach of privilege, I note that an October 23, 2007, ruling in the Canadian House of Commons, at page 283 of the Debates, indicated that there is “no procedural authority for the claims that the premature disclosure of the speech from the throne constitutes a breach of the privileges of the members of this House.” In that ruling, Speaker Milliken also indicated that the secrecy of the throne speech, like the secrecy of the budget speech, “is a matter of parliamentary convention, rather than one of privilege.”

Speakers of this assembly have arrived at the same conclusion with respect to budget secrecy. I refer members to rulings at page 37 of the Journals for May 9, 1983, and page 62 of the Journals for March 25, 2008. In the latter ruling, the Speaker declined to find that a prima facie case of privilege was established on a question of privilege raised by the then member for Wellington–Halton Hills, and emphasized that:

“A successful question of privilege must convince the Speaker that the peculiar rights that are accorded to members of Parliament to permit them to discharge their parliamentary duties have in some way been violated. These rights are extremely narrow and specific—for instance, the right to speak freely in this place; or to attend here without obstruction. They relate to the member’s functions in this chamber.”

I note that the opposition House leader’s objection to what happened on throne speech day was not that the speech was released before it was read in the House but, rather, that members, particularly opposition members, did not receive advance copies of the speech when the media received advance copies under embargo. But if the premature disclosure of a throne speech does not rise to a valid question of privilege, it is difficult to see how failure to provide it in advance to any member somehow could; the one is the corollary of the other.

Nevertheless, according to the member, this deprived members of equitable access to the speech and compromised the opposition’s ability to effectively engage with the media and to scrutinize government initiatives.

However, a purported right to equitable access to advance copies of the throne speech, or to effectively engage with the media, is not a recognized individual or collective privilege. I can well appreciate any member’s desire to be well informed and well prepared before engaging with the press gallery, but this relates to a member’s role as a public official and not their role as a parliamentarian. For the purposes of parliamentary privilege, the distinction between the two is crucial.

As for the contention that members were denied information that they required in order to carry out their duties effectively, many Speakers’ rulings have indicated that members’ right to information in the parliamentary workplace is a function of what the standing orders provide, not a privilege. I note that the standing orders do not provide for the pre-release of the speech from the throne to members.

Turning now to the case for contempt: The opposition House leader referenced Speaker Milliken’s March 19, 2001, and October 15, 2001, rulings, which found a prima facie case of contempt in the context of a flawed embargo on a government bill that was at notice stage and awaiting introduction in the House.

The legislative process of the House of Commons varies from our own in that the introduction of any public bill in the House of Commons requires 48 hours’ written notice. During this notice period, it is expected that the confidentiality of all information relating to the bill on notice is maintained. In our House, however, there is no mandatory notice stage for bills, so these rulings from a different jurisdiction are not directly applicable either to procedure in this House or to the case at hand, because they were not given in relation to any proceedings around the speech from the throne.

The opposition House leader takes no issue with the government’s distribution of advance copies of the speech from the throne before it is read in the House. Although this practice does not rise to the level of contempt, it is reasonable to expect that, as a matter of courtesy, all members be on the distribution list.

In the final analysis, neither the House nor any member was obstructed or impeded in their strictly parliamentary functions. Members were able to be present in this chamber to hear the speech and for subsequent proceedings that took place that day.

For the reasons indicated, I find that neither a prima facie case of privilege nor a prima facie case of contempt has been established.

However, I would encourage the government to give due consideration to the important role and duties of the opposition in our parliamentary democracy and to foster document release practices that respect parliamentary sensibilities.

In closing, I want to thank both House leaders for their oral and written submissions.

Oral Questions

Curriculum

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Speaker, my question is to the Premier.

School starts in just a few weeks, and all we’ve seen from this Conservative government is chaos caused by the Premier’s backroom deals. Radical extremists like Charles McVety and Tanya Granic Allen want to prevent kids from learning about consent, cyberbullying, gender identity and LGBTQ families. They want to drag Ontario back to 1998. I get that. That’s who these people are. But this Premier is fulfilling their every wish.

Why does the Premier care more about satisfying social conservatives than he does about protecting the health and safety of our students?

Hon. Doug Ford: Through you, Speaker: The Leader of the Opposition ran in the last election, went across the province, like I did. Maybe we talked to two different groups of people, but I don’t think so. Every single group I went to visit told me they weren’t consulted.

We did a little research on how many people were consulted. There were 4,000 online surveys. Out of the 4,000—now keep in mind we’re a province of 14 million; I just want to remind people—1,638 people responded. That was after the curriculum was done, by the way. That is 0.001% of the population.

Now, the Leader of the Opposition thinks it’s fine to consult with 0.001% and then ram their Liberal ideologies down the rest of the province. We believe in consulting with the people.

Interjections.

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

Supplementary question.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Speaker, scrapping the updated health curriculum puts students at risk. It is an irresponsible thing to do. Now the Conservatives are throwing school boards into limbo with just weeks before classes start. The Ontario Public School Boards’ Association has received no official notice from the Ministry of Education about what exactly is happening this fall and how exactly they’re supposed to teach the 1998 curriculum in the year 2018.

How does this Premier expect school boards to turn back the clock 20 years in less than six weeks?

Hon. Doug Ford: Through you, Mr. Speaker: I think the Leader of the Opposition is getting her numbers wrong. We’re actually going back to the 2014 curriculum. I know there might be a problem with numbers and figures and I can appreciate that.

In saying that, we’re going to go right across the province. We’re going to contact 124 ridings, the constituents who live in those ridings. We’re going to do a thorough, end-to-end consultation that has never taken place ever before when it comes to the sex ed curriculum.

We will go back to 2014. After we consult—I know the Leader of the Opposition doesn’t believe in consulting with the parents, but we will consult with the parents. We’ll get their input, and from there we will move forward with a more modern sex ed curriculum

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

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Maybe this Premier has trouble with what century we’re living in, but in fact the 1998 curriculum is exactly the curriculum that he’s dragging us back to, Speaker. They can pretend that it’s 2014, but in 2014 they were using the 1998 curriculum. The Premier is dragging us backwards, and his backroom deal with radical social conservatives is throwing school board planning into chaos.

The Thames Valley school board is seeking a legal opinion to figure out what could be the legal ramifications if teachers in fact do what’s right for students and continue to teach the updated health curriculum this September. They want to know what kind of penalties teachers will face if they stand up and teach about consent, gender identity and LGBTQ families in their classrooms.

Why is the Premier throwing these school boards into chaos and putting students’ health at risk for no other reason, Speaker, than to please the radical social conservatives in his own party?

Hon. Doug Ford: Mr. Speaker, I find it ironic that the Leader of the Opposition is calling us radical. That’s the pot calling the kettle black. You just have to turn around and see your radicals.

Leader of the Opposition, as I’ve said over and over again, I know you don’t believe in consulting with parents. They’d rather ram this through with 0.001% of the population even understanding it.

Our minister has been very clear. We’ve been very clear to all ministries and schools right across all the school boards. We’re going back to 2014. Once we consult with the parents and we get their input—because the Leader of the Opposition has no interest in consulting with parents. The Leader of the Opposition truly believes in the nanny state, that they know better than the parents. We believe in consulting with the parents.

Interjections.

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

Restart the clock. Next question.

Executive compensation

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My next question is also for the Premier. The Premier isn’t just making backroom deals that put students at risk; he’s also making backroom deals that will cost Ontarians more on their hydro bills. The Premier’s decision to cook up a deal with the board of Hydro One and give Mayo Schmidt at least $9 million is causing American regulators to sit up and take a second look at Hydro One’s acquisition of Avista. If regulatory deadlines are not met, Hydro One ratepayers could be required to pay a massive termination fee to a US company, all because of the chaos caused by this Premier.

When will the Premier come clean and tell us how much his backroom deal at Hydro One could cost the people of Ontario?

Hon. Doug Ford: Mr. Speaker, our party ran on reducing the hydro rates by 12%. Our party ran on giving relief to business owners across this province and giving relief to the people of this province.

The Leader of the Opposition wanted to close down the Pickering energy facility. Next month, if it was up to the Leader of the Opposition, there would be 7,000 families looking for a paycheque they wouldn’t have.

We believe in reducing the hydro rates. We promised we would get rid of the CEO of Hydro One and would replace the board. That is exactly what we did, and we did it with zero severance.

Interjections.

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

Restart the clock. Supplementary.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Well, gee, Speaker. Talk about somebody who doesn’t know how to deal with numbers. First, he said it was going to be a zero amount of money that this backroom deal was going to cost, and then we found out that his secret deal is actually going to turn the six-million-dollar man into a nine-million-dollar man, at least. Well, that’s great math, Speaker. Now the price tag continues to go up, and the people who are going to pay that price are ratepayers.

American regulators in four US states are delaying regulatory hearings or reopening previous approvals all because of the chaos and uncertainty being caused by this Premier. If regulatory deadlines are not met, Hydro One will be on the hook to pay $103 million to Avista, a dirty-coal-burning US power company.

Now why would the Premier make a backroom deal that would cost Hydro One ratepayers and the people of Ontario over $100 million?

Hon. Doug Ford: Through you, Mr. Speaker: I think the Leader of the Opposition likes throwing figures around. We looked at her budget that was off by billions of dollars. So if you want to talk about numbers, we’ll talk about numbers.

But, again, we promised to reduce the hydro rates by 12%, and we’re on track to putting money back in the people’s pockets instead of the government’s pockets. We believe in making sure that Hydro One is run responsibly. We believe that the board members shouldn’t be making $180,000 a year when people are struggling to pay their bills, when they’re struggling to put food on their table.

But the Leader of the Opposition is okay with that. The Leader of the Opposition is okay with having the highest hydro bills in North America. She’s okay with struggling families. She’s okay with people getting their hydro cut off—

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

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock. Members will take their seats.

Restart the clock. Supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: For 15 years under the Liberals, families and businesses watched their bills skyrocket, and New Democrats fought day in and day out to get them to turn back their position on the privatization of Hydro One. On the other hand, Conservatives had the privatization of Hydro One in their platform last time around.

But now, instead of fixing the problems in our hydro system—a chance that they have—the Premier is creating chaos and uncertainty that will only cost people more on their bills. He turned the six-million-dollar man into a nine-million-dollar man, and Hydro One ratepayers could end up on the hook for $103 million if the Avista deal fails.

Why did the Premier make a backroom deal that could cost the people of Ontario over $100 million and counting?

Hon. Doug Ford: Through you, Mr. Speaker: Last time I checked, the Leader of the Opposition was down here the previous four years propping the other administration up, propping Hydro One up, propping wind turbines up—that we’re paying 10 times the amount—and also propping up the folks who were actually selling hydro at a loss.

But again, the Leader of the Opposition is okay with that. She’s okay with attacking struggling families. She’s okay with attacking businesses and driving them out of the province.

If it was up to the Leader of the Opposition, we would have wind turbines everywhere. We would have even higher hydro costs. As one of her members said, they want the highest carbon tax anywhere in the world.

The Leader of the Opposition is anti-business and anti-people who are struggling. You’re anti, anti, anti—

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

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock. Members will take their seats. The House will come to order.

Restart the clock.

Curriculum

Ms. Peggy Sattler: My question is to the Premier.

Speaker, this morning, violence-against-women advocates were at Queen’s Park to release an open letter to the Minister of Education about the rollback of the 2015 sexual health curriculum. The letter was signed by 87 organizations and experts from across Ontario and across the country. It highlights the serious consequences to women’s safety when consent is no longer taught in our schools.

Almost half of female high school students have experienced sexual harassment. One third have felt pressure into having unwanted sex. This year alone, 41 women and girls in Ontario were killed as a result of dating violence or intimate partner violence.

Why is the Premier putting the health and safety of women and girls at risk by returning to a 1998 curriculum that provides no information about consent and healthy relationships?

Hon. Doug Ford: Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: Speaker, if I may pass on to my dear friend the member from Toronto–Danforth my condolences for what happened yesterday. Earlier in the day, my husband and I had been on the Danforth, and it really is regrettable and very tragic. So I just wanted to pass that on.

I’d also like to thank the member for her question. As the member responsible for children and youth as well as women’s issues, I welcome those in the gallery today who have come here to discuss this issue. I’d be happy to make myself available after question period to have a conversation with you.

But let me be perfectly clear: We ran a 28-day campaign on talking about bringing back responsibility to parents and making sure that they were part of the curriculum. There’s a big difference between being on that side of the House and making a promise and then breaking it, and being on this side of the House and making a promise and keeping it. That’s what we’re doing for the people of Ontario.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary.

Ms. Peggy Sattler: Speaker, people on the front lines of ending violence against women know that education on consent and healthy relationships is critical to prevent gender-based violence and advance gender equality. If this government was truly concerned about ending violence against women, they would ensure that students receive comprehensive, accurate information about consent, healthy relationships and the right of girls and young women to say no.

Why does this government care more about catering to a small group of social conservative insiders than about ending violence against women?

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: I’d like to thank the member again for her question. Let me be perfectly clear: The members on this side of the House, this government, will take violence against women very seriously, as well as gender-based violence, including those who are being trafficked. That is going to be a very important component of our government.

But during the campaign, we made a very clear promise to replace the entirety of Ontario’s sex ed curriculum with an age-appropriate one that is based on real consultation with parents.

I get it. Previous NDP and previous Liberal governments would come to this place, and they would make promises and then break them. But let me be perfectly clear: On this side of the House, when we make a promise, we keep it.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock. Members will please take their seats. Please take your seats. Restart the clock.

Next question.

Health and long-term care

Ms. Natalia Kusendova: My question is for the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care.

For the past 15 years, health care services in Ontario have deteriorated under the previous government’s administration. Statistics for May 2018 say that nine out of 10 patients in Ontario spend, on average, 10.3 hours in emergency rooms, with some hospitals having ER wait times of over 20 hours.

How short-sighted was the former Liberal government when they failed to plan for a long-term-care strategy and have not created a single long-term-care bed in 15 years? This oversight has resulted in immense backlogs in our acute care hospitals.

Speaker, we have all heard of alternative-level-of-care patients. These patients should be in long-term-care beds but are instead occupying acute care beds simply because there is nowhere else for them to go.

Can the minister tell us how our government for the people is going to fix the mess created by 15 years of neglect in Ontario’s hospitals?

Hon. Christine Elliott: Thank you to the member from Mississauga Centre for your question. The member is quite right that we are facing a health care crisis in this province, in large part driven by a long-term-care crisis due to the long-term inaction of the previous government.

We know that many hospitals across Ontario are consistently operating at over 100% capacity. That is simply unacceptable for both patients and our front-line health care workers who are trying to work with them.

We also know that one of the ways to address hospital overcrowding is to enhance supports for patients outside the hospital. That’s why our government has committed to adding 15,000 long-term-care beds over five years and 30,000 long-term-care beds over 10 years.

Addressing the high alternate-level-of-care rates through a focused long-term-care strategy; reducing unnecessary emergency room visits by providing better community supports; and, finally, introducing a comprehensive and connected mental health care system are just some of the ways our government is committed to fixing this mess and getting patients—

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

Supplementary.

Ms. Natalia Kusendova: Back to the minister: The lack of a long-term-care strategy by the Liberals was not only fiscally irresponsible, but it also created a domino effect of backlog, preventing many Ontarians from getting the proper medical attention they deserve.

As an emergency room nurse myself, I spent many shifts in the back hall, taking care of five or six bedridden patients at a time. It was not only difficult to perform my nursing duties in this setting but, frankly, demoralizing.

Patients wait for hours or days in designated hallway beds to get proper treatment, without dignity or privacy.

Our health care professionals, nurses, doctors and other hospital staff work in this environment, trying to help patients in hallways, which is impacting their own mental health and burnout rates.

A hallway is not a place of work, and it definitely is not a place of healing. My question is simple: What will the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care do to put an end to hallway nursing in Ontario?

Hon. Christine Elliott: The member is right. I’m sure we could agree on all sides of this House that treating our loved ones in hallways and storage closets is not acceptable. That’s why our government has been clear: Ending hallway medicine is one of our key priorities, and we will deliver.

Again, to start, our government has committed to building 15,000 long-term-care beds over five years and 30,000 beds over 10 years, which will help alleviate some of the pressures. We’ve also committed to finally and fully developing a mental health and addictions strategy, to give patients the ability to access supports outside the emergency room and before they are in crisis. And we will work with our front-line health care workers to improve access to primary care.

Together, we will listen to patients and caregivers and to front-line workers—to doctors and nurses—to create a health care system based on a comprehensive, long-term strategy for health care.

Health care funding

M me France Gélinas: Ma question est pour le premier ministre.

Concern continues to grow around the hand-picked appointment of former BC Premier Gordon Campbell to audit the province’s finances. It’s becoming very clear why Premier Ford has chosen Mr. Campbell: He cut and privatized services while selling off public assets, just like this Conservative government plans to do. Mr. Campbell’s former chief of staff said of his appointment, “No matter what he says I think it will be a fairly predictable outcome that he is ideologically aligned with the Ontario government.”

Did the Premier appoint Mr. Campbell specifically because he will reinforce his own agenda of cuts and privatization?

Hon. Doug Ford: Minister of Finance.

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Thank you for the question. Our government has made a commitment to the people of Ontario to open up the books to fully understand the province’s fiscal position and restore accountability and public trust in our government’s finances, at long last.

Our government is carrying through with that promise with the appointment of former Premier Gordon Campbell, who will be joined by Mr. Michael Horgan, long-time federal public servant, and Dr. Al Rosen, one of the pre-eminent forensic accountants in all of the country. This is a commission of financial inquiry that’s long overdue and much needed in the province of Ontario.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

M me France Gélinas: Back to the Premier: Ontarians are very concerned about what Mr. Campbell’s record of cuts will mean to our public health care system. The Ontario Health Coalition has condemned Mr. Campbell and his premiership, saying that he ranks “among the very worst” when it comes to his government’s actions on health care. Like Mr. Campbell’s chief of staff, they are also worried that Mr. Campbell is a biased choice.

With Mr. Campbell’s record and the Premier’s promise to cut 4%, our already underfunded health care system is at risk to be decimated by more cuts. Will the Premier commit today that he will not follow in Mr. Campbell’s footsteps and that he will not put more cuts to our health care system?

Hon. Victor Fedeli: It’s very disappointing, Speaker, to hear a former Premier of British Columbia, a Liberal Premier at that, being denigrated here in the Legislature.

He is joined by pre-eminent financial speaker Dr. Alan Rosen. He is being joined by a long-time public servant, Michael Horgan, who not only served for 36 years as a public servant, but served for five years as the Deputy Minister of Finance for the federal government.

Let’s be clear: We need to understand that with this commission of inquiry, the intention is to look back at what went wrong. The line-by-line will look at ways to fix it. This is an opportunity to look at past spending and accounting practices. That is the role of this commission.

Immigration and refugee policy

Mr. Roman Baber: Good morning, Speaker. My question is to the Honourable Minister of Children, Community and Social Services and minister responsible for citizenship and immigration.

I was following with great interest the meeting of Premiers in New Brunswick last week. One important issue on which the Premier is finding more partners is illegal border crossing.

As a former landed immigrant myself, Mr. Speaker, I can assure you that Ontario is a welcoming province that generously helps to settle more immigrants than any other province in Canada. Ontarians know that our province is stronger with a diverse and robust immigration system. We are a province of immigrants. That said, Ontarians want to know that there is integrity in the system and that our laws are respected.

My question is, could the minister responsible for citizenship and immigration tell the House what she is doing to help bring back integrity to the immigration system?

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: To the member opposite: You really, truly, are somebody who is living the Canadian dream—born in the USSR, moving to Israel and then coming to Canada and not only setting up a successful law firm and practice in the city of Toronto but then becoming an MPP for York Centre. Congratulations. You truly are an inspiration.

You know, we are a very welcoming society in Ontario. I think that was evidenced this past weekend, when I was able to travel to Junior Carnival in Scarborough with our colleague from Scarborough–Rouge River, as well as to the nation’s capital, where I reside, to attend events with the Indo-Canadian community, the Lebanese community and the Ukrainian community.

Let me be perfectly clear: At each event that I went to, talking to hundreds of people who were newcomers to this country, either as refugees or as immigrants, they told me that they appreciated Premier Ford’s strong leadership in ensuring that we have a strong and confident border system and that there’s integrity in our immigration process. I’ll speak more—

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

Interjection.

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

Supplementary question.

Mr. Roman Baber: Speaker, back to the minister: I thank the minister for that answer, and wonder if this government’s call for integrity in the immigration system will be heard? Could the minister kindly inform the House as to what measures she intends to take to ensure that Ontario’s voice is heard by the federal government?

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: Thanks again for the question. As you know, we have had some significant wins in the past couple of weeks under Premier Ford’s leadership. First, we were able to ensure that the federal government understands that they have obligations with respect to resettlement, and that they will fund directly the provinces. We’re going to continue to make sure that they fund us fully. We have about a $175-million bill outstanding; we’re going to continue to fight for that.

The Prime Minister recognized the problems at the border and, within the week that we were talking about this, appointed somebody, Bill Blair, to become the minister responsible for border security. I think that was significant.

In addition, on Friday I was very heartened to see that every Premier in the country stood by with our Premier Ford to ensure that we send a very clear message to the federal government that they must pay their bills. Tomorrow I’ll be going to Ottawa to appear before the federal immigration committee, and I will tell them that they need to pay their bills. We have a $175-million-and-growing bill with the federal government and—

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

Next question.

Horse racing industry

Mr. Wayne Gates: My question is to the Premier. The Premier has said time and time again that he does not break the promises he makes. On May 29, the Premier made a promise to the people of Fort Erie. When he was asked if he would bring the slots back to the Fort Erie Race Track, he said, “Absolutely. We’re going to get those slots back there.”

I sent the Premier a personal invitation to attend the Prince of Wales Stakes running in Fort Erie tomorrow. Will the Premier confirm today that he will be at the Prince of Wales Stakes tomorrow, and that while he is there, he will be true to his word and return the slots to Fort Erie?

Hon. Doug Ford: Minister of Finance.

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Under the previous Liberal government, the slots at Fort Erie Race Track were indeed closed in April 2012, putting approximately 220 people out of work. The slots there had operated for 13 years.

Speaker, it is certainly going to take a tremendous amount of time to correct all of the errors of this previous Liberal government. It is going to take time, but we’ve already started. We started by scrapping cap-and-trade. We’re saving families $285. We’re working on lowering the price of gasoline by 10 cents a litre. We’re getting out of the expensive energy contracts, saving $790 million along the way. This is all about promises made and promises kept.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Mr. Wayne Gates: Mr. Speaker, again to the Premier: I didn’t hear a yes, so I want to ask the question again. As the Premier knows, hundreds of good-paying jobs were lost in Fort Erie when the Liberal government made a reckless decision to rip the slots out of the track. Revenue that’s important to the town was also lost.

We have a chance here to do the right thing. I’ll read that again: We have a chance here to do the right thing, get the slots back in Fort Erie and create good-paying jobs. Given the Premier’s promise to the people of Fort Erie, when can we expect to see the machines go back into the track? Promise made; so far, promise not kept.

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Speaker, I am absolutely shocked at the question from the member of the opposition. Let’s all remember that it was the official opposition that helped pass the previous budget in 2012, that voted to cancel slots at racetracks. It was those people right on that side who made the vote.

It was only the members sitting here—only these members, Speaker—who stood up against the Liberal government and voted against the budget that cancelled slots at racetracks. The NDP stood with the Liberal government in 2012 and shut down horse racing. I’m appalled to hear that.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The members will please take their seats. Please take your seats.

Restart the clock.

Next question.

International trade

Ms. Kathleen O. Wynne: My question is for the Premier in his role as Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. Ontario’s trade relationship with the United States is a very significant factor in our strong economy. I know that the Premier is aware that there are 28 states that count Ontario as their number one or number two trading partner, so the integration of our economies really cannot be overstated.

Over the last two years, Ontario has played a leading role in the Canadian push to make an outreach to Governors—38 Governors have been contacted—their relationships with auto sector industry organizations and agriculture industry organizations.

My question is: Given the acceleration of the trade conflict between Canada and the US, how is the government going to build on those relationships to assist the federal government as part of a team Canada approach to influence decisions being made in Washington? Because that outreach was done precisely for a moment like this, as the trade relationship deteriorates. Has the contact been made by the—

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

Premier?

Hon. Doug Ford: Minister of Economic Development.

Hon. Jim Wilson: Thank you for the question, a very good question.

Yes, one of his first actions upon becoming Premier—in fact he was still Premier-elect—was he began to contact Governors to build on the work that, frankly, the honourable member did when she was Premier of the province.

Also, I just came back from Washington, where for the first time in the history of Ontario and US relations, I appeared before the commerce committee to speak directly to decision-makers, to make sure that they understand that if President Trump were to bring in tariffs on automobiles and automobile parts, yes, we would be devastated on this side of the border. Some 900,000 jobs, it’s estimated, would pretty much go overnight, or at least in the first 30 days. However, I reminded them—many of the Governors and many of the lawmakers we spoke to did not know—that some nine million jobs would be lost.

If President Trump goes ahead, he’s going to hurt us, but he’s going to hurt his people a lot more.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Ms. Kathleen O. Wynne: I appreciate the minister’s visit to Washington, but unless he’s going to move there, we don’t have a representative anymore in Washington. Ontario has no representative in Washington.

Could the Premier, through the minister, update the Legislature on plans to fill that position in order that, like Alberta and like Quebec, we have an effective presence in the US? Issues like the Buy American provision in New York were pushed back to Ontario’s advantage exactly because we had a representative in Washington, so I’ll ask the Premier when he will appoint a replacement, given the urgency of the trade issues facing this province, including the fact that NAFTA talks are set to resume within weeks.

Hon. Jim Wilson: Thank you for the question. We not only were represented by the deputy ambassador to the United States—so Canada was represented by very capable bureaucrats at the bureaucratic level—but also by the minister. For the first time in our relationship with the United States, we didn’t just send a bureaucrat to the hearings, we sent a minister. We were very well received.

Also for the first time, 148 members of Congress, on the first day we were there, wrote a letter, an unprecedented letter, to the President, saying that it would not be right—it would be very harmful to US citizens, to Ontario residents and to our workers—if he put these tariffs on automobiles and auto parts.

So I think we made progress—I didn’t get beat up over there; that was a tree in my front yard. We were well received and we were all rowing the oars in the same direction to tell people that Ontario is open for business.

Economic development

Mrs. Robin Martin: My question is for the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Our government for the people wants to make sure that Ontario’s economy thrives. Can the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing speak to the changes announced to expedite development in downtown Toronto that will help create jobs?

Hon. Steve Clark: I want to take this opportunity to thank the member for the question and also to congratulate her on her election as a member of the Legislative Assembly. I have all the faith in the world that she’s going to represent the good people of Eglinton–Lawrence in an exemplary fashion in this House. Thank you again.

Our government worked with the city of Toronto and also with my colleague the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry to streamline approvals for new construction in the lower Don. The changes will be felt not just in the city of Toronto, but they will have a huge impact in our province and in our country as well.

Our government used common sense and amended the building code to enable construction to proceed in this strategic location in downtown Toronto at the same time that flood protection is under way. The approach will save us time, it will save us money and it will protect health and safety at the same time.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Mrs. Robin Martin: Back to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing: Thank you very much, Minister. This is great news for Toronto, for Ontario’s economy and for businesses.

Could the minister tell the House how this announcement in Toronto fits into our government for the people’s greater plan for creating a robust economy?

Hon. Steve Clark: Thanks again to the member. Speaker, I was remiss in not congratulating you on your selection as Speaker. I look forward to working with you, and I love seeing you in the chair.

You know, the people of Ontario gave us a very clear mandate to create jobs. We’re doing that and we’re signalling that Ontario is open for business. We’re governing for the people, and in municipalities all across this province, municipalities are welcoming it.

We’re smoothing the way for development in the lower Don Lands by cutting red tape and working collaboratively with the city of Toronto and private developers. We’re unlocking an employment potential of over 50,000 jobs. Over $5.1 billion will be added to the Canadian economy.

We’re doing more. We’re going to be attracting job creators to big cities and within municipalities. We’re opening the door for businesses. I want to signal today that this announcement last week was just the first of many, many ways we’re going to streamline—

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

Next question.

Refugees

Mr. Terence Kernaghan: Mr. Speaker, I’d like to congratulate you on your recent election as Speaker of this House.

Today my question is for the Premier. London’s only family shelter, Rotholme manor, operated by Mission Services, currently provides a temporary shelter for refugees and their families. Already this year, 80 refugees and 18 families have been assisted.

I was shocked to learn that, as of last week, the shelter was at 219% capacity. City officials have recommended using federally and provincially owned properties as temporary shelters. Mr. Speaker, will the Premier commit today to providing these necessary shelters to the families at Rotholme manor?

Hon. Doug Ford: Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: Thank you very much for your question. Your question signifies exactly what we have been trying to do for the past three weeks in making sure that the federal government helps support the province of Ontario and our municipalities, because our shelters are at capacity.

You don’t have to take my word for it. The mayor of Toronto, who I spoke with on Saturday, is over capacity. We have invested 800 beds from the province to the city of Toronto, but those are going to be required back on August 9. Therefore, we have a looming crisis that we’ve requested the federal government be involved in. In addition, the city that I reside in, the city of Ottawa, has an $11-million shortfall in its shelter costs.

This is happening right across Ontario, and it’s happening because the federal government has lost control of its policies. That’s why I’ll be there tomorrow in Ottawa, making sure that the federal government pays its bills for its responsibility and that they stop shirking their responsibility. It’s time you stood up for Ontario—

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

Mr. Terence Kernaghan: That answer is disappointing, and it does not deal with the need that we have in the shelters at this moment.

London is not the only city that requires more government support to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers are properly housed. Yet this Conservative government chose to walk away from $11 million in federal funding for provincial refugee resettlement, downloading costs to already overwhelmed municipalities.

Mr. Speaker, will the Premier take concrete steps to provide support and housing and stop shifting the responsibility to other governments? Will they be opening the provincially and federally owned properties now?

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: Speaker, where in the world does $11 million equal $175 million? I think that’s an irresponsible response from the member opposite. He should know that the federal government has sole jurisdiction over border management and Canada’s refugee and asylum programs, including who is eligible for a refugee claim.

Over $328 million comes from my department in social assistance for refugee claimants. We support them in many different ways, including with over $100 million in resettlement. What we are asking on this side of the House, which Rachel Notley and John Horgan agreed with, is to make sure that when the illegal border crossers come in and they are seeking asylum during that period of time, the federal government pays its own way.

I ask you again, are you on the side of Ontario or are you on the side of Justin Trudeau?

Labour dispute

Mr. Stan Cho: My question is to the Minister of Labour. Since March 5, more than 45,000 students at York University have been out of the classroom. They have been unable to attend classes because of the ongoing strike by two units of CUPE 3903. Mr. Speaker, I know our government has introduced the Back to Class Act to get these students back into the classroom so they can finish their courses that were halted over four months ago.

Can the minister explain to the House why the government felt it was necessary to introduce the Back to Class Act?

Hon. Laurie Scott: I want to congratulate the member from Willowdale on getting elected and for his question in the Legislature today. It is a very important question. Let me be clear: Getting students back to the classroom is an immediate priority for us.

This strike is the longest post-secondary strike in Canadian history. More than 45,000 students, including first-year students, are affected by this strike. Understandably, the students are upset and concerned about losing their school year and uncertain about their future. Finding a resolution to this situation has to be done. We have every indication that both sides are deadlocked and there is no resolution in sight. We need to get the students back to the classroom and to get the two parties back to the table.

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

Mr. Stan Cho: Back to the minister: I agree there is a sense of urgency to get these students back into the classroom, and I’d like to thank the minister for her answer. During second reading debate on Thursday, I, along with many of our colleagues, shared with the House the experiences of students who have been affected by this very unfortunate strike.

Mr. Speaker, the government promised to put an end to this strike at York University by two units of CUPE Local 3903. Can the minister please elaborate for the members of this House why it’s appropriate to move forward with this legislation?

Hon. Laurie Scott: Again, I’d like to thank the member for the very important question. The students at York University have been out of the classroom for more than four months. It’s over 100 days. Faculty members of unit number 2 of CUPE 3903 have already settled. The remaining two parties are deadlocked. There seems to be no solution in sight. This is confirmed by an independent industrial inquiry commission.

Our priority is clear. We need to get the students back to the classroom, get the two parties back to the table. This is about getting the over 45,000 students affected by that strike back to the classroom.

Automotive industry

Ms. Jennifer K. French: My question is for the Premier. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on auto and auto

part imports would be devastating to Ontario’s auto sector. It would put thousands of good jobs at risk in Oshawa and across Ontario.

In the past, Conservatives have said that they would be content to see Ontario’s auto sector die. There wasn’t a single mention of auto manufacturing in the PC Party’s platform. What the PC Party did promise was to kill the Jobs and Prosperity Fund, which supports millions of dollars of investment into the sector.

Speaker, will this Conservative government develop a comprehensive auto manufacturing strategy for Ontario?

Hon. Doug Ford: Minister of Economic Development.

Hon. Jim Wilson: Thank you to the honourable member for the question. I know the NDP have asked this of the former government on many occasions, so I have directed the department to begin work on a comprehensive auto strategy. It’s of personal interest to me; I have Honda of Canada Manufacturing in my riding.

The fact of the matter is that the honourable member is quite correct: We are extremely dependent on the automotive sector, automotive parts sector and automotive servicing sector. One in five jobs, or 1.3 million Ontarians, work in that sector, and the ripple effect is millions more people. Their jobs are dependent both on this side of the border, and on the American side of the border and in Mexico.

That’s why I was down in the United States last week to remind them just how important the sector is. A lot of the Governors don’t necessarily pay a lot of attention to Canada, but in this time of trade crisis, they’re starting to pay attention. We’re bringing the facts to their attention, so that they’ll know that millions of their people will be affected should the President do what he wants to do.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary.

Ms. Jennifer K. French: Again to the Premier: For years, the auto and auto parts industry has been calling on the government of Ontario to develop a real and meaningful auto manufacturing strategy for the province. But to this day, Ontario has no strategic plan for an industry that accounts for one fifth, 20% of our GDP. This is beyond irresponsible and does put the entire Ontario economy at risk.

Speaker, we cannot predict what President Trump will do, but we can prepare for any outcome. Will this government do the responsible thing and work with the auto and auto parts sector to develop a real auto manufacturing strategy?

Hon. Jim Wilson: To the honourable member: I find it ironic. In the 28 years I’ve served here, it seemed to me that the NDP were against economic development. You want $2-a-litre gas. You want higher hydro rates and cap-and-trade. You were doing everything you possibly could as a party to kill the auto sector in this province, so we’ll do what you failed to do and what the Liberals failed to do. We’ll lower prices. We’ll lower gasoline. We’ll lower hydro. We’ll make this place competitive again. Ontario is open for business, and that includes our auto sector, a sector you ignored for years.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock. Members will take their seats.

Mental health and addiction services

Mr. David Piccini: My question is for the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. There is a health care crisis in Ontario, and addressing this crisis starts by ending hallway medicine and alleviating the backlogs in our hospitals. But there is a silent killer amidst—

Interruption.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Apparently your cellphone was going off. I’ll ask the member to restart his question.

Mr. David Piccini: There is a silent killer amidst the health care crisis and it has been ignored for far too long; that is, a lack of mental health supports.

Approximately 20% of individuals will directly experience a mental illness during their lifetime. Approximately 80% of individuals will be directly affected by mental illness among family members, friends or colleagues. Mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders and so on have a devastating effect on the lives of Ontarians and on their family members.

Will the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care lay out what this government is doing for those who are struggling with mental health issues?

Hon. Christine Elliott: Thank you very much to the member from Northumberland–Peterborough South for this important question.

We have been very clear on this issue throughout the election campaign and now as a government. We will support Ontario’s public health care system by adding $3.8 billion to create a comprehensive mental health, addictions and housing strategy. That’s $1.9 billion provincially to match the $1.9 billion to be committed by the federal government.

Developing and implementing a thorough, comprehensive and connected mental health and addictions strategy once and for all is a priority for us. As we all know, mental health is health. With increases to mental health funding, families, especially with children and youth who have mental health issues, no longer have to wait for the life-saving services they need; they will receive these services where they need them and when they need them.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary.

Mr. David Piccini: I would like to thank the minister for her answer and for moving swiftly to address this issue.

In follow-up: It is the people like our front-line health care workers whom we must fight for and support during our time in government. These front-line health workers are the heroes in our hospitals and health care centres who help Ontarians through difficult times, such as mental illness.

To the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care: How will you support our front-line health workers in Ontario hospitals and care centres and ensure we’re listening to them?

Hon. Christine Elliott: Again, I thank the member for the question. As Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, I look forward to working with our front-line workers in mental health care in places like Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, Children’s Mental Health Ontario and CAMH. The government will supply the front-line workers with the resources they need to support and serve Ontario’s patients and families so that we can all move forward to create a mental health and addictions strategy for Ontario that all Ontarians can navigate.

As the Premier has said in the past, the Ontario PC government will provide faster access to care by enhancing access to primary care providers, reducing unnecessary emergency room visits and bringing down wait times. Promise made, promise kept.

Northern transportation

Mr. John Vanthof: My question is to the Premier. In 2012, the Liberal government cancelled the Northlander passenger train, the only passenger rail link to northeastern Ontario, stranding thousands of northerners. During the campaign, the Premier promised to bring passenger rail back.

Northerners listened intently to the throne speech, and we didn’t hear much about northern Ontario and we didn’t hear anything about bringing back passenger rail in the northeast. There was no mention. Has the Premier forgotten his promise? If not, when will passenger rail come back to northeastern Ontario?

Hon. Doug Ford: Minister of Northern Development.

Hon. Greg Rickford: We have a tremendous opportunity across this vast region of northern Ontario to open up corridors so people can move about from health care facilities and small towns to bigger city centres, to move mineral product, to move forestry products, to open northern Ontario up for business and contribute to that advantage that our Premier said throughout the campaign, the hope and prosperity for Ontario that we would all be open for business, including northern Ontario.

Mr. John Vanthof: Through you, Speaker: During the campaign, the Premier promised to bring back passenger rail to northeastern Ontario. Let me make that clear: passenger rail, the Northlander passenger train. We know all about freight, but we also have to move people.

What I heard in that response is “promise made, promise maybe.” That’s what I heard.

Northerners want to work together to bring that rail back. When will you make that promise? And when will that train come back?

Hon. Greg Rickford: Well, I’ll be a chicken fried in goose fat, Mr. Speaker. That’s a member who voted to shut that corridor down and shut that rail service down.

We want to move people; we want to move product. We want northern Ontarians to be able to move across our vast region, very much including northwestern Ontario.

When the Premier says we’re open for business, he means the great region of northern Ontario as well.

Interjections.

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

Restart the clock.

Government spending and accounting practices

Ms. Donna Skelly: My question is to the Minister of Finance.

Last week, the government for the people announced plans to restore trust and accountability to public finances. After 15 years of Liberal waste, mismanagement and scandal, this is badly needed.

In fact, the Toronto Sun editorialized that the commission of inquiry into the state of Ontario’s finances, and the line-by-line audit of government spending, ordered by Premier Ford—as he promised in the election—are “critical first steps.” It is important for the public to understand why we need these two separate but connected endeavours to do this.

Through the Speaker to the minister: Can you explain to the House what exactly the commission of inquiry will be responsible for and how it is different from the line-by-line audit?

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Thank you very much for the question, to the member from Flamborough–Glanbrook. It’s great to see you here.

The commission of inquiry will look back at what went wrong, while the line-by-line audit will look at ways to fix this. The commission, headed up by former British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell, will look at the province’s past spending and accounting practices. The real crux of this, Speaker, is looking at the practices. Their job is to help to bring us to the present, to determine what the state is of Ontario’s finances today. The commission will report back by August 30, and the public will see the same report that the Premier and the rest of us see.

As we highlighted last week, the Auditor General welcomes this and has said that she stands ready to assist.

Speaker, the Treasury Board president will address the line-by-line.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Ms. Donna Skelly: Thank you for that response, Minister.

The previous Liberal government has left our public finances in a very challenging position. Ontario has the highest subnational debt of any jurisdiction in the world. It took 15 years for the previous government to create this mess, and it won’t be solved overnight.

It is clear that the commission, working closely with the Ministry of Finance, will shed light on the accounting practices that led our economy into some of the challenges that we now face.

Mr. Speaker, would the President of the Treasury Board please update the House on the further steps the government is taking to ensure that the people of Ontario not only have a true picture of the province’s finances, but also a clear understanding of this urgent and complex issue?

Hon. Victor Fedeli: President of the Treasury Board.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Mr. Speaker, through you, thank you to the member for Flamborough–Glanbrook. I also would like to commend you on your great victory, so congratulations.

As one of our first priorities, this government announced last week, as the Minister of Finance and the Premier mentioned, that we will commission a line-by-line audit of the province’s finances, and the Treasury Board Secretariat is currently seeking bids from outside consultants. A firm will be selected in a few weeks.

Mr. Speaker, under this government, Ontario’s finances will be healthy and honest once again. All provincial programs, agencies and transfer payments are within the scope of this audit. The results will be used to develop a responsible plan to achieve efficiencies for taxpayers.

We will not tire and we will not stop until we have uncovered all of the waste of the previous government.

Energy conservation

Mr. Michael Mantha: My question is to the Premier.

The sudden cancellation of the Green Ontario Fund has hurt families in my riding that had signed contracts worth several thousand dollars. In Wawa, where families face some of the highest energy costs in the province, 30 homeowners were approved to receive a rebate for installing new modern wood-heating appliances, but they have until September to finish the installation. This is not enough time. Many families will lose the rebate and many contractors will lose the work.

Will the Premier take thousands of dollars out of the pockets of northern Ontario families or will he extend the green Ontario program?

Hon. Doug Ford: Minister of the Environment.

Hon. Rod Phillips: Mr. Speaker, through you to the member, thank you for the question. We’ve been very clear and very honest with the people of Ontario. We campaigned on a promise to end the Liberals’ cap-and-trade carbon tax program, and we will do just that.

We’re proceeding with the orderly wind-down of the program, and we have proceeded with that because it is funded by the regressive tax that the previous government put into place. We have made clear to all the participants in the program the timing for that, and we will not change our minds. We will not deviate from that schedule.

It’s important that the people of Ontario know we are not in favour of a carbon tax cap-and-trade program. We will not support the programs from that, but we will wind them down on an orderly basis to support the businesses that in good faith worked with that program.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Mr. Michael Mantha: Again to the Premier: A constituent of mine, Roland Dubois, the owner of Dubois Construction, is one of the many who are suffering from the unexpected cancellation of the GreenON program. Mr. Dubois did everything he was supposed to do. He invested in his employees and sent them for training to qualify under the GreenON program. He paid the mileage, the accommodation, the tuition and wages while they got the training, but now because of the Premier’s cancellation of the GreenON program, the work will disappear and he and his workers will have invested that time and money for nothing.

Will the Premier continue to ignore people like Roly Dubois, or will he respect businesses and their workers and extend the GreenON program so all installations can be completed?

Hon. Rod Phillips: Mr. Speaker, through you to the member, we campaigned quite clearly. We were honest with Ontarians that we would be eliminating the cap-and-trade carbon tax program and the programs funded by it.

Your constituent and other constituents would suffer much more under the NDP’s version of a carbon tax—the highest carbon tax in the world—than they will from the straightforward approach of this government. We will not support the carbon tax.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): That concludes the time for question period.

Visitor

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Before we adjourn for the morning, I want to introduce a guest who I have in the Speaker’s gallery: my executive assistant, Judy Brownrigg, who has worked in my constituency office for 28 consecutive years. Welcome, Judy.

There being no deferred votes, this House is now recessed until 1 p.m. this afternoon.

The House recessed from 1208 to 1300.

Introduction of Visitors

Ms. Jane McKenna: I’d like to introduce my daughter Taylor McKenna, who is here today to listen to my maiden speech. My EA, Michele Carroll, is here too. I’m excited that they’re both here.

Ms. Christine Hogarth: I’d like to introduce my nephew Max Kienle and my sister Mary Hogarth, who are here to listen to my maiden speech.

Members’ Statements

Curriculum

Ms. Jennifer K. French: As a teacher, it was my privilege to educate, mentor and support children, and now it’s my responsibility to defend their education and advocate for their right to be supported in their schools. An up-to-date and necessary sexual health curriculum should be taught.

Speaker, this government has rashly decreed that, come September, students will no longer be taught an up-to-date health and physical education curriculum. They have decided that LGBTQ families, consent and gender identity do not have a place in our schools. I staunchly believe that children deserve to be informed and protected and given the words and the tools to navigate a very different world, both online and off-line.

I’ve been working with those who are fighting human trafficking. I have learned from our front-line HT officers and from social workers and trauma experts who are trying to combat this scourge as well as support victims and survivors, and now here we are defending teaching kids about consent. Consent is protection from many harms, including something as extreme as human trafficking.

What is consent? Online we give consent to apps and strangers—we let our phones geotag us so we are findable. We allow apps to listen and record without our knowledge. Unknowingly, we give permission every day. Our children must understand how to live safely online.

Teaching kids about consent is a protective factor in all things. This isn’t just about sex. We should teach our young children about personal space, about using their words to say, “Please don’t be in my personal bubble.” We should be reinforcing that you don’t have to hug people that you don’t want to, that surprises can be good, but secrets aren’t always safe, and that every child should know the words to be able to talk about their bodies and about hurt and abuse.

This province has invested resources and energy into fighting human trafficking; you’d think they’d make the connection to education—

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

Pravin Lata Sharma

Mr. Stephen Crawford: I’m very pleased today to rise in the House and recognize a very committed member of the Oakville community. On Friday, I had the honour of presenting a certificate of congratulations, on behalf of the government, recognizing Pravin Lata Sharma for her receipt of the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers from the Governor General of Canada.

Ms. Sharma is a dedicated volunteer with the Interfaith Council of Halton and the Oakville Hospital Foundation since 2003, among other community organizations.

Her various roles at the hospital include being a patient visitor, convenor and, most recently, working one on one with patients who are at risk of cognitive and functional decline.

In addition to her personal support of patients, her leadership as a member of the Oakville Hospital Foundation’s development committee helped oversee a $46,000 grant from the Lions Clubs International Foundation, as well as an additional $46,000 in donations from the community. Together these funded a new ophthalmology ultrasound unit for the Oakville hospital.

Volunteers provide a crucial level of support to communities across Ontario, efforts which often go unrecognized. It has been said that volunteers are unpaid not because they are worthless but because they are priceless.

Pravin’s selfless dedication to her community has had such a profound impact on the citizens of Oakville. I am very glad that she is part of our community, and I wanted to recognize her here today in the chamber.

Hospital funding

M me France Gélinas: Today I rise to remind the Premier of the promise he made to Ontarians: “The Doug Ford government will find efficiencies without cutting any jobs,” he said. He stated, “No one will lose their job due to PC cuts.”

He made that promise on May 7 in the election’s first leaders’ debate, on May 27 during the last leaders’ debate, and he made that same statement at most campaign stops during the spring election campaign.

Well, I would like to hold him to those promises.

Health Sciences North in Sudbury is the regional hospital that provides care for all of the patients in the northeast. This is the hospital my constituents depend on in their times of need. The hospital is cutting 113 positions to meet their budget constraints for 2018-19. Our health care workers are stressed to the hilt, not sure if they are the next in line to lose their job. Those cuts are hurting families. Those are family-sustaining jobs being cut.

Citizens in Sudbury and Nickel Belt need your help, Premier. This is a continuation of the death by a thousand cuts that the Liberal government brought to our province’s hospitals.

Mr. Ford said, and repeated, that they will find efficiencies without cutting any jobs. When he said that, did that apply only to southern Ontario? Because in northern Ontario, things are going from bad to worse.

John Graves Simcoe

Mr. Toby Barrett: This weekend, as people enjoy what’s known as Simcoe Day—in the city of Toronto, anyway—it’s important to pay tribute to Ontario’s first Lieutenant Governor.

John Graves Simcoe was born February 25, 1752, in England. He was also a member of British Parliament and fought George Washington’s army. At age 24, Simcoe went to war to fight the American revolutionaries. His regiment arrived from Britain in June 1775 to take

part in the siege of Boston.

In October 1777, Simcoe assumed command of the elite Queen’s Rangers, largely composed of Loyalists and American deserters. It was a 400-man elite fighting force trained in woodcraft, scouting and guerrilla warfare instead of the protocol of the time of strict and rigid manoeuvres.

They wore green uniforms as camouflage.

Simcoe and his Rangers fought alongside Benedict Arnold and, in the winter of 1779, spared the life of George Washington himself, allowing him to escape. Simcoe was held as a prisoner of war and was paroled by Benjamin Franklin.

On September 12, 1791, Simcoe was appointed Lieutenant Governor, the first Lieutenant Governor of the newly created Upper Canada.

And for those with an interest, there is a statue of John Graves Simcoe on the southeast grounds of the precinct.

Gun violence

Mr. Chris Glover: It’s my pleasure to rise today. My name is Chris Glover, and I’m the member of provincial Parliament for Spadina–Fort York, and I’m still getting used to saying that.

I want to thank the people and voters in my riding for bestowing me with this position. I also want to thank my family and the volunteers who put in thousands of hours to get me here.

Before this position, I was a school board trustee. I ran for school board trustee in order to protect our public education system from the privatization wave that was hitting Ontario under the previous Conservative government and that has hit the United States and Britain. As a trustee, I was working very hard on bicycle safety, on employment opportunities for students with disabilities and on the issue of gun violence. I have been hosting meetings for the last six years on gun violence, and I have done my own academic research on it.

Last March, I brought a motion to the Toronto Board of Health to ask the board of health to take a public health approach to gun violence. What this means is that we need to deal with the trauma that comes out of gun violence, because every shooting, including the one that happened yesterday in this city, leads to trauma; it leads to anger, PTSD, anxiety and depression. If we don’t deal with that trauma, then we will just feed back into that. That will feed back into the cycle of violence.

I have a lot more to say about gun violence. I look forward to future opportunities to talk about that.

Riding of Orléans / Circonscription d’Orléans

Mrs. Marie-France Lalonde: I am pleased to rise today to share three things with this House.

First and foremost, I want to sincerely thank the people of Orléans for trusting me in continuing to work for our great community. We have important projects to work on, and I am delighted to be their voice for the next four years.

Nous avons de beaux dossiers à travailler et à réaliser à Orléans, et c’est vraiment un honneur pour moi de pouvoir les représenter à nouveau pour les quatre prochaines années.

Also, I would like to share with the House that on June 30, I hosted my fifth seniors’ strawberry social event to celebrate our senior community and their families.

Ce fut un grand succès où plus de 150 personnes se sont retrouvées pour partager un moment ensemble, profiter de la saison estivale—et je dois dire qu’il faisait très, très chaud cette journée-là—tout en dégustant des fraises locales et surtout pour souligner l’importance de célébrer le mois des aînés en juin.

Finally, I would like to invite the community of Orléans to join me and my team for our fifth annual community corn roast and barbecue that will take place at Petrie Island, one of Orléans’ jewels, on Thursday, August 16, from 5 till 8 p.m. I cannot wait to see you all.

Merci. And again: À la communauté d’Orléans, merci de votre confiance.

Pelham Summerfest

Mr. Sam Oosterhoff: This past weekend, the beautiful town of Pelham celebrated, once again, their Pelham Summerfest, an annual tradition dearly beloved by local families who flock to the closed-off streets of downtown Pelham and Fonthill. Recognized as an Ontario top 100 festival, almost 50,000 people come out to celebrate this event every year, enjoying local headliners, delicious Niagara cuisine and beverages, and the talented arts and crafts on full display.

This past weekend, we welcomed a very special surprise visitor to Niagara when Premier Ford himself came down to experience the Pelham Summerfest. The Premier was warmly welcomed, and many families and individuals came over to take photos with the Premier, thanking him for the relief his plan for the people is bringing them.

We had the opportunity, also, to thank local firefighters and first responders, as well as the volunteer organizers of this important local event, for their commitment to the community. We were joined by Niagara chair Al Caslin and the mayor of Pelham, Dave Augustyn.

The fact that the Premier came down to Niagara again shows this government’s commitment to rural and small-town Ontario, and I am proud to be part of a party that recognizes the rich heritage and culture across this wonderful province we call home.

Thank you to all the organizers and volunteers who made this amazing event so successful.

I invite all members and their families to come out next year to enjoy the Pelham Summerfest for themselves.

First responders

Mr. Joel Harden: Today I rise to speak about a matter that’s pertinent in light of what happened last night in Toronto–Danforth. It concerns the rights and well-being of Ontario’s first responders.

As we heard in news reports from last night and as we’ve seen in previous tragedies like it, the first responders rushed to the scene with little thought for their own physical and mental health. Crisis workers, paramedics, police and firefighters do such selfless acts all the time.

But after the media coverage ends, as it will—as it has in these tragedies that have happened in the past—first responders are left to deal with injuries that happen in the line of duty. Visible injuries are easier to treat. Mental health injuries are a lot more complicated, and we are not doing enough right now in Ontario to help first responders who fall prey to serious mental illness.

That leads me to the story of Norm Traversy, whose story I know you’re familiar with. A firefighter who previously served in Mississauga, Norm now lives in Ottawa Centre, and he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder that he contracted in the line of duty. To date, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board has denied Norm’s claim for benefits coverage given his PTSD, which has been documented by several medical professionals.

Meanwhile, the WSIB sits on an accumulated surplus of over $35 billion, and it rewards its executives with massive salaries. According to the 2017 sunshine list, nine WSIB executives earn over $300,000 a year.

I’m making the assumption in this House that we all value first responders, but it’s time for us, in this sitting of the Legislature, to stand up for their mental health needs.

Danforth neighbourhood

Ms. Goldie Ghamari: It’s with a heavy heart that I rise today in the House. Like many, I’m shocked and saddened by the tragic, horrific and senseless shooting on the Danforth last night.

The Danforth is one of Toronto’s most vibrant and diverse communities, and it happens to be North America’s largest Greek neighbourhood. The families and people dining at Christina’s and Demetres last night and the pedestrians walking along Logan Avenue were doing what any of us would have been doing last night, and that’s why it hits so close to home.

Epictetus, a famous Greek philosopher, once said: “It is not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” And so, in the face of last night’s horrific action, I wish to react to the senseless act of violence by taking some time to celebrate this beautiful and vibrant community that holds a special place in all of our hearts.

I’d like to take a few moments to share a few quick memories. My best friend, Marie Konstantinou, who now lives in Greece, first introduced me to the Danforth years ago as a university student. She worked at Athens Pastries. They have the best spanakopita and loukoumades in the area. With her, I learned to eat sushi at Katsu Sushi, which is located on Danforth near Logan, and she introduced me to Messini, which has the best gyros. Just a few weeks ago, I celebrated with my family at Messini.

Mr. Speaker, I also want to take the time to thank the men and women of Toronto’s paramedic services, Toronto firefighters, the nurses, the doctors and our Toronto police force for everything that they’ve done. And I wish to remind everyone that in the face of tragedy, we should always respond with love and we should respond by celebrating the diversity of our community.

Economic development

Mr. Parm Gill: Mr. Speaker, I’m proud to be part of a government that stands up for small businesses—and Milton businesses are excited.

This past weekend, the Downtown Milton BIA hosted the Downtown Milton Classic Car Show that saw over 150 classic, unique and beautiful cars, where hundreds of families came out. They enjoyed good food and entertainment and walked the street to see many of the vibrant businesses along Main Street in Milton.

I also had the opportunity to meet with our local chamber president and CEO, Scott McCammon, who is an amazing individual. I had a very, very productive meeting with him. The Milton chamber has been advocating for local businesses since 1888. There are currently over 700 members—small and medium-sized businesses.

There is lots of excitement in Milton, knowing there is finally a government in Ontario that will help small businesses create jobs and make life more affordable for all Ontarians.

Mr. Speaker, under the previous Liberal government’s 15 years, small and medium-sized businesses were burdened with red tape, sky-high hydro prices and high taxes, and businesses were being driven out of the province.

Under the Ontario PC government, businesses across Ontario are excited that Ontario is open for business again and help is here, not just for businesses but for all Ontarians.

Petitions

Indigenous affairs

Ms. Bhutila Karpoche: “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas Ontario is situated on the traditional territory of Indigenous peoples,” many of whom have lived on this land for at least 12,000 years;

“Whereas reconciliation must be at the centre of all government decision-making;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to act to:

“—continue the reconciliation work in Ontario by implementing the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission;

“—reinstate the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation;

“—work with First Nations leaders to sign co-operative government-to-government accords;

“—support TRC education and community development (e.g. TRC summer writing sessions);

“—support Indigenous communities across the province (e.g. cleaning up Grassy Narrows).”

I fully endorse this petition and will be affixing my signature again.

Curriculum

Ms. Marit Stiles: Mr. Speaker, as you can see, I have quite a large pile here. These were presented to me on the weekend by Erin George, a young parent in my community in Davenport, so I’m presenting this on her behalf.

“Protecting Children: Forward, Not Backward, on Sex Ed.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the health and physical education curriculum empowers young people to make informed decisions about relationships and their bodies;

“Whereas gender-based violence, gender inequality, unintended pregnancies, ‘sexting,’ and HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose serious risks to the safety and well-being of young people;

“Whereas one in three women and one in six men experience sexual violence in Canada, and a lack of age-appropriate education about sexual health and healthy relationships leaves children and youth vulnerable to exploitation;

“Whereas one in five parents reported their own child being a victim of cyberbullying; and

“Whereas Doug Ford and the Conservative government is dragging Ontario backward, requiring students to learn an outdated sex ed curriculum that excludes information about consent, sexual orientation, gender identity, sexting, cyberbullying and safe and healthy relationships;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to direct the Ministry of Education to continue the use of the 2015 health and physical education curriculum in schools and move Ontario forward, not backward.”

Along with over 1,000 other people who have affixed their signatures to this petition in just four hours in my community on the weekend, I will be affixing my signature to this petition.

Energy policies

M me France Gélinas: I would like to thank Joey Stafford for this petition. He lives in Val Caron in my riding. It goes as follows:

“Whereas hydro bills in Ontario have become unaffordable for too many people, and that reducing hydro bills by up to 30% for families and businesses is an ambitious but realistic target; and

“Whereas the only way to fix the hydro system is to address the root causes of high prices including privatization, excessive profit margins, oversupply and more; and

“Whereas Ontario families should not have to pay time-of-use premiums, and those living in a rural or northern region should not have to pay higher, punitive, delivery charges; and

“Whereas returning Hydro One to public ownership would deliver over $7 billion back to the province and the people of Ontario”;

They petition the Legislative Assembly as follows: to reduce hydro bills for businesses and families by up to 30%, eliminate mandatory time-of-use, end unfair rural delivery costs, and restore public ownership of Hydro One.

I support this petition, will affix my name to it and ask page Medha to bring it to the Clerk.

Curriculum

Mr. Joel Harden: I, like my colleague from Davenport, also have a petition from my constituents, “Protecting Children: Forward, Not Backward, on Sex Ed,” because some things bear repeating.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the health and physical education curriculum empowers young people to make informed decisions about relationships and their bodies;

“Whereas gender-based violence, gender inequality, unintended pregnancies, ‘sexting,’ and HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose serious risks to the safety and well-being of young people;

“Whereas one in three women and one in six men experience sexual violence in Canada, and a lack of age-appropriate education about sexual health and healthy relationships leaves children and youth vulnerable to exploitation;

“Whereas one in five parents reported their own child being a victim of cyber-bullying; and

“Whereas Doug Ford and the Conservative government is dragging Ontario backward, requiring students to learn an outdated sex ed curriculum that excludes information about consent, sexual orientation, gender identity, sexting, cyber-bullying and safe and healthy relationships;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to direct the Ministry of Education to continue the use of the 2015 health and physical education curriculum in schools and move Ontario forward, not backward.”

I will be affixing my signature to this petition and will pass it to the relevant page.

Curriculum

Ms. Bhutila Karpoche: “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the health and physical education curriculum empowers young people to make informed decisions about relationships and their bodies;

“Whereas gender-based violence, gender inequality, unintended pregnancies, ‘sexting,’ and HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose serious risks to the safety and well-being of young people;

“Whereas one in three women and one in six men experience sexual violence in Canada, and a lack of age-appropriate education about sexual health and healthy relationships leaves children and youth vulnerable to exploitation;

“Whereas one in five parents reported their own child being a victim of cyberbullying; and

“Whereas Doug Ford and the Conservative government is dragging Ontario backward, requiring students to learn an outdated sex ed curriculum that excludes information about consent, sexual orientation, gender identity, sexting, cyberbullying and safe and healthy relationships;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to direct the Ministry of Education to continue the use of the 2015 health and physical education curriculum in schools and move Ontario forward, not backward.”

I fully endorse this petition and will be affixing my signature to it.

Long-term care

M me France Gélinas: I would like to thank Mrs. Maher from Brantford, Ontario, for sending me these petitions. It reads as follows:

“Whereas quality care for the 78,000 residents of (LTC) homes is a priority for many Ontario families; and

“Whereas the provincial government does not provide adequate funding to ensure care and staffing levels in LTC homes to keep pace with residents’ increasing acuity and the growing number of residents with complex behaviours; and

“Whereas several Ontario coroner’s inquests into LTC homes deaths have recommended an increase in direct hands-on care for residents and staffing levels and the most reputable studies on this topic recommend 4.1 hours of direct care per day;”

They petition the Legislative Assembly as follows:

“Amend the LTC Homes Act ... for a legislated minimum care standard of four hours per resident per day, adjusted for acuity level and case mix.”

I fully support this petition, will affix my name to it and ask Rachel to bring it to the Clerk.

Anti-smoking initiatives for youth

M me France Gélinas: I would like to thank Jason Maloney from Lively in my riding for this petition. It reads as follows:

“Whereas in the past 10 years in Ontario, 86% of all movies with on-screen smoking were rated for youth, and the tobacco industry has a well-documented history of promoting tobacco use on-screen; and

“Whereas a scientific report released by the Ontario Tobacco Research Unit estimated that 185,000 children in Ontario today will be recruited to smoking by exposure to on-screen smoking, and more than 59,000 will eventually die from tobacco-related diseases incurring at least $1.1 billion in health care costs; and

“Whereas the Ontario government has a stated goal to achieve the lowest smoking rates in Canada, and 79% of Ontarians support not allowing smoking in movies rated G, PG, 14A ... and

“Whereas the Minister of Government and Consumer Services has the authority to amend the regulations of the Film Classification Act via cabinet;”

They petition the Legislative Assembly as follows:

“To examine the ways in which the regulations of the Film Classification Act could be amended to reduce smoking in youth-rated films released in Ontario.”

I support this petition, will affix my name to it and ask page Eliana to bring it to the Clerk.

Orders of the Day

Urgent Priorities Act, 2018 / Loi de 2018 portant sur les priorités urgentes

Resuming the debate adjourned on July 19, 2018, on the motion for second reading of the following bill:

Bill 2,

An Act respecting Hydro One Limited, the termination of the White Pines Wind Project and the labour disputes between York University and Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 3903 / Projet de loi 2, Loi concernant Hydro One Limited, l’annulation du projet de parc éolien White Pines et les conflits de travail entre l’Université York et la

section locale 3903 du Syndicat canadien de la fonction publique.

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

Ms. Mitzie Hunter: It’s a pleasure to rise in the House today to speak to this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I have to say that I have to strongly speak against Bill 2, and to warn the government of the consequences that this bill will have on Ontario’s families and workers. But more than that, I want to warn the province and this House of the precedent that this sets and the pattern that Premier Ford is setting—a pattern of making decisions quickly without full information, without transparency and without foresight.

Mr. Speaker, when sending this message, it’s important to note that we’re sending a message to the country and to the world that Ontario is not a place to put down roots and to start and grow a business—and Bill 2 is just one clear example. The government wants to cancel the White Pines project, a project that was legally approved and subject to all the laws, regulations and bylaws that come with it. By cancelling the project hastily, it is estimated that the province will incur at least $100 million in damages.

But the truth is, we don’t know for sure how much ripping up the White Pines contract will cost Ontario. That’s because this government hasn’t taken the time or the effort to figure that out before sharpening their blades.

The amendment that I tabled—and Mr. Speaker, I will refer to this reasoned amendment: That the motion for second reading of Bill 2,

An Act respecting Hydro One Limited, the termination of the White Pines Wind Project and the labour disputes between York University and Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 3903 be amended by deleting all the words after “that” and substituting therefore with the words “this bill be not now read a second time but be referred back to the government with instructions to first provide a report to the House containing a full assessment of the compensation package, prior to the statutory termination of contracts and permits, as well as the legal costs incurred to defend the act in front of any tribunal or board of arbitration.

Mr. Speaker, this would at least force this government to show the true costs—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Sorry to interrupt. I have to ask the member if she is verifying that she has moved the amendment or if she is just reading the amendment at this time.

Ms. Mitzie Hunter: Mr. Speaker, I’m simply referring to the reasoned amendment.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Referring to the reasoned amendment—so it has not yet been moved? Okay.

Continue.

Ms. Mitzie Hunter: This would at least force this government to show the true costs associated with cancellation. That’s the very at least a government that is supposedly for the people can do. While the bill attempts to shield the province from taking a financial hit, there is absolutely no guarantee that the courts will uphold this provision. And why would they?

As I said before, it sends a message to businesses at home and abroad that the government is above contracts, that it is above the law. And I wonder: How much has this government allocated to fight this battle in the courts? How much more will it cost Ontario workers—costs that are grounded in this government’s outdated disdain for clean energy and an unwillingness to be a leader in the fight against climate change?

This is setting Ontario back decades. Why would any company, international or domestic, want to grow in Ontario when this government scoffs at the most basic concept underpinning the way that we do business and refuses to build a province that is cleaner, sustainable and more fair? I know I won’t get an answer, Mr. Speaker, because this government simply doesn’t have one.

With one face, it will hand over the costs of renting an apartment to their friends in the open market, and with another, it will intervene with a costly and heavy hand to prevent the progress towards a greener future. That is economic hypocrisy at its core, and it ignores the fact that this will have such a consequence on so many people.

So let’s talk more about those consequences, because it’s becoming more and more clear that this government will not. To start, it moves our province from being a leader in the fight against climate change to one that ignores the opportunity and job creation that come with green energy.

Speaking of jobs, this bill also puts the livelihood of over 100 workers on the line. As I mentioned earlier, ripping up the contracts of a project weeks away from completion will come at a significant cost to the province, either because of financial obligations, or the legal costs that will come from fighting those obligations. Those costs will be passed on to Ontario’s families, likely in the form of higher electricity rates. What’s more, the province’s electricity supply is dependent on our following through with energy contracts.

So not only is Premier Ford willing to rack up millions in legal fees on the backs of hard-working Ontarians, he is also willing to put the reliability and sustainability of our electricity system at real risk.

We’ve seen what happened to our electricity system in the past when the PCs had no plan for our grid. In fact, they allowed our grid to fall into a state of disrepair. We had rolling brownouts, and who can forget the 2003 blackout that cost our economy billions of dollars. It’s déjà vu—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Scarborough–Guildwood has the floor.

Ms. Mitzie Hunter: Thank you, Speaker. It is déjà vu all over again as Premier Ford and the PCs put us back on that track.

In sum, in a single bill, this government is managing to make our electricity less green, less sustainable, less reliable and less affordable, while at the same time putting a chill on investments, slowing innovation and growth, and essentially saying that Ontario is closed for business when it comes to the green economy. I guess Premier Ford did promise efficiency, but it turns out the only thing he’s streamlining is the ways this government will take from families and take from business.

As an added slap in the face from a government supposedly business friendly, the PCs didn’t even tell the proponent of the White Pines project about the cancellation. They found out about it through the media. But I’m not surprised by that. Every day, this government makes decisions closed off from the province, from the people they say that they are serving. These first few actions give us insight into a new government that does not bode well for openness and transparency.

Take, for instance, the York University strike. Rather than conciliate and encourage dialogue, this government has decided to show contempt for labour unions right out of the gate. While in power, the previous government made every effort possible to reach a negotiated agreement before introducing back-to-work legislation in the last Parliament. It was the previous government that put in place the industrial inquiry commission under William Kaplan. While there is certainly an urgency to this matter, we can’t ignore fair and transparent process.

Since taking power, this Premier and his ministers have taken no action to encourage both sides to keep talking, take that step forward. Instead, they skipped every step in the book and have bragged in the media about their toughness with labour. All this does is further poison an already toxic and strained relationship and make long-term conciliation less likely. This government has opened itself up to legal challenges of bad-faith negotiations, which could further drag out an already lengthy battle.

At the centre of this dispute and this dialogue, we have to keep in mind the impact that it has on the students, both within the context of the strike but even beyond the strike. We have to keep students at the centre of our decision-making.

It seems that it’s casting a very grim shadow on other employers and unions with negotiations pending, like the developmental services sector, for instance, who are next up.

It seems that the unionized workers at York University are not part of the group this government claims that it is fighting for. In fact, every day, it becomes clearer and more apparent who is not included in “the people.” It does not include workers who want a fair, good-faith negotiation. It does not include business owners who want a government that respects their work, contracts and partnerships that have been established. In my own constituency office in Scarborough–Guildwood, I am receiving so many complaints from residents who say that this government just doesn’t get it. And it does not include parents who want to leave a greener, better future for their kids.

Mr. Speaker, it’s important that all members of this House, as we debate the laws in Ontario, as we establish precedent, think about the future that we are leaving our kids, that they are inheriting. We have to keep that at the forefront of our minds and our discussions.

This government has opened itself up to legal challenges of bad-faith negotiations, which could further drag out an already lengthy battle and, in fact, impact those very students we are trying to assist. All of that is clear in this single bill, Bill 2.

Sadly, I have to rise today in this House to strongly disagree with Bill 2, its rush to decision-making and its lack of inclusion and transparency. So I ask the House to accept my amendments to Bill 2 that will force the government to show the true costs associated with cancelling a contract like this and, as I referred to—that the “government with instructions to first provide a report to the House containing a full assessment of the compensation package, prior to the statutory termination of contracts and permits, as well as the legal costs incurred to defend the act in front of any tribunal or board of arbitration.”

I recognize that in Bill 2 the government attempted to put a formula in place that will limit those costs. But we do not know if that will stand up if challenged in court, and that leaves this province exposed to untold costs as a result of the cancellation of this contract.

Mr. Speaker, I have been clear in my assessment of this bill, in my cautioning of this government as it is making decisions—making sure that it does not rush those decisions without having the full information, without knowing the true costs. If this Premier isn’t going to be for the people, he might as well tell us how much it is going to cost the people. He needs to come clean and tell people how much it is going to cost.

Hon. Todd Smith: The safety of the people.

Ms. Mitzie Hunter: Yes, I agree with the member opposite that the safety in the decision-making is absolutely important, but it’s also important that we know the full extent of the costs before we rush to a decision.

Mr. Speaker, I thank you for members of this House having the time to speak to this very important piece of legislation. I think that, as one of the earliest bills that the government is putting forward, it’s important that we look into the precedent that this is setting, the tone in which this government will be making decisions and the extent of the impact on Ontarians, whether it’s our climate, whether it’s our economy and whether it is in fact what is in the best interests of our students and our young people.

It’s important that we hold this government to full account, not just for the words and the rhetoric that we talk about when we say “for the people”—but actually looking specifically into those actions and seeing how they are impacting the outcomes, whether it’s the costs that we all have to bear or the greater costs in terms of the outcomes for our climate and the health and the future of our great province.

I want to thank the members of the House for the opportunity to speak to this bill.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Questions and comments?

Mr. Dave Smith: I find it really interesting, cancelling a project that the people did not want and being accused of not listening to the people. I’d like to point out that the candidate the Liberal Party put forward in Prince Edward county said, “I want to make this perfectly clear, I am furious with the decision of the Liberal government.” That was in the Belleville Intelligencer, July 20, 2015.

She pointed out that we needed to have more generation capacity, yet we have 13,000 megawatts of surplus electricity, so I’m not sure what else we need to do. We only have a maximum peak usage right now of about 23,000, and we have 13,000 more than what we need, so where is this need that she keeps talking about?

She also said that we’re increasing the cost of hydro by doing this, and yet they guara