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February 27, 2017

41st Parliament, 2nd Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcripts 2017-Feb-27 (PDF)

L046 - Mon 27 Feb 2017 / Lun 27 fév 2017

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Monday 27 February 2017 Lundi 27 février 2017

Member for York Centre

Rachel Homan

Introduction of Visitors

Donald Cousens

Oral Questions

Energy policies

Energy policies

Hydro rates

Hydro rates

Energy policies

Energy policies

Ontario150

Electric vehicles

Hydro rates

Municipal infrastructure

Services for the developmentally disabled

Hydro rates

Employment practices

Waste diversion

Hydro rates

Answers to written questions

Correction of record

Answers to written questions

Answers to written questions

Members’ Statements

Prescription drug abuse

Gender identity

Anti-racism activities

Grimsby Rotary @ Noon

Drinking and driving

Programmes et services aux autochtones / Aboriginal programs and services

First responders

Government and community services fair

Winter Sleddog World Championship

Member for York Centre

Petitions

Hydro rates

Privatization of public assets

Elevator maintenance

Hydro rates

Shingles vaccine

Home inspection industry

Hepatitis C treatment

Hospital funding

Consumer protection

Hydro rates

Employment standards

Elevator maintenance

Taxation

Orders of the Day

School Boards Collective Bargaining Amendment Act, 2017 / Loi de 2017 modifiant la

Loi sur la négociation collective dans les conseils scolaires

The House met at 1030.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Good morning. Please join me in prayer.

Prayers.

Member for York Centre

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Just before we begin, I would like to draw your attention to the return of the member from York Centre and welcome him back to the Legislature. We’re glad for his convalescence.

We all wish you well on your recovery.

Rachel Homan

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Point of order: the member from Nepean–Carleton.

Ms. Lisa MacLeod: I, too, would like to congratulate the member for joining us back here today. It’s always wonderful to see him.

But also, I want, on behalf of the residents of the city of Ottawa, and in particular those of us who live in the west end, to congratulate the Scotties Tournament of Hearts winner, Rachel Homan, and her arena, for doing what she does so well, which is be the best curler in the entire country.

Congratulations, Rachel, on behalf of this entire assembly.

Introduction of Visitors

Mrs. Gila Martow: I’m happy to say that I have three ShinShinim who are here, who are currently working in Thornhill. They’re doing a gap year between high school and the army, from Israel. Amir Bernbach, from Kiryat Tivon, is a ShinShin at Associated Hebrew Schools and Beit Rayim Synagogue and School, where I belong. Ayellet Shalit, from Shoam, is a ShinShinit at Leo Baeck Day School (North), Temple Har Zion and BBYO. Bitya Shemla, from Adora, is a ShinShinit at Netivot HaTorah Day School, Shaarei Shomayim and Bnei Akiva. Great to see you here.

Hon. Steven Del Duca: It’s my pleasure to introduce some guests that I believe we have here today: Lee Balzar, Roni Barouch, Aviv Shabo and Zane Colt, from the Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee. The students themselves are part of a group called the ShinShinim and are young Israeli leaders who defer their army service for one year to volunteer in the GTA, including at schools and synagogues in Vaughan. They are visiting Queen’s Park as part of their “take charge for a day” program. Please join me in welcoming them.

Mr. Norm Miller: I’d like to welcome the mayor of sunny Sundridge here, Mr. Lyle Hall, who is down for the Ontario Good Roads Association meeting and is in the members’ west gallery.

Hon. Dipika Damerla: Today the page captain is Konstantina Tsotos from the great riding of Mississauga East–Cooksville. To support her, we have parents Panayiota and Demetrios, brothers Evangelos and Ioannis, grandparents Konstantina and Angelos, uncle Nickolaos, principal Zbig Anuszkiewicz and vice-principal Tracy Tait. Please warmly welcome all of them.

Mr. Monte McNaughton: I’m honoured to have friends from back in Lambton–Kent–Middlesex in Queen’s Park today, representing the municipality of Brooke-Alvinston. We have Mayor Don McGugan, his wife Ann McGugan, Councillors Frank Nemcek and Jeannette Douglas, and Joanne Powers. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

M. Arthur Potts: C’est un grand plaisir de souhaiter la bienvenue à l’Association franco-ontarienne des conseils scolaires catholiques. Bienvenue.

They’re having their lobby day today, a reception, at 5 o’clock in the legislative dining room. You’re all welcome. Thanks for being here.

Mr. Jim Wilson: Wildrose Party member of the legislative assembly, Mr. Prasad Panda from Calgary–Foothills, is visiting us from Alberta today.

L’hon. Mitzie Hunter: J’aimerais souhaiter la bienvenue à l’Association franco-ontarienne des conseils scolaires catholiques.

I would like to welcome Jean Lemay, Benoit Mercier, Melinda Chartrand and Helen Vigneault.

Mr. Jim McDonell: I would like to welcome the members from the eastern Ontario French Catholic school board who met with me this morning: François Bazinet, Martial Levac, Sergine Rachelle Bouchard, François Turpin and Jean Lemay.

Hon. Laura Albanese: I am honoured to introduce grades 9 and 10 students from Weston Collegiate Institute in the great riding of York South–Weston and their teacher Michael Anthony. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Mr. James J. Bradley: [ Inaudible ] l’Association franco-ontarienne des conseils scolaires catholiques: Melinda Chartrand, Benoit Mercier, Dominique Janssens, Caroline Bourret, Geneviève Grenier.

Mr. Lou Rinaldi: I just want to take the opportunity to wish a good friend a happy 65th anniversary. I know he’s watching this and I appreciate it—and that’s Bruce Davis.

Mr. Jim McDonell: I want to welcome the municipal leaders from Stormont, Dundas and South Glengarry, along with the conservation authority that we met with this morning. Welcome to Queen’s Park and the city of Toronto.

Hon. Eleanor McMahon: I’m delighted to welcome to Queen’s Park members of Architectural Conservancy Ontario to the Ontario Legislature for the third annual Heritage Day at Queen’s Park. Representatives include many today but I’ll highlight a few, if I may: Catherine Nasmith, president; Leslie Thompson, first vice-president; Richard Longley, past president; and Will Coukell, chief operating officer. I’d like to invite all members of this House to their reception this evening from 4:30 to 5:30 in room 230.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I want to introduce a guest of page Radin Vahid-Banasaz. His father, Hossein Vahid-Banasaz, is with us in the House.

Hon. Chris Ballard: I am delighted to introduce Gordon Prentice, a former member of the UK Parliament for Pendle and a resident of Newmarket–Aurora.

Hon. Kathryn McGarry: I do want to say welcome to the ACO members, in particular Jean Haalboom from Waterloo region, and Susan Ratcliffe from Guelph, whom I’ve worked with for many, many years. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Donald Cousens

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The Minister of International Trade on a point of order.

Hon. Michael Chan: Point of order, Speaker: I believe you will find we have unanimous consent to observe a moment of silence before question period as a sign of this House’s condolences for the passing of Don Cousens, former mayor of Markham and York Centre MPP.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The minister is seeking unanimous consent for a moment of silence for the passing of Mr. Cousens. Do we agree? Agreed.

I would ask all members in the entire Legislature to stand for a moment of silence.

The House observed a moment’s silence.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Prince–Edward Hastings on a point of order.

Mr. Todd Smith: I seek unanimous consent to bring forward a motion without notice on electricity transparency: that, in the opinion of this House, the Minister of—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Excuse me. I have to do the first part first.

The member from Prince–Edward Hastings is seeking unanimous consent to put forward a motion without notice. Do we agree? I heard a no.

Oral Questions

Energy policies

Mr. Patrick Brown: My question is for the Premier. In 2011, the Auditor General pointed out the government’s energy policies were disastrous, but it took until last week for the Minister of Energy to actually come clean and admit it. Why did it take six years—six years—for the Liberals to acknowledge the damage they’ve done?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I think the Leader of the Opposition knows full well that there have been investments that have been made in the electricity system in Ontario that were absolutely necessary—

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke will come to order. And if I’m going to read that as an indication of the House’s demeanour today, I’ll ramp it up.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Without the other comments, please. Thank you.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: With the shutdown of the coal-fired plants, the jump-starting of a renewable industry, investments in transmission lines across the province—investments in a system that had been degraded because of a lack of investment by previous governments.

For months now we have been working to find ways to take costs out of the system. We have renegotiated contracts, like the contract with Samsung. We’ve made decisions not to invest in new nuclear, which will save billions of dollars to the system. We know that there’s more that has to be done. We’ll be bringing our plan forward soon.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Patrick Brown: Back to the Premier: The Minister of Energy actually went off his Liberal talking points and said, I quote—this is what the Minister of Energy said: “Hindsight is 20/20” when it comes to Premier Wynne’s disastrous energy policies. Hindsight is 20/20, but hindsight doesn’t put money back into people’s pockets. Hindsight doesn’t turn the lights on. Hindsight doesn’t make it easier for seniors to choose between heating and eating.

Mr. Speaker, to the Premier: The Minister of Energy says that hindsight is 20/20. Does the Premier agree that her policies have been disastrous, or is this just more talking points?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: This is a very, very important issue. It’s an important issue to people and businesses across the province. But I have to say that I think the Leader of the Opposition has embellished what the Minister of Energy said just a bit. The Minister of Energy is very supportive of the fact that we’re saving $4 billion a year in health care costs because the coal-fired plants are shut down. The Minister of Energy and our whole government are very supportive of the fact that we have a reliable, clean electricity grid in Ontario.

The reality is, those were decisions that were made in order to have a clean grid, in order to rebuild an electricity grid that was not reliable. Are there things that we could have done differently? Yes, of course there are. And hindsight is 20/20; we’ve acknowledged that.

But the reality is, today we know that more costs need to be taken out of the system. People need relief, and we’re going to deliver that.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Stop the clock, please. Be seated, please. Thank you. Start the clock.

Final supplementary.

Mr. Patrick Brown: Back to the Premier: The Minister of Energy’s mea culpa was Friday. They’ve already forgotten it. They’ve already forgotten they said, “Hindsight is 20/20.”

Well, the Minister of Energy actually said, “How did we get here?” And I’m going to answer that for the government—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Stop the clock.

Mr. Steve Clark: People are choosing between heating and eating.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member for Leeds–Grenville would be very helpful to the Speaker, when he’s ready to stand up and tell the other side to stop, that he do.

Please finish your question.

Mr. Patrick Brown: Mr. Speaker, this may be a laughing matter for the Liberal benches, but it isn’t. Ontarians are struggling. They can’t afford their hydro bills.

The Minister of Energy said, “How did we get here?” on Friday. Let me answer that for him: the Green Energy Act; absurd executive salaries; cancelled gas plants; the fire sale of Hydro One; and giving away millions in free electricity to neighbouring states.

My question is this: If there really was a mea culpa, which one of those policies are you going to walk back? Is it the Green Energy Act? Is it the executive salaries? Is it the fire sale of Hydro One? Which one of your policies are you going to walk back?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Be seated, please. Thank you.

Premier.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: As I said, Mr. Speaker, this is a very serious issue, and we are taking it extremely seriously. That’s why we have to deal with the facts of the matter. We have to deal with the possible solutions that we are considering.

I’ve said I support what the Minister of Energy said. Hindsight is 20/20. Maybe the Leader of the Opposition would go back to when his party was in office and look at the decisions that were made during those years. Maybe he’d look at the sell-off of the 407 and the lack of benefit that came to the province of Ontario. Maybe he would look at the energy policies.

The reality is, we’re dealing today in the reality that more needs to be done to give people relief, and we’re going to do that.

Energy policies

Mr. Patrick Brown: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. Does the Premier believe this recent mea culpa will bring back the jobs and the investments that have fled Ontario?

In every part of this province, we have lost jobs and we have lost investment because of these destructive hydro policies. I hear the government heckling: “No, we haven’t lost any jobs. We haven’t lost any investment.” They are dead wrong. We have lost investment. We have lost jobs.

Mr. Speaker, to the Premier: How are you going to get these jobs back that we’ve lost?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition seems to not recognize that Ontario actually is leading economic growth in the country. We’re leading in job creation. We’re outpacing the growth of OECD countries. In fact, in relative terms, Ontario is doing very well.

The reality is that there are parts of the province where they’re not sharing in that economic growth as evenly as others. We recognize that. But the net new jobs, the net growth—Ontario is doing very, very well.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Patrick Brown: Back to the Premier: In this bubble of Queen’s Park, the Premier may believe that Ontario is creating jobs. But you leave Queen’s Park, you hear stories of businesses, and it’s a very different reality.

On the weekend, I visited Ross Smibert, who is 89 years old and has run North Star Ice in London since 1954. In less than two years, his hydro bill has gone up $100,000, or 55%. He employs 25 local London residents, but he said it would be cheaper to run his business in Michigan. He has poured his heart into this company for 63 years, and he’s struggling to keep it in Ontario.

Mr. Speaker, my question to the Premier is, all these jobs you say you’re creating—what’s your message to Ross Smibert, who is struggling to keep his business in Ontario because of your policies? What is your answer to him?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Mr. Speaker, whenever there is job loss in the province, obviously that affects the family and the community, and it’s of serious concern. But the reality is that in Ontario we’ve created 697,600 net new jobs since the recession, 303,000 jobs since I became Premier, 28,000 new jobs just last month, and 2,000 tech jobs—net new jobs—in London. The reality is, there is job creation happening.

There are different jobs. I will absolutely acknowledge, Mr. Speaker, that there is a change in our economy. We are going through a transition; that is a reality. But to suggest that there are not jobs being created is just not the fact. There are jobs being created in this province. There are net new jobs, and our unemployment rate has been below the Canadian average for 22 months.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Final supplementary?

Mr. Patrick Brown: Mr. Speaker, again to the Premier: The government’s own cabinet documents say there are fewer jobs today relative to the population than before the recession; that’s their documentation.

Let me share another story about how this is hurting jobs in Ontario. Mastronardi Produce Ltd. was awarded the Premier’s agri-food innovation award, but the problem is, because of this government’s policies, they had to move that award-winning project—that they got the Premier’s award for—to Michigan. In fact, Mastronardi has now invested $100 million since 2011 in Michigan. They’re an Ontario family. They want to invest in Ontario but, because of this government’s policies, they can’t. They tell me they’re worried now that all of their future investments are going to go to the US.

Mr. Speaker, why has the Premier created policies that are driving jobs, like the Mastronardi ones in southwestern Ontario, into the US and not into Ontario?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Be seated, please. Thank you.

Premier?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Minister of Economic Development and Growth.

Hon. Brad Duguid: Mr. Speaker, the fact of the matter is that facts still matter in this province. They may not matter to the Leader of the Opposition, but they matter to the people of this province, and they matter to our business community, who have—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): I can.

Hon. Brad Duguid: Mr. Speaker, facts still matter. The fact is, 697,600 net jobs have been created in this province since the global recession—87.8% are full-time, 78.6% are above the average wage, and 75% are private sector jobs. Those are the facts. The Leader of the Opposition can deny them till the cows come home, but he’s wrong. We’re creating jobs in this province. We’re at the lowest level of unemployment in Ontario that we’ve had in eight years.

That being said, our Premier cares about those areas that haven’t kept up. So we’re going to keep investing in our regional economic development funds. We’re going to keep growing this province. We’re going to keep—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. New question.

Hydro rates

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My question is to the Premier. Families are at a breaking point in this province when it comes to keeping up with their skyrocketing hydro bills, people like Jane in Kingston, who has been forced to choose between groceries or electricity. She bought groceries and her hydro was cut off. It took a political crisis for the Liberals to finally take winter disconnections like Jane’s seriously.

What is it going to take for the Premier to address the root causes of those disconnections, stop just tinkering with the hydro system, and finally bring hydro prices under control?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I know that the leader of the third party knows that winter disconnections, in every part of the province, should not be happening now. If there is a situation where it’s happening, I know the Minister of Energy would want to know about that.

Mr. Speaker, I have said repeatedly in this House that I understand that there are people across the province who are overburdened by their electricity costs. We have moved to reduce their costs by 8%, but we know there is more to be done. We will be bringing a plan forward. We’re looking at all options, and we will be bringing a plan forward to do just that: to further reduce people’s electricity costs across the province.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Electricity isn’t a luxury, and it shouldn’t be priced like one. People like Richelle in Smithville have had hydro bills so high that she is being forced to choose between filling the family’s prescriptions or paying to keep the lights on. No mother should have to make that kind of choice.

The Liberals have had almost 14 years in government. They have put the interests of a small group of their well-connected friends ahead of Ontario families by selling off Hydro One, and selling out people like Richelle in the process. When will this Premier wake up and realize that she is hurting Ontario families?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: The decisions that we have made to clean up the air by shutting down the coal-fired plants, to jump-start a renewables industry, to rebuild lines that had been neglected by governments of all stripes, investments that have not been made, those were decisions that had the people of Ontario at the heart of them—kids with asthma, people who needed reliable energy.

But we have acknowledged that there was a cost associated with those decisions that is hard for people to bear across the province. Electricity prices have gone up very quickly, and we have moved to reduce costs already. We’re looking at all options to further reduce people’s electricity costs. I look forward to bringing forward our plan in the very near future.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Final supplementary.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: People are trapped in a struggle every month to keep their family above water in this province. People like Jane and Richelle lie awake at night worried sick about how they’re going to pay their hydro bill.

The Liberals have spent 14 years driving up hydro costs for families. Premier Wynne is doing more damage by selling off Hydro One and selling out control over our hydro system. Now that the hydro crisis for families has become a political crisis for the Liberal Party, will the Premier finally admit her sell-off was a mistake and take some real action to lower people’s electricity bills?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: We have been working to reduce costs in the electricity system for months—actually, years. We have worked with Samsung to make sure we renegotiated that contract. We have made sure that we made a decision not to invest in new nuclear, which saves billions of dollars into the future. We’ve put in place the Ontario energy support program to help people on low incomes. But we know that there’s more to be done. We’re looking at all options.

I really look forward to the response by the leader of the third party when we bring our plan forward, which will reduce people’s electricity costs in the immediate term. I really look forward to her reaction, because I think that she should be very pleased with the plan that we’re going to bring forward.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: As long as it’s stopping the sell-off of Hydro One, Speaker, I’ll be very pleased.

Hydro rates

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My next question is to the Premier. In fact, prices went up 50% since this Premier has been in office. Families need to see immediate relief and permanent change on their hydro bills. Rural and northern Ontarians are paying sky-high electricity bills, usually driven by delivery charges that are much higher than those that urban customers are paying. The Premier has had many chances to fix this unfairness; instead, she chose to watch rural Ontarians go broke trying to keep up with ever-rising hydro bills, hooking up their house’s electricity to generators.

Will this Premier and her Liberal government immediately get rid of the premium that rural and northern families are paying on their hydro bills?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I’m very concerned about the additional burden that people in rural and northern communities carry because of distribution charges. I think that it is a huge concern. It’s something that the Minister of Energy is working very hard at addressing. In fact, we have already begun to address that with an extra 12% reduction on top of the 8% reduction, but we know that, still, there is more that needs to be done.

It’s interesting to me that the leader of the third party, in her leadoff to this latest question, said that as long as our plan stops the privatization, the broadening of the ownership, of Hydro One, then she’ll be supportive. That is the one thing that would not take a penny off people’s electricity bills. The one thing that the leader of the third party is interested in is an action that would not reduce people’s electricity bills. We’re looking for ways to reduce people’s electricity bills.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: It’s time for a government that gets what families are dealing with and takes action to make life easier for Ontarians. Mandatory time-of-use pricing may have made sense in theory, but it has shown to do nothing more than punish seniors who need to keep the heat on at home during the day and busy families juggling work and their kids’ after-school activities who can’t fit all of their chores into off-peak hours. The Premier is punishing parents for cooking at dinnertime. That is not fair.

It’s time for people to pay less on their hydro bills. People need relief now. Will this Premier immediately end mandatory time-of-use pricing?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Minister of Energy.

Hon. Glenn Thibeault: I’m pleased to rise to talk about how what the IESO, our system operator, has been hard at, is doing exactly that. They’re looking at market reform. One of the things that we’ve been talking about with market reform is making sure that there are opportunities for choice.

The Ontario Energy Board is also looking at putting pilot projects in there to offer different pricing solutions. We get that these types of fixes would actually benefit many of those families, like seniors who are living in a bungalow, for example, in Sudbury, in my riding, on a fixed income. We know that there should be some choice between that and the single condo dweller who happens to live in downtown Toronto.

We’ve actually tasked this, and the IESO and the OEB have been hard at this for months. We’re going to continue to find ways to help all families right across the province.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Final supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Here’s a news flash for the energy minister, Speaker: Pilot projects do not create systemic change in our electricity system.

Lower hydro bills start with more public control of the electricity system. The Premier has been in government for almost 14 years. She has been Premier for over four. All she has done during that time is make the hydro crisis worse for people with her wrong-headed sell-off of Hydro One. She has ignored regular people on Main Street in favour of well-connected insiders on Bay Street.

Why doesn’t this Premier understand that when Ontarians pay their hydro bills, they expect to be paying for electricity—for electricity—not for someone else’s profits, and stop the sell-off of Hydro One?

Hon. Glenn Thibeault: Mr. Speaker, this House well knows that the sale of Hydro One has absolutely nothing to do with rates within the province. There’s absolutely nothing to do with that.

What they should know is that time of use is something that is actually saving all ratepayers in this province money. However, what we need to do is ensure that we find ways to work with our system operator and work with the OEB to ensure that we can create the system to keep our conservation efforts up, because conservation is the cheapest form of electricity. We, on this side of the House, recognize that. That’s why we brought forward the plan to work with our IESO and the OEB to look at those time-of-use options.

But we also know that families need help right now. That’s why we brought forward the 8% rebate.

Energy policies

Mr. Todd Smith: Good morning, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Premier.

On Friday, the Minister of Energy said that hindsight was 20/20. According to the Auditor General, experts at the OPA told the government back in 2009, prior to the Green Energy Act coming into effect, “to use a competitive procurement for large renewable energy projects.” But the ministry ignored that advice. They decided to move ahead with the Green Energy Act that we know is a disaster today.

Speaker, which is it?

Mr. James J. Bradley: The Tories love coal.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Chief government whip.

Mr. Todd Smith: Did those experts mislead the auditor, or did the minister not want to admit that the government ignored the experts so he could shirk responsibility for the skyrocketing hydro rates in Ontario?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Minister of Energy.

Hon. Glenn Thibeault: Investing and eliminating coal and building transmission were the absolute right things to do. Investing in renewable energy, investing in green energy was absolutely the right thing to do. Because of our foresight, because of this government’s foresight, we now have a clean and reliable system, one that we can depend on, not something that is in tatters, like when they were in power.

I recognize that we were not perfect every step of the way. The what was correct, which was green energy and renewable power, but we did make some mistakes on the how. Fixed contracts and being technically specific in terms of those methods actually did inhibit competitive tension. But we’re making sure that we’ve brought forward fixes to this. We’re now seeing competitive tension, we’re lowering rates, and we’re also working on other solutions.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary.

Mr. Todd Smith: The minister watched as energy prices, electricity prices, in this province skyrocketed out of control. We’ve seen school boards and hospitals with increases to their electricity bills of 35% in one year. Just two weeks ago, the leader of the official opposition and I went to Sault Ste. Marie, to the F.J. Davey Home for the aged, where the price in one year at that seniors’ long-term-care home went up 39%. It’s all on the backs of this Liberal government, and they ignored the advice of the energy experts to go down this hole.

Every time a member of the government takes a question on their electricity crisis, they say that they only had two options: Either they could do nothing, or they could do the most expensive thing possible. Why does the government think that doing their job right in the first place wasn’t an option in the case of electricity in Ontario?

Hon. Glenn Thibeault: There was only one option, which was to rebuild a system that they left in tatters and which was blacking out on a constant basis. Making sure that businesses actually keep the lights on was our option. Making sure that hospitals were able to do the surgeries they needed was our option. When you de-invest in the system and run Niagara Falls dry—that’s what they did. With the amount of generation they never—

Interjections.

Hon. Glenn Thibeault: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

We’ll continue to find ways to help families right across the province. But you know what, Mr. Speaker? When it comes to renewable energy, we will make sure—

Mr. Randy Hillier: Glenn, where do you want to put those windmills?

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Stop the clock. Just when I thought I had control. The member from Lanark–Frontenac–Lennox and Addington will come to order.

Finish, please.

Hon. Glenn Thibeault: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We’ll continue to find ways to have competitive tension, when we’re looking at lowering rates for all families, when it comes to renewables. The cost of solar and wind is the lowest it’s ever been in this province, and provinces and states are looking to us for the leadership we’ve provided on building a clean, reliable system.

Energy policies

Mr. Peter Tabuns: My question is to the Premier. New Democrats know that privatization of hydro by the Liberals has hurt Ontario families and businesses, but we haven’t forgotten, and neither have Ontarians, that it was the Conservative privatization of Ontario Hydro that helped get us into this mess in the first place. It’s time to stop that the damage that the Liberals and Conservatives have done to our hydro system and take immediate steps to regain control over hydro costs.

Can the Premier tell us, after 14 years in government, when will she finally take action to deal with the hydro crisis that her Liberal government has helped create?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Minister of Energy.

Hon. Glenn Thibeault: We’ve been taking action since 2003, rebuilding the system. We’ve made sure that we’ve invested in renewable energy. We’ve invested in making sure that we have a reliable system, a clean system, one that I know the Minister of Health is very proud of as well. We have a system that is seeing our air pollution deaths being reduced by 23% and air pollution hospitalizations being reduced by 41%.

We all know that this investment in building our system—in eliminating coal, in making sure our system is clean and green—came with a cost, and with that, we’ve worked hard. We are continuing to work hard on finding further reductions for families: 8% off their bills come January 1; 12% plus that 8% for those in the Hydro One R2 areas. And we’ll continue to find ways to help.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary.

Mr. Peter Tabuns: The Premier has never taken the hydro crisis seriously until it became a political crisis for her party. As for the Conservatives, they’re offering no real solutions. After 17 years as a Conservative politician, people have no idea where Mr. Brown stands or what he’s proposing to do.

The NDP knows that people have to be at the centre of hydro policy, and the time for action is now. If the Premier thinks so too, will she immediately halt the further sell-off of Hydro One and come up with a real strategy to address the hydro crisis?

Hon. Glenn Thibeault: Again, there is no cost increase related to the sale of Hydro One; we all know that within this House. The Ontario Energy Board is the agency that is quasi-judicial and that actually sets the rates.

But when it comes to the Premier and this government actually taking it to the next level and finding ways of reducing costs for people right across the province, we saved $3.7 billion by renegotiating the Samsung agreement. We saved $1.9 billion by reducing the FIT prices. We’ve created the competitive LRP process, which saved $1.5 billion. We suspended the LRP II process, which saved $3.8 billion. We also got new dispatching rules for wind, which saves $200 million. We’re going to continue to find ways to help families right across this province.

Ontario150

Mrs. Amrit Mangat: My question is to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. As we all know, 2017 is an exciting and festive year where Ontarians will have the opportunity to come together and celebrate the 150th anniversary of our incredible province. This year, our government’s goal is to celebrate the culture of inclusion, innovation and opportunity that uniquely defines Ontario through the Ontario150 program.

Last week, the minister was in Mississauga to announce support through the partnership program for MonstrARTity Creative Community to provide South Asian youth artists with vital business skills, media training and a support network of seasoned artists and music industry experts.

My question to the minister is: Can she tell the members of this House about the three Ontario150 grant programs that will promote community—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you.

Hon. Eleanor McMahon: Thank you to the member from Mississauga–Brampton South for the question. I’m just thrilled about the energy we saw in Mississauga at last week’s announcement—absolutely incredible. The room was just on fire. It was wonderful.

We’re delivering 87 projects through the Ontario150 partnership program to support communities and organizations across Ontario, and we’re also inspiring our youth, which I know every member of this House cares about. The province-wide community grant programs that we’re rolling out include a $25-million Community Capital Program that supports the repair, renovation or retrofitting of existing infrastructure to better address the diverse needs of Ontario communities; a $5-million Partnership Program that empowers our youth; and a $7-million dollar Community Celebration Program which will ensure the celebratory environment of Ontario150 reaching Ontarians in every community across Ontario.

Altogether, we are funding over 650 events, initiatives and infrastructure projects across our province to commemorate this historic milestone year. I look forward to the supplementary to provide more information.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary.

Mrs. Amrit Mangat: I agree with the minister’s comments about the success of the event last week, as this past Friday I was in my community office, and I received several calls from young artists to further inquire about the program.

I look forward to celebrating Ontario150 in my great community of Mississauga–Brampton South. Ontario150 will boost community pride and build a deeper connection to the place we call home. It’s a year-long celebration of the qualities and values that define us as Ontarians.

The minister has also announced that there will be additional initiatives in the year ahead. Can the minister please inform my community, as well as the members of this House, about what we can expect in the coming year?

Hon. Eleanor McMahon: On January 24 I had the pleasure of watching Ginger Ale and the Monowhales perform a refreshed version of Ontario’s unofficial anthem, A Place to Stand, at Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto. This important song will serve as a soundtrack to events and festivals across Ontario this year. It stays true to the original A Place to Stand, created for Expo 67, with a modern and vibrant energy, making it relevant to a new generation.

In addition, we recently created and presented the Ontario150 television ad to let people know that we’re celebrating our province’s qualities and values this year. From the feedback we’ve received from this ad, it is clearly touching Ontarians.

We’re also investing in a number of high-profile signature initiatives and projects, such as the Invictus Games; ONTour, a touring Ontario150-themed music showcase; and National Canadian Film Day in April, the largest one-day film festival in history.

Our 150th anniversary is a chance for us all to celebrate, and I know all members in this House will join me in celebrating our communities, our province and our country in this important year.

Electric vehicles

Mr. Steve Clark: My question is to the Premier. Regardless of any deals made in the backroom, it’s time this government takes a U-turn yet again on its $14,000 luxury electric car rebate. Will the Premier put the car in reverse and cancel this rebate?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Minister of Transportation.

Hon. Steven Del Duca: As I mentioned in the House last week when the same member asked this question, we know, and I think the members opposite know, that back in 2010, our government initially launched our very first Electric Vehicle Incentive Program. We know that over the last number of years, it was a program that was successful, but a number of months ago, we decided to undertake a modernization of this program to take a look at some of the new technologies that exist out there.

What we’re witnessing, literally on a month-by-month basis, is that more auto manufacturers are putting more options into the marketplace, providing more vehicles. We wanted a program that was modernized and could actually take advantage of, for example, vehicles like the Chrysler Pacifica that didn’t exist—

Hon. Jeff Leal: Built in Windsor.

Hon. Steven Del Duca: —built in Windsor—when the program was first created, but now exist today.

We wanted to take advantage of all of the new options that are there for consumers by modernizing the program. I’m happy to provide an additional update in the supplementary.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary.

Mr. Steve Clark: Thanks, Speaker. I’d love to go back to the Premier for an answer.

Even the Toronto Star editorial board is questioning this government on their $14,000 luxury car rebate. As the Star sees it—and I’ll quote their editorial—“The fact is the wealthy should not be turning to government coffers to subsidize their purchases of luxury vehicles”—or as I like to put it, they’re robbing Peter to pay for Paul’s Tesla.

A former Premier once said, “It’s never too late to do the right thing.” I’m going to ask the Premier again: Will the government put the brakes on this $14,000 luxury car rebate?

Hon. Steven Del Duca: I was getting at an answer in my first response to the initial question. There are literally more and more products coming out on the market every single month.

I’m not sure if the member who is asking the question is aware of the fact that today, there are somewhere in the neighbourhood of two dozen vehicles that are eligible to receive the support from our incentive program, literally right across the spectrum in terms of all the price points that are available, including many options that are available today which our modernized program took into account when we did the update a number of months ago that do provide more options for middle-class families right across the province of Ontario.

I would encourage that member to take a look at the products that are now available across the entire spectrum of all prices, many of which support people in those middle-class families that he purports to want to support. This government and this Premier are supporting those families and will continue to do so.

Hydro rates

Mr. Wayne Gates: My question is to the Premier. Last week, I had a chance to sit down with the chamber of commerce in Niagara Falls. One of the main issues on the agenda was hydro rates. These small business owners in Niagara Falls are saying they’re struggling to pay their bills. In some cases, they’re saying these rates are going to drive them out of business. They’re jeopardizing jobs in my riding of Niagara Falls.

Premier, what do you say to these business owners who don’t know if they can keep their businesses afloat with rates like these—and, at the end of the day, jeopardizing jobs?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Minister of Energy.

Hon. Glenn Thibeault: I thank the member for the question. Small businesses, of course, are a very important part of our overall economy, and we recognize the importance that they play. That’s why when we brought forward the 8% reduction back in the fall economic statement—small businesses actually qualify for that 8% reduction, which they started getting off of their bills as of January 1.

One of the things I do know is that we’re going to continue to find ways to reduce electricity bills for small and medium-sized businesses right across the province and all ratepayers, but there are also many incentives for small businesses to talk about with their local utility, to talk with them about the saveONenergy program, in which they can actually save significant money off their bills.

We were in Niagara Falls back in the fall talking about one of the local industries there that utilized many of these programs and is saving hundreds of thousands of dollars. I encourage all small businesses to talk to their local utility to make those savings.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Wayne Gates: My question is back to the Premier. It’s the chamber of commerce that is talking to us and saying that they’re going to have to close their businesses. The 8% you talk about was put on by the Liberal Party. It’s nice that you’re taking it off, but the reality is, you put it on in the first place.

Every day, residents in my riding get up and drive right past Niagara Falls. In case you forgot, Niagara Falls is a landmark that drove public power in Ontario for over a hundred years. In those same hundred years, those hydro prices were affordable in the province of Ontario.

Premier, how can you explain these rates to the residents of Niagara Falls who see Niagara Falls every day and also see hydro bills with some of the highest rates in North America?

Hon. Glenn Thibeault: We shut down coal plants. We rebuilt a system. We made sure that our system was reliable so that when we had the blackout in 2003, places like Niagara Falls would actually still have their lights on. What we’ve done is, we’ve made sure we have a clean system, a reliable system, one that people can actually use.

We know we need to do more. We’re acting on that. We’re going to be coming forward with a new rate mitigation plan in the very near future. But we also have the saveONenergy program that we encourage all of our small businesses to use. There are many, many programs out there that are helping; for example, Hematite Manufacturing in Brantford. They’ve saved significantly: $200,000 every year on their new equipment.

It’s great to see that they took advantage of this program. We encourage all small businesses to do so.

Municipal infrastructure

Ms. Sophie Kiwala: My question is for the Minister of Municipal Affairs. There are more than 2,200 municipal leaders from across Ontario in Toronto today for the Ontario Good Roads Association, or OGRA, conference. It’s one of the oldest associations in Ontario. This year, we celebrate Ontario150, and OGRA is not too far behind. I believe this is their 123rd year.

OGRA advocates for the transportation and public work interests of municipalities, and they represent cities and towns, big and small—north and south, east and west—across this province. You could say that they paved the way for many municipal-provincial conversations about critical infrastructure.

Last June, members of OGRA assembled in my riding of Kingston and the Islands to meet with city officials and tour city hall and the surrounding area. I was pleased that we were able to host this important meeting in Kingston.

I understand that the minister spoke at the conference this morning. Can the minister elaborate on our government’s participation in the OGRA conference?

Hon. Bill Mauro: I thank the member for the question. As she mentioned, I did have an opportunity this morning to speak at the OGRA conference, and I spoke to them, while we were there, about the work that our government has been doing to reset the relationship that exists between our government and the municipal sector.

We remember, before coming into government in 2003, that there was a period of acrimony, I would say, in the province. It was a time of forced downloading of costs onto the municipal residential tax base. It was a time of forced amalgamations. We spoke at length in my remarks when I was there, and we’ll have an opportunity to speak later in the day about the work that we’re doing as a government to reset that relationship with the municipal sector.

We respect them. We’ve demonstrated that in a variety of ways, especially, I would say, the AMO MOU table. We meet at least every two months, sometimes every month, rolling legislation through them before it gets to the stage where it’s been baked, looking for their input. I think they very much value the relationship as it now stands.

In the supplementary, I’ll have more to add.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Sophie Kiwala: Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the minister for his answer.

The minister and many members here started in politics at the municipal level. I have to give a shout-out to mayor Denis Doyle of Frontenac Islands, who has been a great advocate.

Interjection: A good guy.

Ms. Sophie Kiwala: Yes, he is.

We all know the role local governments play in Ontario’s communities and our day-to-day lives. They provide many front-line services, like libraries, waste collection and rec centres, and they help provide critical infrastructure, like the roads we drive on, the parks we walk in and the pipes and treatment facilities that bring clean water to our taps.

Our government is making the largest infrastructure investment in schools, hospitals, public transit, roads and bridges in the province’s history. We are investing in the people and communities that make Ontario strong. Infrastructure will also be the key theme at this year’s OGRA conference.

Would the minister elaborate on how Ontario’s infrastructure investments will support municipalities and local communities all across Ontario?

Hon. Bill Mauro: I thank the member for the question. Part of what I talked about this morning at the conference with people was how we’re resetting the municipal fiscal sustainability relationship. Since 2003, the total supports to municipalities were about $1.1 billion. Today, under our government, total supports are in the range of $4 billion. That’s an average increase for municipalities across the province of 264%.

As well, we talked about OCIF. They will know that the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund is being increased from $100 million to $300 million. Speaker, that’s going to be predictable, guaranteed, bankable money that all of our municipalities across the province can count on every year.

I also talked about the gas tax, how we’re doubling gas tax—we’re starting by the year 2019, and fully phased in by about 2022. For example, for the city of Toronto, currently receiving $170 million in gas tax, that will double to $340 million every single year. The city of Toronto has already received $1.9 billion in gas tax under our government.

Services for the developmentally disabled

Ms. Sylvia Jones: My question is to the Minister of Community and Social Services. I have been working with Rose, a mother whose son, Ricardo, has severe developmental disabilities. On Friday, Rose was told she must pick up Ricardo from the hospital or consider him abandoned.

Rose needs her son to be in a group home because he and his family are not safe in their home. With no group home spaces available, Rose is considering surrendering care of her son to get him the residential space he needs. How can this be happening in Ontario in 2017?

Hon. Helena Jaczek: Thank you very much to the member opposite for her question. We understand that quite often, situations where families and caregivers are looking after those with developmental disabilities do face a number of challenges. I’d certainly like to hear a little bit more about this particular situation from the member from Dufferin–Caledon.

What we are doing is transforming the system here in Ontario. We have committed, as we did to the Ombudsman, to ensure that crisis situations do not occur. We are trying to work very, very hard with our developmental services organizations to ensure that, before a situation becomes a crisis, we work with families and with caregivers to provide the very best solution.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Sylvia Jones: While you’re transforming the system, you’re giving away $14,000 to people who purchase a Tesla. Individuals and families are having to abandon their children.

In October, media reports said that a young adult was abandoned in Oakville. In the region of Peel, I know of nine abandonments and seven threatened abandonments of children and adults with developmental disabilities in the last two years alone.

Abandonment is the last option for families who have been looking for help from your government. It’s your government that is abandoning these families.

After the select committee report in 2014, after the Ombudsman’s report last year, why is this still happening?

Hon. Helena Jaczek: Well, in fact, our government does spend some $2 billion on developmental services here in Ontario. I certainly don’t remember hearing from either of the two opposition parties in their platforms in the last election about any increase in services for this very vulnerable population—whereas we have made an absolutely unprecedented investment since 2014: $810 million over three years.

We are making really meaningful progress. We have eliminated the 2014 Passport wait-list one year ahead of schedule. We’ve provided direct funding for an additional 13,000 adults with developmental disabilities. This has brought the total number of individuals served by Passport to approximately 24,000.

This is a program that our government introduced in 2005. It’s providing real help for families. We, of course, will continue to work to ensure everyone is taken care of.

Hydro rates

M me France Gélinas: Ma question est pour la première ministre. Premier, my constituent—her initials are A.L.—is very concerned about her hydro bill. She and her husband are retired seniors on pensions. They were paying $140 a month for hydro on equal billing. Last spring, in order to save more energy, they spent over $400 and switched all of their lights to LEDs. But instead of seeing their hydro bill go down, their bill actually went up to $200 a month on equal billing.

Premier, how is that these seniors, who have worked so hard to use less energy, are now paying more for their hydro bill?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Minister of Energy.

Hon. Glenn Thibeault: I thank the member for the question. It is important to recognize that we are working hard right now to ensure that those individuals like the honourable member has mentioned are finding ways to see their bills reduced.

We are encouraging conservation, because conservation saves the entire system. When we have people saving and conserving energy, we don’t need to build new generation. When we don’t have to build new generation we can actually have cost savings for everyone. That’s something we encourage.

When it comes to individual cases and reasons for individual bills, I’m more than happy to work with the honourable member to find out ways that we can continue to help this family. There are many programs that are in place that actually help seniors. The Ontario Electricity Support Program is one of those programs in which seniors can see their bills reduced significantly.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

M me France Gélinas: Speaker, I can guarantee you that if there was a program out there to help them, we would have helped them. We do this inside and out every single day in my office.

These seniors do their laundry at night. They changed all of their lights to LEDs. For all of their efforts, their hydro bill has gone up. They are on a fixed income and are finding it harder and harder to get by. They are frustrated. They are angry. They have no confidence that the present government will ever make their lives better.

The Premier said that the sell-off of Hydro One would not increase hydro costs, but this is exactly what’s happening to each and every one of us in Nickel Belt. When, Premier, will you end the higher cost of rural delivery and give Mrs. A.L. and her husband some relief?

Hon. Glenn Thibeault: As of January 1, those customers with Hydro One on R2 have seen their bills dropped by $60; we actually enhanced that by $45 to bring it up to $60.

But we recognize that there’s more to do, especially for those folks who are in northern or rural parts of our province. We’re actively working right now to find ways to ensure that we can address that issue, because we do want to make sure that electricity bills right across the province—specifically, distribution—are more equitable for where those people choose to live.

At the end of this we’re going to continue to invest in a system that is clean, that is reliable, and one that is benefiting the families like the one the honourable member is mentioning. We’ll make sure that we can continue to have this clean, green system and find ways to help.

Employment practices

Mr. Arthur Potts: My question is to the Minister of Labour. Last year, we passed a very important piece of legislation that helps Ontarians who work in the service industry—in restaurants, nail salons, hair salons, and many other jobs such as that. Through my private member’s bill, the Protecting Employees’ Tips Act, we made sure that the money that these workers earned fair and square was given to them, and not skimmed off by the owners of those establishments. My constituents and people across the province work very hard for their money, and we’re happy this legislation passed unanimously in this House.

I have seen some advertisements of late for the legislation on subways and buses across the province. I know that many people in my riding of Beaches–East York have seen these advertisements as well. Can the minister explain to this House what else the Ministry of Labour is doing to promote this legislation and ensure that employers and employees know their role in this?

Hon. Kevin Daniel Flynn: I want to thank the member from Beaches–East York for all the hard work that he put into this private member’s bill, because it is paying off.

He talked about the ad campaign. The ad campaign that the member spoke about for tips legislation is a great example of how we’re making sure, by any means possible, that people in this province who work understand the rights they have. Through these ads, employees have the information they need to ask questions if they feel like their employers aren’t playing by the rules. But we need to work with the employers as well, so we give them the information they need. On our website, we’ve got information available in a number of languages. We’ve got an interactive video. We’ve got a question-and-answer section.

Speaker, this may surprise people, but Stats Canada tells us that there are 65,300 people who rely on food and beverage services for their employment and who receive tips and gratuities. This is impacting a number of people.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary.

Mr. Arthur Potts: I want to thank the minister for his answer, his incredibly hard work and his support in getting this important piece of legislation through the House.

People come through my office weekly. They’re sharing stories of how they work multiple jobs, they have problems getting paid at times by their employer or they’re just not being notified in advance when they’re going to be scheduled for their work shifts. These are problems all Ontarians face, and not just those in my riding.

These are some of the most vulnerable people in our society. All they want is to be treated fairly and to feel like the law is there to protect them. I know our government has taken steps toward helping these people. This is something of which I’m incredibly proud. But that doesn’t change the fact that people are still feeling that they aren’t being treated fairly across all industrial and commercial sectors.

Will the minister please share with this House what our government is doing for these vulnerable workers in our society?

Hon. Kevin Daniel Flynn: My thanks, again, to the member for that very important question. I appreciate all the concerns that he has just shared with us. I know they’re not just felt in his riding; these are concerns that are reflected right around the province.

Our focus through the Changing Workplaces Review has been to make sure we can help protect vulnerable workers in this province, but all the while creating a level playing field for the vast majority of employers in this province that play by the rules. We should be proud that so many people choose to live, to invest and to work in this great province. But we want to make sure, as the nature of that work changes, that the laws are up to date and that they reflect the protection and that they reflect the preparation businesses need to ensure they’re playing by the rules.

In the coming weeks, I expect to have the final report on my desk from the special advisers. I look forward to introducing it in the House.

Waste diversion

Mr. Ted Arnott: My question is for the Premier. On February 17, 2016, more than a year ago, the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change suggested in this House that the Ontario Tire Stewardship program would be eliminated within a year. A year has now come and gone. But, last week, in direct contradiction of that statement, he said it would take until December 31, 2018, the end of next year, to wind up Ontario Tire Stewardship.

How can the people of Ontario trust this latest timeline? Will the minister commit today to winding up Ontario Tire Stewardship immediately? Where is the money going?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Minister of the Environment and Climate Change.

Hon. Glen R. Murray: We’re actually doing exactly what we said, on the timetable we said we would do it on.

The announcement, the letter and direction went out to Ontario Tire Stewardship to wrap up their operations. There are issues and outstanding investigations, which the member is, I know, aware of, that also have to proceed separately and apart from that, and we’re winding up the other ones.

Mr. Speaker, a little humility from the member opposite—given that this system that we’re cleaning up was the creation of him and his party when he was in government. This was yet another Tory mess that Liberals are cleaning up.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary, the member from Huron–Bruce.

Ms. Lisa M. Thompson: How can we trust this minister to get anything right?

OTS board members were enjoying stays at the Château Laurier, Muskoka boat cruises and having extravagant dinners, spending up to $600 just on wine. On top of that, under this minister’s nose, half a million dollars was allegedly stolen.

A constituent of mine, Matt, from Townsend Tires near Walton, recently called me to express his concern about the huge burden of red tape that OTS is putting on his company. He wonders why he should even bother, because he just doesn’t trust OTS.

The Premier knows full well that her minister, under the authority of Bill 151, can wind up this cartel immediately. Will the Premier please tell her minister to do the honourable thing and take control of another one of her government’s wasteful, ineffective agencies?

Hon. Glen R. Murray: Mr. Speaker, there’s something passing strange when it was this Premier who ordered, two years ago, this minister to start to wrap up those changes. We passed Bill 151, which was the legislation that got rid of all of this. It was the third attempt by this government to pass a bill to do it. The opposition parties blocked, in a minority government, the last two attempts, Bill 93. You blocked it.

You also never asked a question while we were cleaning this up. You never asked a question until after we brought forward legislation to wind these up. You weren’t even doing your job, and these were your creations. You thought the private sector could run it all on its own. You created these agencies with the problem—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. New question.

Hydro rates

Ms. Catherine Fife: My question is to the Premier. This morning you have heard the voices of Ontarians from across the province and the negative impact that Ontario hydro costs are having on them.

A few weeks ago, while knocking on doors in Kitchener–Waterloo, I met Liz and Kenneth Costello, who told me that they cannot get relief from their rising hydro bills. Not long ago, Kenneth was diagnosed with a chronic lung disease. His wife, Liz, quit her job to become his primary caregiver. Kenneth now has to be on oxygen machines 24 hours a day. It is not optional. Their hydro bills have more than doubled since Ken got sick. In January 2014, their bill was $289. In January 2017, their bill was $623. They do not qualify for any of your government’s hydro relief programs. They are on one pension. They have no other options.

Premier, what is your plan to help Liz and Kenneth Costello?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Minister of Energy.

Hon. Glenn Thibeault: I’d like to thank the honourable member for bringing up that family’s situation, because it is one of the situations that we are acting on right now.

I do recognize that the honourable member talked about the OESP, the Ontario Electricity Support Program, and that they don’t qualify for that program. We are looking at that program and seeing ways that we can enhance it.

One of the other things that they will get right now is that 8% rebate. That’s one of the things I know that they’ll get right now, but we are working actively right now to try to find other ways to bring forward rate mitigation to help not only that family—because there are other families right across this province who need help. We recognize that, and we’re going to make sure that we act on that.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Catherine Fife: I’m not sure that the Minister of Energy fully understands the gravity of the situation. Their hydro bill was $289 in 2014. Today, it is $623. That is a cost that cannot be absorbed by an elderly couple who are living on one income—a pension income, a fixed income.

As I pointed out, 24-hours-a-day oxygen is not optional for them to use your peak times. What this family should be focused on is keeping Ken healthy and focusing on his health. Instead, their primary concern, the number one point of stress in their lives, is their hydro bill.

Premier, I ask you again today: Do you have a plan that can help Liz and Kenneth cope with the skyrocketing hydro costs in the province of Ontario?

Hon. Glenn Thibeault: In 2003, that family wouldn’t have been able to use their oxygen, because the power would have been out on a regular basis. We’ve made sure that we have invested in a system that will ensure that there is power there. We will make sure that we will continue to find ways to actually reduce rates. We are working on that. We’ll make sure that we can actually have rate mitigation in the very near future.

Answers to written questions

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Leeds–Grenville on a point of order.

Mr. Steve Clark: Thanks, Speaker. Point of order. Over four months ago, I filed order paper question 132. It was filed on October 24. The answer was due on December 8, so now the answer is over two and a half months late. It’s a very important issue in my riding. I asked the Minister of Health what action his ministry is giving to alleviate the rising costs of mandatory water testing for non-profits, including community halls, Legions and churches. I’d like him to give me an answer.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. The minister would know standing order 99, to file an answer within 24 sitting days, and I would seek the minister’s response in how he’s going to alleviate this over-time answer to a question. Minister?

Hon. Eric Hoskins: I will address it, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you.

Correction of record

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The Minister of Municipal Affairs on a point of order.

Hon. Bill Mauro: I just wanted to correct my record. Earlier I think I mentioned that by 2019, we would be doubling the provincial gas tax to municipalities, Speaker. Of course, I meant to say we would be doubling the provincial gas tax rebate to municipalities by 2019.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): All members are permitted to correct their own record, and that is a point of order.

Answers to written questions

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Point of order, the member from Stormont–Dundas–South Glengarry.

Mr. Jim McDonell: Thank you, Speaker. I also have a question on the order paper, number 124, to the Minister of Government and Consumer Services on the order of legal names on official documents. It’s over the period, and I’m wondering when I can get an answer.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. Minister of Government Services, you have an opportunity to respond.

Hon. Tracy MacCharles: I’m not aware of any overdue papers, but I’ll be happy to investigate that and report back.

Answers to written questions

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Again, point of order, the member from Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock.

Ms. Laurie Scott: Mr. Speaker, I also have an inquiry of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care that was submitted October 24 and is now over two months—many months late, actually. It’s about the funding formula for mid-sized hospitals and how that’s broadly disadvantaged my mid-sized hospitals—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. Minister of Health: standing order 99.

Hon. Eric Hoskins: I appreciate the reminder. It will be addressed.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. There being no further points of order and no deferred votes, this House stands recessed until 1 p.m. this afternoon.

The House recessed from 1147 to 1300.

Members’ Statements

Prescription drug abuse

Ms. Lisa MacLeod: It’s a pleasure to rise in the assembly today to talk about the opioid crisis that has hit Ottawa and, specifically, the community of Kanata. Over the weekend, I met with community leader Sean O’Leary, whose own daughter is struggling with addiction. I also met with Kevin Neill, whose daughter, as well, is struggling with an opioid addiction. Yesterday, they brought together a dozen of parents, one of whom lost their child to a fentanyl overdose in October and three teenagers who are addicted to these horrible, potentially fatal drugs.

One of the girls impacted me so much when she told me that she was just 10 years old when she started doing drugs and that she became addicted to fake or counterfeit Percocets laced with fentanyl.

Speaker, more needs to be done. There is no question about it. That’s why I reached out today to the Premier of Ontario, asking her to put forward a taskforce of a number of different ministries, including health, education, children and youth, corrections and community service and the colleges, university and training organization because I think it’s time that we started talking about what can be done very quickly and what can be done in the longer term to save these kids.

This is a deadly, deadly pill that is out there. It’s something we’ve never seen in this province before with respect to the chemicals that are in it, and I think more needs to be done.

Gender identity

Ms. Cheri DiNovo: I’m sure that most folk in the House are aware of President Trump’s executive order that rescinded trans rights to students across the United States. This in itself will result in the deaths of trans students—make no mistake.

We should also be aware of Bill C-16, which extends gender identity and gender expression rights to trans folk across Canada for federal institutions and federal employment languages as we speak in the Senate.

I’m particularly proud that, five years ago, this House passed gender identity and gender expression human rights into the Ontario Human Rights Code, called Toby’s Act. I wanted to set the record straight because there’s a great deal of confusion in the trans community about whether they’re covered or not. You are covered in employment, in health care, in housing, in education. You are covered in Ontario.

Remember, it wasn’t about water fountains, and it’s not now about washrooms. Human rights are human rights, and Ontario trans folks, thanks to everyone in this House, have those rights.

Anti-racism activities

Mr. Bob Delaney: By unanimously supporting a private member’s bill affirming that Ontario stands against prejudice and for the best of every community, this Legislature showed the province, the country and the rest of the world that Ontario can rise above the partisan rancour seen elsewhere when discussing who does and who should live amongst us.

Ontario drew a line against dark nativist anger. The city of Mississauga passed a similar motion in city council last week. Canada’s Parliament will likely also pass such a motion as well.

At the Solel Congregation last weekend, our only synagogue in Mississauga, new Rabbi Audrey Pollack, herself an immigrant from Illinois, hosted members of Mississauga’s Jewish community and representatives of every major religion practised in Mississauga, particularly our Muslim community. Along with our mayor and council members, the congregation affirmed that Ontario is a place for everyone to feel safe and secure and to build a life, a family, a home and a career.

Our Muslim community has donated more than $250,000 to build Credit Valley Hospital. Its annual walkathon will raise more funds to improve health care in Mississauga. This is how Ontarians come together to affirm the dignity of those who call our province home and lay the path to a prosperous and a harmonious future.

Grimsby Rotary @ Noon

Mr. Sam Oosterhoff: It is a great honour to be able to stand today and represent the fine citizens of Niagara West–Glanbrook and my constituents there, particularly the community of Grimsby.

I rise today to speak about Grimsby Rotary @ Noon, which is an excellent organization that does great work in my community. On the 11th of February, earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend the mayor of Grimsby’s gala, where they hosted a fundraiser in support of Habitat for Humanity and were able to come up with funds for a third Habitat for Humanity build in Grimsby.

The Rotary @ Noon club is behind many local initiatives in the Grimsby community: literacy programs, fundraising dances, breakfast clubs in local schools, the mayor’s gala and Grimsby’s Habitat for Humanity, and I’m proud to be able to stand and congratulate them for the great work they do.

Drinking and driving

Mr. Wayne Gates: Enough is enough—drunk driving. Mr. Speaker, it’s with a heavy heart that I tell my colleagues in this House that a young woman from my riding was killed Friday night when she was hit by a drunk driver. She was only in her early twenties. Her friends and co-workers describe her as a thoughtful and caring person who always helped others. In fact, just recently, she had gone away with her church to help those less fortunate in Central America.

This bright young girl was out on a Friday night, like so many young people, when her life was taken from her by someone who decided to drink and get behind the wheel. When will this come to an end? What do we have to do to finally see the end of drunk driving in the province of Ontario?

The other day, a story broke in Niagara Falls of a man who had been convicted 11 times for drunk driving. No one in the province of Ontario should be driving after being convicted of drunk driving 11 times.

I can talk about my family real quick: My wife was hit by a drunk driver while coming home from school as a vice-principal. I talked to her this morning. She can’t take long walks. She can’t dance for any length of time. She was a good athlete; she used to play golf, volleyball and squash. It takes its toll on families—my daughter, Jacqueline, and Rita’s parents, who saw their daughter go through that and be in a hospital for three months.

The conclusion: We have to work together and end this, whether it’s to educate people or ensuring the punishment fits the crime—whatever it takes. We cannot lose one more daughter or mother or aunt or father or son or anyone to drunk driving. Please drive sober, and thank you very much.

Programmes et services aux autochtones / Aboriginal programs and services

M me Nathalie Des Rosiers: Je me lève aujourd’hui pour saluer le travail extraordinaire d’organisations dans mon comté qui bénéficie aux populations autochtones. Cinq pour cent de la population d’Ottawa–Vanier est Inuit, Métis ou issue des Premières Nations. Nous pouvons compter sur des organisations très dynamiques qui offrent une multitude de programmes et de services pour répondre à leurs besoins et à leurs cultures.

The Wabano Centre, Minwaashin Lodge, the Métis Nation of Ontario, the Inuit children’s centre and Tungasuvvingat family services, to name a few, are dedicated to providing services and programs that are tailored to indigenous people, whether it is in health care, in housing, legal services or training. These organizations engage in a multitude of initiatives to promote community building through education and advocacy. They take care of the needs of the very young to the seniors. They take into consideration the deep trauma that has been experienced by people who have suffered the long-lasting effects of residential schools.

I want to salute today the way in which this holistic approach grounded in indigenous values is used to help with the healing and reconciliation aspect in my riding. I want to salute their work today and offer them all my support.

First responders

Mr. Monte McNaughton: We are very blessed in Ontario to have brave and capable first responders across our province who go to work each day not knowing what challenges or circumstances they may face. We can’t possibly thank them enough for their service and sacrifice.

Today I would like recognize two Strathroy-Caradoc police officers who acted quickly and saved the life of a local man. On December 15, 2016, a call came in that a man had been found unresponsive. Police and ambulance were dispatched. Constable Paul Westendorp was the first to arrive on scene. He administered CPR and used a defibrillator. Constable Pat Wuytenburg arrived shortly after and assisted with CPR.

Because of this intervention, Mr. Edward Hodgetts was revived and taken to the Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital. The actions taken by these two officers were responsible for saving Mr. Hodgetts’ life. Interviewed by the local paper, Constable Westendorp was very humble, saying that the incident reminded him why he got into policing and that it was a great feeling to be part of the chain of care.

I want to thank these officers for their service to our community. Their actions on December 15 are a fine reminder of the example of dedicated service of first responders across the province.

Government and community services fair

Mr. Yvan Baker: Today I rise to say thank you to a group of people and organizations that are making a difference in my community in Etobicoke Centre every single day. Every day as MPPs, we hear from constituents who need our help. Sometimes our staff can assist them, but very often we actually connect them with government agencies or community agencies that can offer the support that our constituents need.

Community agencies are often run and funded by volunteers. They provide assistance daily to our constituents, including my own. They are fundamental to the quality of life of all our ridings and to my riding of Etobicoke Centre. Although these organizations offer a lot of useful services, many constituents are actually often unaware of them and, therefore, can’t always access the help they need when they need it.

We can all think of instances when constituents in our respective communities have reached out to our constituency office to ask us for help and assistance in finding local organizations or elements of the government that can actually serve their specific needs and solve their problems.

That is why, a couple of weeks ago, I, alongside my colleague from Etobicoke–Lakeshore, Peter Milczyn, organized the annual government and community services fair at Cloverdale Mall in Etobicoke and, I am proud to say, we were joined by Laura Albanese, our Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. The fair created a space for 113 exhibitors, consisting of community service organizations and government agencies. We managed to attract over 3,000 people. The fair allowed my constituents to learn more about these wonderful organizations and what they do.

I rise today to thank the 113 exhibitors not only for participating in the fair but for dedicating themselves to serving my constituents, for making our community a better place to live and for making a difference in Etobicoke Centre every single day.

Winter Sleddog World Championship

Mr. Norm Miller: I rise in the House today to recognize world champions in my riding of Parry Sound–Muskoka. Bracebridge’s own Laurel Turansky, a retired teacher from Port Sydney, and her team of Siberian huskies won the six-dog northern breed category of the Winter Sleddog World Championship in Haliburton last month. Laurel and her team beat out competitors from around the globe in the eight-mile race. She overcame adversity in many ways to win the title.

Twelve years ago, Laurel qualified for the world cup but she was unable to compete when she received a breast cancer diagnosis. This year, as a cancer survivor, Laurel competed without taking medication for the arthritis in her back in order to avoid testing positive in the random drug testing.

Another challenge in the lead-up to the competition was training in the freezing rain that affected Muskoka trails for much of January. Despite the slippery conditions, training in Algonquin Park gave her team an edge as the hills mimic much of the Haliburton terrain. I have no doubt that Laurel’s strategic training plan helped propel her team to their first-place finish.

I would like to congratulate Laurel and her dogs on their impressive achievement and also for her great tenacity and strength. Congratulations, Laurel.

Member for York Centre

Hon. Laura Albanese: I seek unanimous consent that the member for York Centre be allowed to speak and vote from his place while seated.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration is seeking unanimous consent for the member from York Centre to remain seated during his activities here in the House. Do we agree? Agreed.

Petitions

Hydro rates

Ms. Sylvia Jones: My petition is to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

“Whereas the Ontario Energy Board recently announced another increase to hydro rates, effective May 1, 2016;

“Whereas hydro costs impact everyone across Ontario, especially seniors and others on fixed incomes who can’t afford to pay more as well as businesses who say electricity costs are making them uncompetitive, and contributed to the loss of hundreds of thousands of manufacturing jobs;

“Whereas a recent Auditor General’s report found Ontarians overpaid for electricity by $37 billion over the past eight years and estimates that we will overpay by an additional $133 billion by 2032 if nothing changes;

“Whereas the cancellation of the Oakville and Mississauga gas plants costing $1.1 billion, feed-in tariff (FIT) contracts with wind and solar companies, the sale of surplus energy to neighbouring jurisdictions at a loss, the global adjustment, and smart meters that haven’t met their conservation targets have all put upward pressure on hydro bills;

“Whereas the sell-off of 60% of Hydro One is opposed by a majority of Ontarians and is expected to lead to even higher hydro rates;

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

“That the Liberal government stop the sell-off of Hydro One, and take immediate steps to stabilize hydro bills for all Ontarians.”

I support this petition, affix my name to it and give it to page Sebastian to take to the table.

Privatization of public assets

Miss Monique Taylor: I have a petition named “Ontario Is Not for Sale.

“Whereas the Liberal government of Ontario is currently reviewing proposals to sell off a significant amount of our shared public assets such as Ontario Power Generation (OPG), Hydro One, and the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO); and

“Whereas our shared public assets provide more affordable hydro, develop environmentally friendly energy, create thousands of good Ontario jobs, and are accountable to all Ontarians; and

“Whereas our shared public assets put money in the public bank account so we can invest in hospitals, roads and schools; and....

“Whereas Ontario is stronger when there is shared prosperity;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly as follows:

“Stop the selling-off of our shared public assets. Keep our public assets in public hands.”

I couldn’t agree with this more, Mr. Speaker. I’m going to affix my name to it and give it to page Benjamin to bring to the Clerk.

Elevator maintenance

Ms. Soo Wong: I have a petition addressed to the Legislative Assembly.

“To Address Recurring Delays and Unspecified Time Frames for Elevator Repair and Service.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas elevators are an important amenity for a resident of a high-rise residential building; and

“Whereas ensuring basic mobility and standards of living for residents remain top priority; and

“Whereas the unreasonable delay of repairs for elevator services across Ontario is a concern for all residents of high-rise buildings who experience constant breakdowns, mechanical failures and ‘out of service’ notices for unspecified amounts of time;

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

“Urge the Ontario government to require repairs to elevators be completed within a reasonable and prescribed time frame. We urge this government to address these concerns that are shared by residents of Trinity–Spadina and across Ontario.”

I support the petition and I give my petition to Nicholaus.

Hydro rates

Mr. Norm Miller: I have a petition with regard to electricity rates. It reads:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas electricity rates have risen by more than 300% since the current ... government took office; and

“Whereas over half of Ontarians’ power bills are regulatory and delivery charges and the global adjustment; and

“Whereas the global adjustment is a tangible measure of how much Ontario must overpay for unneeded wind and solar power, and the cost of offloading excess power to our neighbours at a loss; and

“Whereas the market rate for electricity, according to IESO data, has been less than three cents per kilowatt hour to date in 2016, yet the government’s lack of responsible science-based planning has not allowed these reductions to be passed on to Ontarians, resulting in electrical bills several times more than that amount; and

“Whereas the implementation of cap-and-trade will drive the cost of electricity even higher and deny Ontarians the option to choose affordable natural gas heating; and

“Whereas more and more Ontarians are being forced to cut down on essential expenses such as food and medicines in order to pay their increasingly unaffordable electricity bills; and

“Whereas the ill-conceived energy policies of this government that ignored the advice of independent experts and government agencies, such as the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) and the independent electrical system operator (IESO), and are not based on science have resulted in Ontarians’ electricity costs rising, despite lower natural gas costs and increased energy conservation in the province;

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

“To take immediate steps to reduce the total cost of electricity paid for by Ontarians, including costs associated with power consumed, the global adjustment, delivery charges, administrative charges, tax and any other charges added to Ontarians’ energy bills.”

Mr. Speaker, I support and sign this petition and give it to Luca.

Shingles vaccine

M me France Gélinas: I have this petition that was signed by hundreds of people in my riding, including Madame Monique Paquette from Hanmer, in Nickel Belt. It reads as follows:

“Whereas the government of Ontario announced that starting September 15, 2016, the shingles vaccine would be available” to seniors aged 65 to 70 free of charge;

“Whereas seniors over the age of 70 years will still be required to pay for the vaccine if they choose;

“Whereas the government of Ontario claims that studies show that the vaccine is highly effective when seniors are vaccinated between the ages of 65 and 70 and will not cover the vaccine for all Ontario seniors;

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

“This is unfair to seniors over the age of 70 and we urge the government to expand the coverage so that all Ontario seniors are eligible for the free shingles vaccine.”

I agree with this petition, will affix my name to it, and ask page Elizabeth-Anne to bring it to the Clerk.

Home inspection industry

Ms. Sophie Kiwala: “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas home inspections are an integral part of the real estate transaction; and

“Whereas there are no current rules and education system to qualify who is and who is not a home inspector; and

“Whereas the public interest is best served by protecting consumers against receiving a bad home inspection;

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

“Ensure the speedy passage of Bill 59, Putting Consumers First Act, 2016, and mandate the government of Ontario to bring in a strong qualifications regime for home inspectors.”

I agree with this petition and I give it to page Konstantina.

Hepatitis C treatment

Ms. Sylvia Jones: “Petition to Support Expanding Access to Life-Saving Treatment for Hepatitis C.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas currently there are approximately 110,000 Ontarians living with hepatitis C and nearly half of individuals with hepatitis C are unaware they have this disease; and

“Whereas new treatments have shown a 95% effectiveness rate in curing individuals with hepatitis C; and

“Whereas many individuals cannot access these highly effective treatments until they meet restrictive clinical criteria that demand an individual’s liver be halfway to cirrhosis; and

“Whereas without access to these new treatments an individual with hepatitis C can cost the health care system up to $330,000 in health costs; and

“Whereas if adopted, the Greater Access to Hepatitis C Treatment Act, 2016, would allow every individual in Ontario with hepatitis C to receive treatment upon the recommendation from their physician, no matter what stage their disease is in;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

“To support Bill 5, the Greater Access to Hepatitis C Treatment Act, to ensure an individual will no longer have to wait and let their liver further deteriorate before receiving life-saving treatment.”

Because this is my private member’s bill, I support this petition, affix my name to it, and give it to page Anellah.

Hospital funding

Miss Monique Taylor: I have a petition named as follows: “Nurses Know—Petition for Better Care.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas providing high-quality, universal, public health care is crucial for a fair and thriving Ontario; and

“Whereas years of underfunding have resulted in cuts to registered nurses (RNs) and hurt patient care; and

“Whereas, in 2015 alone, Ontario lost more than 1.5 million hours of RN care due to cuts; and

“Whereas procedures are being off-loaded into private clinics not subject to hospital legislation; and

“Whereas funded services are being cut from hospitals and are not being provided in the community; and

“Whereas cutting skilled care means patients suffer more complications, readmissions and death;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

“Implement a moratorium on RN cuts;

“Commit to restoring hospital base operating funding to at least cover the costs of inflation and population growth;

“Create a fully-funded multi-year health human resources plan to bring Ontario’s ratio of registered nurses to population up to the national average;

“Ensure hospitals have enough resources to continue providing safe, quality and integrated care for clinical procedures and stop plans for moving such procedures into private, unaccountable clinics.”

I agree with this petition, Mr. Speaker. I’m going to give it to page Rowan to bring it to the Clerk.

Consumer protection

Mr. Yvan Baker: I have a petition addressed to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

“Whereas payday loans are the most expensive source of credit in Canada and can create the risk of an additional financial burden for the 3% of Ontario households that borrow payday loans; and

“Whereas in Ontario a two-week payday loan carries an annualized interest rate of approximately 547.5%; and

“Whereas these loans are typically marketed to financially vulnerable consumers;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

“Mandate the Ontario government to incrementally reduce the cost of borrowing a payday loan, first to $18 per $100 advanced in 2017 and then to $15 per $100 advanced in 2018.”

I’m going to pass this petition to the page.

Hydro rates

Mr. Toby Barrett: This petition is to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. It’s titled, “Energy Poverty.

“Whereas electricity rates have risen by more than 300% since the current government took office;

“Whereas over half of Ontario residents’ power bills are delivery charges, regulatory charges and global adjustment;

“Whereas the implementation of cap-and-trade will drive the cost of electricity even higher and increase the cost of living in Ontario;

“Whereas more and more Ontarians are being forced to cut down on essential expenses such as food and medicines in order to pay their increasingly unaffordable electricity bills;

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

“To take immediate steps to reduce the total cost of electricity in Ontario, including costs associated with power consumed, delivery charges, administrative charges, global adjustment, tax and any other charges on Ontario residents’ energy bills.”

I agree with this petition and affix my signature.

Employment standards

M me France Gélinas: I would like to thank Jennifer Fortin, the executive director of SWEAC, for sending this petition my way. It reads as follows:

“Whereas a growing number of Ontarians are concerned about the growth in low-wage, part-time, casual, temporary and insecure employment; and

“Whereas too many workers are not protected by the minimum standards outlined in existing employment and labour laws; and

“Whereas the Ontario government is currently reviewing employment and labour laws in the province;”

They “petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to change employment and labour laws to accomplish the following:

“—ensure that part-time, temporary, casual and contract workers receive the same pay and benefits as their full-time permanent counterparts;

“—promote full-time, permanent work with adequate hours for all those who choose it;

“—offer fair scheduling with proper advance notice;

“—provide at least seven (7) days of paid sick leave each year;

“—prevent employers from downloading their responsibilities for minimum standards onto temporary agencies, subcontractors or workers themselves;

“—end the practice of contract flipping, support wage protection and job security for workers when companies change ownership or contracts expire;

“—extend minimum protections to all workers by eliminating exemptions to the laws;

“—protect workers who stand up for their rights;

“—offer proactive enforcement of the laws through adequate public staffing and meaningful penalties for employers who violate the laws;

“—make it easier for workers to join unions; and

“—all workers must be paid at least $15 an hour, regardless of their age, student status, job or sector of employment.”

I fully support this petition, will affix my name to it and ask page Luca to give it to the Clerk.

Elevator maintenance

Ms. Sophie Kiwala: “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas elevators are an important amenity for a resident of a high-rise residential building; and

“Whereas ensuring basic mobility and standards of living for residents remain top priority; and

“Whereas the unreasonable delay of repairs for elevator services across Ontario is a concern for residents of high-rise buildings who experience constant breakdowns, mechanical failures and ‘out of service’ notices for unspecified amounts of time;

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

“Urge the Ontario government to require repairs to elevators be completed within a reasonable and prescribed time frame. We urge this government to address these concerns that are shared by residents of Trinity–Spadina and across Ontario.”

I sign this petition and give it to page McGowan.

Taxation

Ms. Sylvia Jones: “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas life under this Liberal government has become more and more unaffordable; and

“Whereas Ontarians’ assets are already taxed multiple times throughout their lives; and

“Whereas the Liberal government has raised taxes through new eco fees, a health tax, and increased income taxes multiple times;

“Whereas the estate administration tax in Ontario is the highest of any province in Canada;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

“That the Ontario government repeal the estate administration tax immediately.”

I sign my name to it and give it to page Sebastian to take to the table.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): I thank all members for their petitions. Petition time is over.

Orders of the Day

School Boards Collective Bargaining Amendment Act, 2017 / Loi de 2017 modifiant la

Loi sur la négociation collective dans les conseils scolaires

Resuming the debate adjourned on February 23, 2017, on the motion for second reading of the following bill:

Bill 92,

An Act to amend the School Boards Collective Bargaining Act, 2014 and make related amendments to other statutes / Projet de loi 92, Loi modifiant la Loi de 2014 sur la négociation collective dans les conseils scolaires et apportant des modifications connexes à d’autres lois.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Further debate?

Mr. Lorne Coe: As the official opposition critic for education and post-secondary education, I appreciate the opportunity to rise in the Legislature this afternoon to speak to Bill 92,

An Act to amend the School Boards Collective Bargaining Act, an important piece of legislation which impacts the collective bargaining process in the province as it pertains to negotiations between the government and those who work in the education sector.

John F. Kennedy, the late president of the United States, a man whom I’ve admired for quite some time, once said the following concerning education: “The goal of education is the advancement of knowledge and the dissemination of truth.” Speaker, this is a quote that is as timeless today as it was in the 1960s and will continue to be relevant so long as history is studied. I would think that all members of this House, and in fact every resident of this province, would agree with President Kennedy’s statement. I believe it’s every young person’s aspiration to become successful as an adult.

We have seen, time and time again, that receiving quality education is an effective route to that success.

As members of this House, it’s our responsibility to ensure that route is always open to Ontario’s youth and that we continue to strive to improve the education system to the benefit of our current and future students. After all, today’s students are tomorrow’s community leaders. So it is up to us to listen regularly and carefully to students, parents and teachers to learn how we can help to put in place the elements that lead to successful outcomes in the schools across our great province.

In that vein, the benefits of education can be seen everywhere. It has allowed our society to invent an incredible amount of consumer goods that have improved our daily lives and allowed entire sectors to grow out of these new inventions. Take, for example, information technology science. This is a relatively new field in the education sphere and continues to evolve to this day. However, this field began 40 to 50 years ago, when some intrepid inventors wanted to create a device that would address our needs. In doing so, they spawned an entire industry of personal computers, business information technology and even portable communications, like cellphones.

Each of these developments required a high level of education and the opportunity to pursue post-secondary education. Today, these devices have been integrated into our education system all the way down to the elementary school level, where young children are being taught how to use computers or tablets. This entire industry has had almost a circular effect on education. When new technology is integrated into the classroom, it accelerates and enhances the learning process of students and graduates who want to work in this industry and create more advanced technology that can then be integrated into the classroom.

But, Speaker, education is not limited to the field of computer science, is it? Engineering education has allowed us to construct immense buildings and bridges. Education in science has resulted in advanced medical procedures to save those who are ill, when as recently as 30 or 40 years ago, those same people would have been subjected to unfortunate diagnoses and outcomes. The list goes on and on.

All of these advancements would not have been possible if our society did not value education and the pursuit of knowledge. This is why I and my colleagues take our critic roles in monitoring this government’s stewardship of the education system very seriously: because we understand the value that education can bring to our society.

When I was first elected in February 2016, I came to Queen’s Park to serve the people of Whitby–Oshawa and work hard, like my colleagues in this House do, every day to make their lives better by holding this government to account. Speaker, I was honoured, shortly after my election, to be asked by the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party to serve as critic for advanced education and skills development.

Within that context, it’s been my great honour to keep this government accountable, to make sure that they remember to keep in mind the best interests of everyone involved in the education sector, whether it be a student taking classes in high school or at university; the parent wanting to ensure that their child is able to attend a college or university and become successful thereafter; the teachers themselves who are directly responsible for facilitating the learning process; or the administrators who ensure that teachers are able to focus on teaching.

As a resident, as a councillor for the town of Whitby and now in my role as the critic for post-secondary education and associate critic for education, I have watched in dismay as the government has continued to bungle the education file. Perhaps this is no more apparent than in my own backyard of Whitby–Oshawa. While I was a regional councillor for the town of Whitby and regional councillor for the region of Durham, I witnessed first-hand this government’s ineptitude when in 2015 we saw secondary schools across Durham region shut down—shut down—due to strikes.

During that time, I heard from many parents whose way of life was deeply affected by their sons and daughters being out of school. Speaker, as I’m sure you know, these types of situations take a real toll on families, particularly students who miss critical lessons and days in the classroom in such a formative part of their education and, ultimately, their life.

Now, any labour expert will tell you that the best deal is the one that the parties reach themselves. But during this process, it was becoming increasingly clear that this government had mismanaged that process. This government gave the parties no other option, and the saga eventually led to back-to-work legislation being considered by the House and ultimately a decision by the Ontario Labour Relations Board which ended the strike.

Regardless of the conclusion of that process, it was clear that teachers were becoming increasingly frustrated with the government’s approach. Teachers like my daughter, with the Durham Catholic school board, are entrusted to shape and mould the minds of tomorrow. They’re called upon to go above and beyond for our children. As the lifeblood of our education system, it is important that we arrive at a process that works both for teachers and the taxpayer.

Speaker, this government’s two-tiered bargaining system has clearly been a failure, creating chaos for children and parents and leading to the strike in the region of Durham, which was the longest in 25 years—the longest in 25 years.

Now let’s turn to the changing dynamic in the classroom. As time has passed, the education system has evolved to incorporate more students, more classes and a wider variety of subjects that need to be taught to our students. The unfortunate flip side of this is that the problems we must deal with in the system have also changed and become more complex. Thus, so too must our solutions to these problems.

A growing problem that our teachers are facing on a daily basis is deteriorating conditions in their workplace. These deteriorating conditions can take many forms, whether it’s violent students, bullying in schools or reduced resources for special-needs students. Everyone in this province is entitled to work in a safe environment.

M me France Gélinas: Point of order, Speaker.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): Sorry. The member for Nickel Belt on a point of order.

M me France Gélinas: I don’t think we have a quorum.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): I’d ask table staff to ascertain if we have a quorum or not.

The Deputy Clerk (Mr. Trevor Day): A quorum is not present, Speaker.

The Acting Speaker ordered the bells rung.

The Deputy Clerk (Mr. Trevor Day): A quorum is now present, Speaker.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): A quorum now being present, we resume and I return to the member for Whitby–Oshawa.

Mr. Lorne Coe: Thank you, Speaker.

I was about to say that everyone in this province is entitled to work in a safe environment, and this could not be more true for teachers. In an ideal world, each student in every class attends their school excited to learn the topics of the day and has a thirst for knowledge that never goes away. Unfortunately, the reality is that sometimes students struggle with the material and, in rare cases, lash out against their teachers.

In the event that a student does become violent in the classroom, teachers should be appropriately equipped to handle these situations in a way that allows both the teacher and the student to walk away unharmed. Schools should also be equipped to address these situations quickly and safely, with a focus on ensuring that incidents do not reoccur.

I have no doubt that each of us, either directly or indirectly, knows someone who has been bullied in school or has a child who has been bullied in school. This is why it’s more important than ever to equip our teachers with the tools and skills necessary to prevent bullying where possible, recognize when bullying is occurring in their classes and do what they can to stop it as soon as possible.

We know that a student’s desire to attend school can plummet if they are bullied, and because of that, it is crucial that we address the problem swiftly, because each student should be able to pursue their route to success through the education system.

Similarly, we need to be able to better recognize the needs of special education students at our schools, and these students have just as much a right to pursue their route to success as every other student in school. More often than not, they simply require more resources and specialized learning plans to do so. We recognize that a significant part of improving the conditions in teachers’ workplaces is providing them with the resources necessary to ensure that all of their students can thrive and succeed.

Speaker, we would like to see an education system that truly allows for individualized learning plans for these students and an environment that allows teachers to facilitate the learning process without feeling as though there aren’t enough hours in a day for each student.

Meanwhile, another substantial area where this government has failed is the state of disrepair of many of our schools. This government has had 14 years to address the state of schools in Ontario. As far back as 2003, when then-Liberal education minister Gerard Kennedy launched the Good Places to Learn initiative, he stated: “Ultimately, a school’s condition reflects the state of commitment of one generation to the advancement of the next.” He confirmed at that time that there was a deficit of over $5 billion with regard to the state of Ontario schools.

But this government’s response to the problem was tepid at best. Minister Kennedy recommended an increase of annual renewal funding and a one-time injection of public funds to persuade Ontarians that they were acting on the infrastructure problems in our schools.

It became clear, in hindsight, that this government’s strategy on the file has been big announcements of Band-Aid solutions or a “move along; nothing to see here” approach. Well, there was something to see, Mr. Speaker.

In a December 2015 report by the Auditor General, she referenced Ontario’s asset base of schools and recommended that $1.4 billion per year was realistically needed just to keep our schools in good working order. She also went further and noted that the deficit of disrepair in our schools had ballooned from $5 billion in 2003 to $14 billion in 2015. This confirmed that not only were our schools in bad shape, but that the problem was not being adequately addressed and was getting worse over time.

Ultimately, the Auditor General stated that her recommendation of $1.4 billion per year to maintain our schools’ infrastructure would keep the ship afloat, as it were, but would not do a great deal to take care of the amount of deferred maintenance that had been allowed to accrue under this government.

Knowing the full scope of the problem, it cannot be said that this government understands how to address the problem adequately. In June of 2016, this government announced an additional $1.1 billion of public funding for school repairs over the course of two years. However, what that money does not do is take care of the $15 billion that was allowed to accrue in deferred maintenance.

Speaker, I must give credit where credit is due and commend the Minister of Education on one matter. I’m pleased to see that the Ministry of Education released data on the disrepair figures of all schools in Ontario. What this did was that it increased the transparency on the issue of school conditions and confirmed that the $15-billion backlog of capital repair not only exists in our publicly funded school system but also impacts every single one of our 72 school boards.

It takes a certain degree of humility to admit when you’ve made a mistake. While I appreciate the minister’s effort to shed light on the problem, it does not excuse the level of inaction—inaction, Speaker—in our school system. But let’s be clear. I’m not here this afternoon to just point out the minister’s mistakes; I’m looking forward to the future and how members of this House can continue to alleviate the state of disrepair in our schools.

We would expect ongoing transparency about disrepair in the Ontario school system and an annual release of facility condition index data as well as an analysis on the overall capital repair backlog so that we, as members of this House, and the residents of Ontario can see what we hope is a stem in the tide of year-over-year increases in that amount and start to see a decrease in the $15 billion of disrepair instead of an increase.

Furthermore, we’d recommend that debt instruments need to be explored and that those are the only tools available that will sufficiently, and with the speed required, take care of these buildings in which two million children spend their days—Speaker, that’s two million children.

We would also recommend guidelines for the desired conditions at which schools should be maintained. At a high level, we need to discuss what facility condition index level would be considered appropriate for classes to occur and what facility condition index level would be required for classes to be cancelled for the safety of our students. Speaker, we would also need to discuss what the average facility condition index level should be across all of the schools in Ontario, the obvious answer being that we should strive to improve the conditions of all the schools in our education system.

From a low level, we would expect guidelines for the actual learning and working conditions of children and adults who spend their days in Ontario school buildings, and a plan—a plan, Speaker—for how to reach these goals.

We would like to see issues not limited to, but including: What is the acceptable temperature range of classrooms for children to learn in, and teachers to work in; what is the acceptable air quality for these classrooms; and what is an acceptable amount of natural light? There are many, many children learning in classrooms with no windows currently, whether it be in detached classrooms or rooms in schools that have been newly converted into classrooms to accommodate expanding communities and enrolment in those communities’ schools.

This might surprise those of you with no children in the public school system, and actually would surprise many parents also, because we don’t often hear about the problems that happen in schools because our children think that’s normal and are unlikely to speak up about issues that are perceived as such.

Speaker, we would also like to see a proportionate distribution of the capital costs of maintaining school assets amongst the municipalities. The various provincial ministries and the various federal ministries continue to treat these schools as assets rather than the places of learning that they are, yet we continue to burden school boards exclusively with the capital costs of maintaining those buildings.

We would like to see an approach to selling schools that recognizes the importance of local schools as community hubs, and focuses on the needs of students, families and communities rather than on an efficient use of assets at all costs. Schools are often in use outside of classroom hours as places where local sports leagues or other extracurricular activities can organize. A sale of any school has the capacity to affect the local community very deeply, and we would expect equal consideration be given to any decision made as to the sale of a school.

We would also like government to stop promoting the notion that disrepair in schools happened mostly because of an inefficient use of assets by school boards, when in fact many, many documents—including the ones I have cited—would suggest that there have been gross and chronic underfunding to the school boards. Speaker, this has become a pattern under this government and is not unique—not unique—to the education file. Even if they had used every single school as efficiently as humanly possible with the funding given over the last 20 years, they would not have been able to keep these schools up to a standard to which Ontario children should have access.

Additionally, we would like to recommend a structure where power over education funding and policies and the accountability for actually delivering public education reside in the same place, making passing the buck a non-option. Speaker, increased accountability in our education framework—and by extension, the government at large—is something that we all benefit from. I might add that pointing the finger and blaming others has become quite a sport and more and more common in the education sector under this government when it comes to delivering resources to our school system.

To build on this expectation of increased accountability, we would like to see a structure where accountability for the delivery of public education reflects the reality and experience of real students and teachers, a structure that is not simply a sanitized look at education quality assessment office numbers and statistics, or high school graduation rates.

I’ve spoken with many students and parents in the riding of Whitby–Oshawa and others throughout the province. When you actually talk to students and parents, you might hear a very different story.

We’d also like a review of the funding formula and the benchmark costs which inform most of the grants in the funding formula. The government has promised this in almost every election and has yet to actually do a complete review and rejig of the funding formula. It’s time for the government to finally make good on its promise. It’s time for a complete look at how we’re funding education in this province and how the power dynamic works. This will allow the government to more appropriately and accurately distribute funds and resources to schools and communities, with a focus on improving the experience of students in schools across Ontario.

In recent months, we have seen several calls to close schools, specifically in rural areas, as a way to improve cost efficiency and deal with enrolment issues. However, I would submit that there are other, more fruitful alternatives, ones that would not disrupt the lives and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of students, families and education workers.

For instance, we would ask the government to encourage school boards to further explore shared service agreements as well as shared facility agreements for coterminous boards. Ontarians already reap considerable benefits from these arrangements. For example, in Brantford, St. Basil Catholic Elementary School and Walter Gretzky Elementary School each have a wing in a 90,000-square-foot shared facility. The arrangement has already produced significant cost savings.

This approach is further supported by a feasibility analysis of 11 school boards carried out by Deloitte in 2012, which found that shared services in areas such as energy and transportation could produce ongoing annual savings of $3 million to $8 million per year, representing anywhere from 13% to 28% savings on these boards’ annual total expenditures. All this is to say that, ultimately, there are ways to find cost efficiencies within our current system.

Education is a public good. Efficiencies should not come at the expense of quality, but we must also remember that teachers and students in the classroom must always be the focal point of provincial education funding. For example, money for professional development should be allocated for teacher-directed and teacher-led initiatives. Training programs must reflect the experiences of teachers on the ground rather than being dictated from central administration, and funding should be directed as such.

One of the many benefits of specialized teacher-led professional development is that it allows teachers to better understand and engage with particular student populations. Perhaps nowhere is that more evident than with First Nations, Métis and indigenous populations. Although there is much-deserved attention paid to on-reserve schools, it is important to remember that 82% of indigenous students attend a provincially funded school.

To redress the current education and resource gaps that many students face, the government must ensure that schools have additional resources so that students have access to the proper supports required to meet their needs. But the critical component in this is to ensure sustainable, multi-year funding of public education and facilitate effective long-term pla