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April 24, 2006

38th Parliament, 2nd Session

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Hansard Transcripts

vol. A

Hansard Transcripts

vol. B

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcripts 2006-Apr-24 (PDF)

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L'ONTARIO

Monday 24 April 2006 Lundi 24 avril 2006

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

ANNIVERSARY OF

ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

ORGAN DONATION

LONG-TERM CARE

ANTI-SEMITISM

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE

CITY OF CORNWALL

IMMIGRANTS' SKILLS

CANADIAN FATALITIES

IN AFGHANISTAN

REPORTS BY COMMITTEES

STANDING COMMITTEE

ON THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

WEARING OF RIBBONS

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

GREATER TORONTO

TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006 SUR LA RÉGIE

DES TRANSPORTS DU GRAND TORONTO

KEEP YOUR PROMISE ON

THE GAS PRICE WATCHDOG ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006 SUR L'OBLIGATION DE TENIR LES PROMESSES ÉLECTORALES CONCERNANT L'AGENT DE SURVEILLANCE DES PRIX DU CARBURANT

MOTIONS

HOUSE SITTINGS

VISITOR

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY AND RESPONSES

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS /

SOUTIENS À L'EMPLOI

VOLUNTEERS

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

VOLUNTEERS

EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS

VISITORS

ORAL QUESTIONS

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

KASHECHEWAN FIRST NATION

POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION

AND SKILLS TRAINING

COAL-FIRED GENERATING STATIONS

GASOLINE PRICES

RENEWABLE FUELS

NORTHERN ECONOMY

WORKPLACE SAFETY

AND INSURANCE BOARD

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

PETITIONS

GASOLINE PRICES

BORDER SECURITY

SCHOOL CLOSURES

COMMUNITY MEDIATION

LONG-TERM CARE

SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY

LONG-TERM CARE

IDENTITY THEFT

ORDERS OF THE DAY

PLANNING AND CONSERVATION

LAND STATUTE LAW

AMENDMENT ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006 MODIFIANT DES LOIS

EN CE QUI A TRAIT À L'AMÉNAGEMENT

DU TERRITOIRE ET AUX TERRES PROTÉGÉES

The House met at 1330.

Prayers.

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

ANNIVERSARY OF

ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Mr. Frank Klees (Oak Ridges): Yesterday, the Canadian Armenian community of Toronto commemorated the 91st anniversary of the Armenian genocide

of 1915. I had the honour of attending this historic event together with the leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party, John Tory, who expressed his support to the Armenian community on

this solemn occasion, confirmed his acknowledgement of the Armenian genocide and condemned this act as a crime against humanity.

I referred to yesterday's event as historic because it marked the first such occasion on which the Armenian people were rewarded for their persistent appeal for

of Parliament and parliamentary secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Jason Kenney, who delivered a statement on behalf of the Prime Minister in which, for the very first time, a Prime Minister has

had the courage and the moral integrity to bring the policy of the executive branch of the federal government on the Armenian genocide in line with the House of Commons and the Senate of Canada

resolutions.

The Prime Minister's statement read, in part: "Ninety-one years ago the Armenian people experienced terrible suffering and loss of life. In recent years, the

Senate of Canada adopted a motion acknowledging this period as the `first genocide of the 20th century,' while the House of Commons adopted a motion that `acknowledges the Armenian genocide of 1915

and condemns this act as a crime against humanity.' My party and I supported those resolutions and continue to recognize them today....

"I join with you today in remembering the past, and I encourage you to continue honouring your forefathers by building a bright future for all Canadians."

Mr. Tony Ruprecht (Davenport): I rise today to mark the 90th anniversary of the Armenian genocide. April 24, 1915, was the start of a systematic

campaign to eradicate the Armenian people from present-day Turkey, the last century's first case of ethnic cleansing. One and a half million Armenian men, women and children were brutally

killed.

At the time, the world community, constrained by politics, sat idly by and did nothing. Thus, the stage was set for other genocides and human tragedies, such as

the one that occurred in Rwanda in 1994. In fact, upon unveiling his final solution for the Jewish people, Hitler noted that the world would not lift a finger because, in his words, "Who today

remembers the Armenians?"

"Those who ignore history are condemned to repeat it." We accept this axiom as basic truth, but all too often the world has failed to follow it. Perhaps if other

nations had acknowledged that the horrific reality that happened to the Armenians in 1915 was genocide, it is possible that subsequent genocides might have been averted.

Today, many of my colleagues from this assembly and I will be at the Armenian Community Centre in Toronto to commemorate the lives lost in this first genocide of

the last century. I urge all members of the Legislature to commemorate this event with the Armenian community in Toronto.

ORGAN DONATION

Mr. Norm Miller (Parry Sound-Muskoka): Today marks the beginning of National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week. On behalf of John Tory

and my colleagues of the Progressive Conservative caucus, I want to express our support for all who dedicate themselves to making the gift of life available through organ donation.

We recognize the work of the Trillium Gift of Life Network, who have the responsibility of coordinating Ontario's organ donation system, and we pay tribute to

the medical professionals who, over the years, have placed Ontario on the leading edge of organ donation. Lives are saved daily through the miracle of organ transplants made possible by the uniting

of medical expertise and the selfless gift of organ donation. Yet the waiting lists for organ transplants continue to grow. Some 2,000 people are on waiting lists in this province, and one person

dies every three days waiting for an organ transplant. We must do everything possible to raise awareness of the life-saving gift of organ donation.

To this end, I encourage all members of this House to ensure that the private member's bill being proposed by the member from Oak Ridges receives final approval

by this House and is implemented by the government without delay. That bill will ensure that every Ontarian is reminded regularly of the importance of organ donation, yet fully respects the

personal right of every individual to make this decision. We as legislators must do everything we can to increase the awareness of the importance of organ donation. By doing so, we will ensure that

lives are saved.

LONG-TERM CARE

Mr. Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): The plight of seniors, our eldest citizens in Dalton McGuinty's Liberal Ontario, is getting worse. They are

left sitting in wheelchairs like pieces of garbage, says Kathy Borisenko, who is co-chair of the family advisory council at Rapelje Lodge in Welland. She is a personal witness to the last three

years of the life of her father, Sam Dickson -- betrayed, along with other women and men who have worked so hard and built so much and given so much to their communities, to their province and to

their country, by the Liberals and Dalton McGuinty, who doesn't deliver on his promise of $6,000 a year in new money for residents of long-term-care facilities so they can have even the most basic

and minimum standards of care while they're living out those final years in those facilities: adults forced into diapers, left to sit in their own waste because there aren't enough staff to assist

them with the toilet and with bathrooms.

Does this government, with its $3-billion windfall in unexpected revenues, invest it in seniors? No; $1.2 billion in accelerated tax cuts for banks and insurance

companies, and our folks and our grandparents are left to decay in seniors' homes. You cut in half the mere 3% inflationary funding increase that the province provided on an annual basis for

long-term-care facilities. In October, you cut it in half.

Shame on Dalton McGuinty and every --

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Members' statements.

ANTI-SEMITISM

Mr. Mario G. Racco (Thornhill): Recently, two constituents of mine from Thornhill, Frank Dimant, executive vice-president of B'nai Brith Canada,

and Ruth Klein, national director of the League for Human Rights and a leading Canadian expert on anti-Semitism, released the 2005 Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents, an annual study on patterns of

prejudice in this country. The audit is recognized as a most credible source on anti-Semitism in this country.

Disturbingly, 544 anti-Semitic incidents took place in Ontario this year, an increase of 2.6% over 2004 numbers. While the cases of vandalism and violence

dropped in Ontario, cases of harassment rose by 29.8%. Incidents included vandalism against synagogues, swastikas on public sites and private homes, physical assaults against Jews and hate

propaganda via the Internet.

B'nai Brith Canada operates its anti-hate hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-892-BNAI, or 2624, which I encourage the public to use to report

acts of anti-Semitism, hate-motivated crimes, harassment and Internet hate. Reports can also be made online at www.bnaibrith.ca.

I commend B'nai Brith Canada for providing the world with this important service and look forward to continuing to work with them to eliminate racism,

discrimination and intolerance.

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE

Mrs. Christine Elliott (Whitby-Ajax): Gridlock is a serious problem in many parts of the greater Toronto area, but nowhere is it worse than in

Durham region. The recent budget tabled by the McGuinty Liberals was touted as a transportation and infrastructure budget, yet there was nothing in it for transportation in Durham region, one of

the fastest-growing regions of the province. This is totally unacceptable.

As I went from door to door in Whitby-Ajax during the recent by-election, people's frustration with the lack of action by the McGuinty government on the gridlock

issue was evident. People are concerned about the effect that gridlock is having on their families and on their communities. This is reflected in terms of personal stress and in the fact that it's

difficult to help in your community as a volunteer, be it as a coach of a soccer team or a board member of a charitable organization, if it takes you several hours to get home every night. This

lack of infrastructure funding also stifles economic growth by impeding the free flow of goods and services, an essential component in the manufacturing sector.

Currently, Highway 407 stops at Brock Road in Pickering. An extension of the 407 to Highway 115 is urgently needed for Durham region. While environmental

assessments have commenced, there seems to be a lack of political will on the part of the McGuinty Liberals to move the Highway 407 project forward and give it the priority it requires.

Why has the McGuinty government ignored the transportation and infrastructure needs of the residents of Durham region? For the sake of the personal and economic

well-being of our residents and our communities, we need relief from gridlock and we need --

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Thank you. Members' statements.

CITY OF CORNWALL

Mr. Jim Brownell (Stormont-Dundas-Charlottenburgh): The member who, for the time being, is representing Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey visited

the city of Cornwall on Friday to talk about the closure of the Domtar plant and made every effort to paint the city and riding as being in a state of decline. This is further proof that the member

aspiring to represent a Toronto riding just doesn't get it. Cornwall is not a city in decline. In fact, it is a city with a bright future. It is a community in a period of transition, and this

government is doing everything in its power to aid its renaissance. Through new hospital and school projects, repaired roads and water and waste water infrastructure, as well as funding for

cultural events and attractions, the McGuinty government is assisting an entrepreneurial spirit so prominent in the riding.

Many of my colleagues on the government side of this House are impressed by this spirit and have visited Cornwall and met with its leaders to see the development

going on in the city -- just a week and a half ago, my friend Mr. Zimmer was in the riding. Businesses are beginning to look at Cornwall with new eyes.

Cornwall is a city with a proud past and a bright future. Make no mistake: There are still hard times ahead and many of its citizens need assistance in preparing

for what lies ahead. This government has been there in support of those affected by the plant closures and will continue to be there to help them through the transition process. The people of

Cornwall are determined to look ahead rather than dwell on the past, a lesson the Leader of the Opposition would do well to heed himself.

IMMIGRANTS' SKILLS

Ms. Deborah Matthews (London North Centre): I'm delighted to tell the House about a wonderful new resource in Ontario for internationally

educated professionals and for employers seeking trained workers. I often hear from my constituents about foreign-trained professionals arriving in Ontario with credentials, degrees and experience

that would impress the toughest interviewer. Unfortunately, however, many new immigrants cannot find jobs in their fields and end up underemployed or unemployed. This is very demoralizing for the

immigrants and an unforgivable waste of highly skilled talent for Ontario employers.

However, one part of the solution has been found. Thanks to an initiative led by the WIL Employment Connections centre with the Waterloo Region District School

Board and COSTI Immigrant Services in Toronto, a great new website has been launched. With very generous support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, skillsinternational.ca is online and receiving

hits every minute.

Skillsinternational.ca features internationally educated professionals who are ready to work and have the skills that employers need. Immigrants, through an

approved agency, post their resumé on this site, and employers can search resumés by skills, experience, location and education. This online tool is cost-effective, efficient and the

first of its kind in Canada. Recently in my riding, Anne Langille, Lissa Foster and Sohail Khan from the WIL employment centre showed me how this website matches the many foreign-trained

professionals who are ready to work with the employers who need these skilled professionals.

CANADIAN FATALITIES

IN AFGHANISTAN

Mr. Lorenzo Berardinetti (Scarborough Southwest): I rise today to pay tribute to four courageous young men who died while bringing peace,

stability and security to a region and country so desperately in need of both.

Four Canadian soldiers died in Afghanistan early Saturday morning when a roadside bomb detonated under their Jeep as they were returning from a goodwill mission

to a northern village. There are no words that can truly or properly express the devastating death of a young person taken in life's prime. It is hard to comprehend and difficult to accept. Their

commitment to duty was the ultimate sacrifice, and for that we are eternally grateful.

Corporal Matthew Dinning was born in Richmond Hill and had been stationed at 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group in Petawawa. Corporal Dinning had followed in

the footsteps of his father, who had served in Bosnia, protecting the people and the values we hold so dear.

Lieutenant William Turner, born in Toronto, was of the Land Force Western Area Headquarters, stationed at Edmonton. Lieutenant Turner was a reservist and a

Canada Post letter carrier. Lieutenant Turner had the specific job of liaising with village elders in Afghanistan as a volunteer civil-military co-operation officer.

Bombardier Myles Mansell was born in Victoria, BC. He was of the 5th Field Regiment, stationed at Victoria. Myles was also a reservist and had been a carpenter

by trade. It was Bombardier Mansell's life-long dream to fight for Canadian values as part of the military. He served our country with great valour.

The fourth soldier was Corporal Randy Payne of Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, Alberta.

To the families of these fine soldiers, we offer our deepest sympathies on their loss. These men sacrificed all they knew, all the comforts, love and safety of

home, in order to defend the rights and freedoms of others. They died so we can live with the freedoms we enjoy and so the people of Afghanistan can come to enjoy peace. Their efforts in bringing

stability, peace and harmony to a country and its peoples and in defending their fellow soldiers, and their devotion to duty, will always be remembered. In recognizing their efforts to help others

gain a better quality of life today, let us remember their sacrifice and dedication always.

I would ask unanimous consent that we all rise for a moment of silence in recognition of the lives of our soldiers.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Mr. Berardinetti has asked for unanimous consent for a moment of silence. Agreed? Would members please

stand.

The House observed a moment's silence.

REPORTS BY COMMITTEES

STANDING COMMITTEE

ON THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

Mr. Bob Delaney (Mississauga West): I beg leave to present a report from the standing committee on the Legislative Assembly and move its

adoption.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Shall the report be received and adopted? Agreed.

The bill is therefore ordered for third reading.

WEARING OF RIBBONS

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: This is organ and tissue donation week in

Ontario. I'd like to seek unanimous consent for members to wear the green ribbon in recognition and to prepare for a ministerial statement on Thursday.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Agreed? Agreed.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

GREATER TORONTO

TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006 SUR LA RÉGIE

DES TRANSPORTS DU GRAND TORONTO

Mr. Takhar moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 104,

An Act to establish the Greater Toronto Transportation Authority and to repeal the GO Transit Act, 2001 / Projet de loi 104, Loi visant à

créer la Régie des transports du grand Toronto et à abroger la Loi de 2001 sur le Réseau GO.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

Does the minister wish to make a brief statement?

Hon. Harinder S. Takhar (Minister of Transportation): Mr. Speaker, I will make the statement during ministerial statements.

KEEP YOUR PROMISE ON

THE GAS PRICE WATCHDOG ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006 SUR L'OBLIGATION DE TENIR LES PROMESSES ÉLECTORALES CONCERNANT L'AGENT DE SURVEILLANCE DES PRIX DU CARBURANT

Mr. Bisson moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 105,

An Act respecting the price of motor vehicle fuel and the appointment of a Gas Price Watchdog / Projet de loi 105, Loi concernant le prix du

carburant pour véhicules automobiles et la nomination d'un agent de surveillance des prix du carburant.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

The member may wish to make a brief statement.

Mr. Gilles Bisson (Timmins-James Bay): This bill was introduced by a number of Liberal members in opposition at the time who believed -- I

don't believe it would have been you, Speaker. It was introduced by a number of Liberal members in opposition to the then Ernie Eves-Mike Harris government to create a gas price watchdog. I thought

it was a good idea, and as I looked at the price of gas this weekend, which went from about $1.02 to $1.41 in a period of one day in Timmins, I said to myself, "We need to have a watchdog; we need

to have something in order to deal with the price of gas, because clearly at the end of the day consumers are being gouged at the pumps."

MOTIONS

HOUSE SITTINGS

Hon. James J. Bradley (Minister of Tourism, minister responsible for seniors, Government House Leader): I move that, pursuant to standing

order 9(c)(i), the House shall meet from 6:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Monday, April 24, 2006, for the purpose of considering government business.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Mr. Bradley has moved government notice of motion number 112. Is it the pleasure of the House that the

motion carry?

All in favour will say "aye."

All opposed will say "nay."

In my opinion, the ayes have it.

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

The division bells rang from 1355 to 1400.

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

Ayes

Arthurs, Wayne

Balkissoon, Bas

Bartolucci, Rick

Bentley, Christopher

Berardinetti, Lorenzo

Bradley, James J.

Bryant, Michael

Cansfield, Donna H.

Caplan, David

Chudleigh, Ted

Colle, Mike

Crozier, Bruce

Delaney, Bob

Dhillon, Vic

Di Cocco, Caroline

Dombrowsky, Leona

Duguid, Brad

Duncan, Dwight

Dunlop, Garfield

Elliott, Christine

Flynn, Kevin Daniel

Fonseca, Peter

Hardeman, Ernie

Hoy, Pat

Hudak, Tim

Jeffrey, Linda

Kular, Kuldip

Kwinter, Monte

Levac, Dave

MacLeod, Lisa

Marsales, Judy

Matthews, Deborah

Mauro, Bill

McMeekin, Ted

Meilleur, Madeleine

Miller, Norm

Mossop, Jennifer F.

Munro, Julia

O'Toole, John

Orazietti, David

Ouellette, Jerry J.

Parsons, Ernie

Patten, Richard

Peters, Steve

Phillips, Gerry

Pupatello, Sandra

Qaadri, Shafiq

Racco, Mario G.

Ramal, Khalil

Runciman, Robert W.

Ruprecht, Tony

Sandals, Liz

Scott, Laurie

Sergio, Mario

Smith, Monique

Smitherman, George

Takhar, Harinder S.

Tory, John

Van Bommel, Maria

Watson, Jim

Witmer, Elizabeth

Wong, Tony C.

Yakabuski, John

Zimmer, David

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

Nays

Bisson, Gilles

Horwath, Andrea

Kormos, Peter

Marchese, Rosario

Martel, Shelley

Murdoch, Bill

Prue, Michael

Tabuns, Peter

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Claude L. DesRosiers): The ayes are 64; the nays are 8.

The Speaker: I declare the motion carried.

VISITOR

Mr. Tim Hudak (Erie-Lincoln): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: I would like the members to recognize the mayor of Port Colborne. His Worship

Ron Bodner has joined us in the assembly today.

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY AND RESPONSES

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Hon. Harinder S. Takhar (Minister of Transportation): Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise in the House today to talk about

legislation I am introducing to create the Greater Toronto Transportation Authority, known as the GTTA. Many of us live and work in different places, and we all want to spend less time commuting.

The GTTA will make it as easy to take public transit as it is to drive a car.

The greater Toronto area occupies less than 1% of Ontario's land area, but nearly half of the province's residents live in this region. Traffic congestion on

GTA roadways is a significant concern for the whole province. The 400 series highways that pass through this area are some of the busiest in North America. Much of the $900 million in two-way trade

that crosses the Ontario-US border every day travels on these roads. Delays threaten our prosperity.

It is in everyone's interest to reduce congestion and keep traffic moving quickly, reliably and safely. It is critical to our economic success and quality of

life.

In the next 25 years it is estimated that we will see an increase of nearly two million vehicles in the greater Toronto and surrounding area. The amount of

time spent stuck in traffic could increase by four times and drive the cost of congestion as high as $20 million a day. We can't let that happen.

If passed, our legislation will create an agency to bring together the province, the regions of Durham, Halton, Peel and York and the cities of Hamilton and

Toronto as well as local transit agencies to create a seamless and convenient transportation network -- a network that takes into account road, rail and transit services, and all other modes of

transportation.

The GTA is one economic region and our prosperity depends on a reliable and efficient transportation system that can move goods and people effectively and

efficiently. We need to take a region-wide approach to transit and transportation, one that meets the growing number and the growing needs of commuters in this region. This is consistent with the

government's overall approach to planning as outlined in the Places to Grow growth plan for the greater Golden Horseshoe.

Our transit and transportation problems and solutions are interregional in nature, crossing municipal boundaries. The GTTA will play a critical role in

planning for a seamless, integrated transit network so that people can use public transit to travel easily from Hamilton to Newmarket to Oshawa.

What does this mean for commuters? Convenience; better value; less time waiting for a connecting bus or train.

Our key objectives for the GTTA are to improve service, reduce congestion and remove artificial barriers to traveling. When people take public transit, they

don't think about municipal boundaries. They just want to get from one place to another, and they want to do so quickly, efficiently and in a reliable manner. We must avoid duplication in routes

and services.

Under our proposal, the GTTA will also be responsible for the GTA fare card system, spearheading the coordination of purchasing public transit vehicles and

managing GO Transit.

It makes sense to transfer GO Transit to the GTTA at the appropriate time. As the province's largest interregional transit provider, GO Transit supports the

GTTA's mandate of planning and identifying strategic investments. It also supports our goal of integrating transit and fare card systems.

The highly successful provincial gas tax program has increased ridership by 3.4 percentage points across Ontario. This program has allowed transit agencies to

purchase new buses, hire new drivers and add new routes. To put it in perspective, that is the equivalent of eliminating 18 million car trips a year.

The proposed GTTA will report to the Minister of Transportation. The authority will be overseen by a board appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

Under our proposed legislation, the GTTA will be governed by representatives from Durham, Halton, Peel and York regions, the cities of Hamilton and Toronto,

and the province. We will also establish an advisory committee of stakeholders representing seniors, students, persons with disabilities and the business community.

One of the GTTA board's first tasks will be to create a region-wide, multi-modal transportation plan. Annually, the agency will submit a rolling five-year

capital plan with an investment strategy.

Our government is bringing forward legislation that, if passed, will fulfill another election promise: to integrate transportation in the GTA and Hamilton area

and relieve congestion and gridlock. That will take much more than a quick fix. We need a broader comprehensive vision. We need to ensure that the transit and infrastructure are in place to support

strategic growth throughout the greater Golden Horseshoe.

We need a vision that puts transit in areas where we need future growth to happen. Our economy depends on how quickly and efficiently we can move people and

goods through the region.

Transit is our key priority. Now is the time to move forward. This is an important and exciting day for Ontario. I encourage all members of this House to

support the legislation that I have introduced today.

EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS /

SOUTIENS À L'EMPLOI

Hon. Madeleine Meilleur (Minister of Community and Social Services, minister responsible for francophone affairs): I rise in the House today

to announce that more than 2,000 Ontario Works clients are working right now, thanks to the McGuinty government's innovative pilot program Jobs Now.

One year ago, our government introduced Jobs Now to help long-term Ontario Works clients move into lasting employment and ultimately off social assistance.

Je suis très fière de faire un compte rendu sur les progrès et les succès du programme ActionEmplois, un projet pilote qui a fait une

différence réelle et très positive dans la vie de bien des Ontariennes et des Ontariens et leurs familles.

Jobs Now recognizes that many people who rely on social assistance want to find meaningful work, work that will last and that will allow them to make a better

life for themselves and their families. Jobs Now provides ongoing employment counselling, job placement and, most importantly, job retention support to help people find and keep jobs so they can

become financially independent from social assistance. These are not make-work jobs. These are real jobs, paying well above minimum wage in areas like sales, finance, administration and

transport.

Je voudrais féliciter chacun et chacune des 2 000 et plus participants au programme dans toute la région de la province qui ont maintenant un

emploi. Après avoir touché des prestations d'aide sociale pendant plus d'un an, ces personnes ont réintégré le marché du travail et leurs perspectives d'avenir se sont

améliorées. Leur réussite est une source d'espoir et d'encouragement pour les bénéficiaires de l'aide sociale de la province.

As we continue to place more and more people in steady jobs, we will not forget to support those who are currently working. Jobs Now will provide long-term job

retention services, up to 18 months' worth of follow-up support once somebody is placed in a job, because we know that keeping a job is as important as finding one in the first place. This is how

we will make sure people stay on the right track, because we want to do everything we can to make sure they succeed in their jobs, to help prevent them from needing to rely on social assistance

ever again in the future.

I would like to take a moment now to acknowledge those who have had a hand in making Jobs Now a success.

Mes sincères remerciements à nos partenaires du programme ActionEmplois.

The six municipalities -- Peel region, Durham region, Hamilton, Windsor, Ottawa and Nipissing -- that have taken pride in hosting this project; the local

chambers of commerce and 1,590 employers currently employing Jobs Now participants in these municipalities who have shown their tremendous support for Jobs Now, and set a positive example for other

businesses in these areas and across the province; and WCG International, our partner in improving employment prospects for social assistance clients in Ontario.

Jobs Now is a wonderful example of how this government is meeting its commitment to help move people off social assistance into steady jobs. It is part of our

plan to restore integrity to Ontario's social assistance programs: a plan that is helping improve the lives of thousands of Ontarians; a plan that is good for Ontario's economy and good for the

people of Ontario; a plan that recognizes that our people are our greatest resource and, when they can fulfill their potential, the entire province benefits.

I trust my honourable colleagues will join me in celebrating the progress Jobs Now has made so far and will continue to make in the future.

Je vous invite à vous joindre à moi afin de souligner les progrès et les succès d'ActionEmplois.

VOLUNTEERS

Hon. Mike Colle (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration): Last week, Swedish officials announced that Ontario's own 23-year-old from

Thornhill, Craig Kielburger, had been awarded the 2006 World Children's Prize for the Rights of the Child, otherwise known as the Children's Nobel Prize.

As many of you are aware, Craig has been a tireless advocate for the rights of children. This award is an acknowledgment of the tremendous work being carried

out by Free the Children, an organization that Craig founded in 1995. Over the past 11 years, Free the Children has engaged youth in Canada and the United States in the struggle to release young

people from poverty and exploitation. With programs in 45 countries, Free the Children has helped fund 420 school projects, has established clean water initiatives and has sent health supplies to

children around the world.

Craig's organization is a driving force behind a new generation of volunteers. Free the Children works tirelessly to get young people excited about volunteer

opportunities. Craig's work ensures that young volunteers get enthused about working on projects based in Canada or overseas. It is wonderful and reassuring to see young Ontario volunteers getting

international recognition. Craig and Free the Children youth coordinators Silvia Borzellino, Jessica Bentley-Jacobs, Theresa Karsner and Robyn Read are with us today in the gallery. I want to

acknowledge their presence and pass on our gratitude.

Craig and his young army of volunteers are a testament to the power of volunteerism. As the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, I want to congratulate

Craig and his volunteers on this extraordinary honour.

The announcement of Craig's award is timely given that it is now April, a month when Volunteer Canada asks Canadians to celebrate National Volunteer Week. This

year, National Volunteer Week is being celebrated between Sunday, April 23, and Saturday, April 29. It is a great opportunity for us to shine a spotlight on the thousands of Ontarians who donate

their time and energy to volunteer activities in their communities -- in their towns, cities and rural areas across Ontario.

Volunteers have built Ontario, and they're still building it. They make our province strong, healthy and proud. Volunteers bring hope. Whether it's a flood in

Peterborough or a tsunami in South Asia or helping the frail and elderly at our local hospitals and homes for the aged, volunteers, young and old, are there 24/7. Volunteers are always there to

support Ontarians in need. They provide comfort to those living with AIDS through projects like the Canada Africa Community Health Alliance, which offers skills and resources to those suffering

from that dreaded disease. They provide food and clothing for the homeless through programs like Out of the Cold in Toronto. They bring music and laughter and friendship. Volunteers give generously

of their time and skills and they make a positive difference in virtually every aspect of community life. From culture and education to health care, social services, sports and the environment,

their contributions improve the quality of life for all of us.

The people of Ontario have an impressive tradition of volunteerism. According to the most recent statistics, 2.4 million Ontarians donate over 390 million

hours each year to 45,000 charitable and non-profit groups. Ontario's volunteers give generously because they believe in the spirit of helping others and they are committed to making their

communities better places to live. In this way, they help build a civil society and strengthen the social fabric of our great province.

To help observe this special week, National Volunteer Week, I will be hosting a volunteer service award ceremony this Thursday evening, April 27, in

Scarborough, one of the 40 such events held in communities across Ontario to recognize and thank over 8,000 local heroes every year. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the province's volunteer

service awards. I am proud to say that since this program was created in 1986 under Premier Peterson, the government of Ontario has awarded approximately 100,000 volunteers for countless years of

service. This program will honour another 8,000 in communities like Aylmer, London, Owen Sound and Atikokan.

Many members of the Legislature have participated in these remarkable award ceremonies and I encourage them to continue to partake in their local events.

Volunteering is the bedrock of Ontario communities. It is an intrinsic part of who we are. Volunteers began the earliest hospitals, they began the earliest homes for the aged and other health and

welfare agencies. Today's volunteers are continuing this proud tradition of giving. More than nine out of 10 Ontario residents make annual donations to charitable organizations totalling more than

$2 billion. Three quarters of Ontarians give clothing or goods and more than half donate food.

Volunteers are leading Ontario in the present and they are making a brighter future possible. They build better neighbourhoods and a better Ontario. They show

commitment, passion and excellence and they empower others to reach their own potential. Like Craig Kielburger and Free the Children, they have turned idealism into action.

The sense of responsibility that Ontario's volunteers show for the well-being of fellow citizens and for the betterment of society must be continually

recognized and nurtured. That is why I urge my colleagues to join with me this week to show Ontario volunteers that we truly care and value their contributions. Thank you to all of Ontario's

incredible volunteers.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Mr. John O'Toole (Durham): It's a pleasure to respond to the Minister of Transportation. I would start by saying a promise is a promise is a

promise. It's like that Liberal expression that proof is a proof is a proof. Mr. Speaker, you would know that technically this has been announced four times. That is a record to date. It's been

over two years. I would say to you that on this side of the House we're quite surprised -- in fact, we're happy -- with this announcement on two fronts. First of all, it's unusual for the Liberals

to keep a promise. But we're not sure of that just yet, until all of the numbers are in. On the second part, when in government, we committed $40 million to this very same initiative. So the

question becomes then, what took so long?

I understand the minister has been busy with the Integrity Commissioner, and there may be other excuses. But we will keep a close eye on this file because if

you look at the governance, it's very strategically structured to isolate Durham region. In fact, if you look at this announcement, there's nothing here until 2010. In fact, there's a lot of fluff

and no substance. It is a typical Liberal charade. We'll have to see. On the five-year capital, to date Durham region has been ignored, and they are but one voice on the overall committee. If you

look at the bill itself, you'll see that sections 5 and 6 substantiate what Gord Perks, a well-known a lobbyist on public transit, called tinkering.

There's more work to be done on this file. What's taken so long?

VOLUNTEERS

Mrs. Julia Munro (York North): I'm pleased to respond to the message of the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. First of all, on behalf

of John Tory and the PC caucus, I'd like to welcome Craig Kielburger to the Legislature and congratulate him on the fine work he has done in the past few years. In recognition of volunteer week, I

would also add my thanks and acknowledge all the volunteers across the province who devote their time and effort to volunteerism in their communities. I would also like to particularly thank the

volunteers in my riding of York North, who give so much of their time and energy to make our community a better place to live.

Currently, there are over 7.5 million volunteers in Canada, involved in 180,000 not-for-profit organizations. These people are committed to improving the

contribute to hundreds of organizations.

This week honours those who make a difference: people like Bob Doutre of the Kinsmen, whom I helped honour as a life member this past Saturday, the same night

I joined the Pefferlaw Lions as they celebrated their 50th anniversary of service to the community.

Many will tell you that they volunteer to take on new challenges, share knowledge and abilities and also have fun. I believe it is very important to recognize

our volunteers, because they are the key players in holding together the fabric of our communities.

EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS

Mr. Tim Hudak (Erie-Lincoln): On behalf of the PC caucus, I'm pleased to respond to my colleague the Minister of Community and Social

Services.

We're always very pleased to hear about the success of the work-for-welfare policies instituted by the Mike Harris Conservative government in the province of

Ontario. We agree fundamentally that the best social program is a job. When people move from social assistance to the workforce, that is worth celebrating, as they bring home a paycheque, raise

their families and move on to buy a home and invest in the local economy. In fact, our success was some half a million individuals who left the welfare rolls under the Mike Harris government, and

we hope this trend will continue with the new government.

I remember -- I'll point out the irony -- that when my colleagues opposite were on this side of the House, they decried the work-for-welfare policy and said

they were against work for welfare, but now, on that side of the House, they have embraced work-for-welfare policies in a responsible manner, and I congratulate them for that.

I certainly hope these individuals will be the beginning, and those who worked in Cornwall, Kitchener-Waterloo or Niagara or the thousands of individuals in

the forest industry sector, who are now without jobs in Dalton McGuinty's Ontario, will see a turnaround so they can get back into the workforce.

Eighty thousand lost manufacturing jobs in Dalton McGuinty's Ontario is nothing to boast about. I say to my colleagues opposite: Reduce taxes, get hydro rates

under control and control government spending, and those jobs will return to our province.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Mr. Peter Tabuns (Toronto-Danforth): I rise to respond to the introduction of the Greater Toronto Transportation Authority bill by the

Minister of Transportation.

As you know, this initiative has been waited for for a long time. We recognize that an initiative to integrate transit systems can contribute significantly to

getting commuters out of their cars. If we want to deal with smog and congestion, we're going to have to get those commuters moved on to transit. But it's not clear to us at this point whether this

bill will actually make the difference that needs to be made. As all members of this House know, the devil in these matters is always in the details.

So I look forward to analyzing the legislation that has been put before us. I want to see if the lessons that have been learned from both the successes and

failures with regional transit authorities in other jurisdictions have been recognized and incorporated in the bill. I want to see if the lessons from Ontario's own past have been incorporated in

the bill. As you know, the Conservatives in the past tried to create a regional transit authority that failed for a number of reasons, one of which was a lack of power for that authority that

effectively left it without the ability to act.

In this announcement today, we're told that the GTTA will have the ability to develop and submit an annual capital plan and an investment strategy. If this

legislation, however, is to succeed, the province needs to reassume its role as a prime funder of transit in the GTA, in Ontario. Otherwise, this legislation, standing on its own, is not going to

change things.

As you know, since coming to power, the McGuinty Liberals have not taken up the responsibility of adequately funding municipal transit in the GTA; they have

not taken on the responsibility of adequately funding GO Transit. If we are to have transit that takes people out of their cars, puts them on rail, puts them on buses, puts them on subways, then we

will have to see an introduction of funding that will take a fairly empty shell and make it something that will actually have an impact.

EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS

Mr. Michael Prue (Beaches-East York): I rise in response to the Minister of Community and Social Services. Like you, Madam Minister, I rise to

salute the indomitable spirit of those who seek full-time jobs and those who are actually successful enough to find them. But I wonder where this government gets off trying to take kudos for what

you do. Certainly, I can see that the municipalities that have been involved have done what they were supposed to do, I can see that the chambers of commerce have done what they are supposed to do,

but you took the initiative to contract out your responsibilities to a private firm, WCG International, which through its own organization and its own PR firm, Artemis, goes around telling us about

the job that they do all the time. I will tell you, you have absolved yourself of your responsibilities and in fact you have bypassed the very municipal and community-based agencies that, before

this, were doing an excellent job.

What success have you really had as a government or has WCG had as an agency? They don't do the work; all they do is broker the work. They give it to the

municipalities, they give it to the community agencies, they take their fee for doing it. That's what they do in Peel region.

They have a success rate that is almost identical to that of the community agencies they replaced: 13.5%. So from the 2,000 people who found work, we have to

surmise that about 13,000 or 14,000 were not helped at all.

I don't know how much this company gets paid here; I haven't been able to find out yet. In British Columbia, they saved about $18 million from welfare

payments, but the British Columbia government paid them $31 million to do it: a loss of $13 million to the taxpayer.

The reality is you have tried to reinvent a program that was working very well with community-based and municipal agencies, and in the end all that has

happened is that you are helping the same number of people. You're having no greater success, but it's costing the taxpayers a bundle in the process.

VISITORS

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): Mr. Speaker, I think all members of the House would want to join with me in

offering a very warm welcome to the Ontario Medical Students Association, affiliated with the Ontario Medical Association.

ORAL QUESTIONS

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): My question is for the minister responsible for aboriginal affairs. As the minister knows, we were

given a briefing this morning by senior public servants concerning the Caledonia situation, which we appreciate. We noted then, as I would note now, the steps forward that were achieved over the

weekend, with hopefully much more to come as soon as possible.

We know that your office had correspondence a year ago bringing this matter to your attention. We learned in the briefing this morning that there had been

information pickets present on this site some time ago -- last fall some time. We know that the occupation began on February 28 and that there was an interministerial committee established that

day. Of course, the occupation has now been going on for more than 50 days. We were also told this morning, however, that direct negotiations involving senior officials of the government began only

10 days ago, and this was months after you got a letter, months after the first information picket on the site, which should have indicated trouble was coming and so on.

Why the delay on the part of yourself and the Premier, when an earlier start to negotiations might have led to less tension and to an earlier resolution to

this very serious matter?

Hon. David Ramsay (Minister of Natural Resources, minister responsible for aboriginal affairs): I'd like to thank the Leader of the Opposition

for attending the briefing this morning, as did the member from Parry Sound-Muskoka and the member from Timmins-James Bay. You understand, as we do, that it's a very serious matter.

I would say to the member that over the last two years, both the federal government and the Ontario government have established a process to resolve these

issues with the Six Nations. We called it the exploration. We explored what we are classifying as an accounting claim, to see if the land, as it was disposed of over the years, was properly

accounted for to the Six Nations community, as had been promised in the original proclamation. That has been ongoing and, in fact, has made some great progress over the last six months. What really

happened was that a faction of the community lost patience with the progress of that process and acted out as we've seen from the newspapers.

Mr. Tory: To the minister again: I had the opportunity to visit the area again this morning and speak to the local officials and to local

residents. It's interesting and, I would say, reassuring that the predominant sentiment among those I spoke to is the hope that the relationship that has evolved over hundreds of years between the

First Nations people and the other residents in the area won't be impaired by this series of events. I think we all would share that hope.

Another theme from the people I spoke to this morning -- average people, in one place or another, who are down there -- is that they feel they don't have very

much real, hard information. They see certain things in the media and so on, but they don't really know who is talking to whom and what's going on. The local government, as you know, is not really

at the table. While I know you have been in touch with them, they're really dealing with second-hand information.

Aside from what I know the OPP has done, and I commend them for it -- going from door to door in the immediate area around the occupation -- could you tell us

what steps you have taken -- I think they're very few in number -- and what steps you will take in order to make sure that the people who live in this area, broadly speaking, are properly informed

of what is going on and can receive that information with a certain sense of reassurance and so on? What are you going to do to better inform them?

Hon. Mr. Ramsay: I do appreciate the tone of the questioning from the Leader of the Opposition. I'd like to say to the member that today,

Mayor Trainer and council will be receiving a full briefing, as you did today, about the situation. I have been keeping in constant contact with her, and we feel that a full briefing before her and

council will help with that.

You have also outlined some of the other steps that are being taken. Representatives of the OPP have been going around trying to assure some calm with the

residents, whose lives have obviously been disrupted. Understandably, people are concerned and emotions can run high, and we are concerned about that. So they're going door to door to residences

and businesses to inform them of what is going on, because we want everybody to know that everybody is working around the clock to solve this situation.

Mr. Tory: I think the minister helped make the point of my final supplementary, because the OPP, in going around from door to door, can really

only address security concerns, if I can call it that, or policing concerns. As the minister knows and made reference to, there is a public meeting tonight, organized by the local residents. I

think we all hope that would be an opportunity for informed discussion, communication and understanding.

In the briefing we had today, one of your senior officials indicated that he would indeed be briefing the local council this afternoon but that nobody from the

Ontario government would be present at the meeting of residents tonight. I asked in particular whether that meant both public servants and elected officials, and he indicated that he could only

speak to the fact that there would be no public servants there, but I'm assuming there won't be any elected officials there as well.

In light of the importance of this being a constructive, informative kind of meeting with as positive an outcome as possible, will the minister commit that an

elected official, preferably a minister, will be there to represent the government of Ontario and ensure that people at that meeting are given the kind of accurate, up-to-date information that is

needed to ensure a successful outcome?

Hon. Mr. Ramsay: That's why we're having the full briefing with the mayor and the council this afternoon, so that the mayor can address this

local rally she is going to speak to with full information about what is going on. As the member should appreciate, we are in a very delicate balance right now, and a delicate phase of this

particular negotiation, and discussion is ongoing. I think that for an elected official of the government to come to a meeting or rally on just one side now could obviously tip the balance of this

discussion. Up till now, the general meetings around the large table involved all the partners in this, and I think that is the way to carry on.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): I should say it's not "one side" that's there tonight; it's the people who live there.

My question is to the Minister of Transportation. Can you confirm to the House today that there seems to be some discrepancy as to exactly how many times -- I

just want you to confirm that this is the seventh time you have announced the Greater Toronto Transportation Authority.

Hon. Harinder S. Takhar (Minister of Transportation): Let me tell you that what is really important is for us to develop a seamless,

integrated transit system in the GTA area. Let me also tell you what we are not going to do. We're not going to have GTTAs like the GTSB that the previous government had. What we're also going to

do is make sure this GTTA is going to work. That's what is really important.

Mr. Tory: Let's check the record: It's been announced in three budgets, two throne speeches and all the other announcements you've made at

Union Station. Including today, it may even be eight or nine; I was trying to be conservative, as I should be, in saying seven.

There are no details on when this is going to be up and running. There are no details on how much it's going to cost. But what we can see from this bill and

from your public statement today is that the single-fare system that you talk about so much will not be in effect for four more years. That will be seven years after the first of your seven

announcements that you've made -- seven years to actually get some progress on this.

Why can't you put a hurry-up on the single-fare initiative, not get it bogged down in all of your bureaucracy and so on, and get on with actually implementing

something instead of just doing public relations announcements?

Hon. Mr. Takhar: What is really important here is to address the needs of the commuters. The population is increasing, and the previous

government paid no attention to transit in this province. Those are the facts. I'm hoping that the Leader of the Opposition is going to direct his people and his MPPs here so that they will support

this legislation, because it's important legislation. It's not important whether I've talked about this six times, seven times, eight times or maybe 1,000 times. What is important is that the

people need to know that I've been moving on it and that the previous government didn't do anything for nine long years.

We are making investments and there's proof of that in our budget. This year we are putting $670 million for our subway system, $95 million for Mississauga

Transit, and we are putting another $95 million for Brampton Transit, so we are making real progress on this file.

Mr. Tory: Of course, this thing is so meaningful that you didn't even wait for it to make the announcements that you made in the budget. But

let's talk about what you've done or, more importantly, what you haven't done. This bill provides for an authority to run GO Transit. We already had an authority doing that. All you've done is

changed the name from the Toronto Area Transit Operating Authority to the Greater Toronto Transportation Authority. Knowing you guys, you'll spend millions on letterhead and new offices to

accommodate that bureaucratic change.

It provides for certain procurement responsibilities and then after that -- let's look at the words that are in the bill: "coordinating," "promoting,"

"coordinated decision-making," "advising," "working towards," "guiding." There's actually no power in there, no language to get anything done, to get any transit bill.

Why have you chosen to create an agency that will have no real power to get anything done and whose only specified project, the single-fare system, will take

until 2010 to get implemented? People can't wait that long. You'll talk about it another 993 times.

Hon. Mr. Takhar: Let me tell you what is important here. We need to reduce congestion on our highways. We're going to create a system that

will be integrated, that will be seamless, and it will work.

Let me give you a little bit of a -- maybe the Leader of the Opposition hasn't read the legislation yet. It is going to develop a long-term plan: It's going to

developing a five-year rolling capital plan and an investment plan. We are moving on developing a fare card system. For nine long years, they didn't do any damn thing on that, but we're going to

have a fare card system. People will be able to move from Hamilton to Durham on a single fare card. We're also going to set up a transit procurement agency so that all the municipal systems can

actually save money when they're procuring those buses. So this is a great step forward and a great day for Ontario.

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): My question is for the Acting Premier. Before last Thursday's use of force by the OPP at Caledonia,

were there ongoing discussions and negotiations with First Nation representatives and had those negotiations or discussions broken down before the use of force by the OPP on the morning of

Thursday, April 20?

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): To the minister responsible for aboriginal affairs.

Hon. David Ramsay (Minister of Natural Resources, minister responsible for aboriginal affairs): There have been ongoing discussions between

the two levels of government, and the chief, council and confederacy of the Six Nations. Obviously, there have been discussions with the developer involved and the eight contractors supporting the

developer on the development of that community there, that subdivision, besides the long-range processes that have been up and running for the last two years to deal with the land claim issues.

Mr. Hampton: The reason I ask is because this is a copy of the framework for police preparedness for aboriginal critical incidents. It talks

about promoting and developing strategies that minimize the use of force. It says that where there is "colour of right" -- in other words, a potential land claim by First Nations -- the OPP are to

emphasize that negotiations will be used at every opportunity and communicate that all people will be treated with respect. So if discussions and negotiations were continuing, have you asked those

in charge of the OPP why they would resort to use of force, when their own document says that they should promote discussion and negotiation?

Hon. Mr. Ramsay: I'll refer this to the Minister of Community Safety.

Hon. Monte Kwinter (Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services): You should understand that this is a two-track situation. You're

absolutely right: If it is a matter of negotiating treaties, land claims and things of that kind, there is a framework in place. You have to understand that there is another track, and that track

was a private individual, a developer, who bought the land 15 years ago. He had title to it and a certificate from the province of Ontario guaranteeing that title, and found that someone was

actually blocking him from accessing his property. He went to the Superior Court of Ontario and got an injunction. That injunction ordered the OPP to remove these people from the site. The OPP used

great restraint. They waited and waited, and from an operational point of view made the determination that this was the time when they had to act. I can't second-guess that, but this was a separate

issue dealing with the injunction that was authorized by a Superior Court judge in Ontario, which directed and ordered the OPP to act on it.

Mr. Hampton: With respect, the minister hasn't answered the question. Did you ask the Ontario Provincial Police why they resorted to use of

force in a situation where discussion and negotiation were continuing, where their own protocol says that where there is "colour of right" by aboriginal people, where they may have a legitimate

land claim, that discussion and negotiation are to be used and use of force is to be avoided? Did the OPP discount the colour of right? Have you asked them that? If you haven't, you ought to ask

them that. Please tell us the answer.

Hon. Mr. Kwinter: I should say that the member was invited to a briefing today and the OPP was there. He didn't show up, but it hasn't stopped

him from asking this question.

I should tell you again, and I said it in the response I gave previously, there are two tracks to this. If, in fact, this was strictly an issue where there was

a land claim and a dispute on that point, you're absolutely right: That was going on and those discussions were going on. But we have this added component, and that is a developer who went to a

Superior Court judge and got an injunction, and that injunction said, "You OPP are ordered to remove those people from that site." So they had that direction. It wasn't a matter of following -- if

this were a simple land claim and they were suddenly moving on it. This was a directive from a Superior Court judge, and they decided -- not only decided; they were given the order to do it, and

they did it.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): New question?

Mr. Hampton: My next question is again to the Acting Premier. What is puzzling about this is, here we have a situation where the McGuinty

government clearly could have headed off a serious situation. What we see now is, after there's been an altercation, a mediator has been appointed to hold discussions. What the First Nations want

to know is, why wasn't there this effort towards mediation; why wasn't there this effort to understand the point of view; why wasn't there this effort to resolve this situation before the OPP

resorted to use of force?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: To the minister of aboriginal affairs.

Hon. Mr. Ramsay: I think I'd like to reiterate the invitation that we did give the leader of the third party, who didn't attend the briefing.

I acknowledge the other members who did because, to get a full understanding of this -- but if the member wants to do this in question period, we can do it in question period. I think what's

important for the member to realize is that there was a full engagement over the last two years on this issue between both the federal and the provincial governments and the duly elected chief and

council of the Six Nations.

There is an issue here, and we've been working on it. If you ask Chief David General, he would tell you that there has been great progress made over the last

six months, and it was only when a group in the community became impatient with the progress of the process that this occupation started. But we have been engaged with this, and want to resolve

this with the community.

Mr. Hampton: With all due respect to the minister, your briefing today, which was attended by our staff and our representatives, really didn't

answer the question that I'm asking you here. You knew about the seriousness of this situation for over the last year. The warning signs were all there. But there was no mediator appointed. Things

were allowed to drift along. No leadership was shown. Then you get yourself into a situation where the OPP, despite their own protocol, enter into and use force in a situation where at the same

time you're trying to say to First Nation leadership, "Let's discuss and negotiate." Tell me, what message should anyone take if, on the one hand, you're saying, "Let's discuss and negotiate," but

not much is happening and, on the other hand, the OPP is using force?

Hon. Mr. Ramsay: All I can do is reiterate for the leader of the third party that this process, called the exploration, comprised of the two

levels of government and the elected chief and council of the Six Nations, had been steadily working over the last two years and made great progress over the last six months. This exploration has

published a document called Six Miles Wide. That is a reference to the original land grant that was made by the crown to the Six Nations of land, six miles either side of the Grand River, along the

length of it, from Lake Erie all the way to Orangeville, and the rules and regulations in regard to that. What's in question is, was the appropriate crediting of the disposition of that land made

to the Six Nations or not? We're all involved in that. We've made great progress on that and we continue to make progress. Hopefully out of this, we will expedite that process and get this resolved

once and for all.

Mr. Hampton: With due respect to the McGuinty government, when thousands of travellers cannot get between Montreal and Toronto on the VIA Rail

line, when you've literally got tasers and pepper spray being used in an altercation at Caledonia, where people are being arrested and where force is being used, that doesn't sound like progress to

people.

It seems to me that the McGuinty government needs to show some leadership here. You have had over a year to appoint a mediator and get down to brass tacks. Why

did you allow this situation to disintegrate to the point where the OPP are using force once again against aboriginal people, but then the day after that happens, you suddenly find the will to

appoint a mediator? Can you explain that to people?

Hon. Mr. Ramsay: What the member has to understand is how complex an issue this is. I would ask the member to think about this: It's not like

a labour negotiation: one side versus another side. There are at least six parties to this dispute that have to be brought into this. It is very complex. So we're working with all the parties. I

think you'd have to understand that the province has taken a leadership role even though land claims, as you know, are primarily a federal issue. But we have appointed the mediator. We are making

sure that the talks take place. We have our own negotiator there also, as does the federal government. I was in Ottawa today talking to the federal minister to keep him apprised of what we've been

doing there and make sure we're working together to resolve this. We are working together and we are going to resolve this.

The Speaker: New question.

Mr. Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North): My question today is for the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services. I'm confident that

you, as the minister responsible for the Ontario Provincial Police, are briefed each day on the situation at Caledonia. Minister, my question is fairly simple; it's not complex like some of the

questions the minister just responded to. My question is, how much does it actually cost on a daily basis to have the OPP at Caledonia?

Hon. Mr. Kwinter: Operational issues with the OPP are the responsibility of the commissioner of the OPP. The commissioner does not check with

me to see if they're spending the right amount of money or anything else. Any questions of that kind should be directed to the OPP. This is an operational issue for them. The commissioner deploys

her personnel in a manner that she and her executives deem to be appropriate. Whatever costs they have, they have to deal with that in their budget.

Mr. Dunlop: It's interesting to hear you answer the question that way. When we asked a couple of weeks ago, when we called the OPP, it was

someone from your office who responded to our call.

Minister, a week ago in this House I pointed out to you that the expenditure estimates for this year indicated that the field and traffic services of the OPP

had to be slashed by some $31.3 million. You denied this. The Caledonia crisis has created a huge drain on the OPP budget. Officers from across the province have been sent to Caledonia, leaving

serious gaps in the staffing at their home detachments, things like overtime at the home detachments. My question is very simple: Are you prepared to allocate additional emergency funding to the

OPP, and if so, how much funding would you allocate?

Hon. Mr. Kwinter: The OPP have to be prepared for many, many contingency things that happen. This is part of their responsibility and part of

their operation. Again, the commissioner has the responsibility to allocate her personnel resources, the people, the manpower, in a way that will provide security and safety in the best interests

of the public. I do not interfere with that particular aspect of her job. I can tell you we have increased the funding to the OPP regardless of what you feel about it. I can tell you that if you

take a look at the budgetary estimates, they'll show you that. I can tell you that in my regular communication with the commissioner, there has never, ever been a question raised about inadequate

financial resources.

KASHECHEWAN FIRST NATION

Mr. Gilles Bisson (Timmins-James Bay): My question is to the Acting Premier. You would know that there is currently another crisis in

Kashechewan, this time another spring flood. What is troubling -- I was contacted by one of the media outlets yesterday and I've checked this out: Yesterday, in attempts to get up to Kashechewan,

this particular media outlet, MCTV of Timmins, was actually being hindered by EMO staff. What is more troubling is that it was confirmed this morning by chief and council that EMO staff at the

briefing yesterday in the town of Kashechewan was trying to encourage the community to keep the media out. Is it the policy of this government to keep the media out of a situation like that?

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): The Minister of Community Safety.

Hon. Monte Kwinter (Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services): The member will know that last year at exactly this time when

there was a flood, I flew up to Kashechewan with a media person -- on your airplane, though. It was on your airplane. You have to understand: This is an operation where there are evacuations taking

place going to Greenstone, Cochrane, Timmins; there's flooding.

The ability of the media to go up there is their responsibility. It is not the responsibility of the EMO to accommodate media people there. That doesn't mean

they can't go, but they have to make their own arrangements to get there.

I'm sure you know better than all that it's a very, very difficult situation because of the weather at the moment. The airport is flooded in Kashechewan; the

road to the airport is flooded. They're going by helicopter from Kashechewan to Fort Albany. It is a major operation, and the last thing that EMO needs to do is to also take responsibility for

moving media around.

Mr. Bisson: My question is not asking EMO to organize the transportation of journalists; they know how to do that themselves. That wasn't the

question. The question is, is it the policy of the EMO now at this point to try to keep the media out once they get in the area? That is, first of all, what the media has told me, but it is also

what the chief and council have told me yet again, and I've confirmed it two or three times to make sure. So my question to you is a simple one, back to the original question: Is it the policy of

the McGuinty government today to keep the media out of situations like Kashechewan?

Hon. Mr. Kwinter: The answer is a very simple no. But you have to understand, at the present time the only way into Kashechewan is by air and

the only way to really get in there is by helicopter. Again, the last thing they need when they're using these helicopters to transfer evacuees from Kashechewan to Fort Albany and then to Timmins,

to Cochrane, to Greenstone, is to have another aircraft out there that has no reason to be there other than they want to cover this thing from a media point of view. That is their responsibility.

EMO also has a responsibility, and they have to determine whether or not this is something that is going to complicate their operations.

POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION

AND SKILLS TRAINING

Mr. Dave Levac (Brant): My question is for the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. Minister, I know you've visited my riding and

you know just how important Brant is to the provincial economic outlook. We're within the boundaries of Places to Grow; we're located in the hub of a transportation system. We're a prime geographic

area for development and delivery of goods. The downtown core is undergoing a dramatic revitalization led by the institutions offering post-secondary education, not only to the residents of Brant

but to many individuals and students from around the province looking for very specialized courses that are offered in Brantford.

We have newly arrived companies like Procter and Gamble, Ferraro, Maidstone, Chiporama and many others. Just around the corner from us is the expansion of

Toyota Canada. The new companies that are being attracted to Brant and Brantford are looking for skilled workers. Minister, would you tell us, as a government, what we're doing to assist employers

in finding workers who have the right skill sets to support and encourage this exciting new growth in my riding?

Hon. Christopher Bentley (Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities): I'd like to thank the member for Brant for all the work that he's

been doing in advising this government about not only the great business opportunities that are developing in the Brantford area, which, as he says, are key to the economic growth of the region,

but also on the specific training and educational needs of those workers: how we can make sure that the community itself develops its appropriate set of workers.

We have some initiatives through the labour market development and labour market partnership agreements that have been recently signed by this government, the

first time ever that we have those, and we are working with communities such as his right now on how to make sure that those investments accrue to the benefit of workers locally. I've been speaking

with the member about projects such as phase 2, the Heritage Block, and phase 3, in determining what will best meet the skills development needs of the community and the businesses in the

region.

Mr. Levac: Minister, thanks for the clarification. I'm glad you brought up those projects that are coming. I know you've been informed of

recent inferences by some individuals about the role the province should and could play in the Brantford Centre for Post-Secondary Education -- a Wilfrid Laurier University/Brantford/Mohawk

College/city of Brantford/Grand Valley Educational Society proposal. I find it interesting that, even within the stakeholders' groups, there seem to be individual

interpretations of what role the

province should play and does play. We want no more speculation, Minister.

Quite clearly, I am interested in the direction of this government with respect to post-secondary education and the skills development groups and trades in my

riding. Minister, I know that you and former ministers have toured the sites right there on campus and met with various stakeholders of all the groups that are concerned about growing

Laurier-Brantford in my riding.

Would you please state clearly what took place at those discussions and commitments and what commitment the province made on phase 2 of the Brantford Centre? I

appreciate a direct answer.

Hon. Mr. Bentley: I applaud the initiative of the people in the community of Brantford and the surrounding community for the hard work they've

been doing in developing post-secondary education institutions in the community.

No, the province did not commit to directly fund phase 2, but is the province there? Absolutely. First of all, approximately six years ago, there were no

university students in the community of Brant. Now, through the Laurier-Brantford project, there are 1,400. Who funds those? The province of Ontario funds those students.

Mohawk-Brantford students are in the community -- 900 of them. Who funds those? The province of Ontario.

The institutions which join together to develop further capital projects, both Mohawk and Laurier, have been funded in their own home bases through capital

projects of the province of Ontario, enabling them further capacity to build in Brantford. We're there in a big way, and we'll continue to be.

COAL-FIRED GENERATING STATIONS

Mr. John Yakabuski (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke): My question is for the Minister of Energy. Given the fact that the Premier admitted last week

that your coal replacement plan is not working, describing natural gas as "volatile" and wind as "expensive and unreliable," why have you refused, while other jurisdictions have taken advantage of

technologies available to them with regard to clean coal power, to even consider this clean, reliable, economical source of electricity for the province of Ontario?

Hon. Donna H. Cansfield (Minister of Energy): There is no technology for clean coal. There's technology for cleaner coal. There are four types

of technology: Endopipe, which is your scrubbers; the second is fluidized or supercritical, which is just as expensive as or more expensive than many and gives you the same emissions as natural

gas. The third is integrated gasification combined cycle currently used in chemical and rarely used in electricity. The final is zero emissions, which is totally theoretical and doesn't exist,

except in the laboratory. So there is no such thing as clean coal. There is cleaner coal technology, but we still have to deal with CO 2 emissions, mercury emissions and toxins.

We have made a decision. Our commitment is firm. There is no question that in the integrated supply mix they have looked at the issue of gasification in the

future. When the technology's improved and there's a possibility of that being applied in an economical way for the people of Ontario, I'm sure the Ontario Power Authority will consider it.

Mr. Yakabuski: Minister, given your own response that it was as good as natural gas, equal to natural gas in your own statement, the fact that

your replacement of natural gas is not adequate and wind is a dream, and the fact that last year we produced record amounts of power from coal-fired stations and imported record amounts of

coal-fired power from the United States, how do you square it with the environmentalists in this province and in your caucus that, on one side, you condemn the use of coal, but on the other side

you have refused to invest one nickel in the technologies available to clean up our own coal plants while you continue to run them, and it is very likely that we will continue to run them long

before your coal closeout deadline? Why will you not invest in cleaning up those coal plants on behalf of our environment?

Hon. Mrs. Cansfield: I would say to the member that I indicated the same emissions as natural gas. I understand that he may have wanted to

have the same dream that we have of clean, green, renewable energy. Too bad you didn't have that dream. As a matter of fact, what you dreamed instead was how to reduce the power in this province by

almost 2,000 megawatts before we turned things around and put a plan in place that's going to make a difference for the people of Ontario.

We've made a commitment to get rid of dirty coal plants. That commitment is firm and we're moving on. I've given the member the answers around the cleaner coal

technology. There is no question that there are jurisdictions around the world that are looking at this technology. As a matter of fact, two of them are in Canada; here just outside of Ottawa,

where they're looking at that technology.

We've just invested $4 million to go into research and development to look at alternatives in biomass. We know that there are opportunities out there. It's too

bad you didn't have a chance --

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Thank you. New Question.

GASOLINE PRICES

Mr. Gilles Bisson (Timmins-James Bay): My question is to the Minister of Energy. Can you explain to me what international factors caused the

price of gas in the city of Timmins to go from $1.08 Saturday to $1.40 Sunday morning and back down to $1.08 Sunday afternoon?

Hon. Donna H. Cansfield (Minister of Energy): What I can say to the member is I'm thinking, what an opportunity we have here now that we have

Mr. Flaherty in Ottawa -- Mr. Flaherty, who at one time challenged Ottawa to freeze the gas tax the way Ontario had.

Interjection: Really?

Hon. Mrs. Cansfield: Absolutely. We're suggesting maybe he could take his own advice. Also, Mr. Flaherty called the GST "a galloping tax on

gasoline that was unfairly tied to rapid price measures." I think that maybe you and I could go to Ottawa and see Mr. Flaherty. Let's see what we can do to make a difference about those rising

prices in Ontario.

Mr. Bisson: Minister, why don't --

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Order. We can wait.

Mr. Bisson: Minister, why don't you try tapping the shoulders of people like Michael Colle in the Liberal caucus, Mr. Bartolucci in the

Liberal caucus, Mr. Crozier in the Liberal caucus, Mr. Bradley in the Liberal caucus -- all the Liberals who in opposition said they wanted to do something when they got to government? And you want

me to go and lobby James Flaherty? Come on, it goes fast. I asked you a question, and the question was very simple: What happened internationally to allow the price of gas in Timmins to go from

$1.08 Saturday night to $1.40 Sunday morning, only to drop by 30 cents two hours later? What international pressures did that?

Hon. Mrs. Cansfield: I'm sure the member reads the same newspapers that I read, and he's well aware of the international pressures that are

out there dealing with Iraq and the US. So I know that he's asking the question because he really wants to come with me to Ottawa so that we can make a difference in terms of that GST.

But he also is well aware that in fact it is the responsibility of the federal government and not the provincial government, and that in fact there's also the

Competition Bureau. Now, the federal government itself identified the Competition Bureau as having the responsibility, that they were the ones who were going to oversee, they were the ones who were

going to investigate. That same Competition Bureau indicated that if they could find any differences in what was reviewed in the United States or what was reviewed in Canada, they would be prepared

to look at it once again.

So again, I suggest to the member that I'd be more than pleased to go with Mr. Bisson to Ottawa to raise --

The Speaker: Thank you, Minister. New question

RENEWABLE FUELS

Mr. Vic Dhillon (Brampton West-Mississauga): My question is to the Minister of Energy. More than 15 years of neglect and cancelled energy

projects means our existing power sources are aging and may soon provide less power than we need. Some, like coal plants, are just bad for our people's health. I know our government is turning this

sorry situation around. In the past few weeks, you've drawn the attention of the House to three wind projects which are providing clean power to our province.

Minister, citizens in my riding are counting on our government to ensure that we have enough safe, clean and reliable electricity in Ontario to meet the

province's needs, and they're prepared to see their community play its part. Can you tell us some other steps being taken to ensure Ontario has enough power, and power that is clean and

sustainable?

Hon. Donna H. Cansfield (Minister of Energy): I'd like to thank the member from Brampton-Mississauga West. He's right: We have announced a

number of wind projects that are clean, green and renewable. But also today, I had the opportunity to be very close to where the member's riding is, and that's where we introduced the Britannia

Road landfill gas plant. Enough megawatts are being produced at that gas plant that would actually deal with the power needs not only of the water treatment plant but also of the town of

Streetsville. Again, it's another opportunity where, right in a local community, distributed energy -- we can look at the needs that are there in the community and use an existing landfill site.

Instead of burning off that methane into the air where it's causing huge emissions, we've now captured it and are producing energy from it. I have to say the region of Peel, Enersource in

Mississauga and certainly the proponent all worked together over a good number of years to make sure this has happened. The bonus: There's a golf course right on top of it all.

Mr. Dhillon: Thank you, Minister. I'm glad you shared this example of how people in my region can help provide renewable energy to meet our

needs and the needs of our province.

Minister, can you tell me what you see as the benefits of this project, from both an environmental and an energy perspective?

Hon. Mrs. Cansfield: Again, I thank the member. One of the most important things is the reduction of emissions into the air. The other is to

be able to use a local energy source for the local people. We have had over 19 projects that have been agreed to by the Ontario Power Authority. We have announced a significant number of those.

They include biomass. The Lynn cattle biodigester is going to be up and running soon, not only for that farm, but also for that local community. The Britannia landfill is another example; Eastview

landfill; Melancthon, up in Shelburne; Erie Shores -- 99 turbines. I'm sure that the member, Mr. Barrett, was thrilled to have $186 million go into his community, when that land --

Hon. Joseph Cordiano (Minister of Economic Development and Trade): Is that Toby Barrett?

Hon. Mrs. Cansfield: That's right. That's Mr. Barrett's community.

It was amazing that what we've been able to do by shutting down the coal-fired plants is reduce the emissions and have cleaner air not only for ourselves and

our children, but for our children's children. They are up. They are running. I'll take you to show you. Those turbines are phenomenal.

NORTHERN ECONOMY

Mr. Norm Miller (Parry Sound-Muskoka): I have a question for the Minister of Northern Development and Mines. The city of North Bay is facing

serious fiscal challenges and your government is not helping. In fact, you don't even seem to know that North Bay exists. The Premier recently visited North Bay, and I'll quote from the North Bay

Nugget after his visit: "Premier Unprepared for Visit: McGuinty Vague with Answers, Calls City by Wrong Name During Stop."

Minister, councillors are talking about massive cuts to city services because of shortfalls in provincial funding. Why are you ignoring the city of North

Bay?

Hon. Rick Bartolucci (Minister of Northern Development and Mines): Well, let me tell you that the area of Parry Sound-Muskoka should be

represented as well as the area of Nipissing-North Bay. North Bay -- and all of northern Ontario -- is very much on the radar screen of this government. Let me just highlight two projects that I

believe are very important and that were advocated quite aggressively by Monique Smith, the member from North Bay: There's the brand new hospital which is going to be built and, in the first round

of COMRIF, a $45-million water treatment plant. This government is committed to all of Ontario and we are showing by our actions that northern Ontario finally counts in a government in Ontario.

Mr. Miller: Minister, I hate to disagree with you, but the North Bay city councillors seem to have a different perspective. In fact, they say

your government is unresponsive to issues of provincial funding shortfalls for North Bay, and I'll quote from the North Bay Nugget. This is what the councillors say: "The city has been trying to

draw provincial attention to the issue for the past two years."

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Stop the clock.

Member for Parry Sound-Muskoka.

Mr. Miller: "Little ground has been gained despite raising the concerns with Nipissing MPP Monique Smith and other provincial officials....

`And we can't even get a phone call,' he said, noting the many meetings, phone calls and letters have gone unanswered."

The city is facing a $4.3-million shortfall this year. When is the government going to respond to the calls for help from the city of North Bay?

Hon. Mr. Bartolucci: Let me continue what this government has done for the city of North Bay: 2006 Ontario municipal partnership funding,

almost $17 million; roads and bridges, almost $4 million; 2006 gas tax allowance, $975,000; COMRIF funding, almost $15 million. The good news goes on and on and on -- a new hospital, a new water

treatment plant, completion of the four-laning of Highway 1l -- all because we have a member from North Bay who believes that advocacy is extremely important, unlike the previous government and the

government before, which turned their backs on North Bay, turned their backs on Sudbury, turned their backs on Kenora, turned their backs on all of northern Ontario. Finally, a government cares

about northern Ontario.

WORKPLACE SAFETY

AND INSURANCE BOARD

Mr. Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): A question to the Minister of Labour: Workers across this province have been waiting for the appointment of

a new chair of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. Can the McGuinty government assure them that this government will not fill this important position with an unqualified, anti-worker,

partisan appointee like unemployed Liberal Steve Mahoney?

Hon. Steve Peters (Minister of Labour): I thank the member for his interest in the WSIB, because we all recognize the important role the WSIB

plays in looking after the needs of injured workers here in the province of Ontario.

As the member should well be aware, there was an advertisement placed in the Globe and Mail, engaging a process for the recruitment of a new chair of the WSIB.

This was in keeping with the commitment we made as a government for more open and transparent processes in the appointment of important individuals in this province. An interview process has been

undertaken, and I'm confident that the honourable member will hear an announcement in the near future.

Mr. Kormos: Minister, last year you assured this House that a new chair would be appointed by January in "an open and transparent process."

Workers across this province are extremely frightened about rumours that the fix is already in, that Steve Mahoney has got the job. One thing he could never do is keep his mouth shut. Mahoney is

not only a partisan selection; he's the author of the notorious "back to the future" report that called for rate cuts for bosses, no extending of coverage for workers and no compensation for

stress.

Will you tell this House and workers across this province today, will you let them sleep well tonight and assure them that you have no intention of appointing

this anti-worker Liberal hack as chair of the WSIB?

Hon. Mr. Peters: I thank the honourable member again for the question. For the first time ever in the province of Ontario, we have embarked on

an open and transparent process of hiring the chair of the WSIB. It's never happened in the province of Ontario before. As well, I think the honourable member recognizes -- I look at the

correspondence that I've received from the honourable member -- the various challenges that workers in this province are facing. Many of those challenges are a result of the Friedland formula that

was implemented by the NDP government, which started to cut the benefits for injured workers, and that was accelerated by the Conservative Party. We have forgotten about the damage that the NDP did

to the WSIB.

My predecessor ordered an independent audit of the WSIB; the WSIB has moved forward on the implementation of those audit recommendations. We're trying to turn

things around at the WSIB. We've been through the process. You'll hear very shortly of this --

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Thank you. New question.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Ms. Judy Marsales (Hamilton West): My question is for the Minister of Transportation. The announcement today of the creation of the

transportation authority, including the Hamilton-Toronto corridor, was welcome news to the people of Hamilton. The congestion on our highways costs Hamilton in lost economic opportunity and extra

pollution as thousands of cars crawl down the highway day after day, in addition to the huge people cost. Can you please tell the House what the mandate of the transportation authority will be and

how this will help my constituents? Also, as a sidebar, I would like to add Hamilton to the name, such as the greater Toronto-Hamilton transportation authority. Could you just explain that to us,

please?

Hon. Harinder S. Takhar (Minister of Transportation): I want to thank the member from Hamilton West for asking this question. I also want to

thank her and the other colleagues of mine from the Hamilton area who helped us actually come to this conclusion that Hamilton needed to be included as an important part of the GTTA.

For us, the key objectives for the GTAA are: (1) to improve service; (2) to make sure that congestion is relieved; (3) to make sure that there are no

artificial barriers to travelling.

The key mandate will be that the GTTA will make sure that there's a long-term plan in order to address congestion. There is a five-year rolling plan for the

capital and an investment plan for the capital so that we can address some of these important issues that have been ignored for a long time.

Ms. Marsales: Statistics show that we will have another 3.7 million people moving into our region over the next 25 years. The time is now to

have in place a transportation system that supports this population growth. As population increases and we see more and more cars on our roads, the introduction of the greater Toronto-Hamilton

transportation authority, which will integrate and coordinate transit systems, is certainly great news for commuters from Hamilton right through to Whitby.

Hamilton needs a regular, reliable, full-service GO train. Can you please explain to me what we as a government have done for Hamilton's public transit system

since coming into office?

Hon. Mr. Takhar: I couldn't agree more with the honourable member that we need a transportation system that is reliable, effective and

efficient. That's why we are moving ahead with the GTTA, so that we can create an integrated public transit system that is seamless, by which people can go from one place to another in an effective

and efficient manner, and so that it becomes a real choice to take public transit instead of using cars.

The other thing that we are doing is making sure there is one fare card system that people will use when travelling from Hamilton to Durham. They will also

have the choice to go by rail, bus or highway when commuting from one place to another. At the end of the day, what we really want to make sure is that people travel from one place to another

quickly and efficiently, that there's less congestion and that we can move goods effectively on our highway system. GTTA will go a long way for us to accomplish some of those objectives.

HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION

Mr. Jim Wilson (Simcoe-Grey): My question is for the Minister of Transportation. Rather than restarting the construction of the realignment of

Highway 26 between Stayner and Collingwood, which your government cancelled shortly after coming to office, your ministry announced last week that it will start a five-day engineering value audit.

Your ministry staff are spending today in Collingwood and then they're going to spend the following four days at a Toronto hotel reviewing this project that you cancelled three years ago. They

don't even have the courtesy to stay in a hotel in my riding or in the Collingwood area.

Having said that, Minister, can you confirm that this is true, and can you explain once and for all to my constituents why you cancelled the realignment of

Highway 26 between Stayner and Collingwood, a mere 6.2 kilometres of road?

Hon. Harinder S. Takhar (Minister of Transportation): As the member said, the detailed design is on hold pending value engineering studies

scheduled for spring 2006. It's important for us to make the right decisions. In order to make the right decisions, we need to do the value engineering study to see what are the most effective ways

to do these kinds of projects, and that's exactly what we are doing. The detailed design eventually will be devised to incorporate the recommendation of the value engineering study, and the

regional provincial approvals it requires will be obtained at that point in time. At least we are moving ahead on that project. There was nothing done on this project before.

Mr. Wilson: That simply isn't true. I'm going to send over via the page a sampling --

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): We need you to withdraw that comment.

Mr. Wilson: Sorry; I withdraw that. Clearly, what you said is inaccurate. In fact, when I sent these cards out to the people in my riding, it

contained a picture of the half-built highway. I gave a copy of that to you one day and I also gave a copy to your assistant deputy minister.

The fact of the matter is that this highway was started. It was approved in the 2000 budget and $31 million was set aside. They call it the stealth freeway up

there; it's only good for landing airplanes on at the moment. The fact of the matter is that it was half built. I don't know whether it was for partisan political reasons or just out of spite of

some sort, but you cancelled it. In fact, in the summer of 2003, you took the construction vehicles off the highway. That's unfair. You're holding up thousands and thousands of jobs. You're holding

up malls. You're holding up housing developments. This is an area that has lost over 540 manufacturing jobs in the last few months. It's been hard hit. Again I ask --

The Speaker: The question has been asked. Minister?

Hon. Mr. Takhar: If I heard the statement right, the member said that we took the crew off in the summer of 2003. I don't think we were in

power in summer 2003, so I'm sure it's your government that did that.

In addition to that, I want to tell the member, and I hope he's aware of this, that we came across an issue. There's a graveyard along the way and we need to

address that issue with the community before we can resolve these problems. I hope the member stays in touch with the community to see what the real issues are.

Mr. Wilson: On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: I wish to correct my record. The minister is right. It was the summer of 2004.

The Speaker: Thank you. New question.

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): My question is to the minister of aboriginal affairs. Minister, the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug

First Nation, otherwise known as Big Trout First Nation, has indicated that they are opposed to the Platinex mining exploration company operating on the traditional territory of the First Nation.

Yet when the First Nation members protested and picketed this mining exploration company, the McGuinty government's response was to send in the OPP. The First Nation is asking the McGuinty

government now, will you tell Platinex mining exploration company not to operate on the traditional territory of the First Nation until your government starts to meet its responsibilities to the

First Nation under the Mikisew Supreme Court of Canada decision?

Hon. David Ramsay (Minister of Natural Resources, minister responsible for aboriginal affairs): I refer that to the Minister of Northern

Development and Mines.

Hon. Rick Bartolucci (Minister of Northern Development and Mines): As with the earlier case that was discussed, our ministry remains in

contact with the community, and we will continue that contact and that dialogue. Certainly I'm not going to debate what actions are going to be used or what actions aren't going to be used at this

point in time, but clearly that dialogue between my ministry staff and the First Nations community is an ongoing one.

PETITIONS

GASOLINE PRICES

Mr. Jerry J. Ouellette (Oshawa): I have a petition that reads:

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas gasoline prices have continued to increase at alarming rates in recent months; and

"Whereas the high and unstable gas prices across Ontario have caused confusion and unfair hardship to Ontario's drivers while also impacting the Ontario

economy in key sectors such as tourism and transportation;

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

"That the Parliament of Ontario consider an immediate gas price freeze for a temporary period until world oil prices moderate; and

"That the provincial government petition the federal ... government to step up to the plate and lower gas prices by removing the GST on gasoline products and

fix the federal Competition Act to ensure consumers are protected and that the market operates in a fair and transparent manner."

As I support it, I affix my signature.

BORDER SECURITY

Mr. Bob Delaney (Mississauga West): I have a petition to the Ontario Legislative Assembly from a group of citizens in the city of Mississauga

who are fed up with the inaction of the federal Harper Conservative government, and it reads as follows:

"Whereas the United States government, through the western hemisphere travel initiative, is proposing that American citizens require a passport or

single-purpose travel card to travel back and forth across the Canadian border; and

"Whereas a passport or single-purpose travel card would be an added expense, and the inconvenience of having to apply for and carry a new document would be a

barrier to many visitors; and

"Whereas this will mean the loss of up to 3.5 million US visitors in Ontario, losses of $700 million, and the loss of 7,000 jobs in the Ontario tourism

industry by the end of 2008; and

"Whereas many of the northern border states in the United States have expressed similar concerns regarding the substantial economic impact of the

implementation of this plan; and

"Whereas the safe and efficient movement of people across the border is vital to the economies of both of our countries;

"Therefore,

be it resolved that we, the undersigned, respectfully petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to support the establishment of a bi-national

group to consider alternatives to the proposed border requirements and inform Prime Minister Harper that his decision not to pursue this issue with the United States is ill-advised."

I couldn't agree with this petition more. I'm pleased to affix my signature to it and to ask page Philippe to carry it for me.

SCHOOL CLOSURES

Mr. Ernie Hardeman (Oxford): I have here a petition signed by a great number of my constituents, primarily from the area of my riding called

Kintore.

"To the Parliament of Ontario:

"Whereas the Thames Valley District School Board has created its five-year draft capital plan without school board trustee or public input (relying on

questionable data provided by C. N. Watson and Associates Ltd.) and in doing so, targeted several rural, small-town and single-school community schools for closure as a means of reducing inventory,

we ask not only that the Thames Valley District School Board be required to adhere to the 10-step capital planning process, but that the rural-urban diversity that exists within the board's

jurisdiction (one of the largest in Ontario) be acknowledged and maintained.

"We, the undersigned, strongly oppose in principle the Thames Valley District School Board's proposal to close A. J. Baker Public School in Kintore, Ontario,

as it is a vital rural school situated in a single-school community, and petition the Parliament of Ontario as follows:

"To ensure that the Thames Valley District School Board be held accountable for every step, followed or otherwise, in the 10-step capital planning process and

for all recommendations that are out of sync with current Ministry of Education financial and philosophical support pertaining to rural and small community schools, as described in ministry

backgrounder documents issued in December 2005; and

"To bring forth the release of targeted funding for rural elementary schools who, under the current funding formula, are being marked for closure by the Thames

Valley District School Board and thus unfairly bearing the weight of system-wide budget constraints."

As I said, it's signed by a great number of my constituents, and I will affix my signature too.

COMMUNITY MEDIATION

Mr. Bob Delaney (Mississauga West): I have a petition to the Ontario Legislative Assembly from a group of people in Mississauga regarding

community mediation. I especially want to thank Lesley Jones, Jennifer King and Imelda Fisher for having gathered signatures for it, and it reads as follows:

"Whereas many types of civil disputes may be resolved through community mediation delivered by trained mediators, who are volunteers who work with the parties

in the dispute; and

"Whereas Inter-Cultural Neighbourhood Social Services established the Peel Community Mediation Service in 1999 with support from the government of Ontario

through the Trillium Foundation, the Rotary Club of Mississauga West and the United Way of Peel, and has proven the viability and success of community mediation; and

"Whereas the city of Mississauga and the town of Caledon have endorsed the Peel Community Mediation Service, and law enforcement bodies refer many cases to the

Peel Community Mediation Service as an alternative to a court dispute; and

"Whereas court facilities and court time are both scarce and expensive, the cost of community mediation is very small and the extra expense incurred for lack

of community mediation in Peel region would be much greater than the small annual cost of funding community mediation;

"Be it therefore resolved that the government of Ontario, through the Ministry of the Attorney General, support and fund the ongoing service delivery of the

Peel Community Mediation Service through Inter-Cultural Neighbourhood Social Services."

This is an excellent petition, and I'm pleased to sign it and to ask page Connor to carry it for me.

LONG-TERM CARE

Mr. Bill Murdoch (Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound): I have a petition that comes from many nursing homes, especially Summit Place in Owen Sound and the

Meaford nursing home. It's a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

"We, the undersigned, who are members of family councils, residents' councils and/or supporters of long-term care in Ontario, petition the Legislative Assembly

of Ontario to increase operating funding to long-term-care homes by $306.6 million, which will allow the hiring of more staff to provide an additional 20 minutes of care per resident per day over

the next two years...."

I have signed this.

SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

Mrs. Julia Munro (York North): "To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas, without appropriate support, people who have an intellectual disability are often unable to participate effectively in community life and are

deprived of the benefits of society enjoyed by other citizens; and

"Whereas quality supports are dependent on the ability to attract and retain qualified workers; and

"Whereas the salaries of workers who provide community-based supports and services are up to 25% less than salaries paid to those doing the same work in

government-operated services and other sectors;

"Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to address, as a priority, funding to community agencies in the developmental

services sector to address critical underfunding of staff salaries and ensure that people who have an intellectual disability continue to receive quality supports and services that they require in

order to live meaningful lives within their community."

As I am in agreement, I have affixed my signature and give it to Alicia to deliver.

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY

Mr. Ernie Parsons (Prince Edward-Hastings): "To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas it has been shown that crossing control arms on school buses reduce or virtually eliminate instances of students being struck by their own bus;

and

"Whereas 91% of all front-bumper fatalities involve buses not equipped with crossing control arms; and

"Whereas the safety of the children of Ontario is our number one priority;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to require that all future school buses be equipped with crossing control arms and that all

existing school buses be required to be immediately retrofitted with crossing control arms."

I am pleased to add my signature to this.

LONG-TERM CARE

Ms. Laurie Scott (Haliburton-Victoria-Brock): "To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas long-term-care funding levels are too low to enable homes to provide the care and services our aging seniors and parents who are residents of

long-term-care homes need, with the respect and dignity that they deserve; and

"Whereas, even with recent funding increases and a dedicated staff who do more than their best, there is still not enough time available to provide the care

residents need. For example, 10 minutes, and sometimes less, is simply not enough time to assist a resident to get up, dressed, to the bathroom and then to the dining room for breakfast; and

"Whereas those unacceptable care and service levels are now at risk of declining;

"We, the undersigned, who are members of family councils, residents' councils and/or supporters of long-term care in Ontario, petition the Legislative Assembly

of Ontario to increase operating funding to long-term-care homes by $306.6 million, which will allow the hiring of more staff to provide an additional 20 minutes of care per resident per day over

the next two years (2006 and 2007)."

It was presented to me by many long-term-care centres in my riding of Haliburton-Victoria-Brock.

Ms. Andrea Horwath (Hamilton East): I'm pleased to present a petition from over 200 Ontarians concerned about the government's inadequate

funding for long-term care in this province. The petition reads as follows:

"Whereas long-term-care funding levels are too low to enable homes to provide the care and services our aging seniors and parents who are residents of

long-term-care homes need, with the respect and dignity that they deserve; and

"Whereas, even with recent funding increases and a dedicated staff who do more than their best, there is still not enough time available to provide the care

residents need. For example, 10 minutes, and sometimes less, is simply not enough time to assist a resident to get up, dressed, to the bathroom and then to the dining room for breakfast; and

"Whereas those unacceptable care and service levels are now at risk of declining;

"We, the undersigned, who are members of family councils, residents' councils and/or supporters of long-term care in Ontario, petition the Legislative Assembly

of Ontario to increase operating funding to long-term-care homes by $306.6 million, which will allow the hiring of more staff to provide an additional 20 minutes of care per resident per day over

the next two years (2006 and 2007)."

I agree with this petition and have affixed my name to it and send it to the table by way of Gemma.

Mrs. Maria Van Bommel (Lambton-Kent-Middlesex): This petition was presented to me by the residents, families and friends of Fairfield Park in

Wallaceburg.

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas long-term-care funding levels are too low to enable homes to provide the care and services our aging seniors and parents who are residents of

long-term-care homes need, with the respect and dignity that they deserve; and

"Whereas, even with recent funding increases and a dedicated staff who do more than their best, there is still not enough time available to provide the care

residents need. For example, 10 minutes, and sometimes less, is simply not enough time to assist a resident to get up, dressed, to the bathroom and then to the dining room for breakfast; and

"Whereas those unacceptable care and service levels are now at risk of declining;

"We, the undersigned, who are members of family councils, residents' councils and/or supporters of long-term care in Ontario, petition the Legislative Assembly

of Ontario to increase operating funding to long-term-care homes by $306.6 million, which will allow the hiring of more staff to provide an additional 20 minutes of care per resident per day over

the next two years (2006 and 2007)."

I send this to the table with page Elliott.

Mr. Bill Murdoch (Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound): I have some more petitions to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from the Hanover Care Centre and

McVean Lodge in Hanover and from the Golden Dawn Nursing Home in Lion's Head.

"Whereas long-term-care funding levels are too low to enable homes to provide the care and services our aging seniors and parents who are residents of

long-term-care homes need, with the respect and dignity that they deserve; and

"Whereas, even with recent funding increases and a dedicated staff who do more than their best, there is still not enough time available to provide the care

residents need. For example, 10 minutes, and sometimes less, is simply not enough time to assist a resident to get up, dressed, to the bathroom and then to the dining room for breakfast; and

"Whereas those unacceptable care and service levels are now at risk of declining;

"We, the undersigned, who are members of family councils, residents' councils and/or supporters of long-term care in Ontario, petition the Legislative Assembly

of Ontario to increase operating funding to long-term-care homes by $306.6 million, which will allow the hiring of more staff to provide an additional 20 minutes of care per resident per day over

the next two years (2006 and 2007)."

I have signed this also.

IDENTITY THEFT

Mr. Tony Ruprecht (Davenport): I have a petition to the Parliament of Ontario, and especially to the Minister of Government Services. It reads

as follows:

"Whereas identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in North America;

"Whereas confidential and private information is being stolen on a regular basis, affecting literally thousands of people;

"Whereas the cost of this crime exceeds billions of dollars;

"Whereas countless hours are wasted to restore one's good credit rating;

"Therefore we, the undersigned, demand that Bill 38, which passed the second reading unanimously in the Ontario Legislature on December 8, 2005, be brought

before committee and that the following issues be included for consideration and debate:

"

(1) All consumer reports should be provided in a truncated ... form, protecting our vital private information, such as SIN and loan account numbers.

"

(2) Should a consumer reporting agency discover that there has been an unlawful disclosure of consumer information, the agency should immediately inform the

affected consumer.

"

(3) The consumer reporting agency shall only report credit-inquiry records resulting from actual applications for credit or increase of credit, except in a

report given to the consumer.

"

(4) The consumer reporting agency shall investigate disputed information within 30 days and correct, supplement or automatically delete any information found

unconfirmed, incomplete or inaccurate."

Since I agree with this petition 100%, I am delighted to sign it.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

PLANNING AND CONSERVATION

LAND STATUTE LAW

AMENDMENT ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006 MODIFIANT DES LOIS

EN CE QUI A TRAIT À L'AMÉNAGEMENT

DU TERRITOIRE ET AUX TERRES PROTÉGÉES

Resuming the debate adjourned on April 19, 2006, on the motion for second reading of Bill 51,

An Act to amend the Planning Act and the Conservation Land Act

and to make related amendments to other Acts / Projet de loi 51, Loi modifiant la

Loi sur l'aménagement du territoire et la

Loi sur les terres protégées et apportant des

modifications connexes à d'autres lois.

The Deputy Speaker (Mr. Bruce Crozier): Further debate? The member for London-Fanshawe.

Mr. Khalil Ramal (London-Fanshawe): Mr Speaker, thank you for giving me the opportunity and honour to stand up and speak in support of Bill

It's about time a government in this province took the chance and the opportunity to reform the Municipal Act. As you know, for many years the Planning Act has

not been taken into any government's consideration. There was a lot of neglect of the municipalities in this province, left alone, acting without any direction, without any support from the

government. Now, under the direction of Dalton McGuinty's government, we are, through this bill, going to reform and to assist municipalities across the province of Ontario, help them and give them

the ability to use and to facilitate planning in this province.

As you know, there is a lot of dispute in many different municipalities. There are a lot of issues concerning land use and questions of transportation. There

are many issues facing municipalities across Ontario, but they never had the chance before to get support from the provincial government. Now, through this bill, through the Ministry of Municipal

Affairs and the direction of Dalton McGuinty's government, we are taking charge. We are going to assist them and create a new Planning Act in order to help facilitate their growth and help them to

prosper more and give them the ability to use whatever land they have to increase their potential ability to be better for the future.

As you know, the OMB has been trying to be reformed in such a fashion as to fit every municipality in a different way. I was listening to the opposition last

week talking about the intent of the bill. Of course, they have misinformation about the focus and the intent of the bill. I want to tell the member from the opposite side who's laughing right now

that this government is taking charge. This government, for the first time in many years, is coming to the table with municipalities to form a partnership. It's time to treat the municipality as a

partner. That's what we wish and we hope from the federal government, to treat us as a partner. Without a partnership, without teaming with the municipalities, we cannot have as strong a province,

we cannot have a strong country. That's why the most important thing is to reform the Municipal Act, because it's overdue. Many municipalities were complaining about their inability and the

inflexibility they face when dealing with many different issues.

As you know, especially in the rural areas, there are so many difficulties, especially clea