role="main" class="main-container container js-quickedit-main-content" id="main-content">

October 18, 2021

42nd Parliament, 2nd Session

< Previous sitting day

Next sitting day >

Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcript 2021-Oct-18 (PDF)

L005 - Mon 18 Oct 2021 / Lun 18 oct 2021

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Monday 18 October 2021 Lundi 18 octobre 2021

Members’ Statements

Assistance to students with disabilities

Oxford Fresh

Optometry services

Mental health services

School safety

Clark Centre for the Arts

Daily Bread Food Bank

Child care

Chinese railroad workers memorial

Long-term care

Legislative pages

Visitors

Question Period

Health care workers

Small business

Child care

Red tape reduction

Services for persons with disabilities

Government fiscal policies / Politiques fiscales du gouvernement

Community safety

Automotive industry

Land use planning

Waste reduction

Optometry services

Employment standards

Cancer treatment

COVID-19 immunization

Education funding

Introduction of Bills

Gender Affirming Health Care Advisory Committee Act, 2021 / Loi de 2021 sur le Comité consultatif des soins de santé axés sur l’affirmation de genre

Polish Heritage Month, 2021 / Loi de 2021 sur le Mois du patrimoine polonais

More Than a Visitor Act (Caregiving in Congregate Care Settings), 2021 / Loi de 2021 déclarant que les aidants naturels sont plus que de simples visiteurs (prestation de soins dans les habitations collectives)

Loi de 2021 sur la francophonie / La Francophonie Act, 2021

Taxation Amendment Act (Travel Ontario Tax Credit), 2021 / Loi de 2021 modifiant la

Loi sur les impôts (crédit d’impôt pour voyager en Ontario)

Making the Patient Ombudsman an Officer of the assembly Act, 2021 / Loi de 2021 visant à faire de l’ombudsman des patients un haut fonctionnaire de l’Assemblée

Petitions

Optometry services

Optometry services

Optometry services

Optometry services

Child care

Optometry services

Optometry services

Optometry services

Optometry services

Optometry services

Optometry services

Front-line workers

Correction of record

Opposition Day

Long-term care

Orders of the Day

Time allocation

The House met at 1015.

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

Prayers.

Members’ Statements

Assistance to students with disabilities

Ms. Jill Andrew: According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, every child has the right to an education. Sadly, this right is not extended to all children. This government’s underfunding of health services, like their Liberal predecessors who cut some 1,600 nurses during hospital budget freezes, has left schools with a chronic nurse shortage, which leaves kids with complex medical needs requiring in-class support from a registered nurse unable to attend school in person.

This government’s Home and Community Care Support Services network is strapped for resources, and kids with disabilities in public schools are paying the ultimate price. We need a government that will invest in the recruitment and retention of nurses by permanently addressing burnout, understaffing and lower wages, so they can be readily available in our schools to support their families in need, because right now they aren’t.

As one mom in my community of St. Paul’s with a four-year-old son who uses a trach told me, “All the special-needs kids with tracheostomies are at home.... My heart breaks for the kids sitting at home—just forgotten about by our health care and education systems. It’s just too sad to contemplate.”

I remind this government: Kids with disabilities are not a budget item, nor is getting them into class to receive an education. It is a human right, Speaker. Education is a human right for all kids, and that includes kids with disabilities. It’s high time that this government proves that.

Oxford Fresh

Mr. Ernie Hardeman: Mr. Speaker, we’re almost a month into autumn and there are many clear signs of seasonal change. As I travel across my riding of Oxford, I see leaves turning colour and dropping from the trees. Farmers are out in their fields harvesting crops, and the extra fruits and vegetables grown since spring are being preserved in freezers or cellars for later use. Just a week ago, we celebrated Thanksgiving, a time when we can enjoy the bounty of the harvest. Pretty soon, people will be spending more time indoors, but there’s still time to see and learn about all that rural Oxford has to offer.

A perfect example is the Oxford Fresh program. This is a partnership between the Oxford County Federation of Agriculture and Tourism Oxford, two groups that are doing a great job promoting local. Oxford Fresh is a program that exposes people to all the wonderful offerings of our local producers. We’ve got everything we could want, including meats and fish, fruits and vegetables, honey and maple syrup, chocolate and beer, and of course there are plenty of cheese and dairy products, because, after all, Oxford is the dairy capital of Canada.

Mr. Speaker, I’m proud to support the local producers in Oxford at every chance. Many of them operate directly from their home farms, and when I’m out and about I enjoy meeting them and hearing what inspires them. These dedicated, hard-working people are putting money back into our local economy. It’s important that we shop local to show our support for all they do. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, for giving me this opportunity.

Optometry services

Mr. Ian Arthur: Every day my office gets calls from seniors who are worried about losing their vision. They get calls from parents who are worried that yet another school year will be lost because their children can’t see the blackboard. Eye care is a critical, life-changing part of our health care system that has material impacts on opportunity and quality of life.

I myself have a complex eye condition called keratoconus. It was an optometrist who recognized the condition and got me the help I needed to keep my vision. I was lucky. Imagine how many are not because this government embraces inaction—children missing critical eye tests that can identify problems early and help them see for life.

Optometrist services continue to be unavailable because the government refuses to negotiate a new agreement with them. Optometrists are health care professionals. They are small business owners and they are forced to cover nearly half of the cost of a visit. Even with the newest offer, optometrists would still be getting less than those in BC and Alberta.

If I sound like a broken record it’s because we’ve heard this again and again—petitions introduced, questions to the government and members’ statements—for years, and still the problem persists. To a government that likes to tell the people they’re in the habit of saying yes, I say this: You can’t say yes if you don’t even come to the table.

Mental health services

Mr. Mike Harris: This month we recognized Mental Illness Awareness Week and World Mental Health Day, times to raise the profile of health issues that over one million Ontarians struggle with every year. As we’ve said since day one, mental health is as important as physical health. It should be just as easy to seek out support for anxiety as it is to treat a broken bone.

We’re lucky in Waterloo region to have organizations like CMHA Waterloo Wellington, Wilmot Family Resource Centre, Woolwich Counselling Centre and KW Counselling Services, just to name a few, that are dedicated to supporting our mental health.

I know I talk a lot about agriculture being the backbone of my riding, but behind every farm in Kitchener–Conestoga there is a farmer who works 365 days a year to keep the stores stocked. While that dedication is inspiring, it means working through fluctuating markets, unexpected weather and, of course, pandemics. We don’t think often enough about the mental health of people who keep food on our tables, people like Trevor Herrle, a farmer in St. Agatha who has been open about the struggles he has faced.

Just a few weeks ago I was pleased to join Trevor and the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs at Herrle’s Country Farm Market to announce a $385,000 expansion of In the Know, a program developed by the University of Guelph and the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario, that provides supports to farmers to help manage their unique stresses. One death in the farming community because the right supports weren’t there is one too many. I hope all the members of this House will promote this great initiative to their constituents so that those struggling know where to find help when they need it most.

School safety

Ms. Rima Berns-McGown: Last week, a school in Beaches–East York was targeted by a hate protest. For three days a notorious transphobe who had flown from the west coast for this express purpose stood outside the elementary/middle school and daycare, decrying the school’s care and support for queer, trans and gender-questioning students and their families. The transphobe incited his Twitter followers to join him in his three-day protest, broadcasted the name of the school, harassed community members and photographed children. Today he has taken his hate to schools in Ottawa.

I want to thank the school’s administration, teachers and community for stepping up and pushing back, for being clear that they will not stand for hate of any kind near their school. But Speaker, we need to go further to protect our schools. We wouldn’t stand for anyone spewing anti-Semitism or anti-Black racism outside our schools and we can’t stand for queerphobia, homophobia or transphobia either.

Hate and intolerance are growing in Canada, both online and in real life. Parents are frightened and furious. Our children need to be safe from hate of any kind. They have the right to go to school in a safe and supportive environment. We have legislation to ensure that cannabis isn’t sold within 150 metres of a school and we need legislation to keep hateful protests like this at least 150 metres away from schools, and for exactly the same reason: the health and well-being and safety of our kids. We need action and we need it now.

Clark Centre for the Arts

Ms. Mitzie Hunter: This weekend I had the enormous pleasure of attending Scarborough’s new Clark Centre for the Arts, located at 191 Guildwood Parkway, inside the picturesque Guild Park on the shores of Lake Ontario.

I’d like to recognize the hard work of local community leaders from my riding of Scarborough–Guildwood who brought this magnificent facility to life. The Clark Centre for the Arts is a new landmark, three-storey structure located at Guild Park and Gardens that will bring our community together and showcase local artists’ talents.

This weekend’s first tour was opened by an Indigenous blessing to acknowledge the land on which it stood and remarks by Councillor Paul Ainslie who championed this project. And we also learned from the lead architect, Charles Hazell, what it takes to pull off this magnificent feat.

This 1960s building was used as a storage facility before being renovated, and the new expanded building, which is now flooded with natural light, offers studio and gallery and event space and a cultural place for programming for our local artists.

Thank you to city councillor, Paul Ainslie, Karen Harkins, Julie Frost, Lila Karim, Jennifer Town, city of Toronto economic development and culture staff, architect Charles Hazell, Friends of Guild Park, the Guild Festival Theatre, the Guildwood Village Community Association, Native Child and Family Services, Scarborough Arts, as well as the students of Sir Wilfred Laurier Collegiate Institute and many, many others.

Please, I invite all of you to attend Fall for the Clark and experience this magnificent facility.

Daily Bread Food Bank

Ms. Christine Hogarth: It is always nice to rise in the House and speak about the great work that’s done in my riding of Etobicoke–Lakeshore. Today, I am delighted to speak about the Daily Bread Food Bank and their incredibly successful annual food drive that they’ve recently hosted.

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, while most of us were spending time with family and friends, the Daily Bread Food Bank staff and volunteers were working tirelessly to make sure that local residents in need would not have empty tables. I am so proud to announce that the food bank collected an astounding 30,459 pounds of non-perishable food items that weekend through this initiative—a remarkable achievement.

I had the honour of visiting the Daily Bread Food Bank, along with Premier Ford and the member for Scarborough–Rouge Park, just the day before the food drive and we were graciously hosted by Neil Hetherington and Talia Bronstein, both from the Daily Bread Food Bank. We were all blown away by the number of volunteers working so hard, sharing a smile, sharing a conversation while sorting food to help those in need. So many of them were there to assist with facilitating this enormous event taking place the next day.

Not even the challenges of an ongoing pandemic could curb the dedication to help the most vulnerable in our communities, and this is the second year in a row that the food bank has transitioned into a contactless, drive-through donation process.

I’m humbled at their commitment and spirit of giving. Thank you.

Child care

Mr. Terence Kernaghan: Ontario remains one of the few remaining provinces that has yet to sign the agreement with the federal government to lower child care fees to $10 a day. This is a deal that families in London are counting on. I’ve heard from young London couples who are putting off starting a family because they simply can’t afford additional child care costs. Londoners need an affordable child care plan so that families aren’t pinching pennies each month just to make ends meet.

Kara Pihlak, executive director of the Oak Park Co-operative Children’s Centre, has told the government that this deal is top of mind for London families. She has asked the government to sign this deal and seriously address the problems facing early childhood educators. The government needs to address the recruitment crisis in this sector by improving the working conditions of our ECEs so that Ontario can have plenty of high-quality child care spaces that London families can depend upon.

Signing this deal with the federal government is the first step in that direction, and frankly, Speaker, it should have been signed months ago. Now with the federal election completed, there’s no reason not to help parents by getting this deal signed.

We need to listen to experts like Kara who know what our ECEs need to give our kids the care that they deserve. And we need to listen to the many parents who are banking on a $10-a-day child care plan for their families. It’s about time that Ontario had universal, high-quality, public and not-for-profit $10-a-day child care. Let’s get this deal done, Premier.

Chinese railroad workers memorial

Mr. Vincent Ke: As I work to eliminate anti-Asian racism, I’m encouraged that my nomination of the Chinese railroad workers memorial in Toronto was featured by the Ontario Association of Architects as a Queen’s Park Pick in celebration of World Architecture Day.

Speaker, 17,000 Chinese immigrants were assigned the most dangerous task when building the Canadian Pacific railroad. It is estimated that as many as 4,000 Chinese men gave their lives for a united Canada. But, very unfortunately, these courageous Chinese workers were subjects of racism instead of recognition for their extraordinary efforts.

Between 1885 and 1923, after the railroad was built and the Chinese labour was no longer needed, Canada imposed a head tax on Chinese immigrants, for which Prime Minister Stephen Harper publicly apologized in 2006.

Speaker, I invite Ontarians to visit the Chinese railroad workers memorial in Toronto and the OAA website to learn about the significant contributions and sacrifices made by the Chinese railroad workers. Anti-Asian racism is rooted in our shared Canadian history. The past is a guide to inspire us to do better now and in the future.

Long-term care

Mr. Lorne Coe: Our government is providing up to $270 million this year to long-term-care homes across the province to increase staffing levels, leading to more direct care for residents.

Now, in Whitby, this means that Fairview Lodge will receive up to $705,000 for additional staff, and by the year 2024-25, the home will receive over $4 million annually more than their current funding. Lakeridge Health will receive up to $242,000 for additional staffing, and by the year 2024-25, the home will receive $1,500,000 annually more than their current funding. Finally, the Village of Taunton Mills will receive up to $427,000 for additional staffing, and by the year of 2024-25, the home will receive close to $3 million annually more than their current funding.

Speaker, hiring more staff is part of our government’s plan to fix long-term care and to improve the quality of long-term care that residents receive and the quality of life they experience. They deserve no less.

Legislative pages

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Before I ask for oral questions, I have some very good news for the House. I am delighted to have this opportunity, on behalf of all members, to welcome our new group of legislative pages to the first day of their term.

Applause.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): It is wonderful to have all of you here at Queen’s Park.

Visitors

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’d also like to extend a very warm welcome to the families of today’s page captains. Joining us in the Speaker’s gallery are Megan and Paul Lynch, parents of page Graden Lynch; and Norm Litchfield, father of page Fraser Litchfield. Welcome.

Question Period

Health care workers

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My first question is to the Premier, but I think it’s important to acknowledge that this past weekend almost 2,000 auto workers in Windsor probably had a pretty sleepless time, wondering about their futures. I hope that all members commit to fighting for those good auto jobs in Windsor.

But my question is about other workers. To the Premier: People are pretty frustrated with the big cuts and bad choices that this government has been making. On October 13, nurses in Binbrook literally were told by the Premier that they had to hand back negotiated wage increases. These nurses work with highly disabled folks, with very, very severely disabled folks, 24/7.

My question is, why does the Premier think it’s okay to take away negotiated wages that these front-line nurses had negotiated with their employer?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The parliamentary assistant and member for Eglinton–Lawrence.

Mrs. Robin Martin: Thank you for the question. Our government, of course, values the important contribution of nurses, who really are providing our patients with timely, safe and equitable access to really high-quality and appropriate care in a variety of settings. That’s why we have acted swiftly with pandemic pay to make sure that they are recognized for their efforts. At the same time, the government is committed to protecting our public sector jobs, and that is why we’ve had our legislation, the protecting a sustainable public sector work act.

Our government’s top priority, of course, is health and safety. We want to make sure that we continue to support our nurses and make sure that this premium, which is one of the largest ever in the province of Ontario, is out there, benefiting 375,000 employees from 2,000 employers.

I also want to point out to the member opposite that our hospital sector, and most of the other sectors, I believe, have all paid out those extra funds to nurses. We agree that they’re playing a vital role in the delivery of health care and will be instrumental as we transform our health care system and emerge from this pandemic.

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

Ms. Andrea Horwath: The fact of the matter is, a non-profit employer here called AbleLiving wants to do the right thing by these nurses, wants to pay them appropriate wages, but the Premier instead would rather claw them back. He always says no to front-line workers, to our front-line nurses, our health care heroes.

President of ONA Vicki McKenna says this, something the member was just speaking to: The reality is, “It’s time for Premier Ford to honour these nurses, recognize their worth and do the right thing.” I agree with Ms. McKenna.

Why does the Premier say no to our nurses, to our PSWs, to the front-line workers who helped us get through this pandemic, when he should be saying yes?

Mrs. Robin Martin: Thank you to the member opposite. Our Premier only says yes. He has invested so much money, over $52 million, to recruit, retain and support over 3,700 more front-line health care workers and caregivers through our COVID-19 fall preparedness plan, and we have the 27,000 employees—PSWs, nurses, RPNs—which we are recruiting as well. This is the largest recruiting campaign of nurses and PSWs and training initiatives as well in the province’s history.

We’ve also acted swiftly to ensure that our health care workers are recognized, as I said, through pandemic pay, and our government has been working closely with the Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence at Ontario Health and a number of other hospitals to also provide specific supports during these difficult times for front-line workers in order to support them.

It’s critical to remind the member opposite that as of March this year, more than 6,100 health care workers have been able to access supports that they needed, and we continue to support them in every way we can during what we know is a difficult time for all of them.

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

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Well, Speaker, I would submit that this Premier has no idea how unaffordable life is becoming. Inflation is up. The cost of everyday living is up. A 1% wage increase just doesn’t cut it. Better wages will actually help our province. All you have to do is ask economist David Card, who very clearly identified that good wages actually help our economy.

Why can’t the Premier say yes? Why can he say yes to his buddies but not say yes to PSWs, to front-line health care workers, to nurses, to those other front-line workers who were heroes during the pandemic and helped us get through? Why will he not say yes to them?

Mrs. Robin Martin: I think in my last answer in response to the member opposite I did go through a lot of ways in which this government and our Premier have been saying yes to nurses, PSWs and our RPNs, who are all working very hard to support us through the COVID-19 pandemic.

We’ve obviously made a decision to proceed with the protecting sustainable jobs act. We think it’s important to protect those jobs, and we have a policy in place. But we’ve also recognized the incredible efforts that front-line health care workers, especially our nurses and RPNs and PSWs, have gone to through pandemic pay. And we’re on an initiative which is the highest recruiting and training initiative in the province’s history, recruiting and training more nurses, RPNs and PSWs across the board in this province so that we can make sure that we have all the health human resources we need and a great plan going forward.

Small business

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My next question is also for the Premier. After about 19 months of struggling, small businesses like restaurants still do not have a level playing field here in our province. Big venues, on the one hand—big event spaces like arenas and stadiums—are full of fans, and that’s a great thing, but on the other hand, we have restaurants that are still not getting a fair shake from this government.

My question is: Why does the Premier always say yes to his big buddies, to the big fish, but no to the little guy, like small local businesses?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): To reply, the government House leader.

Hon. Paul Calandra: I appreciate the opportunity to answer that. The member, I’m sure, can well appreciate that the return-to-play protocols of the NHL, NBA and OHL far exceed the minimum standards that we are putting in place for our small or non-essential businesses.

Having said that, as the chief medical officer highlighted, caution is what has helped us get to where we’re at today. We’re very optimistic, but we remain, obviously, cautious. We are looking for that data which will come out in the two weeks following Thanksgiving and, as the Premier indicated last week, we are reviewing new opportunities to exit stage 3—again, cautiously optimistic thanks to the hard work of all Ontarians.

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

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Speaker, it was a slap in the face last week when restaurateurs had a no-show of cabinet ministers at a prearranged meeting. In fact, the representative from Restaurants Canada said this: “The industry leaders on the call were angry and extremely frustrated,” because the government is simply not talking to them. And then, to add insult to injury, of course, Speaker, on Friday we had a show-and-tell by the Premier, and not a word was provided to give these restaurateurs some hope.

So my question is: When will the Premier treat small businesses like restaurants better, and treat them as he treats his big buddies?

Hon. Paul Calandra: Again, the member opposite might call it a show-and-tell, but the vaccination application that was brought forward by the Minister of Digital Government so far is showing to be a great success. I’m told that five or six million Ontarians have begun downloading the QR code. I know our small and medium businesses—the restaurants, the gyms—are looking forward to this. It will make it easier. It will give us the ability to keep these places open, which is what they want. They want stability. They want to know and the people who are attending restaurants or gyms want to know that it is safe to do so. The app and the QR code will continue to allow us to do that.

But we understand how frustrated small businesses have been. It’s why we have been pushing Ontarians to be vaccinated. I’m happy that Ontarians are vaccinated at the numbers that they’re at. Ultimately, Mr. Speaker, the QR code, the vaccine application that we brought forward and Ontarians’ overwhelming ability to get out there and get vaccinated will help us keep these small businesses open and stay open.

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

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Small businesses have been doing their part, as we all know. They’ve been checking certificates. They’ve been implementing other protocols. What they need is for their government to be there for them.

Small mom-and-pops like restaurants have been struggling to stay afloat, but the Premier is always saying yes: He says yes to his lobbyists, he says yes to his insiders and his buddies, but he’s missing in action when it comes to small businesses. My question is: When will small businesses be invited onto the same playing field as the Premier’s big buddies?

Hon. Paul Calandra: Obviously, small, medium and large job creators are and remain the backbone of the economy of the province of Ontario. It is why we’ve made so many investments to ensure that jobs stay in Ontario, and that we bring back the jobs that the pandemic sent away.

But it’s not just about the pandemic. We are looking at making and continue to make investments: the type of investments that saw the Ontario economy lead the nation prior to the pandemic. We want, as we emerge from the pandemic, to ensure that we have an economy that is stable, that is growing, so that our small and medium job creators can stay open.

That is why we’re very encouraged by the numbers that we continue to see, but it doesn’t mean that we’re going to claim victory. It’s why we have increased ICU capacity, something that the previous Liberal government failed to do. That’s why we’ve increased and are making massive investments in our long-term-care sector.

But it’s also why we’re making investments in infrastructure: so that the economy will continue to grow post-pandemic the way it did before the pandemic, and we can continue to lead the nation and be the engine of the economy of this country.

Child care

Ms. Bhutila Karpoche: My question is to the Minister of Education on early learning and child care. Amanda, a mom in my riding, reached out to me recently. At eight months pregnant, she’s already worried about the terrifying costs of child care. Like most Ontario parents, Amanda cannot afford to pay the equivalent of a mortgage in child care costs.

Most other provinces have a deal with the federal government, including those with Conservative governments, but Ontario has yet to sign on. Where is Ontario’s deal? What does the minister have to say to parents like Amanda, who need $10-a-day child care?

Hon. Stephen Lecce: My message to Amanda is that this government is fighting for a better deal for her family and all families in this province who want affordable child care, who want accessible child care, but want it to be sustainable, so we don’t have a scenario where we have a funding program that reduces the cost per child and then, in three, four, five years, that price increases sharply for them. That’s not what we want. We want a sustainable deal that reduces costs for families.

Under the former Liberal government, child care rose by 40%—unacceptable, and a record that is indefensible. Our government has increased investment in child care by making it more affordable through a tax credit, the Ontario CARE tax credit, which is providing roughly $1,500 of savings per child, which was enriched during the pandemic. Obviously, we have to continue—and we are, in good faith—with the federal government to get a good deal that includes recognition of the unique advantages Ontario provides and invests in, particularly when it comes to all-day kindergarten, as we continue to fight for a better deal for the people of this province.

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

Ms. Bhutila Karpoche: Speaker, the child care sector in Ontario is in a state of crisis. Families in Ontario are paying up to $2,000 a month in child care fees. They cannot afford the Ford government’s endless delays. Workers are underpaid and leaving the sector, leading to severe understaffing.

We need to get to work on building a universal, affordable, quality child care system right away. Will the minister stop dragging his feet and start prioritizing families and child care workers and deliver $10-a-day child care now?

Hon. Stephen Lecce: Speaker, we’re fighting to ensure that the people of this province and the taxpayers get the best possible deal that they deserve. I will not take the advice of the opposition parties, who would have accepted any deal instead of a better deal, with long-term, sustainable, increased investment that Ontario families deserve.

The only province worse than Ontario when it comes to child care and the former Liberal government is the NDP province of BC. We agree that both the former Liberals and the New Democrats of British Columbia are not examples or benchmarks to look to for inspiration.

We have a plan in place to reduce costs, to increase spaces—$1 billion of investment by our Premier to create 30,000 new spaces, 10,000 of which will be in new schools. I recognize that the price of child care is too expensive to too many families. We knew this, which is why, in our first budget, we introduced a tax credit to make life a bit more affordable.

We’re going to work with the federal government in good faith to land a deal that allows sustainable long-term funding that ensures child care is affordable and accessible to families right across Ontario.

Red tape reduction

Mr. Lorne Coe: My question is for the Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction. I’ve had the opportunity to visit and meet with many types of businesses in Whitby, and I’ve been hearing a similar message from many of them: Red tape and burdensome overregulation have been a barrier to businesses as they look to expand their presence and build their business.

As we continue to combat the fourth wave of the pandemic and businesses plan ahead, they need to know that their government is behind them and creating an environment for businesses to succeed.

Speaker, my question for the minister is: Can you please share what work you’re doing to reduce red tape and support small businesses in Ontario?

Hon. Nina Tangri: I’d really like to thank my colleague and the member for Whitby for his question and the great work that he’s doing in his community.

When this government came into office, we inherited a regulatory system that was stifling business growth. We made a promise to reduce regulatory burden on businesses to grow our economy and create jobs, and we have followed through. We’ve reduced Ontario’s total number of regulatory compliance requirements by 6.5% since June 2018 and achieved $373 million in net annual savings to businesses, not-for-profits, municipalities, universities and colleges, school boards and hospitals in regulatory compliance costs.

Last week, I announced Ontario’s fall 2021 red tape reduction package, and I introduced the Supporting People and Businesses Act to this House. This bundle will build on the work that our government has already done through previous packages to support businesses and people right across our province. I look forward to sharing more details in the supplemental.

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

Mr. Lorne Coe: Thank you to the minister for her response. I’m encouraged to see the tremendous progress made so far, and I’m proud that our government has made this a priority. I also know that, like previous bills, the changes made here will have a positive impact on people and businesses across the province.

Now, while many changes to regulation and processes have been made to provide immediate support throughout the pandemic, we also need to ensure that we’re planning towards the future. Would the minister provide more detail on what this bill means for Ontarians now and moving forward?

Hon. Nina Tangri: Thank you to the member for Whitby for another excellent question. This bill builds on the progress of previous bills introduced under the leadership of our Premier and my predecessor. It also applies lessons learned from temporary changes introduced during the pandemic that, if passed, will help modernize processes and reduce burdens and unnecessary costs.

These items are important, Speaker. Cutting costly red tape will help businesses and people rebuild and invest in safety measures, and reducing unnecessary and duplicative requirements for the public and private sectors will save time and streamline how government works.

Together, alongside digitization initiatives and modernizing regulations, these changes will make interacting with government easier, to support individuals and families and attract investment and job creation to support our economy now and in the future.

Services for persons with disabilities

Ms. Jill Andrew: My question is to the Premier. I know a single parent mom in our community. She’s the sole caregiver of her 28-year-old son with autism and developmental disabilities. He’s been on the wait-list for supportive housing since he was 16. During COVID, his routine moved abruptly online, which threw him and his working mom off-course. In response, his behaviour became violent and, last weekend, reached the point where mom was forced to call the police. She called this call a nightmare. He’s now in hospital. We spoke to DSO last week.

They’ve said, upon his discharge, his living situation is likely to remain the same, without any other supports available—no housing, not even a caseworker.

Speaker, many people with disabilities and their families feel ignored by this Conservative government. Developmental services agencies are grossly under-resourced. My question is to the Premier. What is the Premier going to do between now, October 18, and June 2, 2022, to ensure families like this are not left behind?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): To reply for the government, the parliamentary assistant, the member for Ottawa West–Nepean.

Mr. Jeremy Roberts: Thank you to the member opposite for this important question. Of course, making sure that individuals in our developmental services sector have received support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been a key priority of this government.

We recognize that every individual has different needs, which is why each case is reviewed on an individual basis. Those individuals who are assessed to be most in need are prioritized for the available resources. This is not a first-come, first-served system; it is needs-based.

We know that demand is growing in this sector. That’s why we have invested $13 million over three years through budget 2021 to assist more people with developmental disabilities in accessing community housing and to support their independent living through an expansion of the Adult Protective Service Worker Program. It’s also important to note that adults who have requested residential supports are likely to be eligible for funding through both Passport and ODSP.

I’ll speak more to the reforms that are under way in our developmental—

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

The supplementary question.

Ms. Jill Andrew: Again, my question is to the Premier. Let me be clear: The $13 million over three years is a drop in the bucket. This is not going to address the human rights crisis that many people with disabilities and their families are facing.

This government’s cuts to social services add more pressure on people with disabilities and their caregivers, who are providing unpaid work, I might add—in some cases 24/7—at the expense of their own income and mental health. This government’s $13 million over three years—again, to put that into context, in 2019 the Conservative government handed $12 million over to Loblaws to pay for fridges, to one of the wealthiest families in the world, for goodness’ sakes. Why couldn’t their profit pay for their own fridges?

To the Premier: How does this government explain that fridges are a higher priority than this mom and her son with developmental disabilities? Will this Premier ensure this mom’s son has a safe place to live when he is discharged from the hospital, because home is no longer an option?

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, come to order.

To reply for the government, the parliamentary assistant, the member for Ottawa West–Nepean.

Mr. Jeremy Roberts: To be clear, over the past year our government has invested a record $2.9 billion in developmental services, including more than $1.8 billion for residential supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Further to that, Speaker, our government is taking action to do much-needed reforms to this sector, which has been neglected over the past 10 years. We are taking action through our Journey to Belonging reform efforts. I’m pleased to share that our long-term vision for developmental services in Ontario is under way as we speak. We are consulting with members of the community, with agencies and with individuals accessing these services.

We are moving quickly to improve current supports and streamline processes for those accessing services by simplifying the assessment process, improving Passport to better address people’s needs, reducing the administrative burden on service providers, building skilled staff capacity and introducing—

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

Next question.

Government fiscal policies / Politiques fiscales du gouvernement

Mr. Stephen Blais: My question is for the Premier. Mr. Speaker, Ontarians are hearing a lot about how the Premier is a yes man, and it’s true. He said yes to appointing his friends and their families to plum positions. He said yes to killing the green economy. The Premier said yes to cutting public health funding and he said yes to returning kids to unsafe classrooms. Monsieur le Président, le premier ministre a dit oui à une attaque contre les francophones. He said yes to big box stores while saying no to mom-and-pop shops.

The Premier continues to say yes to billion-dollar businesses opening to full capacity and to overpriced beer, while local restaurants and small businesses receive virtually no support from this government.

When will the Premier start saying yes to small businesses and stop saying yes to his friends on Bay Street?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): To reply, the government House leader.

Hon. Paul Calandra: Let’s be very clear: Had the Liberals said yes at any point in the 15 years that they were in power we wouldn’t be in the situation that we are in today. They said no to increasing ICU capacity. What was the result of that lack of investment in ICU capacity, Mr. Speaker? The province of Ontario—one of the largest and most important economic zones in North America—was brought to its knees because the Liberals failed to make those investments in ICU capacity. We have said that 800 people in an ICU will never bring down the province of Ontario again. Shame on the Liberals for not doing that.

We also knew that investments had to be made in long-term care. They didn’t do it when in coalition with the NDP: 600 beds, I think, is the sum total. I have more than that being built in my own riding, on the way to 30,000.

Had the Liberals just said no to high energy prices, our small, medium and large job creators wouldn’t have fled this province the way they did in the years that the Liberals were in office. What we have done is said yes to small job creators, yes to the economy and yes to—

Interjections.

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

Start the clock. The supplementary question.

Mr. Stephen Blais: My supplemental is for the Premier. Of course, the government does like to say yes. They say yes to closing playgrounds, but say no to safer schools. They say yes to capacity stadiums while saying no to family restaurants. They said yes to an iron ring in long-term care—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock. Member for Kitchener–Conestoga, come to order. Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, for the second time, come to order.

Restart the clock. Member?

Mr. Stephen Blais: They said yes to an iron ring around long-term care, but said no to the funding and the inspections to get it done. They said yes to celebrating front-line workers, but have said no to paying them a fair wage and guaranteeing their sick leave. On the issues that matter most to Ontarians, the Premier is saying yes on television while telling them no around the cabinet table.

Mr. Speaker, which is it? Is the Premier the yes man he’s selling us on TV, or is he the Dr. No he’s acting out behind closed doors?

Hon. Paul Calandra: Mr. Speaker, when the new Liberal leader had an opportunity to set down his platform for the next election, what did he say yes to? Well, maybe doing some reform of how we elect people. That’s all that mattered to the Liberal leader.

What we have done is this: We took power in 2018, and we saw an economy that was driving away jobs because of red tape. We set immediately to change that. We looked at other areas of the economy, reducing taxes for our small, medium and large job creators. We looked at the overwhelmingly high cost of energy in the province of Ontario and we tackled that immediately, getting rid of the high costs of contracts that the Liberals brought in for their friends. We made those changes. We made investments in health care. We made investments in long-term care. We’re making investments in transit and transportation, Mr.

Speaker. Unlike the Liberals, who talked about the north and talked about the Ring of Fire, we’re actually making progress by working with our First Nations partners to make sure that the resources of the Ring of Fire can benefit the economy of tomorrow.

We are making great progress, the people of Ontario are making great progress, and this economy is well on its way.

Community safety

Mr. Mike Harris: My question is to the Attorney General. Speaker, organizations like Canada’s Assaulted Women’s Helpline have reported increased call volumes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The people of my riding need to know that their government is working to help victims of intimate partner violence.

Last week, the Attorney General announced a $67,000 grant for the Brain Injury Association of Waterloo Wellington’s intimate partner violence response program. This is an important program in my region that provides critical supports to those who have suffered a brain injury due to intimate partner violence. This investment, made through the Civil Remedies Grant Program, will make a big difference in the lives of victims of intimate partner violence in my riding.

Could the Attorney General please tell us how our government is working with local partners like the Brain Injury Association of Waterloo Wellington, police and prosecutors to support victims and fight back against crime?

Hon. Doug Downey: I want to thank the member from Kitchener–Conestoga for the question and for his insights and for his support in the region of Kitchener–Conestoga and Kitchener-Waterloo in general.

As the member knows and as we’ve talked about, the tremendous work the Brain Injury Association of Waterloo Wellington is doing is vital to one of the fastest-growing regions in our province. The supports that are provided there locally are tremendously important for victims as they are in the process of seeking justice and taking steps toward overcoming the terrible violence they’ve experienced.

This important project was one of 18 that our government supported this year through the Civil Remedies Grant Program. It’s funded through cash and proceeds seized from criminals. After funding 33 projects that targeted human trafficking last year, this year’s Civil Remedies Grant Program investments have been directed to help victims of crime and strengthen local capacity to prevent intimate partner, family, and gun and gang violence.

Mr. Speaker, we agree with Ontarians who say crime should not pay, and the Civil Remedies Grant Program is one more concrete action we’re taking to make a lasting difference in Kitchener-Waterloo.

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

Mr. Mike Harris: Thank you very much, Minister. This funding is welcome news in my riding. I’m relieved to hear that after years of neglect and disinterest under NDP-supported Liberal governments, our government is focused on supporting victims of crime and dismantling the criminal networks that prey on our communities. My constituents need to know that our government is committed to supporting law enforcement, prosecutors and community organizations to help break the cycle of offending.

Could the Attorney General please tell us how this government is stepping up to support Ontario communities’ fight against crime, and confront victimization?

Hon. Doug Downey: Our government is committed to strengthening every available tool, including civil forfeiture, to help police, prosecutors and local partners fight back against criminal networks. It’s why we made changes to Ontario’s civil forfeiture laws to help them catch up with the rest of the country, in the 2020 Smarter and Stronger Justice Act.

Crime should never pay, and the $1.5-million investment of seized funds we’ve been discussing through that program tangibly strengthen local capacity to prevent intimate partner, family, and gun and gang violence. In addition to building the capacity and improving access to supports for victims of crime, this year’s grants will also help community organizations do the vital work needed to help keep our youth safe on the streets and at home.

And that’s only the beginning. The reinvestment of cash seized from criminals is also helping support people experiencing victimization due to crime through mental health services, specialized care and support and education and training opportunities. We’re enhancing all of those, Mr. Speaker. We’ve also provided funds for the north to help with the drug crisis in rural and remote northern First Nation communities.

Our government has been clear. We will not allow criminal networks to prey on our communities.

Automotive industry

Ms. Catherine Fife: My question is to the Premier. The Windsor community is reeling from the shock of losing a shift at the Stellantis plant: 1,800 jobs lost by next April. The repercussions are widespread. The Premier to date hasn’t said anything. When GM lost jobs, the Premier said, “The ship has ... left the dock.”

What is this government going to do to save these jobs in Windsor? They deserve answers.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Thank you for the question. We are disappointed to learn of the Stellantis decision to reduce the Windsor assembly plant to a one-shift operation in 2022. We want the employees at the Stellantis plant to know that our government stands with them and their families. We need to continue with the right supports to ensure long-term growth, to create stable and good-paying jobs in the sector. We’re committed to the success of Ontario’s auto manufacturing sector and the 100,000 people who were directly employed before COVID-19. That’s why we developed Driving Prosperity, so the auto sector can remain resilient and adaptable now and in the future.

We encourage Stellantis to continue to work with their union to ensure that everything is being done to protect good jobs in Ontario.

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

Ms. Catherine Fife: The people of Windsor, these workers in Windsor, they don’t need your thoughts and prayers. They don’t need your disappointment. They need leadership.

Ontario deserves an auto strategy, and we’ve needed it for years. And you know this, because you were on this side of the House asking for that same auto strategy. Instead of doing that, the Premier stands at the border and waves goodbye to these jobs.

Windsor needs a Premier that is going to fight for these jobs, not wave the white flag. What is this government going to do—tangible actions. What are you going to do to save these 1,800 jobs in the city of Windsor?

Hon. Victor Fedeli: The member asked about an auto strategy. Thankfully, when we put Driving Prosperity in place two years ago, after years of neglect, we saw an unprecedented $5-billion announcement in auto investment in 30 days alone, followed two months later by a further $1-billion investment. A $6-billion investment in the last year: This is unprecedented, Speaker.

Today we continue to commit to look not only at those $6 billion in auto investments, but we are looking at the electric vehicle battery plants that go with them. We’ve launched a critical minerals program to bring those minerals to Ontario. We’re looking at everything we can be doing to enhance the future of auto in the province of Ontario, whether it’s in the making of the automobiles, the making of the batteries, in the mining of the minerals that go into those batteries—that is driving prosperity.

Land use planning

Mr. Mike Schreiner: My question is for the Premier. Two weeks ago, Ontarians celebrated Ontario Agriculture Week. A week ago today, Ontarians celebrated local food with their families.

The food and farming sector employs over 800,000 people, contributing $50 billion to Ontario’s GDP. But we learned over the weekend that the Premier is going to double down on his scheme to build a $10-billion highway that will pave over 2,000 acres of farmland, parts of the greenbelt and unleash sprawl on thousands of acres of farmland. It makes no economic or financial sense.

So will the Premier say yes to local food and farming jobs and say no to Highway 413, which will destroy farmland and food and farming jobs?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Associate Minister of Transportation.

Hon. Stan Cho: I’m proud to be part of a government that is expanding the greenbelt and investing in the future.

Let’s put this in perspective. This is a growing population—and I don’t blame them. The secret is out: This is the best place to live in the world.

The GTA is expanding by three million people in 25 years. In fact, the greater Golden Horseshoe, by 2046, is going to hit almost 15 million people. That is incredible growth, and unlike the last government, this government is going to say yes to focusing on that growth, focusing on the future, so we can enjoy what this province has to offer, not just today, but for many generations to come.

Major highways are a crucial artery for the people in this province, not just to get to and from work and back to their loved ones, but to make sure that those food products from our local farmers reach the markets they need to reach and that we continue to be that economic engine that runs North America.

This government will continue to invest in transit today and tomorrow.

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

Mr. Mike Schreiner: Speaker, we need a history lesson here. The 401 was built to address congestion in the GTA, then the 407 was built to do it—unfortunately, it got sold off—and now they’re saying the 413. When will this government learn? Building more highways leads to more congestion and more sprawl, and it directly threatens Ontario’s food and farming economy.

It’s a financial disaster to waste $10 billion on a highway that will save people 30 seconds. It’s an economic disaster to pave over the farmland that feeds us and creates jobs in the local food economy. And it’s a climate disaster to be building more highways like this when we have to drastically and urgently reduce climate pollution.

So will the Premier say no to the land speculators who will benefit from this highway and say yes to the people and farmers who know we need this land to feed us and to protect us from flooding?

Hon. Stan Cho: I have a lot of respect for the member opposite. I’m sure he can agree that the last government did very little to protect our green space. In fact, under the Ontario Liberals, we lost 100 hectares of forests and 30 hectares of wetland that was removed for highway construction. Approximately 330 hectares of the greenbelt were impacted. The greenbelt was changed 17 times under the last government.

This government is doing things differently. We are working with our partners in Ottawa to make sure there is an EA conducted, to make sure that we are minimizing the impacts on our green space and our farmland. This is something Steven Del Duca never did or never supported. But we understand there’s a balance here, to look forward to the growing needs of our province, a growing population, and to keep commerce moving in this great province.

Speaker, I will reiterate: Those studies are continuing. We’re going to make sure we do what’s right for the people of this province. And as I said before, it’s not just about today, it is for those generations to come.

Waste reduction

Mr. Robert Bailey: My question is for the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. Ontario has taken significant action to keep our neighbourhoods, parks, lakes, rivers and streams clean and free of litter and waste. Reducing the impacts of waste in our environment and communities has been a major focus of this government over the past three years.

Could the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks please share with this House some of the initiatives that they will be undertaking to educate Ontarians as part of this year’s Waste Reduction Week?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The parliamentary assistant to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, the member for Barrie–Innisfil.

Ms. Andrea Khanjin: Thank you to the member for Sarnia–Lambton for that excellent question and for all his advocacy in his community and everything he does stand up for.

This week marks Waste Reduction Week. That kicks off today and goes all the way until October 24. It’s a nationally run campaign, and it’s an opportunity to remind Ontarians about what they can do to help their environment.

We saw tremendous uptake this summer—that Ontarians really care about litter and waste reduction. Speaker, 3.1 million Ontarians reacted to our day of Provincial Day of Action on Litter and Waste-Free Wednesday campaigns. They know that we need to reduce plastic pollution in our waterways.

Right now, 22 million pounds of plastic end up in our Great Lakes. But thanks to the improvements that we’re making in innovative plastic-capture technology, less plastic waste is now ending up in our lakes. This is great news.

But there is more. We’re also improving our recycling program to increase the amount of things that are recyclable and much more, just so Ontarians can do a little bit more for their environment.

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

Mr. Robert Bailey: Thank you to the parliamentary assistant for answering that question. Waste Reduction Week sounds like a very important initiative to keep our community safe and clean.

I know that in my riding of Sarnia–Lambton, my constituents are always wondering what our government has done to reduce waste and ways to contribute to reducing litter in their communities. Could the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks please share with this House what the government is further doing to keep litter out of our communities, lakes and rivers?

Ms. Andrea Khanjin: Thank you to the member from Sarnia–Lambton. He knows that if you spend one hour each weekend cleaning up litter, you can collect up to four full bags of garbage. That is something that is tangible and something that each Ontarian can do. I want to thank those Ontarians and my colleagues who participated in Waste-Free Wednesdays this summer, where we collected over 150 bags of litter, which was 3,300 pounds if you equate it to weight, which is also the equivalent of a female hippo.

Speaker, the answer is clear: Ontarians want to do something about their environment. They want to join our government and the supports that we’re offering when it comes to protecting our parks, our lakes, our rivers and our neighbourhoods, things like improving our recycling program, which will now see more things being able to be recycled and reused. For example, now more than 50% of our battery waste is now reused into other materials, something that was difficult for other governments to accomplish, and of course, we’re reducing the amount of organic waste in our landfills as well.

Speaker, we are on it. Ontarians want to do something about it, and we are doing something about it. I hope the opposition actually joins us to do something about it for a change.

Optometry services

Mr. Terence Kernaghan: My question is to the Premier. The loss of OHIP-insured eye exams is a huge blow to families in London and across the province. Despite months of notice, the government stopped negotiating with optometrists, and kids, seniors and persons with disabilities are starting to miss their eye exams. They are not receiving their health care.

A London mom, Jessica, told me how increased screen time during the pandemic has hurt her children’s eyes. She told me that her oldest daughter “has been complaining about her eyes since the amount of screen time drastically increased last year with online schooling ... she is now struggling on a daily basis, it’s affecting her ability to learn.”

Karen is another London mom who reached out to me to let me know her daughter was experiencing difficulty seeing the board. She wrote to me, saying, “Imagine my surprise when I called our optometrist and was told that I was unable to book her an eye exam.”

Kids have had their learning disrupted for the past two school years, and now, the lack of eye care is making this new school year even harder for them.

Why isn’t the minister putting proper funding in place to make sure kids get the eye care they need and deserve?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The parliamentary assistant, the member for Eglinton–Lawrence.

Mrs. Robin Martin: Thank you to the member opposite for this important question. We’re extremely disappointed that at the urging of the Ontario optometrists’ association some optometrists have chosen to withhold publicly funded services for our youth and seniors. It’s really due to the fact that the OAO continues to decline an independent third-party mediator’s invitation to come back to the table and the conditions that have to be met for negotiations to resume. It’s really concerning, because they continue to tell the public—and the member opposite seems to have adopted this—that they’re at the table when, in fact, they are not.

The current impasse lies squarely at the feet of the OAO, which, instead of participating in these good-faith negotiations, is choosing to demand an outcome before allowing negotiations to start. The government has made a reasonable and fair offer, and it’s the beginning of future negotiations. We would just like the OAO to come back to the table so that people such as the ones you have mentioned in your question can get the eye care services that they should get.

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

Mr. Terence Kernaghan: Back to the Premier: The member’s disappointment and concern should be about the underfunding on your watch. Optometrists and London families are ready for OHIP-funded eye care services, but this government keeps telling them no.

That’s concerning for Londoners like Dennis, who relies on annual eye appointments to do his job. Dennis is a senior in my riding, who works as a crossing guard near his local school. Eye exams are a regular part of his job to ensure kids can get to school safely, but his appointment this year was postponed because this government refuses to negotiate with optometrists. Unless this issue is resolved by November, Dennis risks not being able to do his job.

I also think of persons with disabilities such as diabetes, like my constituent Mandy, who wrote to me: “I am unable to book or receive care from my optician due to the current government’s unrealistic determination of fair pay to opticians. I will go blind and become a drain on the government if this does not get rectified as soon as possible.”

Speaker, when is this government going to stop saying no and make sure seniors like Dennis and people like Mandy can access the care they need to go about their daily lives?

Mrs. Robin Martin: Thank you to the member opposite. Obviously this is a very important issue, and anyone who has been denied an appointment, who needs to have an appointment and has had any harm or suffering as a result of any delay, should reach out to the College of Optometrists. Optometrists have professional obligations to fulfill, and if they don’t do so, the College of Optometrists will help direct people to another provider.

I’ll just say that our government has made a fair and reasonable offer: an immediate compensation increase of 8.48% retroactive to April 1, which is a catch-up fee of increases physicians got; a one-time payment of $39 million to catch up for increases that they didn’t have for the last decade under a former government; future fee increases aligned with physician fee increases; as well as a commitment to immediately establish a working group to look at the overhead costs they seem to want us to look at, and we’re happy to do that; and finally, a commitment for ongoing monthly discussions through an optometry services review committee.

We are at the table, ready, willing and able. They need to come to the table, so that we can negotiate a fair and reasonable agreement, which all Ontarians want.

Employment standards

Ms. Kathleen O. Wynne: My question is for the Premier. We’ve entered the hyper-partisan election season in Ontario. The people around the Premier want the people of Ontario to believe that this man is someone who indiscriminately and cheerfully says yes to every request of him. But when it comes to support for people, immediately upon his election, this Premier said no to an increased minimum wage, no to Indigenous curriculum-writing teams. He went on to say no to funding for smaller class sizes during COVID, no to a vaccine mandate for health and education workers, no to a logical reopening for small businesses and, for months and months, no to paid sick days.

Mr. Speaker, when there has been a prolonged outcry and the Premier caves on an issue such as sick days, the answer has been less like yes and more like “All right, all right; we’ll do something.” The government’s response on sick days is a half measure, because it is temporary. Having come this far through the pandemic, will the Premier now actually say yes to 10 permanent paid sick days?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): To reply, the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

Hon. Monte McNaughton: I can tell the former Premier that we will always say yes to workers in this province. We’re going to continue every single day to have their backs, to support families in all of our communities. That’s why I was proud today to announce that Ontario is going to be launching the most comprehensive system in the country when it comes to protecting workers who work through temp help agencies and recruiters.

Mr. Speaker, no worker in Ontario should fear going to work. No worker in this province should sleep on straw mattresses. No worker in Ontario should have their passport held by their employer. I was proud to join today with my parliamentary assistant to ensure that we’re bringing forward, again, a comprehensive licensing system to ensure that workers in Ontario are protected—something the former government did not do.

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

Ms. Kathleen O. Wynne: I’m pleased that the government is picking up on the work on temp agencies which was started under our government, but this government has said no to workers over and over and over. They cancelled sick days. They didn’t raise the minimum wage. They changed the regulations around PSWs and the supports in long-term care and being able to work in one place. As soon as this government was elected, it repealed legislation that actually protected workers.

Mr. Speaker, I suppose it is part of the political game to praise reckless support of development of environmentally sensitive land, to behave as though slogans and back-slapping are actual responses to real-world problems, but it is a dangerous part of the political landscape.

The fact is that real people need the support of their government in this very trying time. Rather than sitting on billions of dollars, this government had the opportunity to invest in businesses, in communities, in schools and in people’s lives. Post-pandemic, people will still get sick, and without paid sick days, they will still be at risk. Will the Premier commit to making 10 paid sick days permanent? And if not, why not?

Hon. Monte McNaughton: The former Premier brought forward two paid sick days. We are at three paid sick days today in the province of Ontario. But, Mr. Speaker, I want to remind the former Liberal Premier of this province that she and her government said no to more than 300,000 workers in this province who lost their jobs under you.

Mr. Speaker, we’re continuing to build back a better province here as we come out of this pandemic. We will always be with working people in this province. We’re going to continue to support them. That’s one of the reasons, for example, that we’re so passionate about getting more young people into the skilled trades. These are jobs that pay six figures, that have defined pensions and benefits.

I have to remind the member opposite that when she was the Premier of this province, there was a 40% reduction in apprenticeship registrations. We’re going to build back a better province and not take advice from the Liberal Party.

Cancer treatment

M me France Gélinas: Ma question est pour la ministre de la Santé. Before the pandemic, Ontarians expected and received the best cancer care in all of Canada and beyond. While the minister claims that cancer surgeries and services continue during the pandemic, a study from the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network shows us that it is not so. Ontario cancer patients have the longest wait times in Canada. Specifically, cancer patients now wait 46 long days for their cancer surgery and 34 long days for their cancer care appointments. These delays have a profound impact on the health of cancer patients, including the mental health for themselves and their caregivers.

When will cancer patients in Ontario gain access to timely cancer surgery, and where is the minister’s plan to bring down the long wait times for cancer care?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Eglinton–Lawrence, the parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Health.

Mrs. Robin Martin: Thank you to the member opposite for this important question. I also met with the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network and discussed some of those statistics. I don’t remember them quite the way you have cited them. There were some statistics that we’re doing well on and some we need to improve, obviously.

We have a $1.8-billion investment into our hospital sector that we’ve made. We’re dedicating $300 million to reducing surgical backlogs for delayed or cancelled surgeries and procedures due to the pandemic. I want to be clear that this investment is in addition to over $200 million that we announced last fall, and that means half a billion dollars invested to reduce the backlog of surgeries and procedures.

The funding will ensure that hospitals can expand their hours and keep operating rooms open over the weekend. We don’t want to have anyone waiting unnecessarily for their surgeries. I should also point out that we did complete an average of 88% of targeted surgical allocation at all hospitals across the province. Over 430,000 scheduled surgeries have taken place since the start of the pandemic. We’re working very hard to clear the backlog and will continue to do so.

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

M me France Gélinas: Ontario used to have the best cancer care system. Now, 42% of cancer patients are not satisfied with the quality of their care. This is unheard of in Ontario. For people trying to get their cancer diagnosis it is even worse, with 66% of them not satisfied with the care, or lack thereof, they are receiving.

Minister, Ontarians’ trust in our health care system, our cancer system, is being eroded. What is the Minister of Health going to do to address this unacceptable drop in the quality of our cancer care system and services? When is she going to acknowledge that these long delays are problematic and put forward an action plan to bring the quality of cancer care back to meet the good people of Ontario’s expectations?

Mrs. Robin Martin: Thank you to the member opposite for the question. We are seeing improving trends obviously with COVID-19 indicators and vaccination rates, and Ontario Health has issued a memo to hospitals to safely resume non-urgent and non-emergent surgeries and procedures, including those requiring in-patient and critical care resources. That means that the hospitals that meet the criteria that Ontario Health has specified will be working closely to try to clear those backlogs.

So we do have a plan going forward to try to clear these backlogs. Since the start of this pandemic, our government has been really transparent, that we are sparing no expense when it comes to providing Ontarians with access to the high-quality care they know and expect, and that applies to our cancer system as well, which is obviously very important. We plan to catch up and make sure that those cases are dealt with as quickly and as compassionately as possible.

COVID-19 immunization

Mr. Roman Baber: Good morning, Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Labour. On Friday, I was visited by a constituent, initial L., an educator with the Toronto District School Board for 30 years. She teaches grade 5 and raised generations of North Yorkers. Five years ago, L. was diagnosed with serious cardiovascular disease. She has been steady since, but she fears inflammation of the heart. Like many Ontarians who are not members of the Ontario PC caucus, she is unable to get an exemption. The school board is threatening that unless she vaccinates by the end of the month, she may be terminated.

Whether she is right or wrong on the science or cardiology, she fears inflammation of her precious heart.

Speaker, the minister’s office is denying that the government blocked my Jobs and Jabs Act, which means they understand the merit of it and because, if passed, L. will keep her job.

I know this minister purports to be a kind and faithful man; I know him. Will he do something to protect my constituent or will he sentence L. to unemployment?

Hon. Monte McNaughton: We continue to encourage everyone out there who’s able to get vaccinated. I’m proud to say that more than 87% of the people of Ontario who are eligible are now vaccinated with one dose; more than 83% with a double dose. Of course, we always encourage everyone, if they need to, to consult with their doctor.

Mr. Speaker, we’re going to continue to protect the health and safety of everyone, the well-being of everyone in this province. Together, we’ve really come so far from when this pandemic hit back in March 2020. Let’s just keep working together. Let’s get through this. We’re doing much better than many jurisdictions around the world. Let’s keep that momentum going.

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

Mr. Roman Baber: Speaker, my follow-up is to the Solicitor General. The government is silent as thousands of Ontarians are losing their jobs daily because of their lawful medical choice.

According to the Premier, approximately 15% of Ontario’s health care workers remain unvaccinated. After months of wilful blindness, the government realized on Friday that suspension or termination of 15% of health care workers may lead to the collapse of the health care system. They’re now looking for ways to backpedal on their negligence.

But how about police, firefighters and EMS, who are also stretched thin? Are their jobs not worth preserving? Unless there is a serious crime, it’s difficult to get a police officer in North York, while a record number of firefighters and paramedics are on stress leave. Can we afford to terminate first responders and risk that no one shows up when we call 911?

Will the Solicitor General protect our police, fire and EMS from suspension or termination, or will the government dither and flip-flop later, as it is about to finally do on Ontario’s health care workers?

Hon. Monte McNaughton: Again, my message to everyone in this province is to keep working together.

I’ve had an opportunity to speak with health care workers, with police, with firefighters.

The overwhelming majority of people in this province are getting vaccinated. That’s important.

We’ve come so far as a province from back in those dark days when the pandemic hit Ontario. I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together—employers, employees, all of the people in this province working together. I know the Ontario spirit, the Premier does, and all of our government and all MPPs—or at least most MPPs—and we’re going to continue getting through this together.

Education funding

Mr. Faisal Hassan: My question is to the Premier. St. Bernard school in York South–Weston tries to provide excellent education, but it recently had classrooms closed and teachers displaced. The classes are at maximum capacity, and it can’t accept any new students. This means the parents of young children from the newly built townhouses down the street would have to transport their youngsters elsewhere. How is this acceptable?

When will the government admit that classes need to be smaller and teachers should not be cut?

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

Hon. Stephen Lecce: We certainly agree with the member opposite. That’s why we provided $300 million, for the second year in a row, to hire more educators, to hire more staff, custodians, ECEs and principals.

We recognize part of the layered approach advised by the Ontario science table was to take a multitude of actions, one of which includes distancing within our schools, which we are achieving through the investments the provinces made, in addition to the enhancements of the indoor masking requirement, the screening before children enter a school and the massive improvement in ventilation at that school and in every one of the publicly funded schools in this province.

Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of the fact that Ontario has one of the highest vaccination rates for youth in the country. We have one of the lowest case rates for youth in the country because we have followed the best expert advice of the Ontario science table, SickKids and the Chief Medical Officer of Health. We will continue to do so to ensure that our schools are safe, they remain open and kids continue to learn in this province.

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

This House stands in recess until 1 p.m.

The House recessed from 1135 to 1300.

Introduction of Bills

Gender Affirming Health Care Advisory Committee Act, 2021 / Loi de 2021 sur le Comité consultatif des soins de santé axés sur l’affirmation de genre

Ms. Morrison moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 17,

An Act to establish the Gender Affirming Health Care Advisory Committee / Projet de loi 17, Loi créant le Comité consultatif des soins de santé axés sur l’affirmation de genre.

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

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I will invite the member to briefly explain her bill.

Ms. Suze Morrison: The bill enacts the Gender Affirming Health Care Advisory Committee Act, 2021. The act provides that the Minister of Health shall, within 60 days of the act coming into force, establish a gender-affirming health care advisory committee. The advisory committee shall submit a report making recommendations to the minister for improving access to and coverage for gender-affirming health care. After receiving the advisory committee’s report, the minister shall inform the assembly of the measures that the minister recommends that the government of Ontario implement.

I would like to thank all of the trans, two spirit, non-binary, intersex and gender-diverse folks who helped contribute to the development of this bill. Thank you. Meegwetch.

Polish Heritage Month, 2021 / Loi de 2021 sur le Mois du patrimoine polonais

Ms. Hogarth moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 18,

An Act to proclaim the month of May as Polish Heritage Month / Projet de loi 18, Loi proclamant le mois de mai Mois du patrimoine polonais.

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

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Would the member for Etobicoke–Lakeshore care to explain her bill?

Ms. Christine Hogarth: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do. I’m proud to introduce, along with my colleague the member from Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke, my private member’s bill that seeks to proclaim the month of May in each year as Polish Heritage Month. This bill would be the first piece of legislation recognizing Polish heritage in the month of May.

Ontario is home to more than 523,000 Polish Canadians, who have immigrated to and lived in Ontario, beginning in the 19th century. Polish Heritage Month will help educate and help contribute to the education of Ontarians about the hardship that Polish Canadians endured to achieve their freedoms and help preserve our freedoms, underscoring the significance of the Polish Canadian community in Ontario’s history.

More Than a Visitor Act (Caregiving in Congregate Care Settings), 2021 / Loi de 2021 déclarant que les aidants naturels sont plus que de simples visiteurs (prestation de soins dans les habitations collectives)

Mrs. Gretzky moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 19,

An Act respecting the rights of persons receiving care, support or services in congregate care settings and their caregivers / Projet de loi 19,

Loi sur les droits des personnes qui reçoivent des soins, un soutien ou des services dans les habitations collectives et de leurs aidants naturels.

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

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’ll invite the member to explain her bill.

Mrs. Lisa Gretzky: The bill enacts the More Than a Visitor Act (Caregiving in Congregate Care Settings), 2021, which requires the minister to respect and promote certain rights for persons receiving care, supports or services in congregate care settings and their designated caregivers. The minister is also required to safely integrate designated caregivers that were excluded because of the COVID-19 pandemic back into congregate care settings.

The minister is also required to improve respect for the role of the designated caregiver within congregate care settings and to develop and implement a caregiving strategy in consultation with specified stakeholders. An interim strategy that incorporates the rights of individuals receiving care, supports or services in congregate care settings to have meaningful access to their designated caregiver is to be in effect for the first year.

Speaker, the bill was introduced in 2020 and passed first and second readings but died on the order paper when the government prorogued. I am re-tabling it because there are still many residents in congregate care that are being denied meaningful access to their designated caregivers, and we need to have a strategy in place.

Loi de 2021 sur la francophonie / La Francophonie Act, 2021

M lle Simard propose la première lecture du projet de loi suivant:

Projet de loi 20, Loi visant à promouvoir le maintien et l’épanouissement de la francophonie ontarienne / Bill 20,

An Act to promote the maintenance and development of La Francophonie of Ontario.

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

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’ll invite the member to briefly explain her bill.

J’espère que mes collègues vont considérer cet important projet de loi. Merci.

Taxation Amendment Act (Travel Ontario Tax Credit), 2021 / Loi de 2021 modifiant la

Loi sur les impôts (crédit d’impôt pour voyager en Ontario)

Mr. Gates moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 21,

An Act to amend the Taxation Act, 2007 to provide for a non-refundable tax credit to encourage tourism within Ontario / Projet de loi 21, Loi modifiant la Loi de 2007 sur les impôts pour prévoir un crédit d’impôt non remboursable afin d’encourager le tourisme en Ontario.

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

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Would the member like to explain his bill?

Mr. Wayne Gates: The bill amends the Taxation Act, 2007, to provide for a non-refundable tax credit for up to $1,000 for residents of Ontario for travel within Ontario for the purpose of tourism.

Tourism, as we all know, was hit first and was hit the hardest. In my riding of Niagara Falls, we lost 40,000 jobs almost immediately, including in Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Just today, I got a call from the Niagara-on-the-Lake chamber, asking for more help for businesses and tourism.

It’s a very good bill. I’m hoping that everybody will support it as quick as possible.

Making the Patient Ombudsman an Officer of the assembly Act, 2021 / Loi de 2021 visant à faire de l’ombudsman des patients un haut fonctionnaire de l’Assemblée

Mr. Fraser moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 22,

An Act to amend the Excellent Care for All Act, 2010 with respect to the patient ombudsman / Projet de loi 22, Loi modifiant la Loi de 2010 sur l’excellence des soins pour tous en ce qui concerne l’ombudsman des patients.

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

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I would invite the member for Ottawa South to briefly explain his bill.

Mr. John Fraser: The bill amends the act so that the Patient Ombudsman is appointed by this assembly and so that that appointment is also—all the remuneration is handled by the Board of Internal Economy, and that the ombudsman report to you, Speaker, as opposed to the minister. It also provides that the current ombudsman would remain in place.

These are really important changes, given the kinds of changes that are happening in our health care system and governance. I want to say that I really appreciate the vocal support of all my colleagues by getting this past first reading.

Petitions

Optometry services

Mr. Faisal Hassan: A “Petition to Save Eye Care in Ontario.”

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Ontario government has underfunded optometric eye care for 30 years; and

“Whereas the government only pays on average $44.65 for an OHIP-insured visit—the lowest rate in Canada; and

“Whereas optometrists are being forced to pay substantially out of their own pocket to provide over four million services each year to Ontarians under OHIP; and

“Whereas optometrists have never been given a formal negotiation process with the government; and

“Whereas the government’s continued neglect resulted in 96% of Ontario optometrists voting to withdraw OHIP services beginning September 1, 2021;

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

“To instruct the Ontario government to immediately commit to legally binding, formal negotiations to ensure any future OHIP-insured optometry services are, at a minimum, funded at the cost of delivery.”

I support this petition, and I’m sending it to page Zada. I have to sign it, too, here.

Optometry services

Mr. John Fraser: I have a “Petition to Save Eye Care in Ontario.”

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Ontario government has underfunded optometric eye care for 30 years; and

“Whereas optometrists now subsidize the delivery of OHIP-covered eye care by $173 million a year; and

“Whereas COVID-19 forced optometrists to close their doors, resulting in a 75%-plus drop in revenue; and

“Whereas optometrists will see patient volumes reduced between 40% and 60%, resulting in more than two million comprehensive eye exams being wiped out over the next 12 months; and

“Whereas communities across Ontario are in danger of losing access to optometric care;

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

“To instruct the Ontario government to immediately establish a timetable and a process for renewed negotiations concerning optometry fees.”

I agree with this petition. I am affixing my signature and giving it to page Graden.

Optometry services

Mr. Jamie West: I want to thank Andrée Côté from my riding of Sudbury for helping collect this petition. The petition is called “Petition to Save Eye Care in Ontario.” It says:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Ontario government has underfunded optometric eye care for 30 years; and

“Whereas the government only pays on average $44.65 for an OHIP-insured visit,” which is “the lowest rate in Canada; and

“Whereas optometrists are being forced to pay substantially out of their own pocket to provide over four million services each year to Ontarians under OHIP; and

“Whereas optometrists have never been given a formal negotiation process with the government; and

“Whereas the government’s continued neglect resulted in 96% of Ontario optometrists voting to withdraw OHIP services beginning September 1, 2021;

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

“To instruct the Ontario government to immediately commit to legally binding, formal negotiations to ensure any future OHIP-insured optometry services are, at a minimum, funded at the cost of delivery.”

I support this petition, I’ll affix my signature and I’ll provide it to Lamees, our legislative page.

Optometry services

Mrs. Belinda C. Karahalios: Good afternoon. I’ve got a petition here to save eye care in Ontario.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Ontario government has underfunded optometric eye care for 30 years; and

“Whereas the government only pays on average $44.65 for an OHIP-insured visit—the lowest rate in Canada; and

“Whereas optometrists are being forced to pay substantially out of their own pocket to provide over four million services each year to Ontarians under OHIP; and

“Whereas optometrists have never been given a formal negotiation process with the government; and

“Whereas the government’s continued neglect resulted in 96% of Ontario optometrists voting to withdraw OHIP services beginning September 1, 2021;

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

“To instruct the Ontario government to immediately commit to legally binding, formal negotiations to ensure any future OHIP-insured optometry services are, at a minimum, funded at the cost of delivery.”

I affix my name to this petition and hand it to page Fraser.

Child care

M me France Gélinas: I would like to thank Steve Guinard from Dowling in my riding for this petition. It reads as follows:

“Demand $10-Per-Day Child Care....

“Whereas several provinces and territories, including British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Yukon, PEI and Newfoundland ... have implemented ... $10-per-day child care...;

“Whereas Ontario has some of the highest child care costs in the country and the costs have made quality child care hard to access for many families;

“Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on the child care sector;

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

“To immediately negotiate an agreement with the federal government to introduce ... $10-a-day child care ... in Ontario; improve wages for” early childhood educators “and child care professionals; and invest in child care capacity to support the recovery from” the “COVID-19” pandemic.

I support this petition, will affix my name to it and send it to the table with my good page Zada. It’s nice to have pages again.

Optometry services

M lle Amanda Simard: I’d just like to present this “Petition to Save Eye Care in Ontario.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Ontario government has underfunded optometric eye care for 30 years; and

“Whereas optometrists now subsidize the delivery of OHIP-covered eye care by $173 million a year; and

“Whereas COVID-19 forced optometrists to close their doors, resulting in a 75%-plus drop in revenue; and

“Whereas optometrists will see patient volumes reduced between 40% and 60%, resulting in more than two million comprehensive eye exams being wiped out over the next 12 months; and

“Whereas communities across Ontario are in danger of losing access to optometric care;

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

“To instruct the Ontario government to immediately establish a timetable and a process for renewed negotiations concerning optometry fees.”

I agree with this petition and I affix my name to it.

Optometry services

Mr. Ian Arthur: I have a petition here entitled “Petition to Save Eye Care in Ontario.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Ontario government has underfunded optometric eye care for 30 years; and

“Whereas the government only pays on average $44.65 for an OHIP-insured visit—the lowest rate in Canada; and

“Whereas optometrists are being forced to pay substantially out of their own pocket to provide over four million services each year to Ontarians under OHIP; and

“Whereas optometrists have never been given a formal negotiation process with the government; and

“Whereas the government’s continued neglect resulted in 96% of Ontario optometrists voting to withdraw OHIP services beginning September 1, 2021;

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

“To instruct the Ontario government to immediately commit to legally binding, formal negotiations to ensure any future OHIP-insured optometry services are, at a minimum, funded at the cost of delivery.”

I fully support this petition. I’m affixing my name to it, and I’m giving it to page Emily to provide to the Clerks.

Optometry services

Ms. Catherine Fife: I would like to thank Pierce Family optometry, Grand River Eye Care, Waterloo Eye Care Centre, Waterloo Vision Care Clinic, Waterloo West Optometry and Louise Litwiller for collecting these almost 800 petitions.

“Petition to Save Eye Care in Ontario.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Ontario government has underfunded optometric eye care for 30 years; and

“Whereas the government only pays on average $44.65 for an OHIP-insured visit—the lowest rate in Canada; and

“Whereas optometrists are being forced to pay substantially out of their own pocket to provide over four million services each year to Ontarians under OHIP; and

“Whereas optometrists have never been given a formal negotiation process with the government; and

“Whereas the government’s continued neglect resulted in 96% of Ontario optometrists voting to withdraw OHIP services beginning September 1, 2021;

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

“To instruct the Ontario government to immediately commit to legally binding, formal negotiations to ensure any future OHIP-insured optometry services are, at a minimum, funded at the cost of delivery.”

It is my pleasure to affix my signature to this petition and give it to page Fraser.

Optometry services

Ms. Doly Begum: I have a petition here to save eye care in Ontario.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Ontario government has underfunded optometric eye care for 30 years; and

“Whereas the government only pays on average $44.65 for an OHIP-insured visit—the lowest rate in Canada; and

“Whereas optometrists are being forced to pay substantially out of their own pocket to provide over four million services each year to Ontarians under OHIP; and

“Whereas optometrists have never been given a formal negotiation process with the government; and

“Whereas the government’s continued neglect resulted in 96% of Ontario optometrists voting to withdraw OHIP services beginning September 1, 2021;

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

“To instruct the Ontario government to immediately commit to legally binding, formal negotiations to ensure any future OHIP-insured optometry services are, at a minimum, funded at the cost of delivery.”

I fully support this petition, will affix my signature to it and give it to the Clerks.

Optometry services

Ms. Jill Andrew: On behalf of the Ontario Association of Optometrists and the fine residents of Toronto–St. Paul’s, this petition is called “Petition to Save Eye Care in Ontario.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Ontario government has underfunded optometric eye care for 30 years; and

“Whereas the government only pays on average $44.65 for an OHIP-insured visit—the lowest rate in Canada; and

“Whereas optometrists are being forced to pay substantially out of their own pocket to provide over four million services each year to Ontarians under OHIP; and

“Whereas optometrists have never been given a formal negotiation process with the government; and

“Whereas the government’s continued neglect resulted in 96% of Ontario optometrists voting to withdraw OHIP services beginning September 1, 2021;

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

“To instruct the Ontario government to immediately commit to legally binding, formal negotiations to ensure any future OHIP-insured optometry services are, at a minimum, funded at the cost of delivery.”

I wholeheartedly support this petition. I have affixed my signature, and I will give it to Theo for the Clerks.

Optometry services

Mr. Terence Kernaghan: It’s my honour to present these petitions on behalf of Dr. Wes McCann of Central Optometry and all the patients there. The petition reads:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Ontario government has underfunded optometric eye care for 30 years; and

“Whereas the government only pays on average $44.65 for an OHIP-insured visit—the lowest rate in Canada; and

“Whereas optometrists are being forced to pay substantially out of their own pocket to provide over four million services each year to Ontarians under OHIP; and

“Whereas optometrists have never been given a formal negotiation process with the government; and

“Whereas the government’s continued neglect resulted in 96% of Ontario optometrists voting to withdraw OHIP services beginning September 1, 2021;

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

“To instruct the Ontario government to immediately commit to legally binding, formal negotiations to ensure any future OHIP-insured optometry services are, at a minimum, funded at the cost of delivery.”

I fully support this petition and will give it to the page to deliver to the Clerks.

Front-line workers

M me France Gélinas: I would to thank Liana Holm from my riding, in Lively, for these petitions. They read as follows:

“Make PSW a Career....

“Whereas there has been a shortage of personal support workers (PSWs) in long-term care and home care in Ontario for many years;

“Whereas Ontario’s personal support workers are overworked, underpaid and underappreciated, leading to many of them leaving the profession;

“Whereas the lack of PSWs has created a crisis in LTC, a broken home care system, and poor-quality care for LTC home residents and home care clients;”

They petition the Legislative Assembly as follows:

“Tell Premier Ford to act now to make PSW jobs a career, with” permanent “full-time employment, good wages, paid sick days, benefits, a pension plan and a manageable workload in order to respect the important work of PSWs and improve patient care.”

I fully this support this petition, and I will ask page Graden to bring it to the Clerk.

Correction of record

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Point of order, the member for Toronto–St. Paul’s.

Ms. Jill Andrew: I wish to correct my record from this morning. As it turns out, it was the federal government that bailed out Loblaws with the fridges.

Opposition Day

Long-term care

Ms. Andrea Horwath: I move opposition day motion number 1:

Whereas COVID-19 has tragically revealed the systemic failures of long-term care in Ontario; and

Whereas the previous Liberal government expanded privatization in long-term care, causing an erosion of care that now needs to be reversed; and

Whereas successive Conservative and Liberal governments failed to hold accountable for-profit long-term-care operators who prioritized profit over safety and quality of care; and

Whereas evidence suggests that COVID-19-related deaths in long-term care were more frequent in for-profit long-term-care homes than those operated by municipalities or non-profit organizations, and research data from as far back as 2011 suggests for-profit facilities “are less likely to provide good care than non-profit or public facilities”; and

Whereas the Ford government acted faster to pass Bill 218, the Supporting Ontario’s Recovery and Municipal Elections Act, 2020, and shield negligent for-profit operators from accountability than it has to improve quality of care for our parents and grandparents or the working conditions of the PSWs and medical professionals who take care of them; and

Whereas some homes, such as Pickering’s Orchard Villa facility, are still being considered for licence renewal and expansion by the Ministry of Long-Term Care, despite the horrific conditions uncovered by the Canadian Armed Forces that resulted in 70 COVID-19 deaths in the home; and

Whereas investing in not-for-profit long-term care would mean that more money is available to improve the quality of care for our loved ones who call these facilities home, and multiple studies show that not-for-profit facilities provide, on average, more hours of care per resident and are better at retaining the qualified staff our loved ones depend on; and

Whereas the Ford government is preparing to reward some of the for-profit companies with the worst performance records during the first and second waves of the pandemic with 30-year licences and millions of dollars in public funds;

Therefore, the Legislative Assembly calls on the Ford government to place an indefinite moratorium on the issuing of new licences and the renewal of licences of for-profit long-term-care providers and prioritize the development of not-for-profit long-term care in Ontario.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Ms. Horwath has moved opposition day number 1.

I look to the Leader of the Opposition to lead off the debate.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Thanks very much, Speaker. I really wish we didn’t have to file this opposition day motion. I really wish the current government would do the right thing by seniors in our community, their loved ones, families in Ontario, and take the profits out of long-term care and also ensure that the very same facilities, the very same long-term-care homes that we saw such tragedy unfold within are prevented from continuing to provide this important service and this important home for our seniors as they age here in Ontario.

We saw the disaster that was lurking in long-term care in Ontario when COVID-19 hit. That disaster is no doubt something that was in the making for many, many years. In fact, studies going back to 2011 and probably earlier have been saying for all of this time that for-profit long-term care is absolutely less likely to provide good care than not-for-profit long-term-care homes. Case after case after case of for-profit long-term-care homes prioritizing profits over the quality of care is what we’ve seen over the years.

We’ve seen a Liberal government that for 15 years failed to change course and instead swept under the carpet as many times as they possibly could the disaster that was in long-term care. I know this, Speaker. I spent at least three tours in the time since I’ve become leader travelling from community to community, meeting with family councils, meeting with folks who had loved ones in long-term care, trying to get the Liberal government to pay attention to the horrific conditions that people were living in in long-term care. But at every turn, they refused to do the right thing.

They didn’t make the investments; in fact, quite the opposite. They made cuts, and as a result, that quality of care continued to decline while that government was in office. It was horrifying—pictures spread across newspapers of people who were emaciated from not having been fed, folks who were literally rotting in their own filth.

I can remember, in the first general election that I ran in back in 2009, our leader at that time, Howard Hampton, was trying to get the long-term-care issue on the radar for that entire campaign. He wasn’t successful. It didn’t really come to the forefront of that campaign. Back then, in 2009, he was talking about seniors literally being left in their incontinence products for days on end, bedsores—we’ve seen pictures of them in the newspapers—that literally ate away until they hit the bones of loved ones living in long-term care, of seniors who couldn’t defend themselves, who weren’t able to call out for help, and who were left literally to rot.

That’s what Ontario has offered to our senior citizens who live in long-term care for decades, and it has to stop. And when the public money that we plow into long-term care goes to the profit-making of private corporations, that has to stop. Every single dime of public money needs to go into the care of our seniors and the quality of their lives and the quality of the workplaces so that the people we pay to look after them and provide them with dignity and with community are able to make a decent living. It has been a horrifying number of years.

Of course, as we saw, the Ford government, when they came into office, started cutting long-term care as well. They got rid of the resident quality inspections that we, the opposition NDP, had forced the Liberals to put into place. They tried to scurry away from that obligation as well, and then the Ford government comes into place and does the exact same thing.

In April 2020, we will all remember that the Premier said this: He was going to put an iron ring of protection around the residents in long-term care. That’s what he said in the early summer of 2020. Everybody knows that iron ring didn’t ever show up. He said specifically, “We are fortifying an iron ring of protection around our most vulnerable and the people who care for them. Our new, three-point plan”—eye roll—“will strengthen our existing measures so that Ontarians remain best protected.”

Well, we all know it didn’t happen. While other provinces were doing exactly that, Ontario didn’t bother. They didn’t hire thousands of PSWs to shore up long-term care before the second wave, and the second wave was worse than the first wave. It was nothing short of absolutely horrifying, and it was a preventable human disaster that this government allowed to unfold in our province.

We didn’t see the government act on the moving of PSWs into single homes. BC did that weeks and weeks before Ontario got around to it. Quebec managed to hire 10,000 PSWs in the summer. The Premier of this province didn’t want to spend the money. We saw what the result was: literally a humanitarian disaster here in the province of Ontario, which has so much wealth. We let these seniors die of COVID-19 because we couldn’t bother to spend the money.

In fact, the report that this government generated from its own commission specifically said solution after solution after solution was provided to the government. Every single time, it was turned down, until such time as, finally, those people who were generating those solutions, those civil servants and health care leaders who were generating those solutions for the government, just stopped. That’s in the documentation of that report. They stopped providing solutions because they knew they’d be turned down because the government didn’t want to spend the money. That is exactly what that report says.

This is after the government, of course, refused to give that commission the time it wanted to complete its work, so it manipulated that process, and they did a document dump right before the report was due, a document dump where the commission had been looking for thousands and thousands and thousands of documents that the government refused to release until the very last minute.

That’s what we got from this government when it comes to long-term care and COVID-19. Nearly 4,000—nearly 4,000—seniors lost their lives to COVID-19 in our long-term-care homes, and we know that the people who were living in for-profit long-term-care homes paid the highest price. The government’s own science table verifies that, Speaker, and says that for-profit long-term-care homes had twice as many infections as not-for-profit and community-run, and 78% more deaths than non-profit or publicly run long-term-care homes.

Why is all this important? It’s important because we have a chance to change the future. We have a chance now, right now, to prevent this debacle, this horrifying situation, from continuing to be the way that we treat our seniors here in this province.

Over the years, Conservatives and Liberals—Conservative governments and Liberal governments—have cut. They have underfunded. They have understaffed. They have privatized our long-term-care system. They’ve handed the care of our most vulnerable seniors, people who literally raised us all up, who built our province, and who are in the last years of their lives, expecting that the government would do the right thing and make sure that they are well taken care of in those declining years—instead, their care was handed over to corporations that kept, and still do keep, staffing levels low so that they can keep profits high. There is no excuse for that in our province.

We know that health care is something that people value and we know that we cherish and protect avidly our public health care system, where it’s not driven by profits; it’s driven by quality of care. That’s what we should have in our long-term-care system as well, Speaker.

What did we see in these for-profit homes? People hospitalized for dehydration and malnourishment; residents literally neglected; people dying from lack of nourishment; people dying from lack of water. This is what the Canadian Armed Forces showed us. I once again want to thank them for the great work that they did, not only in trying to shore up some of the worst homes but also for the report they wrote that really did draw back the curtain on what was going on in long-term care in a way that none of us could avert our eyes from again.

Now none of us should avoid our responsibility to fix this system, to make sure it spends every public dollar on providing that quality of care and not on giving a return on investment to shareholders or profits into the profit margins of corporations.

People calling out for hours and hours, only to be ignored—maybe not only even to be ignored, but only to be unattended to because there weren’t enough staff on the floors, because the system that was already broken was collapsing in upon itself. Residents left in beds for so long—I’ve already described this—that the painful bed sores that they developed were literally horrifying. Families not being informed, not being told what was happening to their loved ones, left worrying as they were trying to get any bit of information, any scrap of information possible, from those homes.

As I said, the Liberal government before this government was a problem, led by the member for Don Valley West. The former member from Vaughan was a part of that government, part of that cabinet. They made choices. They made choices not to get rid of the profits and instead to continue on with profit-making, private long-term-care homes. They cut the budgets. They cut the amount of money that we were investing in long-term care. They ensured that those private corporations were able to continue to line their pockets as they resisted at every possible turn.

Every time we brought a bill—and we brought it many times—to guarantee four hours of hands-on care, for 15 years the Liberals wouldn’t do it. When those horrifying murders happened in Woodstock and London, we begged them to put a full public inquiry in place so that Ontarians could see what was really going on in long-term care. But they refused because they didn’t want Ontarians to know that 15 years under the Liberals led to a system that was literally horrifying.

The evidence that the Canadian Armed Forces brought forward in their report was horrifying, for sure, but the more horrifying thing is that people weren’t surprised. People weren’t surprised that that’s what was found by the Canadian Armed Forces, because it was the dirty little secret that the Liberals kept for the whole time they were in office and that the Ford government tried to keep as well when they took office: They were cutting long-term care. They had gotten rid of the resident quality inspections, the one accountability tool that we forced the Liberals to put in place.

The Conservatives got rid of it the moment they took power.

I don’t know how many family members I’ve spoken to who said their loved ones begged them, “Don’t put me there. Don’t put me into a home.” I’ve heard that over and over and over again.

The number of people who have told me they feel guilty that they had no other options for their loved ones—literally, they feel guilty because they couldn’t do it anymore. A home care system that’s broken and also run in a for-profit manner was never providing enough hours of care for those families.

Eventually, they just couldn’t do it anymore, and they were feeling such guilt. They felt terrible that they had to put their loved ones into long-term care, not only because they would have wanted to be able to provide the care with supports that they weren’t able to provide under the Liberals, but also because they knew. They had seen some of the stories. They knew that there were problems in long-term care, but eventually they had no choice.

Speaker, we have a chance to turn this around. We have a chance to get the profits out of our long-term-care system. We have a chance to make the care of our seniors, our elderly as they grow older, something that we can have some confidence in, that we don’t fear, that we don’t feel guilty about.

Massive, for-profit corporations make a business, as we know, out of cutting corners to make sure that their profits increase. The three largest corporations that provide long-term-care services here in our province paid $171 million in shareholder dividends just nine months into COVID-19. The same three companies scored $138 million in government pandemic funding. There’s something seriously wrong with this, Speaker—seriously, seriously wrong.

And now, those same for-profit corporations are lining up to get new beds allocated to them by their buddies the Ford government, and they’re also lining up to have their licences renewed. A lot of those licences are coming to the end of their current time frame, and they need to not be renewed. That’s what this motion is about.

It’s about saying once and for all here in Ontario that we’re not going to avert our eyes anymore, that we’re going to acknowledge our long-term-care system is broken and that one of the biggest culprits in the problems—other than Liberal governments and Conservative governments—is the for-profit sector, people who are profiting from the care of our loved ones. They’re applying for more beds, they’re applying for 30-year licence extensions, and they should not be granted, end of story. Enough is enough.

This government can’t just continue to pretend that it’s taking the interests of their buddies who run these homes above the interests of the public, so we’re calling on the government to place a moratorium on new and renewed licences for private operators until a government can be elected next year that actually fulfills the promise of getting profits out of long-term care and turning around the system of care for our loved ones, because doing things the same old way and allowing those profits to continue to be made is not going to make a difference for the people of Ontario. It’s not going to make a difference for our loved ones.

Corporations should not be rewarded while they had 78% of all of the cases of COVID-19. What we should be doing is prioritizing the development of not-for-profit and municipally run homes. That’s where the priority should be, and the government needs to start making sure that the funding is available for those kinds of priorities.

I can tell you this: We have a plan that we put out last October. As we watched this government sit on its hands and do squat to protect loved ones in long-term care, our seniors in long-term care, from the second wave of COVID-19, we were preparing our platform on long-term care. We were being responsible and thoughtful about how you actually change a system. Here’s what it includes. Here are the things that we actually can do. That’s the good news; we actually can turn it around. We can turn it around, and we’ve made that commitment.

Overhauling home care to help people stay in their homes longer, which I’ve already touched on as being extremely important: People do better when they’re in a familiar circumstance. They do better when they can stay at home. And it takes the pressure off of loved ones who don’t want to make that horrifying decision.

We can build smaller, more family-like homes.

We can staff up with full-time, well-paid, well-trained caregivers. We’ve heard this so many times. The working conditions of a PSW or a dietary staff or a nurse are the living conditions of our loved ones. So let’s do right by both. Let’s do right by all and make sure they’re well-paid, decent jobs, and that the homes that we have are places that we can trust and have confidence in.

Make family caregivers partners, not bar them from coming in and helping with their loved ones. Make them partners in the care of their loved ones.

Make people feel at home with culturally responsive, inclusive and affirming care. That can be done here in Ontario. It absolutely can be done.

Finally, clear the long-term-care wait-list. That can be done as well. But there’s no point in clearing that wait-list by building homes so that the friends of the current government can get more beds allocated to them. That’s not the way forward, Speaker.

Guarantee new, strong protections; inspections; a seniors’ advocate; and more.

Our platform plank is very comprehensive. We know that we can do it. So let’s do it. Let’s not go down the same old path as the Liberals and Conservatives have taken us for so long, a path that has been horrifying for seniors and their loved ones and families.

Let’s build a long-term-care system where the profits are no longer a part of what our public money is going to, that shareholders and private owners are no longer making profits or investment returns on the care of our loved ones, and make sure, instead, it’s about a dignified quality of life in a home that we can have confidence in, that our loved ones feel safe in, that we know they’re well taken care of in and where the workers are respected, they have full-time work, they have decent benefits, they have a quality of work life that’s equal to a quality of home life for the people that they take care of on behalf of the rest of us.

On that note, Mr. Speaker, I really urge everybody to support this motion. It’s really a watershed time for our province, and there’s no way that the lessons that were shown to us during COVID-19, the tragedies that occurred, should be ignored. Now is a very pivotal time in the history of this province. Certainly it is in long-term care and our response to what we saw during the pandemic. Let’s do the right thing. Let’s turn it around.

The Acting Speaker (Mrs. Lisa Gretzky): Further debate?

Hon. Rod Phillips: It’s my pleasure to speak to this motion today. I did listen closely to the Leader of the Opposition’s comments, and I think through this debate and th