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April 11, 2006

38th Parliament, 2nd Session

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Hansard Transcripts

vol. A

Hansard Transcripts

vol. B

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcripts 2006-Apr-11 (PDF)

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L'ONTARIO

Tuesday 11 April 2006 Mardi 11 avril 2006

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

SCARBOROUGH WALK OF FAME

HEALTH CARE

HERITAGE PROGRAMS

PARKINSON'S DISEASE

HEALTH CARE

EVENTS IN DON VALLEY WEST

HEALTH CARE

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

PENSION BENEFITS

AMENDMENT ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006

MODIFIANT LA

LOI SUR

LES RÉGIMES DE RETRAITE

PROTECTION OF MINORS

FROM SEXUALLY EXPLICIT GOODS

AND SERVICES ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006

SUR LA PROTECTION DES MINEURS

CONTRE LES BIENS ET SERVICES

SEXUELLEMENT EXPLICITES

MOTIONS

HOUSE SITTINGS

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY AND RESPONSES

ENERGY CONSERVATION

NORTHERN ONTARIO

ONTARIO FILM AND

TELEVISION INDUSTRY

ENERGY CONSERVATION

ONTARIO FILM AND

TELEVISION INDUSTRY

NORTHERN ONTARIO

ENERGY CONSERVATION

NORTHERN ONTARIO

ONTARIO FILM AND

TELEVISION INDUSTRY

ORAL QUESTIONS

HEALTH CARE

CHILD PROTECTION

ENERGY CONSERVATION

HEALTH CARE

TOWING INDUSTRY

PHARMACISTS

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

COLORECTAL CANCER

JUNIOR HOCKEY /

HOCKEY JUNIOR

ENERGY RATES

SOCIAL SERVICES

PROCEEDS OF CRIME

CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES

PETITIONS

LONG-TERM CARE

CHILD CARE

LONG-TERM CARE

AUTISM SERVICES

COMMUNITY MEDIATION

SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

CHIILD CARE

ASSISTANCE TO FARMERS

LONG-TERM CARE

ESTIMATES

ORDERS OF THE DAY

EDUCATION STATUTE LAW

AMENDMENT ACT

(STUDENT PERFORMANCE), 2006 /

LOI DE 2006 MODIFIANT DES LOIS

EN CE QUI CONCERNE L'ÉDUCATION

(RENDEMENT DES ÉLÈVES)

The House met at 1330.

Prayers.

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Mrs. Julia Munro (York North): It's not only in health care that wait times are increasing. The Liberals promised Ontario in the last election

that they would help the children who need help the most: those with special needs. More than 9,000 disabled Ontario children are on waiting lists at children's treatment centres, awaiting services

or therapy. In one year, the number of children on the waiting list has increased by 25%. The average time that kids are waiting has increased from 24 to 31 weeks in just one year.

Why are Ontarians paying more in taxes while disabled children, our most vulnerable people, are receiving less service? These services are vital. We know that

early intervention helps many disabled children reach their full potential. It is more effective and reduces hospitalization. Yet the McGuinty government did not give these services any increase

last year, and no specific commitment this year. No wonder wait times are increasing.

Your government promised to help Ontario's children, but you have broken your promise. You have even cut the budget for the Ministry of Children. Ontarians are

paying more taxes, so why isn't there enough money for children with disabilities? Our children deserve an answer.

SCARBOROUGH WALK OF FAME

Mr. Brad Duguid (Scarborough Centre): What do NBA basketball star Jamaal Magloire, renowned Canadian artist Doris McCarthy, internationally

recognized plastic surgeon Dr. Lloyd Carlsen, broadcaster and community activist David Onley, Vicky Sunohara, a veteran member of the Olympic women's hockey team, Order of Canada recipient Dr.

Joseph Wong, and Juno Award-winning recording artist Maestro Fresh Wes Williams all have in common? They are the inaugural inductees in the Scarborough Walk of Fame.

The Scarborough Walk of Fame is the initiative of Stand Up Scarborough. It is designed to celebrate members of the community, present and past, who have made

outstanding contributions in their fields of endeavour and who are recognized for their achievements locally, nationally and internationally.

The event, planned for May 17, 2006, has two major elements: the embedding of the inductees' stars in a permanent installation at the Scarborough Town Centre at

2 p.m., followed by an evening awards gala at the Delta Toronto East for 500 guests, hosted by television personalities Colin Mochrie and his wife, Debra McGrath.

As an important part of the plans for the gala evening, net proceeds from the dinner and an on-site fundraising raffle, up to a total of $30,000, will go to

support three not-for-profit organizations which, through their activities, have made a real contribution to the lives of young people in Scarborough. The three charities that have been selected

are Tropicana Community Services, East Scarborough Storefront and West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre. For more information, go to the Stand Up Scarborough website,

www.standupscarborough.ca.

HEALTH CARE

Mrs. Christine Elliott (Whitby-Ajax): Yesterday the Minister of Health was telling us that all is okay in Ontario when it comes to patient wait

times, using median wait times as the backbone of his argument. This does not give Ontarians an accurate picture of where matters stand.

The McGuinty Liberals are simply incapable of being straight with Ontarians, and patient wait times are no exception. Using phony numbers and inaccurate

calculations may shield them for now, but I can tell you, the people of Whitby-Ajax are not easily fooled.

During the by-election, wait times were a major issue for constituents in Whitby-Ajax as I went door to door listening to their concerns. They knew the McGuinty

Liberals had made numerous promises when it came to wait times, but like many other promises, they knew they would never follow through.

In Whitby-Ajax, local cancer surgery wait times are up 67%, hip replacement wait times are up 59% and angioplasty wait times are up a whopping 213%.

On March 30, the people of Whitby-Ajax said they had had enough of broken promises and paying more while getting less from the McGuinty Liberals. They've had

enough of phony statistics and inaccurate information. They want results on wait times.

I was sent here to try to deliver those results. I will be working hard to make sure the McGuinty Liberals are held accountable for their broken promises on wait

times. The people of Whitby-Ajax deserve better, and I will be working hard to make sure that happens.

HERITAGE PROGRAMS

Mr. Rosario Marchese (Trinity-Spadina): I want to talk briefly about the black history and culture programs that exist --

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Order. This isn't a good start. Start over, member for Trinity-Spadina.

Mr. Marchese: Thank you, Speaker, for helping me out in that regard.

I want to talk about the promotion of black history and culture programs. Part of the petition reads as follows:

"Whereas the black cultural heritage program at the Toronto District School Board provides a valuable program where children in elementary school learn about the

origins, history and the role of black people throughout Canada and around the world; ...

"Whereas when he was the opposition critic responsible for education, the" former "Minister of Education supported the funding of these programs:

"Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to provide Ministry of Education funding for the black cultural heritage program in

the upcoming budget."

We know that the former Minister of Education met with this group. Recently I got a letter from the chair of the committee for the promotion of black history and

culture programs, and she says the following:

"I am writing you on behalf of the committee for the promotion of black history and culture programs.... As you were present when the former Minister of

Education, Minister Kennedy, initiated a desire to meet with the committee, and host of the press conference held on February 28, 2006, I value your input and direction. I'm disappointed and

concerned about the fact that Kennedy never followed up on several letters and phone calls to his office. I'm very concerned as to the whereabouts of the petitions we handed over, as the Minister

of Education office has not been able to answer that question, and has also stated that they don't know if Minister Pupatello will take up the issue, and further recommended that maybe we start

from scratch."

They're looking to the new minister to --

The Speaker: Thank you.

PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Mrs. Linda Jeffrey (Brampton Centre): Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that slowly robs a person of their independence. It is

a cruel disease that takes over entire lives; not only the person affected by Parkinson's but also their family. For most, their minds stay sharp while every day they witness their body's

decreasing limitations due to tremors, slowness, stiffness, impaired balance and rigid muscles. Some may have difficulty walking, talking and swallowing. This disease is complex, hard to diagnose

and random. It can strike anyone, women and men of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and lifestyles, and while the vast majority of people with Parkinson's are over 60, 10% are diagnosed before the age

of 50, many of them in their 30s and 40s when they are busy raising children and building careers.

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month, and I am pleased to have several members of the Parkinson's Society of Canada attending in our gallery today.

We can improve the quality of life for people living with Parkinson's disease through research, education, advocacy and support services.

I encourage members to participate in SuperWalk 2006 this September. This walk is the largest national fundraiser for the Parkinson's Society of Canada. Last

year alone, over $600,000 was raised for research. Together, we have the ability to make a difference.

The James Parkinson tulip for years has been a symbol of Parkinson's disease and has become a hope for a cure. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to wear the

tulip pin to commemorate Parkinson's Awareness Month.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Mrs. Jeffrey has asked for unanimous consent to wear the tulip pin in recognition of Parkinson's Awareness

Month. Agreed? Agreed.

HEALTH CARE

Mr. Ted Arnott (Waterloo-Wellington): The McGuinty Liberals' broken promises mean that Ontarians are paying more and getting less when it comes

to their health care.

While in opposition, the Liberals promised to reduce wait times. When they came to power, the Minister of Health promised a wait times website that would let

Ontarians know how long they would have to wait for crucial procedures. He promised in November 2004 that the website would be up in a matter of months. At the time, he said, "The more Ontarians

know about the wait time situation, the more empowered they will be to hold the government ... to account." The following month he promised that the website would be updated with information about

how long patients were waiting.

Almost a year later, in October 2005, the information was finally posted. The minister claimed the data was reliable and up to date. However, as soon as the

minister was questioned on the data, he began to back away from it. He did this back in December when he said that we really couldn't trust his website; then he did it again yesterday when our

caucus confronted him with evidence that wait times are increasing in many communities across Ontario. For example, he has presided over a 14% increase to cancer surgery wait times in the

Waterloo-Wellington LHIN. This is totally unacceptable.

With cancer wait times growing longer, Ontarians rightly wonder where the health tax money has gone. We do know it was the largest tax increase in history, we

know it broke the central promise of the Liberals' election campaign, and we know that a middle-income taxpayer is paying $600 more a year tax in provincial tax and getting less. Ontarians as a

whole are paying more and getting less, proof that the McGuinty Liberal government is conniving, incompetent and --

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

EVENTS IN DON VALLEY WEST

Ms. Kathleen O. Wynne (Don Valley West): I rise today to recognize and celebrate community volunteerism and enthusiasm in my riding of Don

Valley West.

Last Friday, I had the pleasure of presenting team awards to the Leaside Flames atom hockey team. The Flames had a stellar season which culminated in their

winning the Greater Toronto Hockey League championship. Anyone who has coached a community team or driven kids to practice on a dark winter morning knows the long hours of dedication that support a

team like the Flames. The Flames went on to host the Ontario Hockey Federation championship tournament, and this would not have been possible without the support of boosters and local organization

and companies.

I want to recognize that effort today, and in particular Chick Evans, the Greater Toronto Hockey League director, David Damon, the Ontario Hockey Federation

treasurer, and local folks Ian Beverly and Thanaf Kirkof, the co-chairs of the host organizing committee.

I also want to celebrate an event in the north end of my riding, not in an arena but in a school, last Saturday morning. The Owen Public School Festival of

Words, spearheaded by Shannon MacDonald, chair of the school council, was a wonderful blend of music featuring Owen Sound's music sensation Tanglefoot and workshops on reading and family literacy.

Dozens of kids with their moms, dads and friends filled the school library. This is the kind of community use of schools that instills a love of reading and builds community all at the same

time.

Many thanks to the parents and community members of Leaside, York Mills and communities across Don Valley West and indeed across the province who play such an

important role in building community, bettering the lives of our children and challenging them to dream and strive for goals on the ice, in school and in their lives.

HEALTH CARE

Mr. John Wilkinson (Perth-Middlesex): In the business world that both I and the Leader of the Opposition come from, the rules are very simple:

If you disclose only some of the financial facts of a business transaction, you get sued. If, heaven forbid, you get sued and end up in court, the law says you must swear to tell the truth, the

whole truth and nothing but the truth. Selectively cherry-picking facts is not allowed.

Yesterday, after question period, I called Andrew Williams, the CEO of the Huron-Perth Healthcare Alliance. I raised with him John Tory's allegation that cancer

wait times are up dramatically -- some 38% at Stratford General Hospital. I cannot tell you how deeply disappointed the wonderful and caring health care professionals in my hometown were to hear

that Mr. Tory did not take the time to get all of the facts. Had he taken his own advice and picked up the phone, he would have learned what I have just learned: Namely, that looking at surgeries

performed over the Christmas period in a rural hospital is a mug's game. The CEO has advised me that, based on the latest available numbers, which will be posted to the wait times website in four

days, average cancer wait times are not up 10 days but two. Average cataract wait times are down 29 days, and average knee replacement wait times are down 102 days.

I say to John Tory, this is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. You and your researchers should try it, sir. Both the courts and the people of

Stratford take a very dim view of factual cherry pickers.

Mr. Lorenzo Berardinetti (Scarborough Southwest): I would like to take this opportunity to applaud the government for the health initiatives

announced in the budget committing itself to the health needs of the people of Ontario and of the GTA.

I believe we are all aware of the prime importance of health care and what role it plays in the lives of Ontario citizens on a daily basis. The government's

dedication to provide an additional $1.9 billion for health care in 2006-07 alone -- which will, by 2008-09, total $34.4 billion in additional investment in health care services -- is the first

time in Ontario's history that a government has made a multi-year funding commitment to hospitals in the province. This will provide hospitals in all of Ontario with stable funding that will help

in long-term planning. This, as well as the continued endeavour to provide shorter wait times for patients, shows all Ontarians how important health concerns are to this government.

In Scarborough we have seen increased funding to hospitals, a wait-time strategy implemented, funding for equipment, improvement and repair for existing hospital

infrastructure, as well as investments in community health and community mental health services. In addition, the government has made clear that it will do all it can to help maintain and support

24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week services for all three main hospitals in the Scarborough area. The government is doing much to provide patients in my riding access to the services they need when

they need them.

Those of us in my riding are eager to see all these efforts bear fruit in Scarborough as well as across the rest of the province.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

PENSION BENEFITS

AMENDMENT ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006

MODIFIANT LA

LOI SUR

LES RÉGIMES DE RETRAITE

Mr. Levac moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 99,

An Act to amend the Pension Benefits Act / Projet de loi 99, Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les régimes de retraite.

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

The member may wish to make a brief statement.

Hon. David Caplan (Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal, Deputy Government House Leader): Let's find out what this is about.

Mr. Dave Levac (Brant): I've got somebody's attention for sure.

The bill will allow police officers who are transferred from municipal police services to the OPP to transfer their pensions from the municipal pension plan to

the OPP pension plan. This is currently not possible, and seriously disadvantages the officers whose municipalities have chosen to contract out their police services to the Ontario Provincial

Police.

I would like us to support this bill and make sure that those police officers, when they retire, receive this pension.

PROTECTION OF MINORS

FROM SEXUALLY EXPLICIT GOODS

AND SERVICES ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006

SUR LA PROTECTION DES MINEURS

CONTRE LES BIENS ET SERVICES

SEXUELLEMENT EXPLICITES

Mr. O'Toole moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 100,

An Act to protect minors from exposure to sexually explicit goods and services / Projet de loi 100, Loi visant à protéger les mineurs contre

les biens et services sexuellement explicites.

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

The member may wish to make a brief statement.

Mr. John O'Toole (Durham): I'd like to recognize the work that was done on this particular bill by Bob Wood, a former member of this

Legislature.

The bill prohibits persons from knowingly selling, offering to sell, distributing, offering to distribute, or displaying sexually explicit goods or services to

a minor in any premises or place.

MOTIONS

HOUSE SITTINGS

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

order 9(c)(i), the House shall meet from 6:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11, 2006, for the purpose of considering government business.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Mr. Bradley has moved government notice of motion number 98. Is it the pleasure of the House that the

motion carry?

All those in favour will say "aye."

All those opposed will say "nay."

In my opinion, the ayes have it.

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

The division bells rang from 1352 to 1357.

The Speaker: Mr. Bradley has moved government notice of motion number 98. All those in favour will please rise one at a time and be recognized

by the Clerk.

Ayes

Arnott, Ted

Arthurs, Wayne

Balkissoon, Bas

Barrett, Toby

Bartolucci, Rick

Bentley, Christopher

Berardinetti, Lorenzo

Bradley, James J.

Broten, Laurel C.

Bryant, Michael

Cansfield, Donna H.

Caplan, David

Craitor, Kim

Crozier, Bruce

Delaney, Bob

Di Cocco, Caroline

Dombrowsky, Leona

Duguid, Brad

Duncan, Dwight

Elliott, Christine

Flynn, Kevin Daniel

Fonseca, Peter

Gerretsen, John

Gravelle, Michael

Hoy, Pat

Hudak, Tim

Jackson, Cameron

Jeffrey, Linda

Kular, Kuldip

Kwinter, Monte

Lalonde, Jean-Marc

Leal, Jeff

Levac, Dave

MacLeod, Lisa

Matthews, Deborah

Mauro, Bill

McMeekin, Ted

McNeely, Phil

Meilleur, Madeleine

Miller, Norm

Milloy, John

Mitchell, Carol

Munro, Julia

O'Toole, John

Parsons, Ernie

Patten, Richard

Peters, Steve

Peterson, Tim

Phillips, Gerry

Qaadri, Shafiq

Racco, Mario G.

Ramal, Khalil

Ramsay, David

Rinaldi, Lou

Sandals, Liz

Scott, Laurie

Sergio, Mario

Smith, Monique

Smitherman, George

Sorbara, Gregory S.

Tascona, Joseph N.

Van Bommel, Maria

Watson, Jim

Wilkinson, John

Wong, Tony C.

Wynne, Kathleen O.

Yakabuski, John

Zimmer, David

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

Nays

Hardeman, Ernie

Horwath, Andrea

Kormos, Peter

Marchese, Rosario

Martel, Shelley

Murdoch, Bill

Ouellette, Jerry J.

Prue, Michael

Tabuns, Peter

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Claude L. DesRosiers): The ayes are 68; the nays are 9.

The Speaker: I declare the motion carried.

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY AND RESPONSES

ENERGY CONSERVATION

Hon. Donna H. Cansfield (Minister of Energy): Today the McGuinty government is taking another step in helping to build a culture of

conservation in this province. Earlier today I was joined by Peter Love, Ontario's chief conservation officer, to launch Every Kilowatt Counts, a new campaign that will help Ontario consumers save

energy and save money.

Ontarians are well aware that the energy sector is facing a big challenge. We need to bring online over 25,000 megawatts of generation by 2020. Obviously,

that's no small feat. We are already bringing on more than 10,000 megawatts of new generation online, with 2,900 megawatts already online.

As we continue to build new generation, we must also invest in conservation. It is cheaper to save a kilowatt than to generate a kilowatt. Beginning this

month, consumers will benefit from the Cool Savings rebate program, a part of this new campaign. The conservation bureau has partnered with the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute

of Canada and has designed a program that will help reduce peak demand for electricity this summer and reduce overall demand during cooling seasons in years to come.

Consumers who participate in the program will receive a $500 rebate when they replace an inefficient central air conditioner with a new Energy Star-related

unit. Also under this program, there is a $50 rebate for those who have their air conditioner tuned up, and a $75 rebate on the supply and installation of a programmable thermostat.

The rebate incentives announced today will be in effect April 21. Rebate coupons will be mailed to every household in Ontario in April and will be redeemable

at retailers across the province. This is the first of many consumer-focused programs that the Ministry of Energy and the conservation bureau are working on for the summer of 2006.

I'm pleased to note that today's announcement builds on the government's commitment to building a culture of conservation. We created the conservation bureau.

We removed the financial disincentives that local distribution companies had faced when helping customers conserve energy, and the result is that $160 million has been invested into community-based

conservation programs that will be run by local utilities -- one of the largest such investments in this province's history. Already, $34 million worth of conservation programs have been rolled out

across this province.

We have also directed the Ontario Power Authority to develop conservation programs to procure up to 1,300 megawatts of conservation and demand-side management,

including: up to 500 megawatts of demand response and demand management programs across the province; up to 100 megawatts of conservation for the low-income and social housing sector; up to 100

megawatts to take energy-inefficient appliances out of service and to encourage energy-efficient lighting; up to 150 megawatts in the residential sector and an additional 150 megawatts in the

commercial buildings and MUSH sector -- the municipalities, universities, schools and hospitals; up to 300 megawatts of conservation and demand-side management programs in the city of Toronto.

We are leading by example. This government is well on its way to achieving its own 10% electricity reduction target at government-owned facilities.

In all, this government has put into motion initiatives and policies that will result in an estimated $1.5 billion of conservation investment, all in an effort

to give the people of Ontario the tools that they need to become a part of the conservation culture of this province.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

NORTHERN ONTARIO

Hon. Rick Bartolucci (Minister of Northern Development and Mines): I am very pleased to rise in the House this week to inform members of yet

another action by our government to improve the quality of life for northern residents. Last week, I spoke about a number of new initiatives under our northern prosperity plan. They include

record-setting infrastructure investments and exciting initiatives to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of our provincial minerals sector.

This past Friday, I was honoured to join Premier Dalton McGuinty in Sudbury and to have my colleagues parliamentary assistant Bill Mauro and MPP Michael

Gravelle in Thunder Bay to celebrate the fact that the Northern Ontario School of Medicine bursary fund campaign had raised $6.7 million.

Our government, through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp., had previously committed to match funding raised up to $5 million. The Premier fulfilled that

commitment and announced that the government would provide the additional $1.7 million, thus matching the entire amount. This amount is above and beyond the government's current commitment of $95.3

million over three years towards the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.

The bursary fund will help students from northern, rural and remote communities with the cost of medical school and help them avoid significant debt at the end

of their training. We know that if young people from the north study in the north, there is a good chance they will become doctors in the north.

My northern colleagues and I also know that northerners possess an unparalleled tenacity when they tackle the work at hand. Clearly, that has been the case in

the bursary fund campaign. When you consider the relatively short period the campaign has been under way, this is truly an astonishing feat in fundraising. An accomplishment of this magnitude could

not have been possible without the participation of many northerners guided by the campaign co-chairs, renowned fundraiser Gerry Lougheed Jr. from northeastern Ontario, who has raised over $23.5

million for the Sudbury Regional Hospital through the Heart and Soul Campaign, and tenacious Greg Pilot from Thunder Bay.

I would also like to acknowledge the board of directors of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp. Although these women and men represent different

constituencies throughout northern Ontario, they understand the importance of our future doctors for the greater collective good of all of northern Ontario.

No institution has captivated the imagination of so many northerners as has the medical school. No institution is winning the hearts of so many northerners as

is the medical school. Northerners know that this is more than just simply the first new medical school in Canada in almost 40 years; it is an institution that embodies our collective hopes and

dreams for a brighter future.

The bursary fund campaign has been a huge success, but our work is not over. Our government will keep working with northerners to strengthen the Northern

Ontario School of Medicine and improve access to care. It's part of our plan to build prosperity for working families by investing in the health of our people.

ONTARIO FILM AND

TELEVISION INDUSTRY

Hon. Caroline Di Cocco (Minister of Culture): The entertainment and creative cluster, which includes the film and television industry, is one

of the many success stories of our province's diverse economy. We believe we have the right combination of people, expertise, facilities, sites and now the financial incentives to protect Ontario's

position as the leading film and television production centre in Canada.

Our province is North America's third-largest employer in the creative industries, after California and New York. Creative industries contributed almost $10

billion to the provincial economy in 2004, and they are expected to be among the top three growth industries over the next two decades.

One of the many companies in our entertainment and creative cluster is CORE Feature Animation, a Toronto-based company and leading creator of digital visual

effects and animation for feature film and television. It is a model of a successful Ontario-based media enterprise. I'd like to welcome Bob Munroe, CORE's president and co-founder; John Mariella

and Kyle Menzies, vice-presidents and co-founders; as well as Ron Estey, chief financial officer and managing director, who are sitting in the gallery today. I'd like them to stand.

Applause.

Hon. Ms. Di Cocco: Thank you.

Later on today, I will be attending a special preview of the exciting Disney animated feature The Wild, made here in Ontario with CORE's creative expertise.

Today, CORE is one of the top 10 studios in the world to watch, according to the respected trade publication 3D World magazine. Over the past decade, the CORE team has been an essential part of

over 55 feature films, 50 television series and numerous movies of the week, such as Dr. Doolittle and Siblings.

Our government recognizes that a strong and sustainable film and television industry is a major contributor to Ontario's economy and quality of life. Film and

TV production in Ontario generates $2 billion per year and accounts for nearly 20,000 jobs. The budget tabled on March 23 demonstrates the Ontario government's determination to maintain and enhance

the entertainment and creative cluster under the leadership of Premier McGuinty.

Specifically, we propose:

-- to extend the enhanced 18% tax credit for film production services to March 2007;

-- to expand eligibility for the Ontario interactive digital media tax credit and increase the tax credit from 20% to 30% for smaller businesses;

-- to dedicate $7.5 million over three years to the entertainment and creative cluster partnerships fund; and finally,

-- to give $23 million to the Ontario Media Development Corp. to lead and implement a development strategy for the entertainment and creative cluster.

The measures which the government has undertaken demonstrate our commitment to maintain and enhance the film and television industry leadership.

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

ENERGY CONSERVATION

Mr. John Yakabuski (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke): It's my pleasure to respond to the statement by the Minister of Energy. Earlier today at the

press conference, I actually said that I thought the government was taking a step in a positive direction with their announcement today. Under closer examination, I have to say that I want to

withdraw some of that support.

There's no question about it; we have to do what we can to reduce energy usage in this province. But this announcement, when I see a lot of the details, is

kind of a closed-club announcement. We have all kinds of air-conditioning installers in this province who are not members of the HRAC. This is not a consumer rebate. Only if a member contractor

installs your air conditioner are you going to be eligible for that, and only if a contractor installs a $75 programmable thermostat -- you can buy them for less now -- are you going to get the

rebate. Install a $75 thermostat for $300 and you get a rebate. I've installed these thermostats myself; they are not complicated.

We have to actually ask ourselves if we're doing something for consumers here or if the government, in concert with their conservation czar, Mr. Peter Love --

who incidentally has done pretty good for a guy who wrote a report last year that basically told us we're using too much power. That was a revelation. But at 300K plus a year, not too bad. The

government is giving him a good paycheque for the work he's doing, no question about that.

But as to these air conditioners they're talking about, they raised the standards for the seasonal energy efficiency rating from 10 to 13. Manufacturers have

now produced a lot of these at SEER 13, but the rebate only comes into play if you're installing a SEER 14. I spoke to one wholesaler today who has already had orders cancelled for over half a

million dollars of air conditioners because they're SEER 13, not 14. So you have to ask yourself, when they devise these plans, who are they talking to?

Getting back to the big picture, there's no question about it, we've got to reduce the amount, the use of power where we can. We've got to do it. But why has

the government got itself into this mess? You need only have listened to Adam White at the AMPCO breakfast yesterday. They've created a power crisis because they're intent on shutting down enough

power in this province to supply electricity to almost two million homes. When you decide you're going to cut off the power to two million homes, you're going to have a crisis. We'll see what kind

of a crisis they're creating tomorrow when they release their new pricing in this province.

ONTARIO FILM AND

TELEVISION INDUSTRY

Mrs. Julia Munro (York North): I'm responding to the announcement made by the Minister of Culture. First of all, on behalf of John Tory and

the PC caucus, I welcome the members of CORE Animation to the Legislature and commend you for the contribution you make to the industry and to our province.

To the new minister, congratulations for the commitment you have made to the film industry following the leadership of the previous government in setting up

tax credits. Last year, it was only after the pressure of a news conference with members of the film industry by our leader, John Tory, that this government remembered its promise to increase tax

credits.

To those members of the entertainment and creative cluster, congratulations on today's recognition of your important contributions to our society and our

economy.

NORTHERN ONTARIO

Mrs. Elizabeth Witmer (Kitchener-Waterloo): I wish to respond to the announcement made by the Minister of Northern Development and Mines. I

think we can both be proud of the investment we've made in the northern medical school. Our government announced it in 2001. This week the Honourable Tony Clement was able to move forward and

officially open the research labs that had been committed to by the previous Liberal government. So I think when it comes to the northern medical school, we identified the need, we announced it, we

moved forward and I'm very pleased that you are continuing to support the school.

ENERGY CONSERVATION

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): Today the Pembina Institute released their report, A Quick-Start Energy-Efficiency Strategy for

Ontario, and it's an excellent report. It talks about how we can reduce electricity consumption by 4,500 megawatts by the year 2012. It lists all the practical things that could be done and points

out that these things are being done in fact in California, Vermont, New York, and they're being done now in Manitoba and Quebec. It's a wonderful report.

This wonderful report was followed by a rather dim press conference by the Minister of Energy, where all she could announce for energy efficiency was $15

million. Did it come anywhere close to California or New England or even what they're doing in Manitoba or Quebec? Nowhere. It was a confused and confusing announcement about central air

conditioning.

Here is the real McGuinty energy policy: $40 billion for mega nuclear plants and $15 million for energy-efficient air conditioners. That tells the whole story.

This is a government that is about mega nuclear and mega natural gas plants. The only interest they have in energy efficiency and conservation is to hold these empty press conferences. This is an

energy efficiency strategy by the Pembina Institute. What we heard today from the Minister of Energy was a sad, sad, oh, so sad imitation.

NORTHERN ONTARIO

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): I want to talk to the Minister of Northern Development. I wonder if he knows what's happening across

northern Ontario. There are a thousand manufacturing jobs killed by the McGuinty government in Thunder Bay. There is a state-of-the-art Bombardier plant in Thunder Bay to build rapid transit

equipment, but is the Ottawa contract going to the Bombardier plant? No. The McGuinty government is going to send it to California or to Germany. Terrace Bay is literally shut down as a result of

McGuinty government electricity rates; Red Rock, literally shut down; the mill in Kenora, shut down; the mill in Dryden, which was one of the most modern paper mills in North America and has had

over $1 billion of new investment in the last eight years, virtually shut down by the McGuinty government.

Minister, doctors are leaving northern Ontario; they're leaving those communities. Do you know why? Because they see the community leaving. Do you know what's

really embarrassing about this? Most of those paper mills are within 10 or 20 kilometres of a hydro dam that provides electricity at two cents a kilowatt hour. Yet the McGuinty government policy

says that those paper mills have to pay 8 cents a kilowatt hour for electricity that's produced down the road at two cents a kilowatt hour.

You have the audacity to stand here and try to tell people that something wonderful is happening in the economy in northern Ontario. You should read the AMPCO

report. The AMPCO report is very clear: The McGuinty policy of driving hydro rates through the roof is going to eliminate paper mill after paper mill in northern Ontario. After that, it's going to

eliminate the mineral sector, the mining sector and the refining sector. Why? Because they can't afford to pay eight cents a kilowatt hour for their electricity. They will move to Quebec, they will

move to Manitoba, they will move to British Columbia. They'll even move to the United States.

That's what the McGuinty government is doing to the northern Ontario economy. You are killing it every day as you kill thousands of jobs.

ONTARIO FILM AND

TELEVISION INDUSTRY

Mr. Rosario Marchese (Trinity-Spadina): I want to congratulate all of the cultural workers in the film industry for having led a successful

and aggressive campaign to persuade the government that a strong and sustainable film and television industry is a major contributor to Ontario's economy and quality of life.

I want to remind this minister about another promise the Liberals made:

"Within the first two years of our mandate, this council will produce a report on the status of the artist in Ontario in the 21st century. This report will be

used to develop status of the artist legislation for our artists in Ontario, following the successful lead of both Quebec and Saskatchewan."

I want to say to the minister that we're close to the third year and we're still waiting.

ORAL QUESTIONS

HEALTH CARE

Mrs. Elizabeth Witmer (Kitchener-Waterloo): My question is for the Acting Premier. Your minister said that the information on the website was

reliable and up to date. We hear today from the member for Perth-Middlesex that it is not. Who are people in the province of Ontario to believe? Who are they to trust: your member or your

minister?

The one thing they do know is that they can't trust your government to keep its promises. You have not been able to reduce your wait times. Can you explain to

the people in Mississauga-Halton why they're paying more and getting less in Dalton McGuinty's Ontario? Can you explain why the wait times for cancer surgeries have risen by 28% since July, from 75

to 96 days at Credit Valley Hospital?

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Finance, Chair of the Management Board of Cabinet): To the Minister of Health.

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): I want to compliment the member from Perth-Middlesex --

Interjections.

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: Oh, they're off to a good start when John Tory's not around. He's probably out trying to stake out a campaign office in

my riding to run against me.

The reality is that the honourable member from Perth-Middlesex has taken an initiative, one which I think anyone should be encouraged to take. He called his

local hospital because yesterday noise was made about wait times, and the local hospital provided him with information, which they've also supplied to the ministry, which will be coming online,

because we're updating the information every couple of months. We believe it's appropriate that, as a government, we've invested in the development of a system that actually gives information to

patients, because we inherited a circumstance where that wasn't possible.

The results are quite impressive. On cataract surgery, the six-month trend shows almost a consistent double-digit decrease: 21 days; hip replacement,

province-wide double-digit decrease: 23 days; knee replacement, provincial double-digit decrease: 25 days. Of course, across the breadth of Ontario, we have more work to do --

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

Mrs. Witmer: I ask the minister, who are we to trust? The reality is you have put ads in newspapers. The newspapers tell people to go to your

website in order to determine the wait times. We now learned today from your member that the website is not reliable. It is not up to date. So why are you spending thousands of taxpayer

dollars?

I ask you today, why have cancer surgery wait times at Toronto East General Hospital jumped 35%, from 51 to 69 days?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: I think the people of the province of Ontario should believe data. They should believe reliable data. The reality is that

that party, which is now capable of a bit of noise, on this subject was not capable of a bit of action. We inherited a circumstance where, as an example, the Ontario health care system did not have

the capacity to measure how many cancer surgeries it provided. So we put this information on a database, on a website. Every two months, it's updated, and there will be a subsequent update

coming.

One of the points that I made yesterday that the honourable member didn't like to hear was that we're putting a lot of heat on our hospitals to address those

people who have been waiting the longest. Accordingly, because our system measures the waits of those who have just had their surgeries completed, sometimes the data is going to bounce around and,

in a certain sense, maybe I can't make the honourable member understand it, but it's good news that we're reaching out to those who have had the longest waits. Appreciable distinctions and

limitations, lower times for waiting --

The Speaker: Thank you. Final supplementary?

Mrs. Witmer: The reality is, the website is not reliable; the website is not up to date. People in this province are being asked through ads

to refer to the website, but it's not a reliable site of information.

You have broken your promise to reduce wait times, and you haven't responded to any of the questions that we have asked today. I ask you one more time: Explain

to the people in the city of Toronto why wait times for cancer surgeries have gone up at Mount Sinai Hospital by 8%, from 144 to 155 days, according to your website, and at the University Health

Network by 13%, from 69 to 78 days. That's what it says on your website. Can we believe it or not?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: It seems like the honourable member has been spending a little too much time beside her seatmate, who has a bit of

propensity to suck and blow. This is what we're into a little bit in this circumstance. The member starts with the assertion that the information is not reliable, and then she quotes it. So I think

this is a bit of a challenge.

As I explained to the honourable member, and as I'm happy to say to constituents of mine who are relying on some of the hospitals that were mentioned, we have

asked our hospitals in Ontario to focus their resources especially on those who are waiting the longest. I believe this is appropriate. Because the wait time system that we have measures those

patients who have just had their surgeries completed, I think that it's, in a certain sense, very good news that we're getting to those who have had to wait longer. All of the trend lines across

the breadth of these are down, as I indicated: on knee replacement, on hip replacement, on cataracts. Our cancer radiation rates are down by 16%.

I want to say that the honourable member's comments diminish the work that's being done on the front line by hospitals, by CEOs and especially by front-line

providers like doctors and --

The Speaker: Thank you. New question.

Mr. Tim Hudak (Erie-Lincoln): A question to the Deputy Premier: As you know, cancer is likely Ontario's most deadly disease. Every member here

in the assembly has probably, sadly, lost a member of their family or a close friend to cancer. Dalton McGuinty, during the election campaign, promised to reduce cancer wait times. When we look at

your own government website we see, for example, that patients in Glanbrook, Grimsby, Stoney Creek -- throughout Hamilton -- that try to access cancer surgery at St. Joseph's Hospital have now seen

an increase of 35% in their wait times, from 54 days to 73 days. How is it possible that Dalton McGuinty made a solemn promise to cancer patients and now breaks that promise?

Hon. Mr. Duncan: To the Minister of Health.

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: I think it's easy for the honourable member today to stand in his place and ask questions about cancer surgeries, because

for the first time in Ontario there's actually information which is available to the people of the province. Across the breadth of that data collection, you can cherry-pick some numbers. The

reality is that 92% of all cancer surgeries are being completed in accordance with our guidelines -- that is, with the pan-Canadian benchmarks which we signed on to -- and health care providers --

our nurses and our doctors -- on the front lines of health care are involved in a mission which I think is not appropriately run down by the honourable member.

We inherited from him, and from his time in office, a system in Ontario that could not even measure the number of cancer surgeries that were being provided,

much less how quickly they were being provided. I remind the honourable member one more time what I've said a couple of times now: Our system measures those who are leaving the system, who have had

their surgeries completed. If these numbers are higher, it's exactly because we've instructed the hospitals in the province to --

The Speaker: Thank you. Supplementary.

Mr. Hudak: If the minister were to look at his own website, were to look across the board in the Hamilton-Niagara area, he would see that for

cancer surgery wait times are up across the board. I mentioned St. Joseph's Healthcare -- up some 35%. Hamilton Health Sciences is up some 38%, from 48 days to 64 days. I ask the minister, when we

see all the hospitals across Hamilton-Niagara increasing wait times for cancer surgery, does this mean that you simply have dropped Hamilton-Niagara patients off the radar screen, or is it a mess

right across the province of Ontario?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: What it means, and apparently it's a bit of a struggle for the front bench over there, is that we have created in Ontario

so far the capacity to measure the surgical wait time for those people who have had their surgery completed and who have exited the health care system. That these numbers are higher is a reflection

on the fact that until now the health care system in Ontario has not been aligned in a fashion that it could respond to those individuals who were waiting the longest. Accordingly, I do say to the

honourable member that I look forward to the opportunity to discuss with him after subsequent updates of the data. When he sees that the backlog of addressing those that have waited the longest has

cleared, we will see significant movement.

These numbers can change for a variety of reasons. Due to scheduling in a hospital, the Christmas season impacted some numbers. The reality is that we have a

system in Ontario that measures results in a way that, when we inherited from that government, they couldn't tell us how many cancer surgeries were performed.

Mr. Hudak: I would say to the minister, with all due respect, in the third year of his mandate these kind of answers are cold comfort to a

senior citizen suffering from cancer in Glanbrook. They're cold comfort to a single mother in Port Colborne waiting for increasing lengths of time for her cancer surgery. I'll point out to you

again that, for example, the Niagara Health System has seen an increase in their cancer wait times, under the McGuinty government's measurements, of 13%. Minister, these are your own numbers.

What's most upsetting is that Dalton McGuinty looked into the camera and he made campaign promises to families who have members suffering from cancer. Now, some three years later, we're seeing an

increase in these waiting times. Dalton McGuinty clearly made a promise he had no intention of keeping. What are you going to do to reduce these wait times? Please tell me that Hamilton and Niagara

have not dropped off your radar screen.

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: The honourable member asked the question starting, "With all due respect," and I say to you with all due respect, you're

part of a party whose leader looked into the cameras and told Ontarians, "It is not our plan to close hospitals." Instead, we all know what your cruel record has been with respect to hospital

closures.

The honourable member wants to talk about Niagara. I'll talk about a government that's delivering to Niagara, alongside the Minister of Public Infrastructure

Renewal, a new hospital and a new regional cancer centre. I'll talk about a province that responded to the circumstances of Niagara wanting to control its land ambulance by providing them with $30

million over five years to be able to do just that. I'll talk about a government that's moving forward with the development of community health centres, family health teams and palliative care

capacity that this province has never seen. These are the record of our commitment to the people of Hamilton and Niagara.

One more point: I urge the honourable member to stand in his place every two months, after every update of these numbers, so that we can carry --

The Speaker: Thank you.

Interjection.

The Speaker: Be seated, Minister. Sit down. Thank you.

CHILD PROTECTION

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): My question is for the Minister of Children and Youth Services. Yesterday the Catholic Children's Aid

Society admitted that it failed Jeffrey Baldwin, the five-year-old boy who died of abuse after that CAS placed him in the care of his grandparents who were convicted child abusers. The executive

director of the Catholic Children's Aid Society said, "This tragedy has presented us with a very powerful lesson of what can go wrong. It was the worst outcome that can happen if you don't have the

safeguards in place," and she called it "a collective blind spot for child welfare agencies and the courts."

Minister, in Ontario, we have someone whose job it is too investigate the failure of government services and to improve government services for everyone.

That's the Ombudsman's office. My question is this: Why is the McGuinty government trying to muzzle the Ombudsman's office? Why are you stopping him from having investigative oversight of what

happens at children's aid societies?

Hon. Mary Anne V. Chambers (Minister of Children and Youth Services): The member asked this question yesterday, so let me repeat my response.

First of all, this case is still in fact before the courts. As a former Attorney General, he should understand that it would be entirely inappropriate for a minister of this government to comment

on that case, but I can tell you that I am very pleased the coroner has moved immediately to start an inquest into this tragedy. I think it's really important that we recognize this case to be a

tragedy, not an opportunity.

Mr. Hampton: Minister, this is about all the other children out there who need protection. That's what the Ombudsman is asking for. He's

saying that in virtually every other province in this country, the provincial Ombudsman has independent investigative authority to look at the activities and failures of children's aid societies,

and that is the question. Ontario children deserve protection. The Ombudsman is pointing out that under the McGuinty government, Ontario children are actually falling behind. They're not getting

the same level of protection as children in other provinces.

Minister, I'm not asking you to comment on the instant case. This is about whether or not Ontario's Ombudsman is going to have the independent investigative

oversight authority of children's aid societies in this province. I ask you again, yes or no?

Hon. Mrs. Chambers: The Ombudsman in this province is in fact going to have jurisdiction beyond what he has had before as result of a bill

introduced by our government, Bill 210, which was approved by this Legislature last month. As a result of some of the objectives of that bill, there will be greater accountability on the part of

children's aid societies. There will be a smoother, stronger and more objective complaint mechanism and an independent arm's-length body, the Child and Family Services Review Board, to review, and

the Ombudsman has jurisdiction over that Child and Family Services Review Board. All of that is going to be put in place as a result of what our government is doing to provide protection to

vulnerable children in this province.

Mr. Hampton: Minister, you know that the Ombudsman says that what you've set up doesn't have investigative power, that it doesn't really

provide independent oversight, that it won't protect our children. Here's the record of Ontario's Ombudsman: A year ago, he called the Ministry of Children and Youth Services the ministry of "I

don't know" after countless families were forced to give up custody of their special-needs children to children's aid societies in order to get services. He said your ministry was rife with "acute

government maladministration" and was "wilfully blind" to severely disabled children in crisis.

Minister, is that what the McGuinty government is afraid of? Are you afraid that if the Ombudsman receives the authority for independent investigative

oversight of CASs, he'll point out that children's aid societies in this province are underfunded, underresourced and overworked, and children are being left at risk? Is that what the McGuinty

government is really afraid of?

Hon. Mrs. Chambers: Our government has every confidence in the coroner. In fact, the coroner wrote to me in January 2006 and said,

"I do not agree with Mr. Marin that there is absolutely no oversight from any organization over children's aid societies....

"You will note I am making no comment about reviews of children's aid societies where a death does not occur, because that is not within our mandate. The main

purpose of my letter is to ensure you that there is a proper process already in existence.... I am presently involved in meetings with officials from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services,

the Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies and several individual children's aid societies to discuss ways that our death investigation process can be further enhanced. I am encouraged by

the progress of these discussions."

That's from Ontario's chief coroner.

ENERGY CONSERVATION

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): My question is to the Minister of Energy. I'd just point out to the Minister of Children and Youth

Services that coroners' inquests happen after children die.

Can the Minister of Energy please explain how it is that the McGuinty government has $40 billion for mega nuclear plants, but you could only find $15 million

today for energy efficiency and conservation?

Hon. Donna H. Cansfield (Minister of Energy): I thank the member for the question. I would like to correct something, though, that was said

earlier by the member for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke. In fact, you do not have to be an HRAC member. You have to be a registered contractor. I think that's a really important point to get out.

In terms of what the member has indicated, obviously the member wasn't listening, because I said it's $1.5 billion worth of conservation initiatives across the

province. This is only the beginning. Of course, this is for the residential, the in-house air conditioning, but in addition to this, Cool Shops has another program that actually deals with the

window air conditioners on top of this. So there's no question we are moving forward and we have invested a significant amount in energy --

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

Mr. Hampton: The record speaks for itself. We know the McGuinty government is sitting on top of their $40-billion nuclear announcement, yet

today all they have to announce for energy efficiency is a slender $15 million.

Minister, this is a report by the Pembina Institute. It shows how in a few short years you could reduce electricity consumption by 4,500 megawatts. That's the

equivalent of another Darlington nuclear station. They actually draw you a map on the practical things that you could implement and the kinds of things that would result in real energy efficiency

and real reduction in energy consumption.

My question again: How is it that the McGuinty government has $40 billion for costly, unreliable and environmentally risky nuclear power, but you can only find

$15 million today for energy efficiency?

Hon. Mrs. Cansfield: I will reiterate, it's $1.5 billion. We'll get this right yet. They haven't quite been able to figure it out.

I'm absolutely delighted to hear that the member of the third party has become a convert to conservation, because he cut virtually every program in this

province. So we have put it back in. You got rid of it, we put it back in, and we're going to make a difference by keeping the lights on for the people of Ontario and by providing them with the

tools that they need in order to manage and conserve their energy costs and their energy needs as we move forward.

There is no question that we have lots to do. It's an exciting opportunity, as we move forward, working with people like the heating and air-conditioning

folks, who over the last few months helped us put in place a remarkable program, along with the Toronto Atmospheric Fund, along with some of the suggestions out of the Pembina, along with the Clean

Air Alliance. It is fantastic, the things that we are going to do as we move forward to make a difference for the people of Ontario by changing --

The Speaker: Thank you. Final supplementary.

Mr. Hampton: Minister, I want to read you a quote. This was in 1992: "Ontario cannot afford these energy efficiency programs." Do you know who

that was? It was the Liberal energy critic of the day, one Dalton McGuinty. And do you know what? It looks as if under the McGuinty government, once again, the McGuinty government doesn't believe

that Ontario can afford energy efficiency programs.

You've had three years now, and we still don't see an energy efficiency strategy. You have raised hydro rates twice. You've killed 100,000 good manufacturing

and forestry jobs. And you've got virtually every stakeholder out there who's concerned about energy saying, "You're on the wrong track."

My question today, once again, is, you can find only $15 million for energy efficiency today, yet we know you've got $40 billion for unreliable, expensive and

environmentally risky nuclear power --

The Speaker: The question has been asked. Minister?

Hon. Mrs. Cansfield: That gentleman from Kenora-Rainy River can huff and puff all he likes, but we are moving forward on conservation in this

province. It doesn't make a hill of beans what he thinks over there, because we are actually going to make a difference: $1.5 billion -- $15 million today, $10 million the other day; 100 megawatts,

300 just for Toronto alone. We are making a difference.

Maybe that's the part he really doesn't like: We actually are making a difference, when in fact that previous government made no difference, because they

cancelled everything -- the Beck tunnel, Conawapa, conservation -- and in fact did more damage. We wouldn't be in half the pickle we're in if they had done their job in the first place.

HEALTH CARE

Mr. Cameron Jackson (Burlington): My question is for the Minister of Health. A lot has been said about the two types of wait-time lists that

we have in our province, the one that has been captured by your strategy, but I know that all members of this House have examples of families and individuals who are caught outside of the

protection of the wait-time strategy.

Three of my constituents -- Shawn Milne has been waiting for almost two years for important spine surgery. It's been cancelled. In fact, last week he was

prepped, gowned, IVed and in the operating room, and it was cancelled for the third time. Scott Carmody has been waiting over a year -- he's been told he's got 20 more months to wait -- and Carolyn

Wilkins has been waiting 15 months for her spinal surgery. Each of these has left their jobs, each of them is having their benefits package run out and each one is on a daily regimen of

painkillers.

Minister, what comfort can you give to those thousands of patients who are on growing waiting lists that are not part your current strategy?

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): First off, I'd like to offer to the honourable member the view that with

respect to the first case he raised, I think this is a matter that should be very directly pursued with the hospital. I think that over a period of time in the health care system in Ontario, this

late-in-the-day cancellation of surgery has become too much the norm. One of the things we have done, which seems small in the grand scheme of things but which has been impactful, is that we

surveyed hospitals and said, "How many of you are starting your surgical day on time?" Astonishingly, 29% of them indicated that they didn't always do it. There are lessons that we learn from the

wait-times work that are applied more broadly across the piece.

Secondly, with respect to orthopaedic surgery, we have a real challenge in the small number of surgeons that we have. I won't get into the issue of doctor

training at this point because I've covered that ground before. We're working very hard to put resources in the health care system that can effectively deliver additional volumes of these sorts of

surgeries. I'd be very happy to work on an individual basis, through my staff, with the honourable member to see what assistance might be available for those patients. But we strive, of course, to

reduce wait times everywhere.

Mr. Jackson: In the first case that I shared with the minister, the head trauma case came in the front door, and that's why they scrubbed this

operation. The fact of the matter is, our hospital budgets are so tightly knit that hospitals lack the flexibility to perform these services in a timely manner. So when you say you would like to

offer some assistance, I can tell you that this is a feature which is becoming more prevalent in hospitals located in the GTA-905 area, partially because we have no funding formula that

acknowledges high growth. My own hospital, Joseph Brant hospital, received a scant $100,000 to recognize their entire year's efficiency and their entire year's growth on a $120-million budget.

Frankly, we have 10 operating rooms in our hospital, and only five were operational last year.

Minister, as little as $1 million would open our sixth or seventh operating room in Joe Brant. So I ask you, are you willing to look seriously --

The Speaker: The question has been asked.

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: There were many questions in the honourable member's minute. On the issue of growth in particular, I think there are

areas of our province -- there's growth occurring in a lot of places, including here in downtown Toronto. But in many areas of the 905 and other areas of the province, obviously that has been more

exaggerated. This is an issue at the moment on which my deputy minister is in discussion with members of the hospital community in the 905 area.

But I do think the honourable member really needs to fess up on two points. First is to acknowledge that some of the challenges we have are not about money at

all but about critical shortcomings with respect to health human resources. This is something that bears the stamp of his government. Second is the overall fiscal mandate of hospitals. We've

increased their funding this year by about $600 million. The honourable member is part of a party that promises a $2.6-billion cut to health care. Accordingly, I'm not really sure what foundation

he has for a question of that nature.

TOWING INDUSTRY

Mr. Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): To the Acting Premier: Today's newspapers paint a picture of a tow truck industry that has been infiltrated

by outlaw biker gang members and organized criminals. What's the McGuinty government prepared to do to regulate this industry to protect the public?

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Finance, Chair of the Management Board of Cabinet): To the Attorney General.

Hon. Michael Bryant (Attorney General): I think that certainly the criminal justice system has an extremely important role to play. I never

thought of it in terms of regulating the industry, but certainly they have an important role to play to ensure that organized crime has absolutely no place in the province of Ontario. That's why we

expanded the guns and gangs task force. That's why we have put expert crown attorneys working together with the joint task force to fight biker gangs. That's why we did as much by having expert

prosecutors join up with the task force to fight organized crime.

All that expansion was even before the $51-million expansion of our crime-fighting capacity announced by the Premier in January. This will mean that police

officers, prosecutors and, in addition to that, technology will be made available so that we can become even more organized in our justice system than organized crime itself.

Mr. Kormos: Please, sir, I'm talking about the shocking revelations of organized crime, criminals, outlaw biker gang members infiltrating the

tow truck industry. The status quo as it is right now in Toronto, for instance, is that a person convicted of a sexual assault, a person convicted of trafficking drugs or a person convicted of

trafficking firearms could apply for and receive a tow truck licence. There's nothing that stops members of organized criminal groups from operating a tow truck. We say that that's not acceptable.

What are you and your government going to do about it?

Hon. Mr. Bryant: Again, I know the member doesn't want to suggest for a moment that we ought not to have total confidence in our police

services across this province, and in particular in the province-wide anti-biker gang unit and anti-organized crime unit headed up by the OPP.

Last year, we provided specific prosecutors in order to permit the police, to assist the police, like never before, in cracking down on all organized crime

activity. In addition to that, this government is using the civil forfeiture legislation that is in place to seize the proceeds of unlawful activities. This has meant that we are able to forfeit a

crack house operation that was operating in Hamilton. This has meant that we've been able to seize through the civil courts and provide to victims of crime more than $2 million in assets and $10

million in total before the courts right now. I can assure the member that I have perfect and total confidence that our police service and organized crime service is --

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

PHARMACISTS

Mr. Phil McNeely (Ottawa-Orléans): My question is to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. The Ontario Pharmacists' Association has

said that patients would benefit greatly from an enhanced role for pharmacists in our health care system. Minister, do you agree with that assessment?

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): I think one of the things that many members have had the privilege of

commenting on over a period of time is the acknowledgement that pharmacists are important front-line health care providers. We've seen them over time orienting themselves much more toward their

capacity to assist patients, not just in an across-the-counter way, but also with some of the consultation rooms that have been built. We see an increasing number of our citizens, as they age, of

course relying on, taking advantage of, benefiting from pharmaceutical product, and accordingly it's crucial that we have someone who can help to assist and guide them in that.

We're very supportive of the idea that we do a better job of acknowledging the capacity of our pharmacists on the front lines of health care to be a broader

part of the circle of care and to be more involved and engaged in helping our patients to achieve the very best results. So accordingly, we're very much in accordance with the views of the Ontario

Pharmacists' Association.

Mr. McNeely: Would the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care be able to give us some specific examples of how pharmacists might be able to

benefit patients while also saving the government money?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: I think that for many observers of health care, they would see the opportunities and challenges related to chronic

disease management as one we should focus on. We know that many people in our communities who struggle with challenges like diabetes and asthma would also benefit from a circle of care, including

doctors and pharmacists who can assist them in managing their circumstances better.

Accordingly, we're very much interested in the idea that we move well beyond the idea of silos to circles of care that can assist our patients with appropriate

guidance in the use of medications. This has tremendous benefits for the patients and is also very helpful for the health care system in terms of utilization of things like emergency rooms. It's

our goal to do the best we can to support those patients with challenges, and accordingly, medication management and the important role that pharmacists can play in assisting people is one of the

most crucial opportunities we have before us in health care today.

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Mr. Jerry J. Ouellette (Oshawa): My question is for the Acting Premier. I would hope you're well aware of what's taking place in the auto

sector. We're seeing renegotiations take place. We're seeing a sell-off of GMAC, which certainly adds a question to what's taking place in the auto sector. Can you explain why your government

removed the tax-free exemption for ethanol? Oshawa produces the E85 Impala, which, for those who don't understand, runs on 85% ethanol -- hence the name E85 -- which is over 60% less polluting than

any electric hybrid that is now produced in the world; not only that, but the fuel companies that use ethanol as an oxidizing agent, as opposed to, say, MTBE, which seriously pollutes the

environment, are being unfairly punished, let alone the impact on water quality. Acting Premier, effectively what you've done is hurt Ontario's auto manufacturers for selling, in Ontario, a

world-leading, environmentally friendly vehicle. Why have you done this?

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Finance, Chair of the Management Board of Cabinet): First of all, let me address the automotive industry in

Ontario. This government has invested $1.4 billion and leveraged $6 billion in new investment in the automotive sector. Since we took office, the automotive sector in Ontario has surpassed Michigan

to become the largest in North America, and Ward's Auto predicts it will continue to grow and continue to remain number one because of our productive workforce and because of this government's

investments.

I'll remind the member opposite that his party refused assistance to the automotive industry at a time when every jurisdiction in the United States was doing

it. When we came to office, we redressed that. That's why there's new investment in Windsor. That's why there's new investment in Oakville. That's why there's new investment in Bramalea. That's why

there's new investment in Oshawa. That's why Ontario's number one and that's why tens of thousands of Ontarians can rely on a healthy, profitable automotive industry in the years to come.

Mr. Ouellette: The auto sector stands up and says what you've done with the hybrid electrics was a slap in the face. What's taking place now

is that you've increased and doubled the tax exemption for hybrid electrics. Minister, there are no hybrid electrics produced in the province of Ontario -- not until 2009. Why would you do that?

You refused to answer the question on ethanol. What you've done is slapped the automotive industry in the face and said it's that not producing equality when it's producing a world leader with the

E85, which is far more environmentally friendly than any other hybrid electric currently being produced. Why would you enact two policies now that work against the auto sector?

Hon. Mr. Duncan:

(1) I'll just remind the member that his party proposed the same thing in legislation and passed it.

(2) The automotive industry in fact asked for it. The Ford Motor Co., Oakville, wanted it. You had it in your last budget, my friend. You ought to check that.

You voted for it.

(3) Where's the ethanol money? In agreement with the entire ethanol community, including farms and everyone else, it's going into the ethanol strategy fund,

which is funding the building of new ethanol plants to help our rural communities and to get cars on to ethanol.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Stop the clock. I need the member for Simcoe North to withdraw that last remark.

Mr. Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North): I withdraw that, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: Thank you. Minister.

Hon. Mr. Duncan: Sarnia, Windsor, eastern Ontario -- this province has an ethanol strategy. The industry agreed that we should use that tax

money to invest in the ethanol strategy.

It's a shame you oppose the farming community. It's a shame you won't stand up for your constituents. It's a shame you don't talk to the auto industry, because

they were pleased. You know what? I met with the Ford Motor Co., who are going to be producing a hybrid in Oakville. We're pleased to encourage them, and we're pleased to assist the farm community,

which Mr. Dunlop consistently stands up against and opposes. You should be ashamed --

The Speaker: Thank you.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Order, Minister of Finance.

New question.

COLORECTAL CANCER

Ms. Shelley Martel (Nickel Belt): I have a question to the Minister of Health. This morning, the Canadian Cancer Society released a special

report on cancer rates which showed that colorectal cancer deaths could be reduced by 17% if 70% of Canadians between the ages of 50 and 74 were screened every two years. Colorectal cancer is now

the second leading cause of cancer in Ontario; 3,000 Ontarians died from it last year, even though the cancer is 90% treatable if detected early through screening. Minister, in the last election

your party promised a screening program for colorectal cancer. When will you deliver on that?

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): I've had the privilege of speaking on this subject and participating quite

recently with Dr. Terry Sullivan from Cancer Care Ontario.

We do agree as a government that a colorectal cancer screening program is an important priority. It's a very good opportunity, frankly, to provide the support

that people need to be able to save lives. It's as obvious as that. Accordingly, we're in the midst of finalizing our analysis of a pilot program that Cancer Care Ontario ran for us. I can confirm

for the honourable member, although I don't have a date at present, that we will be moving forward with this program and that Ontario plans to stay at the forefront on this file. It's important to

note for all members listening in that this is an opportunity that no other province has had the chance so far to be seized of, but Ontario's planning to be a leader in this area. I look forward to

having a chance to share more details with the honourable member soon.

Ms. Martel: The Canadian Cancer Society said today, "It's crucial for the Ontario government to implement a provincial colorectal screening

program immediately." Peter Goodhand, the CEO for the Ontario division of the Canadian Cancer Society, said, "The sooner the government gets moving on this, the more lives will be saved."

We know that Cancer Care Ontario made a recommendation to the ministry for a provincially based, province-wide screening program for colorectal cancer. My

question again today is the same as it was two weeks ago: When can we expect this government to live up to its promise?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: The honourable member would know that before you can move forward with a program, it's very important to actually have

developed it. Accordingly, it's appropriate that the policy work, which is ongoing at the moment, be completed well. I'm very interested in moving this program forward, but I'm also very interested

in making sure that we have an appropriate plan developed that will guide it. This is of course necessary, as the investment of dollars must be done in a fashion which works well for our

accountabilities to taxpayers.

We're treating this as a priority. I can confirm one more time for the honourable member that, as relates to colorectal screening, Ontario plans to be a

leading jurisdiction in the land, and I accordingly look forward to the opportunity to participate with her in announcements soon.

JUNIOR HOCKEY /

HOCKEY JUNIOR

Mr. Jean-Marc Lalonde (Glengarry-Prescott-Russell): My question is for the Minister of Health Promotion. Minister, as we all know, Canada was

selected as the host for the 2009 World Junior Hockey Championship. It is a chance for Canadians to cheer our best hockey players as they take on the world.

Two Ontario cities submitted their bids to host the games. I strongly believe that the city of Ottawa is the best candidate. Our national capital region is a

model for many other Canadian cities.

Ce serait un grand honneur pour la région de la capitale nationale que d'être l'hôte de ce prestigieux tournoi. Comment notre gouvernement

supporte-t-il ces candidatures?

L ' hon. Jim Watson (ministre de la Promotion de la santé) : Je suis très fier que l'Ontario a deux villes qui ont

posé leur candidature pour le tournoi de 2009.

I'm very pleased that Ontario has two dynamic applicants for the World Junior Hockey Championship and that we're going to be able to cheer on Team Canada in

2009 in this country.

Both Ottawa and Toronto are bidding for the 2009 championships, and our government has given unprecedented support to both of those bids. In fact, Premier

McGuinty has spoken directly with Hockey Canada, and this Easter weekend I will be travelling to Calgary to support both the Ottawa and the Toronto bids.

It might be of interest to the House to know that this particular tournament has great economic generation for the province. BC held the games last year, and

it was an estimated $41 million into the economy. More than that, it's an opportunity to showcase two great hockey cities in our province, and we're very proud of both applicants.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Member for Scarborough Centre.

Mr. Brad Duguid (Scarborough Centre): It's great to know that our government is supporting the two bids equally next week in Calgary, but the

member for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell and our hockey coach here in the Legislature have got it all wrong. As the world-renowned hotbed of hockey, Toronto is unquestionably the best candidate city

to host the 2009 world juniors.

With the Toronto Maple Leafs' playoff hopes potentially fading away this evening, Ottawa fans may be breathing a sigh of relief. They may have a shot at the

cup this time because they may not need to face the Leafs in the playoffs. But the people of Toronto also deserve some good news on the hockey front. Nothing would remove us from our hockey

doldrums more than the confirmation from Calgary that Toronto will be hosting the 2009 world juniors.

Minister, Ontario is a great location for such international events. What are you doing to attract more of these world-class events to our province in the

future?

Hon. Mr. Watson: I thank the honourable member for Scarborough Centre and I know his passion for the game of hockey. In fact, in this province

there are over 360,000 minor league hockey players, coaches and officials. Any town or village in this great province can lay claim to the phrase "Hockeyville," because it's in our blood; we're

passionate about it.

As a result of going through the bidding process and working with both Toronto and Ottawa, we realized that this province needs a sport-hosting policy, because

we need to bring greater coordination in our efforts; we want to make sure that those cities and towns that are bidding on various sporting activities have the resources at hand both from their

local municipality and also from the province of Ontario. The sport hosting policy has been adopted by this government.

I also want to wish the very best to both Toronto and Ottawa. We look forward to the results from Hockey Canada as they announce it on May 15. We would very

much welcome the 2009 junior championships right here in Ontario.

ENERGY RATES

Mr. John Yakabuski (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke): We all know that Barry's Bay is Hockeyville.

Anyway, my question is for the Minister of Energy. Minister, despite the promise that your party made to freeze electricity rates at 4.3 cents, we've seen them

rise almost 35% under your watch. Yesterday, Adam White from AMPCO gave a very good presentation of what is going to happen to electricity rates under your electricity plan. Because of your

irresponsible and, quite frankly, foolish promise to shut down 6,500 megawatts -- enough to power two million homes in this province -- you people have put us into a crisis. When we put these two

things together, Minister, we are going to see huge price increases in this province, increased imports for this province, because of your plan. When are you simply going to admit that you were

wrong? It is time to revisit it. We can burn clean in this province -- much cleaner than the Germans are doing, the Danes are doing. It is time to revisit your plan and admit to Ontarians that you

have been wrong. You have tried to fool them, and this is going to lead to exorbitant prices in this province.

Hon. Donna H. Cansfield (Minister of Energy): I thank the member for his question. I did receive the information. I'm in the process of

reading the report. As you have already heard in the newspaper, there certainly is quite a difference of opinion between the Ontario Power Authority and what the report already indicates from

AMPCO's study.

But really I find this very fascinating. This is a large industrial group that receives $800 million in rebates. Let me repeat that: $800 million in rebates.

So actually what they really want is a competitive --

Mr. Yakabuski: Say it one more time, Donna; I didn't catch that.

Hon. Mrs. Cansfield: That's $800 million. So what they really want is, they want energy prices frozen but they want a competitive market. I

think that's inhaling and exhaling. So let's wait and see what this report says. That's going to take a --

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Thank you, Minister. Supplementary? The member for Halton.

Mr. Ted Chudleigh (Halton): My question regards the same study mentioned by the member for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke. However, I'd like to

direct my question to the Minister of Economic Development and Trade or the Deputy Premier.

The Speaker: No, it's to the same minister.

Mr. Chudleigh: The same minister. It'll be the same answer anyway, so that doesn't matter, I suppose.

Interjections.

The Speaker: I can wait.

The member for Halton.

Mr. Chudleigh: To the Minister of Energy: It seems there's a tremendous conflict over there between your direction, Minister, with your

policies in the energy field, where we're seeing thousands of jobs being destroyed in the steel industry, in the pulp and paper industry, in the chemical industry and in the manufacturing sector,

as outlined in the study done by the Association of Major Power Consumers in Ontario. As many as 100,000 jobs and $16 billion a year in real GDP could be in jeopardy if the Minister of Energy and

the Minister of Economic Development and Trade can't get their policies and their plans correct for the people of Ontario. Minister, I want to ask you: Which minister is going to step up to bat at

the cabinet table and try to save these core industries of Ontario that have become far too vulnerable on your government's watch?

Hon. Mrs. Cansfield: I thank the member for the question. Ontario's economy is strong. Last month alone, it created 31,200 net new jobs. In

addition, that 11,000 megawatts of new supply over the next five years that we've brought into this province is $11.5 billion worth of new investment in the electrical sector alone. That's over

90,000 person years of employment that will be created in this province. Just on the renewables alone, it's $3 billion. The amount of money that's being put into this sector is certainly helping to

create those jobs. There's no question that since coming into office, we have over 230,000 new net jobs. Obviously, the economy isn't in such dire straits as has been identified. We are doing well

in this province. It's not without its challenges, but there's no question that investment is happening, and it's really encouraging to note that Alberta money is finally coming into --

The Speaker: Thank you. New question.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Ms. Shelley Martel (Nickel Belt): I have a question to the Minister of Community and Social Services. Sara Anderson of Sudbury is in the ninth

day of a hunger strike to protest your government's broken promises to Ontario's poorest families. You promised to raise social assistance rates by 3% every year, and you've broken that promise.

You promised to end the clawback of the family benefit, and you have broken that promise. At a time when your government had a $3-billion windfall, why is it that you haven't kept your promise to

families like Sara Anderson's?

Hon. Madeleine Meilleur (Minister of Community and Social Services, minister responsible for francophone affairs): I thank the member of the

third party for her question. Yes, I am very much aware of the media report, and the ministry staff is monitoring this situation very closely.

But let me tell the House what we have done for people in need in our community since we were elected. We are the first government for decades that has

increased social service benefits by 5%, 2% in the first year we were elected and 2% again. Is it enough? No, it's not enough, but at least we're going in the right direction and we are helping

those in need in our community.

Ms. Martel: Well, minister, I'm glad to know that you're aware of the situation. The issue is, what are you going to do about it? Sara

Anderson used to receive $75 a month as a supplementary diet benefit. This was cut under your government to $20 a month. Her daughter qualifies for the national child benefit, but the $200 a month

she receives from the federal government is clawed back by your government. After her rent is paid, Sara and her daughter live on a little more than $300 a month. I spoke with Sara today. She's

very determined but she's very weak and I am very concerned about her health.

Minister, in the face of your government's $3-billion windfall, why have you utterly failed this family, and what are you going to do now to help them?

Hon. Mrs. Meilleur: Again, I thank the member from the third party for her question and her concern about one of her constituents. It's very

unfortunate, but I am telling the House what this government has done and what we will continue to do in the next budget. Let me tell the member what we have also done: We have stopped the clawback

of the additional increase that parents used to receive for the national child benefit. What it represents is that it will give families an additional $56 million in support this year and $75

million in 2007 and 2008. Instead of working to continue to support --

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Thank you, Minister. Sit down, Minister. New question.

PROCEEDS OF CRIME

Mr. Michael Gravelle (Thunder Bay-Superior North): My question is for the Attorney General. I think I can safely say that all members of this

House are concerned about the possibility of people profiting from unlawful activities. Minister, can you inform this House as to whether there's anything that can be done, and particularly whether

there is any legislation in place, that enables the courts to allow for the civil forfeiture of assets that are obtained through unlawful activity?

Hon. Michael Bryant (Attorney General): I thank the member for the question. Yes, indeed, there is in place legislation in this province that

seeks to prevent people from keeping assets that are acquired through unlawful activity. Under the Remedies for Organized Crime and Other Unlawful Activities Act, a court is authorized to freeze,

seize and forfeit property that has a connection to unlawful activity. This civil asset forfeiture is not dependent on any criminal charges and is not dependent on any convictions. Rather, it

focuses solely on the connection between the property and the unlawful activities. It is just part of a coordinated strategy to fight organized crime using both civil and criminal law remedies.

Mr. Gravelle: There's relevance to that in terms of my riding. Constituents in my riding of Thunder Bay-Superior North were pleased by your

recent announcement that civil assets that were found during the search of a vehicle stopped by OPP police officers near Marathon were to be forfeited to the crown. Minister, could you please give

this House details of this particular civil asset forfeiture, as well as other instances where this legislation has been used to seize assets that were obtained through unlawful activity?

Hon. Mr. Bryant: The member is right: On April 3, more than $120,000 was forfeited to the crown under the civil remedies legislation after it

was proven before a court that the money was the proceeds and an instrument of unlawful activity. That is good news for victims. That is good news for strong communities.

Since we took office, the act has been used over 100 times in Ontario. Since we took office, more than $2.3 million in assets have been collected under the

act. On March 28, the court ordered the forfeiture of a notorious crack house at 193 King Street East in Hamilton and a bank account containing approximately $10,000. This is just some of the

nearly $10 million in assets before the courts that are being taken out of the hands of those engaging in unlawful activities and being put back into strong communities.

CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES

Mr. Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North): My question is for the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services. For the past 15 months,

black and South Asian correctional workers in your Toronto institutions have faced threats and bullying from colleagues. How much longer are you going to tolerate racism within our correctional

facilities?

Hon. Monte Kwinter (Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services): We have zero tolerance against any employee of the Ontario

government, regardless of what ministry they are responsible to. Specifically about the case you're talking about, this is under investigation not only by the Toronto city police but by ministry

officials. You should know that this is something that is not acceptable.

Having said that, this is also not the first time it has happened. It happened in 1998, 2000 and 2002. That was ongoing through the people appealing to the

Human Rights Commission. The Human Rights Commission set up a tribunal. They have appointed two consultants who are working with the ministry to address this issue across the whole system.

I want to reiterate that it's unacceptable. It's something we are dealing with, but we cannot act until --

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Thank you. Supplementary?

Mr. Dunlop: Minister, I just want to point out that you are responsible for the correctional facilities in our province and what actually

happens with the system and its employees. We have a problem that has been going on for 15 months, and it involves racial attacks against the highest-level black employee in our correction system,

the deputy superintendent of administration, Mr. Dave Mitchell. I know Mr. Mitchell personally, and I know he's one of the most outstanding employees we have in the correctional system. I

understand that your ministry is investigating the allegations. Can you answer me this: When did the investigation commence, when do you expect the investigation to be completed and are you

prepared to recommend to the Attorney General that a public inquiry be called pending the outcome of your investigation?

Hon. Mr. Kwinter: I don't really want to comment on a specific case, because it is something that is under investigation. I can't tell you

when it's going to be finished because I'm not conducting the investigation. It's being conducted by the Toronto Police Service and it's being conducted by ministry officials.

I can tell you that once we have the results of that investigation -- and the member would realize that this is not the kind of activity where you can very

easily determine who is doing it just by the very nature of it. People are doing it behind closed doors or in the dead of night. They're not identifying themselves and it's a very difficult case. I

can't respond as to what we're going to do until we get that report from both my ministry officials and the police service, and then we will decide how we can address it.

PETITIONS

LONG-TERM CARE

Mr. Jerry J. Ouellette (Oshawa): "To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the next two years (2006 and 2007)."

I affix my signature in support.

Mr. Bill Mauro (Thunder Bay-Atikokan): "To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the next two years (2006 and 2007)."

Mr. John O'Toole (Durham): It's a pleasure to present another group of petitions from Marnwood Lifecare Centre in Bowmanville. The

administrator is Tracey Werheid. I'm pleased to read it on their behalf:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the next two years (2006 and 2007)."

I think of my mother-in-law, Madge Hall, who is in need of special attention at the community nursing home in Millbrook.

CHILD CARE

the government of Ontario;

"Whereas provinces and territories negotiated agreements with the federal government to ensure Canadians would have access to early learning and child care

programs that are high quality, affordable, universally inclusive and developmental;

"Whereas parents in Ontario have demonstrated a high demand for greater access to high-quality early learning and child care programs;

regulated child care spaces in the first three years;

"Whereas Ontario's early learning and child care agreement represents a $1.9-billion investment over five years in high-quality early learning and child

care;

Ontario's early learning and child care agreement, for the sake of the thousands of Ontario families who would benefit from it."

I'm giving this to Ben, a resident of London North Centre, to take to the table. Thank you, Ben.

LONG-TERM CARE

Mr. Ted Chudleigh (Halton): "Whereas long-term-care funding levels are too low to enable homes to provide the care and services our aging

seniors and parents who are residents of long-term-care homes need, with the respect and dignity that they deserve; and

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

residents need ... ; and

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

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

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

the next two years (2006 and 2007)."

I affix my signature to this, and I give it to page Raelene.

Mr. John Wilkinson (Perth-Middlesex): I have a petition in regard to Country Terrace Nursing Home in my riding:

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the next two years (2006 and 2007)."

AUTISM SERVICES

Ms. Lisa MacLeod (Nepean-Carleton): It's my pleasure today to bring to this --

Applause.

Ms. MacLeod: Thank you.

It's my pleasure to bring to the Legislature today a petition given to me by my NDP opponent in the March 30 by-election, Laurel Gibbons, a great autism

advocate in this province.

"Whereas the incidence of autism spectrum disorders has dramatically increased in recent years and Ontario's schools lack the required resources to accommodate

this growing number of pupils; and

"Whereas children with ASDs are capable of academic success when they have appropriate support; and

"Whereas under the Education Act of Ontario, children with ASDs are legally entitled to receive appropriate special education programs and services; and

"Whereas many ASD pupils are denied their education rights and are suffering academically, socially and emotionally because of a lack of resources available to

assist them with their disability-related needs; and

"Whereas the resources required to accommodate ASD pupils may include (but are not limited to) educational assessments; educational assistants; specialized

personnel such as behavioural therapists, speech and language pathologists, and occupational therapists; specialized programs and curriculum (including social skills and life skills); transitional

programs; and assistive technology;

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

"

(1) Increase funding for special education, and ensure that this funding reaches ASD pupils to meet their disability-related learning needs;

"

(2) Develop educational best practices and pilot projects for educating children with ASDs so that every student with ASD across Ontario has access to the

best possible programs and services."

I am very proud to sign my name to this petition.

COMMUNITY MEDIATION

Mr. Kuldip Kular (Bramalea-Gore-Malton-Springdale): This petition is to the Ontario Legislative Assembly.

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

in the dispute; and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I support this petition.

SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

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

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

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

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

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

government-operated services and other sectors;

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

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

live meaningful lives within their community."

As I am in complete agreement, I have affixed my signature and will be giving it to Sharmarke to pass to the table.

CHIILD CARE

Mr. Jean-Marc Lalonde (Glengarry-Prescott-Russell): "To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas provinces and territories negotiated agreements with the federal government to ensure Canadians would have access to early learning and child care

programs that are high quality, affordable, universally inclusive and developmental;

"Whereas parents in Ontario have demonstrated a high demand for greater access to high-quality early learning and child care programs;

regulated child care spaces in the first three years;

"Whereas Ontario's early learning and child care agreement represents a $1.9-billion investment over five years in high-quality early learning and child

care;

Ontario's early learning and child care agreement, for the sake of the thousands of Ontario families who would benefit from it."

I have also added my signature.

ASSISTANCE TO FARMERS

Mr. Toby Barrett (Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant): This petition is titled "Replace CAIS."

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas Ontario Agriculture Minister Dombrowsky has said that `There are serious problems with the CAIS program'; and

"Whereas Canadian Agriculture Minister Strahl has said he remains committed to replacing CAIS; and

"Whereas Canadian agriculture ministers and their staff and bureaucrats have `been at the table';

"We, the undersigned, demand CAIS be scrapped for a new program including a risk management program, self-directed risk insurance and farm disaster

relief."

On behalf of the farmers that have signed, I also have affixed my signature.

LONG-TERM CARE

Mr. Kevin Daniel Flynn (Oakville): Recently, I was visited by some of the residents' council members from West Oak Village Long Term Care

Centre in Oakville, who asked me to read a petition on their behalf that was collected primarily by a lady by the name of Marlee Heron, who I understand is about 61 years of age. The petition

reads:

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the next two years (2006 and 2007)."

ESTIMATES

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Finance, Chair of the Management Board of Cabinet): Mr. Speaker, I have a message from the administrator for

the government of Ontario, signed by his own hand.

The Deputy Speaker (Mr. Bruce Crozier): The administrator for the government of Ontario transmits estimates of certain sums required for the

services of the province for the year ending March 31, 2007, and recommends them to the Legislative Assembly.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

EDUCATION STATUTE LAW

AMENDMENT ACT

(STUDENT PERFORMANCE), 2006 /

LOI DE 2006 MODIFIANT DES LOIS

EN CE QUI CONCERNE L'ÉDUCATION

(RENDEMENT DES ÉLÈVES)

Resuming the debate adjourned on April 5, 2006, on the motion for second reading of Bill 78,

An Act to amend the Education Act, the Ontario College of Teachers

Act, 1996 and certain other statutes relating to education / Projet de loi 78, Loi modifiant la

Loi sur l'éducation, la Loi de 1996 sur l'Ordre des enseignantes et des enseignants de

l'Ontario et certaines autres lois se rapportant à l'éducation.

The Deputy Speaker (Mr. Bruce Crozier): Further debate? The leader of the third party.

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): On behalf of New Democrats, I'm pleased to be able to participate in this debate.

I think it's become evident to many people across the province that while the McGuinty government talks a good line on education, increasingly boards of

education are asking, "Where is the money?" For example, one of the Catholic boards has been ordered now by the McGuinty government to cut reading recovery programs for children who are having

difficulty learning how to read -- a $2-million cut. The McGuinty government is going to force that same board to cut $2.6 million, for example, from caretaking and cleaning. I remember when Dalton

McGuinty used to go through the roof, complaining that the former Conservative government was going to cut funding from school cleanliness, school health and safety.

The same school board is being ordered by the McGuinty government to cut vice-principals. Anyone who has been involved in teaching or in our schools knows that

vice-principals are the people who do all the work in terms of discipline, in terms of sorting out problems at home or at school -- everything which lies within those parameters. In order to cut

vice-principals, the same board has also been ordered to make a substantial cut in adult education. This from a Premier who likes to give speeches about how education is an ongoing thing and we

need to continue to involve ourselves in education.

But that board is not alone. I have spoken to representatives from several other boards of education who have said, "The government talks a good line on

education, but from our board's perspective, the money isn't there. We don't have enough money for teachers' salaries. We don't have enough money for special education and we don't have enough

other examples like that. Money that should be going to special education in some boards has had to be used to pay the hydro bill or to pay the heating bill. That's the level of problems, of

challenges, that boards of education are facing as a result of the McGuinty government's failure to live up to their promises.

I remember when Dalton McGuinty used to criticize, on an almost daily basis, the school funding formula that was put in place under the former Conservative

government. Here we are now, three years into the McGuinty government. Has that inadequate school funding formula that was put in place by the former Conservative government been changed

substantially by the McGuinty government? No. It is still fundamentally the same funding formula now under the McGuinty government. That's the complaint that school boards have. The McGuinty

government likes to give a lot of speeches about education, the McGuinty government likes to pronounce on education, but increasingly boards of education are not finding the commitment of funds or

the commitment of resources.

This bill, Bill 78, continues that tradition of the McGuinty government. When I read this bill, I was embarrassed to read some of the contents of it. The

reason I was embarrassed to read some of the contents of it was because it's so obviously just filler. When the government can't come up or won't come up with the money -- and I think it's really a

case of "won't come up with the money," because we know that in this past fiscal year the McGuinty government had a $3-billion revenue windfall, and yet school boards are taking money out of the

political decision by them not to fund education. This bill is evidence of when the government can't keep its promises yet it wants to say something, so it comes forward with a bill like this that

is loaded with filler.

Let me give you an example of some of the filler that you find in this legislation. It amends the Education Act to give cabinet broad powers to make

regulations prescribing, respecting and governing the duty of boards. Get this: There's a regulation to "promote the provincial interest in education," as if you need a regulation to promote the

provincial interest in education.

There's a regulation that requires boards to adopt measures to improve student success, reach goals in special education, to improve student health and to

improve student safety. How are boards supposed to improve special education when the McGuinty government is forcing them to take money out of the special education budget and use it just to heat

the school or keep the lights on?

Another example: requiring boards to adopt measures to improve student success. I know the trustees in my part of the province, the trustees of the boards.

They don't get paid any money. They take all kinds of abuse. They go out to meeting after meeting after meeting. They put in hour after hour. Is the McGuinty government suggesting that these

trustees who are on the boards are not there to improve student success? Is the McGuinty government suggesting they're there for some other purpose?

To improve student health: Is the McGuinty government suggesting that those hard-working trustees in my constituency and in constituencies across the province

don't care about student health? I'll tell you something. When you don't have enough money in the budget to keep the heat on when it's 30 and 40 below, that's risking student health, and that's

what the McGuinty government has been doing. When you don't have enough money in rural boards to safely and adequately provide for student transportation, when you don't have enough money in the

budget to cover student transportation -- in my constituency, some students are transported, not 40 kilometres, not 50 kilometres, not 60 kilometres, but some students are being transported 90 and

100 kilometres one way to school -- then that's putting students at risk, and that's the fault of the McGuinty government; their failure, as boards have pointed out, to adequately fund student

transportation; their failure to adequately fund special education; their failure to adequately fund teachers' salaries, which the former Minister of Education played a big hand in negotiating and

setting in the first place.

It's bizarre that the McGuinty government thinks that, by these regulations -- they must assume that the trustees who work so hard can't be trusted to want to

improve student success, to want to improve student health and to want to improve student safety.

There are other regulations -- when you see them, you say to yourself, "My, my, this is sad" -- to force boards to publish reports about any regulations made

under the act. Teachers I talk to say they're drowning in paper already, having to fill out documents and forms that are being pushed from above. Now the McGuinty government believes they have to

have a regulation to force boards to publish reports about any regulations made under this act.

There's a regulation to set specific outcomes for students with regard to literacy and numeracy. The issue isn't setting outcome levels. The issue is the

McGuinty government forcing, for example, one board to cut $2 million from the reading recovery program. How is a board supposed to reach the required literacy levels when it's the McGuinty

government saying, "You take $2 million out of reading recovery"? How is a board supposed to ensure you're going to meet these targets when boards are saying, "Look, we're already having to take

money out of the so-called classroom budget just to pay the heating bill, just to pay the hydroelectricity bill"?

So some of this, when you put it in the context of what boards are struggling with, is already theatre of the absurd and quite obviously theatre of the

absurd.

Worse than that, though, this is micromanaging. I remember when Dalton McGuinty used to stand right about there and rail about the Conservatives wanting to

micromanage everything that happened in the classroom, wanting to micromanage curriculum, wanting to micromanage what happened in this school, what happened in that school and what happened in

another school somewhere else. What do we see in this legislation? We see the McGuinty government wanting to micromanage not just what happens at the school board level but what happens at the

school level and what happens in the classroom. The very same things, the very same sins that Dalton McGuinty used to accuse the Conservatives of, when you read this bill, are repeated almost

verbatim here: more micromanagement of what happens in the classroom, what happens in the school. As if