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

September 11, 2017

41st Parliament, 2nd Session

< Previous sitting day

Next sitting day >

Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcript 2017-Sept-11 (PDF)

L090 - Mon 11 Sep 2017 / Lun 11 sep 2017

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Monday 11 September 2017 Lundi 11 septembre 2017

Introduction of member for Sault Ste. Marie

Resignation of member for Toronto Centre

Introduction of Visitors

Wearing of pins

Moment of silence

Oral Questions

Hydro rates

Ministry grants

By-election in Sudbury

By-election in Sudbury

Ring of Fire

Power plants

Student achievement

Minimum wage

By-election in Sudbury

Employment standards

Special-needs students

Assistance to flood victims

Child care

Fiscal accountability

By-election in Sudbury

Pharmacare

Correction of record

Visitors

Introduction of Visitors

Royal assent / Sanction royale

Tabling of sessional papers

Members’ Statements

Groves Memorial Community Hospital

Children’s mental health services

Rick Sowieta

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Anti-racism activities

Ukrainian Heritage Day

Jeremy Fritz

Queen’s University

World Suicide Prevention Day

Reports by Committees

Standing Committee on Government Agencies

Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs

Introduction of Bills

Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions Act, 2017 / Loi de 2017 sur le ministère de la Santé mentale et des dépendances

Motions

Committee membership

Private members’ public business

Statements by the Ministry and Responses

Firefighters’ National Memorial Day / Jour commémoratif national des pompiers

Petitions

Long-term care

Services for disabled children

GO Transit

Cormorants

Komoka Provincial Park

Wind turbines

Anti-smoking initiatives for youth

Dental care

Hydro rates

Pharmacare

Orders of the Day

Building Better Communities and Conserving Watersheds Act, 2017 / Loi de 2017 visant à bâtir de meilleures collectivités et à protéger les bassins hydrographiques

The House met at 1030.

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

Prayers.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. This being the first sitting Monday of the month, I ask everyone to join us in the singing of the Canadian national anthem.

Singing of O Canada.

Introduction of member for Sault Ste. Marie

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Now that we’re relatively settled, I beg to inform the House that the Clerk has received from the Chief Electoral Officer and laid upon the table a certificate of the by-election in the electoral district of Sault Ste. Marie.

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Todd Decker): I have received a letter dated June 12, 2017, which reads as follows:

“A writ of election dated the 3rd day of May, 2017, was issued by the Honourable Lieutenant Governor of the province of Ontario and was addressed to Pauline Renaud, returning officer for the electoral district of Sault Ste. Marie, for the election of a member to represent the said electoral district of Sault Ste. Marie in the Legislative Assembly of this province in the room of David Orazietti, who, since his election as representative of the said electoral district of Sault Ste. Marie, has resigned his seat. This is to certify that, a poll having been granted and held in Sault Ste.

Marie on the 1st day of June, 2017, Ross Romano has been returned as duly elected as appears by the return of the said writ of election dated the 9th day of June, 2017, which is now lodged of record in my office.”

It is signed “Greg Essensa, Chief Electoral Officer.”

Mr. Romano was escorted into the House by Mr. Brown and Mr. Wilson.

Mr. Patrick Brown: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present to you and to the House Ross Romano, member-elect for the electoral district of Sault Ste. Marie, who has taken the oath and has signed the roll and now claims the right to take his seat.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Let the honourable member take his seat.

Applause.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Pray be seated.

Resignation of member for Toronto Centre

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): I also beg to inform the House that during the adjournment, a vacancy has occurred in the membership of the House by reason of the resignation of Mr. Glen Murray as the member for the electoral district of Toronto Centre, effective September 1, 2017.

Accordingly, I have issued my warrant to the Chief Electoral Officer for the issue of a writ for a by-election.

Introduction of Visitors

Ms. Lisa M. Thompson: I’m very pleased to introduce today Bart and Kari Anne Cameron. They’ve made the trek from Wingham, Ontario, today. Bart is the CEO of Bruce Telecom, and Kari Anne is an amazing volunteer for the Wingham community and area. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Ms. Peggy Sattler: I’m delighted to welcome Harvey Bischof, the president of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation, and Paul Kossta to the House this morning.

Hon. Mitzie Hunter: I’m very pleased to rise in the House today and to welcome all of Ontario’s students back to school. Bonne rentrée scolaire. I know many of them watch question period.

I also would like to join in welcoming Harvey Bischof, the new president of OSSTF, the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation. Congratulations and welcome to Queen’s Park.

Finally, I’m very pleased to welcome the page from my great riding of Scarborough–Guildwood, Milind Patel, from Tredway Woodsworth Public School.

Welcome.

Mr. Sam Oosterhoff: It’s an honour to be able to stand today on the first day of the Legislative session and to welcome to the legislature today page Duncan VanPagee, who attends Twenty Valley Public School from my riding. He’ll be here for the next couple of weeks, and I want to welcome him to the Legislature.

Ms. Cheri DiNovo: I’m delighted to say that the page captain today is Emerson Manning from the great riding of Parkdale–High Park. His mother, Kirsten Tenebaum, and his grandmother Julia Manning are here in the members’ gallery. Welcome, all, to Queen’s Park.

Hon. Kevin Daniel Flynn: I’d like to introduce three great young people who are here from Oakville today. They’ve all worked in my constituency office at some point: Firoza Dodhi and Christien Rivard, and accompanying them today is Yara Salama. Please welcome them to Queen’s Park.

Mr. Lorne Coe: I’m also pleased to welcome to the Legislature Harvey Bischof and Paul Kossta from the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation.

Hon. Helena Jaczek: Please help me welcome the family of page Adam Pariag. We have his parents, Rayanna and Jeffrey Pariag, and his sister Sarah.

Mr. Jeff Yurek: I’d like to welcome Dave Jenkins here from Belmont. Welcome, Dave.

Mr. James J. Bradley: I’d like to join with the member for Parkdale–High Park, because some of the grandparents of Emerson Manning are from St. Catharines: Anne Julia Manning, John Manning, Lori Tenebaum and Kirsten Tenebaum.

Mr. John Yakabuski: I’d like to welcome here to Queen’s Park this morning my page, Olivia Groskleg, who is now the fourth Groskleg sister to serve as a page in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Olivia is from Jeanne-Lajoie school in Pembroke.

Ms. Cindy Forster: I’d like to welcome Chris Watson from CUPE back for this session, up here in the gallery.

Ms. Sophie Kiwala: I would like to welcome the following individuals from Queen’s University: Mr. Daniel Woolf, the principal and vice-chancellor; Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon, the provost and vice-principal; Ms. Ann Tierney, vice-provost and dean of student affairs; Mr. Michael Fraser, vice-principal of university relations; Mr. Cam Yung, the rector; Mr. Craig Leroux, the associate director, government and institutional relations; Mr. Chris Armes, research analyst, government and institutional relations; student leaders Jennifer Li, Palmer Lockridge and Chelsea Hollidge; and, later today, Brandon Jamieson, Alannah Boisvert, Melinda Knox and Leigh Cameron.

I would also like to welcome everyone who is here—especially Tom Mikkelsen, who is the president and scientific director—from the Ontario Brain Institute. They have a reception in room 228 at 2:30.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Further introductions? I have two. From the great riding of Brant, to support our page, Greg Bannister, his mom, Pat Bannister, will be here. She’s here now. Thank you very much for being here, Pat.

Also in the Speaker’s gallery—I was told that if you give me a hard time, don’t give my wife a hard time, because my wife is in the gallery today. Thank you, Rosemarie.

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: Does she approve of the beard?

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): So far, I have permission.

Also with me are very dear friends of ours for many, many years, Harold and Margit Offenhammer. Thank you for joining us today. I appreciate it.

Wearing of pins

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): It is therefore now time for question period—no, it’s not. I read my notes, but I just—it’s summer, you know. The member from Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound.

Mr. Bill Walker: I’d like to seek unanimous consent for all members in the Legislature to wear gold ribbon pins to recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound is seeking unanimous consent to wear ribbons. Do we agree? Agreed.

The member from Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound will make an announcement after question period.

Moment of silence

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Point of order: the government House leader.

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: Speaker, I believe you will find that we have unanimous consent to observe a moment of silence before question period as a sign of this House’s condolences for those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, 16 years ago today. On this date, we also want to hold in our thoughts and prayers all those who have lost their lives and were impacted by both terrorism and natural disasters around the globe this past summer.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The government House leader is seeking unanimous consent for a moment of silence to pay tribute to those who were mentioned in his motion. Do we agree? Agreed.

I would ask all members of the entire House to please rise to observe a moment of silence.

The House observed a moment’s silence.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Pray be seated.

Oral Questions

Hydro rates

Mr. Patrick Brown: My question is for the Premier. Ontario families are working harder, paying more and getting less. But this summer, Hydro One applied for yet another rate increase, a rate increase that could cost Ontario families $141 more per year. Will the Premier promise to stop yet another rate hike?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I want to start by welcoming all members back to the Legislature. I know how hard everyone works over the summer in their constituencies and I just want to acknowledge that, and to welcome everyone back to do this part of our job, in the Legislature.

Mr. Speaker, I know that the member opposite is very aware that people across the province saw a 25% reduction in their electricity bills this summer. He knows, as we do, that that makes it much fairer for people across the province, particularly people in rural and remote areas, who saw up to a 40% to 50% reduction.

The reality is that we are facing many challenges in this province, and we have a responsible and a fair plan to address those. The fair hydro plan is part of that.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Patrick Brown: Mr. Speaker, I asked the Premier a question about the proposed Hydro One rate hike, which is entirely in the government’s power to stop. They’ve had 100-plus ministerial directives where they’ve been able to interfere and meddle in the energy market in Ontario. Now there’s a rate increase of $141 that Ontario families can’t pay, and the Premier is saying nothing. The Premier is not going to stop it.

So I will ask again: Will the Premier do the right thing and stop this hydro rate hike?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Mr. Speaker, I had the privilege of travelling the province this summer. All over the province, I was talking to folks and hearing from them about the changes that we are making. There are more than 180,000 young people in post-secondary today paying zero tuition because of the OSAP changes that we made. We have people in this province who have seen $200 to $300 reductions on their electricity bills because of our fair hydro plan. Across the province, residents have seen at least a 23% to 25% reduction on their electricity bills.

So we recognize that there are challenges that people are confronting. That’s exactly why we have a fair hydro plan. That’s exactly why we have reduced tuition and made it free for young people across the province. Those are the results that we’re—

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

Final supplementary?

Mr. Patrick Brown: Mr. Speaker, again to the Premier: I asked a question about the hydro rate hike and the Premier starts talking about tuition. Just for once it would be nice if the Premier answered the serious concerns that Ontario families have.

Here we have a $141 hydro rate hike at a time when the government promised relief. What’s unbelievable and disappointing is that at a time when they’re trying to grab more money for hydro, Hydro One is about to pay $6.7 billion for an American energy company. The Avista CEO said that this allows them to spread the cost burden out. Spread the cost burden out? Does that mean Ontario ratepayers would be subsidizing ratepayers in Washington and Montana?

For a third time, maybe the Premier can say yes or no: Is she going to block that hydro rate hike?

Interjections.

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

Premier?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: As I said, the Leader of the Opposition knows that people have seen reductions on their electricity bills. He also knows that rate hikes are being held at inflation for the next four years—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Well, I guess I will. The member from Leeds–Grenville, come to order—and the others.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: The fair hydro plan put in place an average 25% reduction for people across the province and, for four years, will hold any increases at inflation. So I would say to the Leader of the Opposition, who has not brought forward a plan in any way to deal with electricity prices, that this is a fair plan and it helps people across the province.

I would also say to the Leader of the Opposition that, on top of that, we have got in place programs to help people who are living on low income. He knows that in northern and rural communities, people are seeing a 40% to 50% reduction. That’s making a difference—

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

New question.

Ministry grants

Mr. Patrick Brown: My question is for the Premier. I had hoped that I would have gotten a response on the hydro rate hike. Instead, I have the Premier say that they tie it to inflation. It has gone up 300% on their watch, and that’s tied to inflation? Well, they don’t want to talk about that. Let me try something else.

Mr. Speaker, to the Premier: Yes or no? Does the Premier support her government’s decision to give a $4.9-million grant to the billion-dollar maker of the deadly drug OxyContin?

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

Hon. Brad Duguid: I’m trying to think of the best way to say, within the rules of parliamentary procedure, that the member is completely all wet with that question. That’s the best way I can put it.

This government has never given any grant to any company, that I’m aware of, that would be going towards the development or the establishment or the building of OxyContin.

We do invest in research and development. That’s one of the reasons, in this province, why we have an unemployment rate of 5.7%, the lowest unemployment rate seen in 60 years. It’s because we make investments in R&D, we make investments in our bioscience sector and we make investments in ICT. We’re going to continue to make those investments.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Patrick Brown: Again to the Premier: That was a pretty weak response, and probably why the Premier didn’t want to respond herself.

Mr. Speaker, an internal government document from 2008 read, “Purdue Pharma Canada has been named in three class-action lawsuits across Canada over the last year or so, in connection with the OxyContin line of painkillers.”

The note mentioned that “the company settled a $600-million settlement in United States connected to OxyContin.” But this government went ahead with the grant and then tried to hide the deal from the public. This is their words; this is a government document.

Can the Premier herself truly justify funding a company that is partially responsible for the opioid crisis that Ontario is currently facing? Please don’t pass it off. This is a very important issue to Ontario families.

Hon. Brad Duguid: Let me be very, very clear: This grant went towards the construction of a 26,000-square-foot expansion to produce a manufacturing facility in Pickering. This funding supported a doubling of their R&D capacity in Ontario. The agreement specifically stated that Ontario’s funding—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke, come to order.

Please finish.

Hon. Brad Duguid: If the leader was being straight-up, he would know that this agreement specifically stated that Ontario’s funding could not be used, directly or indirectly, for any work related to the OxyContin line of drugs. He’s mixing and matching the investments that we make in research and development that that party has always opposed and that are contributing to the fact that we’re leading the G7 in growth. We’re going to continue to make those investments in our research and innovation ecosystem.

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

Mr. Patrick Brown: Again to the Premier: This Liberal shell game is at work again. No matter what the money was earmarked for in the grant, the money was given to the maker of OxyContin—

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Minister of Agriculture.

Mr. Patrick Brown: —the drug responsible for countless addictions, overdoses and deaths, the drug that was the gateway to the opioid crisis in Ontario. Saying otherwise is just like telling the people of Ontario that the Liberals gave money to a cigarette company but the company isn’t using the money to sell cigarettes. Their logic does not work. There are no ifs and buts about it. The Liberals funded the production and distribution of OxyContin—

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

Mr. Patrick Brown: —through this grant program, and it is unacceptable. The money—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Stop the clock. In case he didn’t hear it, the Minister of Agriculture was asked to come to order. The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport was asked to come to order, and I’m now asking the Minister of Economic Development to come to order. I know how to play the game. I haven’t forgotten, and I’ll ramp it up if you want me to.

Please finish.

Mr. Patrick Brown: The government’s own internal documents warned them what was going to happen. So my question is very direct, Mr. Speaker.

Once again to the Premier: Will the Premier apologize for her government’s decision to fund the maker of OxyContin knowing full well its contribution to the opioid crisis in Ontario?

Hon. Brad Duguid: To the Minister of Health.

Hon. Eric Hoskins: Mr. Speaker, I am absolutely shocked that the Leader of the Opposition—

Interjections.

Hon. Eric Hoskins: I’m shocked because he knows well, and this has been in the public domain, that that grant had absolutely nothing to do with OxyContin. In fact, his party is entirely devoid of ideas, ideas that I’ve welcomed for more than a year because we have a public health crisis in the opioid crisis right now, and he takes his time to illustrate a story, to try to make a connection where he well knows there’s no connection to be made.

We have invested almost $300 million in the opioid crisis. The Premier, two weeks ago, met with a dozen front-line harm reduction workers. I met with that same group myself last week. We are providing naloxone across the country. We are providing rapid access to treatment. We have funded safe injection sites.

That party has had no ideas, except he’s trying to—

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

Interjections.

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

New question, the leader of the third party.

By-election in Sudbury

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My question is for the Premier. The trial of two top Liberal operatives, including the Premier’s deputy chief of staff, got under way last week in Sudbury, and it didn’t take long for Ontarians to learn shocking new details about how far the Premier and her Liberal Party were willing to go to win the 2015 Sudbury by-election. It’s alleged that the Minister of Energy demanded paid jobs for staff in exchange for running as the Liberal candidate in the by-election.

Can the Premier tell us right now, did she agree to this demand?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Mr. Speaker, I’ve been very open with the Legislature; I’ve been open with the media and with the public about the allegations related to the Sudbury by-election.

As the leader of the third party knows, parliamentary privilege extends to all members and exempts a member from the normal obligation to attend court if summoned as a witness. I’ve said all along that I would be open and transparent and that I would work with the process, and that is exactly what I have been doing. Therefore, I will waive my parliamentary privilege. I will appear as a witness on September 13. The matter is before the courts, and we really need to let that process play out.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: It appears from the evidence that the only reason the Minister of Energy himself has not been charged is because, under the law, it’s illegal to offer a bribe, but not illegal to accept one. The minister appears to be hiding behind a legal technicality, and the Premier appears to be encouraging him in—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Stop the clock. Come to order, please.

Please finish.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: When will the Premier show the kind of leadership that the people of this province expect, admit that there was wrongdoing in Sudbury and ask her minister to step down from cabinet?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Attorney General.

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: I think the leader of the third party and all members of this House know very well that this matter—

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Second time, chief government whip.

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: Speaker, this matter is before the courts as we speak, and it would be highly inappropriate for any one of us to engage in any conversation or speculation about that case. I urge all members to respect the rules of this House, to respect the independent legal process that is ongoing and to refrain from asking questions that could have an impact on that important case that is going on.

Miss Monique Taylor: You should give your Premier the same advice.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Member from Hamilton Mountain, come to order.

Final supplementary.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: What is inappropriate is the shenanigans that went on in Sudbury. That’s what’s highly inappropriate.

Demanding jobs in exchange for running is a pretty serious allegation, and the Premier should take it seriously too. She should ask her Minister of Energy to step down from cabinet until this trial concludes, and it can be determined by the courts whether or not the minister was offered, or accepted, a bribe. Will the Premier ask her Minister of Energy to step down?

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: Again, I believe it’s worth repeating that this particular matter is before the courts. There are actually court proceedings that are ongoing, as we all know. It would be highly inappropriate for any one of us to engage in any speculation or commentary on that case, and we should respect that process. I urge all members to respect that process as closely as possible, to move on to issues that are important to the people of Ontario and to talk about issues that will improve the lives of Ontarians and build a fairer Ontario.

By-election in Sudbury

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My next question is to the Premier. Time and time again, the Premier told Ontarians that there was nothing wrong with what happened in Sudbury, but last week, during the trial, we learned that while she was making those very assurances, she may well have known that her Minister of Energy requested paid jobs for staff in order to run for her party.

Did the Premier authorize this quid pro quo in order to secure the minister’s nomination for the Ontario Legislature?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Attorney General.

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: Again, the leader of the third party knows the rules very well. I fully expect that she respects the rules, as well. Speaker, as you know very well, you and others in your role have clarified that when matters are before the courts, it is inappropriate to ask questions about those matters and inappropriate to answer questions about those matters.

In this particular instance, there is a court process that is ongoing as we speak, and it would be highly inappropriate for any member to engage in a line of questioning that could undermine that legal process. Therefore, Speaker, I urge all members to respect the rules of this House, to respect our independent judicial system and to refrain from asking questions that relate to this particular matter.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: I find it unbelievable that the Liberals are lecturing the rest of us about the respecting of rules. When it comes to the Sudbury by-election, all we wanted was for the rules to be respected.

The Premier’s former deputy chief of staff is accused of offering the Minister of Energy a bribe to run in the Sudbury by-election. That’s not in sync with the rules on the way people are supposed to behave in this Legislature. We know from the testimony that the minister requested paid jobs for staff to run in the by-election. Did the Premier direct Ms. Sorbara to give in to the minister’s demand, so that he would agree to be a Liberal candidate in the by-election?

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: Speaker, what’s shocking and surprising is that the leader of the third party continues to play politics when there is actually a legal process that is ongoing. I think that’s unacceptable. This House is not the court of law. This House is not the judge and the jury.

This House is here to represent the interests of the people of Ontario. This House is here to talk about things that are important to the people of Ontario. This House is not here to interfere in a legal proceeding that is going on. Again, I urge all members, including the member of the third party, to respect the trial that is ongoing, as we speak, in Sudbury.

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

Ms. Andrea Horwath: It seems the only way to get the facts out of this Premier and her Liberal Party is to drag them through court.

When will this Premier stop hiding behind the trial, order her Minister of Energy to come clean about his role in the actual scandal and start answering Ontarians’ questions about what went on, what she knew and when she knew it?

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: I will repeat my answer again, because I am going to follow and respect the rule: that is that this matter is before the courts and it would be highly inappropriate to answer any questions relating to the case that is ongoing right now in Sudbury.

Ring of Fire

Mr. Ross Romano: My question is for the Premier. The Ring of Fire is one of the greatest opportunities northern Ontario has ever seen. And yet, for 11 years since its discovery, the government has claimed that the north matters, but actions speak louder than words. All we’ve actually received is announcement after re-announcement—and always during an election year—but no actual progress to date.

Leading up to the 2014 election, they promised us $1 billion, but then they axed it from this year’s budget. Recently, the Premier made yet another election announcement, but they’ve already taken the money away, and they still haven’t even bothered to speak to the federal government for help. It’s just more of the same old story.

Mr. Speaker, will the Premier just admit what we already know, that these announcements are nothing more than Liberal photo ops to win over voter support in an election year?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Let me welcome the member to the Legislature. It’s great to have you here, but I have to say that we probably need to offer you a technical briefing on the Ring of Fire file.

In fact, the $1 billion is in place, and we have worked with the First Nations communities and with the mining companies very, very closely. We are now at a place where we actually have a framework agreement with all of the Matawa First Nations, and we have an agreement with three of the First Nations, with Webequie, with Nibinamik and with Marten Falls, to move ahead on building community roads. That will mean that the infrastructure that will be paid for by that billion dollars, in part at least, is in the budget, and we’re moving ahead. That’s a great success, and I look forward to seeing that infrastructure built.

Interjections.

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

Supplementary.

Mr. Ross Romano: Again to the Premier: I appreciate the lecture, but perhaps we can actually get an answer to this next question.

During these last 11 years of inaction on the Ring of Fire, this government has attributed the delay to promises that they were consulting with all of the impacted Matawa communities the right way and to ensuring that all five of those communities were on board with the development. Yet, in the Premier’s recent development announcement, we learned that she has only obtained the support of three of the five communities.

Neskantaga and Eabametoong have publicly stated that they have not been properly consulted with and that they will oppose this development. How has the Premier failed to secure their support as previously promised and how can the Premier possibly keep this year’s election promise in the face of such opposition?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I’m pleased that the member opposite at least was told by his policy folks that there is an agreement with the three First Nations. That is a huge step forward.

I have met with the nine—there are actually nine—Matawa First Nations repeatedly, with the Minister of Indigenous Relations and the Minister of Northern Development and Mines. It’s a complex issue; there is no doubt about it. There are competing interests within the nine groups. Those communities are looking for slightly different things in terms of the infrastructure build.

But it is important for all of us in this House to know that we will continue to work with all of those First Nations. The fact that we have an agreement with three does not preclude that we will continue to work with the rest. We will in fact continue to work with all of the other six First Nations. They know that. They have sat at the table with me. They know that we’re going to work with them, and we will find a way to make sure that this development benefits all—

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

Power plants

Mr. Peter Tabuns: Speaker, my question is to the Premier. The government is in court on a second matter today, with former Liberal staffers facing criminal charges related to the Liberal government’s politically driven billion-dollar cancellation of two gas plants. The Premier rolled out a public inquiry into this matter. Then, on the same day that the public learned that the OPP had raided government offices, she shut down legislative hearings into the matter before hearing from two Liberal staffers, one of whom is in court today.

The Premier has done everything she can to prevent the public from learning the truth about her party’s ruthless, self-serving culture. Why is it that the only way to get the truth out of this government is to haul them into court?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Attorney General.

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: Well, Speaker, perhaps I have the same advice for the member from the Danforth as I was suggesting to his leader: When it comes to matters before the courts, there is a very clear rule that is outlined in our standing orders, well established in all Parliaments, that it is not the place of this House to discuss those matters. They are properly before an independent court, which is independent from the House and the executive and the legislative branch of the government. It would be incumbent upon us to respect that process, so I urge the member opposite to do the same.

It would be inappropriate, Speaker, to speak of those issues or to speculate about those issues in the House.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Peter Tabuns: Again to the Premier: As a cabinet minister and campaign co-chair, the Premier went along with gas plant cancellations that she should have known would cost over a billion dollars. Then, after becoming Premier, she admitted this was “a political decision.” She apologized, and then she shut down legislative hearings and told everyone to just move on. But instead of learning her lesson, the Premier doubled down and spent the next four years enacting the exact same sort of politically driven policies, from the hydro file to the transit file, all to serve the Liberal Party and not the people of Ontario.

When will the Premier stop abusing the trust of the people of Ontario and put the interest of the public ahead of the interests of the Liberal Party?

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: The members of the third party can ask the same question any which way. The advice remains the same, which is that this matter is before court and it would be highly inappropriate for anybody to engage in any conversation. The appropriate place for that is the courts, where these proceedings are taking place. So, Speaker, I will not be answering any question as it relates to this particular legal matter.

Student achievement

Ms. Sophie Kiwala: My question is for the Minister of Education. In my riding of Kingston and the Islands, we’ve seen a significant investment in school infrastructure, including several new builds: most recently at St. Francis of Assisi, which opened its doors just this fall, and at Molly Brant Elementary School just last year. I would like to thank the government of Ontario for supporting the creation of new and innovative spaces that enhance student learning.

While it’s important to invest in infrastructure, it’s obviously critically important to invest in programs that nurture students. Our government is investing in new and expanded well-being programs for students across the province. Ontario is an international leader in education, thanks in large part to hard working educators and school staff. We always want to ensure that young people can reach their full potential and thrive inside and outside the classroom.

Mr. Speaker, through you to the minister, what is the Ontario government doing to improve the well-being of students across Ontario?

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Minister of Education.

Hon. Mitzie Hunter: I want to say thank you to the member from Kingston and the Islands for this question. Promoting well-being is one of the key pillars of our government’s renewed vision for education in Ontario. Last year, we travelled across the province to hear from students, parents, guardians and education partners about what well-being means to them. We heard that student achievement is directly linked to well-being, and a safe and welcoming learning environment helps everyone succeed.

Students have said they want well-being from the front of the class to the back of the class, Mr. Speaker. That’s why just last week I announced that over the next three years we’re investing $49 million to focus on cognitive, social, emotional and physical well-being for students. As we’ve begun this new school year, these new investments and initiatives will strengthen the well-being of all students in our schools. We know that students are better able to learn when they feel safe and welcomed at school and have the tools to succeed.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Sophie Kiwala: Thank you, Minister. We are extremely proud of the investments made toward our government’s renewed vision for education in Ontario. I also want to thank the minister for her advocacy and for her consultations that she’s had all across the province in our schools. These investments are helping to improve and expand the well-being programs for all students. It is very important that our government continues to support well-being programs that enable young people to achieve their full potential.

Minister, can you please tell us more about what school boards can achieve with the additional funding announced for students’ well-being?

Hon. Mitzie Hunter: Mr. Speaker, with this new funding, we are increasing investments in the School Mental Health ASSIST program from $1 million to $6 million over three years. The doubling of this program provides boards with tools and leadership and resources to support our students, increasing our support from $6 million to $12 million for local well-being priorities such as bullying prevention, peer mentorship programs and breakfast programs to help students thrive.

By investing over $6 million in new supports and programs to support staff well-being and violence prevention—something our education partners like OSSTF and others have asked for—we will continue to build our commitment to work towards a climate of health and safety in our schools.

As well, we’re investing in active transportation, promoting more options for students to walk or wheel or cycle to school, and the investments are informing thousands of students in Ontario—

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

Minimum wage

Mr. John Yakabuski: My question is to the Minister of Labour. This summer, I travelled across the province for committee hearings on Bill 148. From Thunder Bay to Ottawa, Windsor to Niagara, we heard from individuals and groups expressing their concerns about this legislation. The PC Party believes that the minimum wage should be raised in a responsible manner, and that includes conducting an independent—

Interjections.

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

Start the clock.

Mr. John Yakabuski: That includes conducting an independent economic analysis so that all parties fully understand the ramifications of enacting these significant labour changes. Regrettably, the government did the wrong thing last month when they voted down our amendment to require such an analysis before Bill 148 comes into force.

Speaker, will the Minister of Labour correct this error and commit today to an economic impact analysis so all parties have the necessary information before these significant labour changes come into effect?

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Minister of Labour?

Hon. Kevin Daniel Flynn: Thank you very much to the honourable member for the question. Speaker, it’s not a surprising question. It’s a topic of the day, obviously. But what I’m hearing is so disappointing. It’s disappointing to the people in the province of Ontario because we know that that party has now come out and said it’s against increasing the minimum wage in this province, and that is simply wrong. The leader has said he’s not going to support a plan that is going to help so many families across this province.

There are people out there that are working 35 or 40 hours a week—more than that, Speaker—and they’re not able to get by. We have been out and we’ve been consulting with these people; we heard from the same people. We cannot agree with that party any more in what they’re saying. We don’t believe anybody in this province that puts in a good day’s work should not be able to pay their expenses, feed their family, buy clothes for their kids. That is so disappointing.

Interjections.

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

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Niagara West–Glanbrook will withdraw.

Mr. Sam Oosterhoff: Withdraw.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): No, you stand up and withdraw.

Mr. Sam Oosterhoff: Withdraw.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary.

Mr. John Yakabuski: Back to the minister: Given your and your government’s about-face regarding the $15 minimum wage, it is perplexing to hear the minister refusing to get all the necessary information before enacting significant changes to employment standards and labour laws.

As recently as January 19 of this year, the minister said this about a $15 minimum wage: “When you dig down a little deeper into the issue though, you realize it’s got ramifications that go beyond that first initial political appeal. There is actually an awful lot of economic forces at play.”

Speaker, we believe the minimum wage should be raised to $15 in a responsible way, but given the fact that what the minister is saying now completely contradicts what he was saying earlier this year, what is the reason for not supporting our pragmatic amendment, beyond crass political calculations and trying to save the electoral fortunes of the sinking—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Minister of Labour.

Hon. Kevin Daniel Flynn: Thank you again to the member for the supplementary.

You’re either in favour of Bill 148 or you’re opposed to Bill 148.

Speaker, Bill 148 will change the lives of ordinary working people in the province of Ontario. Who tells us that? The opposition parties can ignore the economic analysis from the Center for Economic and Policy Research, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. He can ignore the letter that came from 53 economists from across Canada. We had a fellow with the Royal Society of Canada, two former presidents of the Canadian Economics Association—one who used to consult for Jim Flaherty and the Conservatives. He can ignore the support of seven Nobel Prize-winning economists in the United States.

Speaker, we have done our homework on this. We have gone out. We know that the best thing for people in the province of Ontario is to pass Bill 148.

They either support it or they oppose it. I’m hearing today that they oppose it.

By-election in Sudbury

Mr. John Vanthof: My question is to the Minister of Energy. The courts have heard testimony that the Minister of Energy demanded paid jobs for staff before he agreed to run in the Sudbury by-election for the Liberals. We want to know from the minister: Is this accurate?

Hon. Glenn Thibeault: Ministry of the Attorney General.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Attorney General.

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: Thank you very much, Speaker. I guess—

Interjection.

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: Yes. The NDP continues to not follow the rules of this House and continues to ask questions that are before the courts. It would be highly inappropriate, as I said, for any member to answer any questions that are before the courts.

I again urge the members opposite, especially the NDP: Let’s focus on issues that are important to the people of Ontario, like bringing their hydro rates down, like increasing their minimum wage to $15 an hour and making sure that people are working in fair workplaces and have good jobs in the province.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. John Vanthof: Again, to the Minister of Energy: Just because it’s not illegal to accept a bribe doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do. Does the minister think it’s appropriate for someone to accept a bribe just because there’s no legal penalty for doing so?

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: Speaker, this matter is before the courts, and it would be highly inappropriate to answer any of these questions here in the House.

Employment standards

Ms. Daiene Vernile: My question is for the Minister of Labour. Speaker, I spent the last few months in my riding of Kitchener Centre listening to many constituents. There were many different conversations that we had, and I know that I’m not alone when I say that the one topic that was continuously raised was the plan to address inequality in the workplace. I heard this in my office. I heard this at the grocery store. I heard this at many public events that I attended.

I would agree with the minister in saying that people are working hard to put food on the table and to take care of their children but they’re finding that the money is just running out before the end of the month. They’re working a full 35 to 40 hours a week and they’re still struggling to make ends meet.

Speaker, our economy is doing well, and while businesses are expanding and creating wealth, many workers are just not feeling it. Minister, what are you doing to help these workers and their families?

Hon. Kevin Daniel Flynn: Thank you to my colleague from Kitchener for that important question. It’s something we’ve all heard from families around our province in our ridings.

It’s true that the Ontario economy is doing very well. We’re leading the G7 in economic growth, manufacturing exports are up, and we’ve got the lowest unemployment rate we’ve seen in this province since 2001. But there are families who are working 35 and 40-plus hours a week. They’re falling behind even while they are working hard. It’s not right, and it needs to change.

That’s why we’re moving ahead with the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, Bill 148. It’s going to bring transformative change to our province’s workplaces. It’s going to ensure workers across this province are paid a decent wage, a living wage, and that they’re treated with dignity and respect. It’s about doing what is right, what’s fair and what’s decent. We’re building an Ontario where greater opportunity is available for everybody and decent pay is available for everybody.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Daiene Vernile: I would like to thank the minister for his answer.

I was able to join my colleagues this summer on committee to hear feedback from Ontarians on this plan. Speaker, as you know, the committee travelled to 10 different cities. We heard from almost 200 Ontarians. In Kitchener Centre, we heard from workers, business owners, labour groups, poverty reduction advocates and many more.

It was very clear—and I hope it’s clear to members on the other side of the House who sat on this committee—that this legislation would have a profound impact on the lives of Ontarians, not only for people who are currently working for less than $15 an hour, but for those who aren’t given any notice of their work schedule, those who can’t risk taking a day off when they’re sick, those who are being paid less than their full-time counterparts, those who aren’t afforded any time off to deal with difficult situations, and those who face intimidation when trying to organize.

Speaker, could the minister please tell us what he is doing to address these specific concerns?

Hon. Kevin Daniel Flynn: Thank you to the member from Kitchener for that supplementary. It raises what I think is an incredibly important point: The legislation is not just about the minimum wage. We’re putting forward a plan that’s going to provide wage equality, regardless of whether you’re full-time, part-time or temporary; paid sick days, for the first time in the province of Ontario, for all workers; increasing the vacation time after five years; leaves, that were asked for by members of the opposition, for survivors of domestic and sexual violence; a more fair and transparent organization process; and they want to see a more robust enforcement in workplaces in the province.

Speaker, after a summer of dancing around the issue and having this opinion this day and that opinion the next day, the opposition has finally announced that they will be voting against it. That’s disappointing to me, because they’ll be voting against giving 30% of the people in this province a minimum, and living, wage.

Special-needs students

When will the minister stop ignoring the pleas of teachers and students, and put in place more special-needs resources and supports in Ontario schools?

Hon. Mitzie Hunter: I am a bit confused by the member opposite’s question, given that he is the education critic and he knows full well that we have increased our support for special education in this province. We are supporting young people in ensuring that they get the help and the support that they need.

I want to actually tell the member opposite how we’re supporting students with special education needs, because funding has increased to $2.86 billion. It’s a 76% increase since 2003.

We know that every student in our province deserves the access and the supports to be successful in school, including students with special education needs. Mr. Speaker, just in the recent Grants for Student Needs, we have provided additional funding so that there are more caring adults in schools—2,400 more caring adults in schools—to support all of our learners, and especially students with special education needs.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Lorne Coe: Back to the Minister of Education: Minister, too little, too late.

Speaker, this is the state of special-needs education under the minister and the Liberal government: Because of the government’s scandals, waste and mismanagement over the past 14 years, they can’t afford to provide students and teachers with the special-needs resources they desperately need. Parents and teachers are working harder, paying more and getting less under this government.

When will this minister finally take concrete action and support teachers and their students with special needs?

Hon. Mitzie Hunter: Mr. Speaker, as I said, we’ve dramatically increased funding for special education, and we will continue to do so.

Let me tell you about one program, and that’s what we’re doing for students with autism. Our government is moving forward with an unprecedented investment in autism services. In 2016, we announced a historic $500 million more to improve autism services in Ontario, including $39 million for autism supports in schools. We’re working very closely with my colleagues in the Ministry of Children and Youth Services as they implement Ontario’s autism program to provide families with more flexibility and individualized services. This school year, school boards are receiving more than $2.86 billion—as I said, a 76% increase since 2003 in special education.

We’ve also invested $77 million to strengthen our schools’ capacity to improve the learning environment for students with special education needs. We’re supporting—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. I’d like to remind the minister that when I stand, you sit, and it’s because you’re not addressing the Chair that you didn’t know that I was standing.

New question.

Assistance to flood victims

Mr. Taras Natyshak: My question is to the Premier. For the second time in less than a year, Windsor and Essex county residents have been hit by debilitating floods. Residents have experienced power outages and property damage. More than 5,000 basements were flooded. For the second time in 12 months, Windsor residents have had to rebuild and recover from this debilitating flood.

The Premier tweeted that she was ready to help, but we’ve really seen nothing. Municipal staff continue to be spread thin, desperately trying to keep up with the amount of debris that needs to be cleared. For the health and safety of our region, the people of Windsor and Essex need action now.

When will the Premier back up her tweets with action by making available all provincial resources without delay and unnecessary red tape?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Minister of Municipal Affairs.

Hon. Bill Mauro: I want to thank the member for the question. I will begin by thanking and congratulating and expressing our consideration for the first responders, for the municipal officials and for the volunteers who are on the ground again, for the second time in less than a year, and doing what they can to affect, as best as possible, the situation that people find themselves in through no fault of their own.

What happened in Windsor-Tecumseh, Lakeshore, Amherst—there are six municipalities that were affected—is again unprecedented. We understand that this is becoming more normal, unfortunately, and we need to do everything that we can to prepare ourselves as best we are able, all across the province and all across the country, I would say.

I will more specifically address the member’s question in the supplementary, but I would say that to imply in any way, shape or form that we have not responded is incorrect, and I’ll provide some of that detail in the supplementary.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary? The member from Windsor West.

Mrs. Lisa Gretzky: We acknowledge that the minister has activated the disaster recovery assistance program, a program that has left people from last year still waiting for help. But this funding does not address the fact that municipal resources are wearing thin, and staff are being stretched to their limit. Garbage trucks cannot keep up with the volume of debris and are filling up after visiting only a handful of houses.

We know that the cleanup process would be expedited if this Liberal government would stop giving the city the runaround and allow garbage trucks from Michigan to cross the border in order to help. They keep passing the buck from ministry to ministry, leaving the municipalities to try to coordinate services themselves.

Speaker, we know the Premier is preoccupied with her testimony for the bribery scandal, but why is she letting this scandal get in the way of assisting the people of Windsor-Essex in their time of need?

Hon. Bill Mauro: In terms of people who are still waiting for assistance from last year, yes, from time to time when the program is activated, some people don’t get the assistance as quickly as we would like. I would say most people get it very quickly. Sometimes we need receipts. We need complete applications before the support can be expedited to them.

In terms of the issue related to garbage trucks, this is the first—

Interjections.

Hon. Bill Mauro: In terms of the issue related to garbage trucks, this is the first time I’ve heard of that. I’m glad to listen to it if the member has anything to come to me in short order.

Speaker, this program was just reconstituted two years ago in consultation with AMO, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. It had their support. It no longer requires local fundraising, and because of that significant change, the support to the people who need it can happen much quicker—now sometimes within weeks or months, rather than a much longer period of time.

It’s a newly designed program. It offers support to low-income people for sewage backup. It’s not intended to be a replacement for insurance, as has been suggested by some of the leaders of the opposition.

Child care

Mr. Arthur Potts: My question is for the minister responsible for early years and child care. I’m very proud that our government is committed to ensuring that families have access to quality and affordable child care in Ontario. In my own riding of Beaches–East York, I have many new and very young families who are starting to call east Toronto home, and they need good local daycare.

I’ve heard from so many families that there are just not enough spaces for child care that they can afford, and I want to ensure that we are providing child care options for these families. It was partially because of this shortage that I brought in my private member’s bill which helped regulate daycare wait-list fees.

Can the minister responsible for early years and child care tell us what this government is doing to make sure that families’ needs for new, affordable and safe daycare spaces are being properly met?

Hon. Indira Naidoo-Harris: I want to thank the hard-working member from Beaches–East York for this very important question. He is a strong advocate for his constituents on this issue.

Speaker, I have heard about the challenges families across the province face when it comes to finding quality, affordable child care, and I want to assure the member that our government is working hard every day to help Ontario families find more affordable, quality child care options. We are taking swift, strong action. That’s why, in our 2017 budget, we announced an additional $200 million to transform Ontario’s child care system. This investment will help 24,000 more children access quality licensed care across the province.

I’m happy to tell the member from Beaches–East York that this investment in Toronto will see an additional $34.5 million going towards child care in this city. That brings the total amount to $368 million going to the city. This will help 3,880 new licensed child care spaces for children. Think about that. This funding will change lives.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Arthur Potts: Thank you to the minister for that answer, and for the tireless work that she is doing on this file. It is very much appreciated by young families across the province. It’s encouraging to know that the government is working to address the needs of Ontario families, but I recognize that there’s a lot of work to be done, and families are keen to see how the system will be modernized.

Many parents are looking for child care options now. We know the province has committed to and announced 100,000 new spaces, but they’re asking, “Where are these going to go?” In my riding of Beaches–East York, my office has worked very closely with the ministry to help facilitate new spaces in my riding, including the Blue Bell Academy, the Kingston Road Montessori school and also Centre 55, which has recently announced an application for 40 new spaces at the Ted Reeve arena.

Would the minister please let us know how the ministry is working to help all these institutions bring new child care spaces online?

Hon. Indira Naidoo-Harris: I’m pleased to answer the member’s question. It’s a question I get asked often. In fact, last year we announced our commitment to give 100,000 more children access to licensed child care spaces over the next five years. It’s a historic investment, and one that will benefit all Ontarians.

As part of this expansion, our government committed a massive $1.6 billion in new capital funding, which will support the creation of 45,000 new spaces in publicly owned buildings across Ontario.

We are well on our way. We’ve already received proposals for building new child care spaces in schools, and I’m happy to report that the number of submissions has exceeded expectations. That’s amazing. That means child care spaces will now be coming to many schools all across the province. I am pleased to say there will be another round next year, and I encourage parents, families and child care providers to get in contact with their local service managers to see how they can get involved.

Fiscal accountability

Mr. Victor Fedeli: Good morning, Speaker. My question is for the finance minister. For years, this government has been presenting our Legislature with made-up finance numbers. Whether it was from the independent experts or the government’s own confidential cabinet documents received in the gas plant scandal, it’s been proven that the numbers they present to the public are simply made up to fit their story. Last week, the Financial Accountability Officer—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The members will lose their props shortly and actually get warned if they do it again.

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): You want to make an excuse? You know what I’m talking about, and you know you’re not supposed to do that.

Carry on.

Mr. Victor Fedeli: Last week, the Financial Accountability Officer provided irrefutable evidence they were using “unlikely assumptions” for debt reduction claims. He projects a “steady deterioration in the budget deficit over the next five years.” All of their made-up numbers don’t come anywhere near historical numbers. It’s only wishful thinking.

I would ask the minister, if he can’t present the province’s finances with integrity—

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

Minister of Finance?

Hon. Charles Sousa: Let me begin by thanking the Financial Accountability Officer for the work he does, and their department, recognizing their sensitivity analyses that they provide.

Every year, similar accusations are made by the member opposite, and every year, we exceed our targets. Every year, we exceed our targets, and public accounts reaffirms that. We beat our deficit by $3.3 billion this year. We are the leading jurisdiction in North America when it comes to economic growth. Our unemployment rate is at 5.7%. We’re on track to balance the budget—as we said we would—this year, next year and the year after that.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary.

Mr. Victor Fedeli: Back to the finance minister: As if the blistering commentary from the FAO wasn’t enough, the Auditor General has now weighed in. She said that this government’s annual deficit is understated, net debt is understated and accumulated debt is understated. We’re not talking nickels and dimes here. The auditor says that our deficit is $1.5 billion more and our net debt is $12.5 billion more than reported. For the second year in a row, the auditor has said, “Based on the ... evidence ... the statements are significantly misstated.”

Both of the legislative officers have told us that this government’s numbers can’t be trusted. I ask the minister: Why does it always take the Financial Accountability Officer, the Auditor General or the OPP to get to the truth in Ontario?

Hon. Charles Sousa: Investors around the world are investing in Ontario for a reason. They recognize that Ontario’s economy is growing. They’re recognizing that our fiscally responsible approach to growing the economy, investing in things that matter, is working. And our plan is working. We’re borrowing $30 billion less than we had anticipated. Our net debt to GDP is lower now than was anticipated and is tracking to go further down.

As we produce and as we move forward, we’re taking every necessary step to grow the economy. And as we grow the economy, it enables us to source more opportunity to invest in things that matter to Ontarians, things that that member and his party opposite have voted against. They voted against providing more free tuition for our students. They voted against the very nature of trying to provide extended pharmacare for every young person under 25. These are the reasons we’re able to do that: because we’ve balanced the budget and we’re taking the steps necessary to invest in infrastructure. That makes us competitive and enables us to balance the books all the while.

By-election in Sudbury

M me France Gélinas: My question is for the Premier. I spent the weekend at community events in and around Sudbury and Nickel Belt. Everywhere I went, people were lining up to talk to me about the bribery trial. The good people of Sudbury are ashamed of the three-ring circus that the Premier has created in our hometown with the bribery scandal.

The Premier needs to stop hiding behind legal technicalities and take responsibility for her actions and the actions of her staff and party members. What will it take for the Premier to realize that the longer she hides behind technicalities, the less the people of Sudbury—and the people all over Ontario, for that matter—can trust her and her Liberal government?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Attorney General.

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: Speaker, this matter is before the court. It would be inappropriate to answer any questions relating to this matter.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

M me France Gélinas: Back to the Premier: Time and time again, the Premier has said that there was nothing wrong—nothing wrong went on in Sudbury—and that it was all business as usual. But it was not, Speaker. It took only a day of testimony in the bribery trial to find out more shocking information about the lengths to which the Premier was willing to go to win back Sudbury.

Speaker, can she not see the damage that she is doing to all of us, the damage that she is doing to our democratic institutions, and the damage she’s doing to the Legislative Assembly and the processes that go on in here?

Doesn’t the Premier think that the people of Ontario deserve to learn the truth from her, to learn the truth from their Premier?

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: The people of Sudbury know that this matter is before the court, and the people of Sudbury very much respect the judicial process and the independence of that process. It would be highly inappropriate for anyone in this House to speak to these issues, given that the court case is ongoing as we speak.

Pharmacare

Mrs. Amrit Mangat: My question is for the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. This summer, I have been in my great riding of Mississauga–Brampton South, talking to my constituents about what matters most to them. One of the top topics in these conversations was health care, and specifically pharmacare.

Our government believes that having access to necessary prescription medications is critically important in this province. That is why I’m proud that our government has taken a major leap towards establishing a provincial pharmacare program for children and youth.

Can the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care please inform this House of the historic investments our government is making in Ontario’s children and youth?

Hon. Eric Hoskins: Unlike the member from Nickel Belt, the lines of people waiting to see me across the province are, quite frankly, families, individuals and young people who want to ask me about OHIP+, our pharmacare program that we’re rolling out on January 1.

I want to tell everybody that we are on track, we’ll be on time, and it’s remarkable—access for every Ontarian with a health number, an OHIP number, to more than 4,400 medications, absolutely—

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Hamilton East–Stoney Creek, come to order.

Finish, please.

Hon. Eric Hoskins: It’s more than 4,400 medications, absolutely free of charge—no copayment, no annual deductible, no upfront costs. That will be for asthma drugs; it will be for drugs to treat epilepsy; it will be for drugs to treat HIV, rare diseases, cancer, skin conditions, ear infections, the works.

We’re all very proud, on this side of the Legislature, of a program that is going to have a dramatic effect for four million Ontarians, beginning January 1.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound, on a point of order.

Mr. Bill Walker: Thank you—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The Speaker can always do other things. Just because question period is over doesn’t mean he doesn’t have his authority anymore—and I’ll use it.

The member from Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound, on a point of order.

Mr. Bill Walker: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to invite all members of the Legislature to join us immediately following question period for a photo on the staircase to help raise awareness for childhood cancer. We’ll be joined by advocates, families and doctors.

I want to do a special shout-out to Neal Rourke for his leadership on this very important cause.

Correction of record

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Premier?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: A point of order: Mr. Speaker, I want to correct my record. In an answer to the question from the member for Sault Ste. Marie, I indicated that there were three First Nations that were working with the government on the Ring of Fire. In fact, I neglected to say that late last week, Aroland, another First Nation, actually indicated that they are interested in working with us. So there are four.

Visitors

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Stormont–Dundas–South Glengarry on a point of order.

Mr. Jim McDonell: I wanted to welcome Michael Horgan today to the Legislature. He is a former Deputy Minister of Finance in Ottawa and is with the Ontario Brain Institute.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. Kingston and the Islands?

Ms. Sophie Kiwala: I would like to welcome to the Legislature my executive assistant, Jaclynne Hamel, as well as Anna Majetic, who is my new LA and also a graduate of the MBA program at Queen’s University. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Two quick points as reminders: I know it’s hard not to do, but we put five minutes on the clock for introductions. I try to cover all of the introductions. If you know they’re coming in later, just introduce them during that time period and let people know that they’re going to be joining us later in the day.

The second thing is, when you correct your record, it has to be—there’s minutiae here. It wasn’t a correction of the record, actually; it was an addition to. So we have to leave it at that.

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Yes, okay.

Interjection: Are you challenging the Speaker?

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): No, I don’t—she knows better.

Therefore, question period is over. This House stands recessed until 1 p.m. this afternoon.

The House recessed from 1151 to 1300.

Introduction of Visitors

Mr. Bill Walker: I’m pleased to announce a number of guests who are here to support Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, starting with Neal Rourke, international childhood cancer advocate, Coalition Against Childhood Cancer and Advocacy for Canadian Childhood Oncology Research Network member and proud member of Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound; Dr. Corin Greenberg, Dr. Mark Greenberg and their son, Dr. Joshua Greenberg—Dr. Corin is the founder of POGO, the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario, and I’m pleased to have her here; Dr.

Cynthia Hawkins; Amrita Naipaul; Natalie Meyer; Francis Macapagal; Malvika Arun; Sarah Khan; Lena Soje; Kim Daffern; Dave Jenkins; Jenn Davies; Mike Strange; Tracey Jones; Renee Simmons; Stephanie Simmons; Dean Simmons; Denise Bebenek; Justine Mallah; Suzi Kuczynski; Tara Lupa; Sunny Hayer; Michelle DaCosta; Sarah Grace Bebenek; Emily Brown; Deborah Potts; Agnes Potts; Kim Doron; Ori Doron; and Evan Jenkins.

Mr. Speaker, I’ll provide the list, because they’re all associated with various organizations supporting childhood cancer, and I will ask that they put that in Hansard, for the sake of time and for your benefit. Thank you so much.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): You got a brownie point for that one. That’s good.

Further introductions? The member from London West.

Ms. Peggy Sattler: I would like to pay a special welcome to some guests who have joined us today from London: Dean and Renee Simmons, and their daughter Stephanie, who are with Childcan in London, and also Tracey Jones from the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. Welcome.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Fabulous. Welcome.

Mr. Yvan Baker: I’d like to recognize two constituents from my riding who are here today: Agnes Potts is visiting the Legislature today with her granddaughter Emily for the recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Emily is being recognized for her fight against leukemia. Agnes is well known in our community. She’s a former trustee, former citizenship judge, former Etobicoke councillor and former candidate for MPP in Etobicoke. I welcome them both to Queen’s Park.

Hon. Kathryn McGarry: It’s my pleasure to welcome, in the east gallery today, Kim Gavine from Conservation Ontario, and Dick Hibma, also from Conservation Ontario. Thanks for joining us today.

Mr. Arthur Potts: Speaker, I just want to welcome my cousin Agnes Potts to the House. We used to be down at city hall together. Although we’re not related directly, I’m delighted to see you here.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Your cousin that’s not directly related? I want that checked in Hansard for sure.

I personally want to thank the members and those with childhood cancer issues for being here as well. I work with my good friend the Speaker of the New Brunswick Legislature, Chris Collins, who actually rode his bike across Canada in his desire to help with childhood cancer issues. I thank the member from Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound for bringing that here to Ontario, and Mr. Rourke for being here as well.

Royal assent / Sanction royale

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): I beg to inform the House that, in the name of Her Majesty the Queen, Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor has been pleased to assent to a certain bill in her office.

The Deputy Clerk (Mr. Trevor Day): The following is the title of the bill to which Her Honour did assent:

An Act to implement 2017 Budget measures / Loi mettant en oeuvre certaines mesures énoncées dans le Budget de 2017.

Tabling of sessional papers

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): I also beg to inform the House that, during the adjournment, the following documents were tabled:

—the 2016 annual report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario;

—the 2015-16 annual report of the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer of Ontario;

—the 2016-17 annual report of the Office of the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario;

—the 2016-17 annual report of the Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario;

—the 2016-17 annual report of the Financial Accountability Officer of Ontario;

—the 2016-17 Annual Energy Conservation Progress Report, Volume Two, from the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario;

—the report from the Office of the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario concerning the review of expense claims under the Cabinet Ministers’ and Opposition Leaders’ Expenses Review and Accountability Act, 2002, for submissions received in April 2017 and complete as of May 31, 2017; and

—the report from the Office of the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario concerning the review of expense claims under the Cabinet Ministers’ and Opposition Leaders’ Expenses Review and Accountability Act, 2002, for submissions received in May 2017 and complete as of June 23, 2017.

I also beg to inform the House that, in accordance with

section 87 of the Legislative Assembly Act, the name of the following person appointed to serve on the Board of Internal Economy has been communicated to me as chair of the Board of Internal Economy: Arthur Potts, MPP, is appointed by the caucus of the government in the place of Peter Milczyn, MPP.

Members’ Statements

Groves Memorial Community Hospital

Mr. Ted Arnott: It is a distinct privilege to rise in this House on the first day of the fall sitting, after a busy and productive summer season in Wellington–Halton Hills. Like most members of this House, in recent months I’ve had countless meetings and also had the opportunity to attend numerous community events and celebrations in our riding.

One of those events was approximately 15 years in the making. On August 9, we gathered to officially turn the ground on our new Groves Memorial Community Hospital in the township of Centre Wellington. The beginning of the construction of our new hospital is the culmination of an extraordinary community effort. We have worked together, building the future of primary health care for our residents. I believe that our efforts are a shining example of innovation, collaboration and partnership.

Once again, I want to express my sincere thanks to my colleagues in local government: successive councils and staff at the township of Centre Wellington and councils and staff at the county of Wellington for their vision and leadership. We acknowledge the government of Ontario and thank the staff at the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Infrastructure Ontario and the Waterloo Wellington LHIN.

But our deepest expression of gratitude must be extended to the Groves hospital staff and volunteers, the board, the foundation, our donors and indeed the entire community—everyone in the hospital’s catchment area—for their hard work, patience, persistence and generosity. I was glad to work with them over the years and support them every step of the way.

We look forward to the day, now about two years away, when our new hospital is completed and our community finally has the new, modern, state-of-the-art hospital that we have earned.

Children’s mental health services

Ms. Peggy Sattler: This summer, I met with the board chairs of seven London-area agencies that provide vital mental health services for children and youth, who shared urgent concerns about the crisis in children and youth mental health created by years of chronic underfunding. Each month, the boards of these agencies—which include Vanier, Ways, Craigwood, Merrymount, Anago and London Family Court Clinic—are not only forced to consider service cuts, but whether they can continue to keep their doors open.

Over the last 25 years, these agencies have received only two modest increases in base funding—no increases under the Conservatives and no increases under the Liberals since 2006—in the face of a 53% rise in the cost of living and an alarming spike in demand. In the last two years alone, London saw a 23% increase in children’s mental health crisis intake, with almost one quarter of these young people planning or attempting suicide.

Ongoing funding shortfalls have led to unacceptably long waits for treatment, with the police or the hospital filling the gap. In 2016, London police dealt with almost 500 incidents related to youth mental health—more than double the number from 2010—and 61% of London youth entering a community-based treatment program for the first time had been admitted to hospital at least twice before.

I have yet to receive a response from the Premier to the letter I sent her in June about this crisis. Londoners deserve a government that puts the mental needs of children first.

Rick Sowieta

Mr. John Fraser: I’d like to say a few words in memory of a constituent of mine, Rick Sowieta. Rick passed away on August 26 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Rick came to Canada as a small boy with his family, and they settled in the heart of Ottawa. Football became his passion. He played locally—college ball with the University of Richmond Spiders—and began his professional career with the Toronto Argonauts and returned to play for the Ottawa Rough Riders for eight years as number 75. He was a tough and competitive linebacker.

Rick had a passion for food as well, and opened Rick’s Cantina after his football career. Rick’s famous salsa was a staple in our family for many years, and it’s still the standard by which we measure all salsas.

Rick coached many minor and high school football teams, building character and skills in many young players. He was a true fighter, and became involved in raising the awareness of pancreatic cancer.

Most importantly, Rick was a husband, a father and a true friend to many. A kind and gentle person, he listened well and always showed a genuine interest. I think that’s why my late father found a kindred spirit in him. Rick’s few words were always well chosen and thoughtful.

To Jenny and the family and to all of his friends, may you all find comfort in knowing that the world is a better place for Rick Sowieta having been in it.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Mr. Bill Walker: September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. I, along with my colleagues, am proudly wearing a gold ribbon to express support for the children and families affected by the tremendous hardship of life-threatening illnesses.

It’s essential to highlight the severity of cancer and its impact on the lives of children and their families, and how we may strive to continue to fight and advocate for an end to the suffering it causes.

Currently, cancer is the second-leading cause of death among kids in Canada. Although rare among children in comparison to adults, the lingering effects of diagnosis, treatment and recovery can last a lifetime. That’s why the fight against childhood cancer should never be fought alone.

We wear the gold ribbon pin today in recognition and support of the families and children who are forced to battle life-threatening illnesses, to show that we stand in solidarity with them in their fight.

One in 330 children will be diagnosed with some form of cancer by the time they are 20 years old. This staggering statistic was the key factor in the creation of POGO, the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario, founded by Dr. Greenberg, who is with us today in the members’ gallery.

Dr. Greenberg’s tireless advocacy and research led to the expansion of the province-wide registry of childhood cancer to include standardized, wide-ranging information on an entire patient population and critical dimensions of their care. With input from the five pediatric oncology treatment programs in Ontario, this resource now produces much of the information required for planning pediatric cancer care. It’s one of the few such databases in existence.

Let us be reminded that while there are health care professionals such as Dr. Greenberg who have dedicated their lives to this fight, to saving and improving the lives of children with cancer, we need to continue to do more to illustrate our solidarity. The fight to end childhood cancer must never be fought alone, and the month of September, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, is a stark reminder of that commitment.

I ask all of us to continue to fight and take action to build a world free from these life-threatening illnesses. It is my hope that we will soon—for the dream of my hero, Terry Fox—find a cure for all cancers: “Somewhere the hurting must stop.”

Anti-racism activities

Ms. Teresa J. Armstrong: As MPP for London–Fanshawe, I am proud to speak to the terrible racist incidents that have taken place most recently in Charlottesville and the horrific Quebec mosque shootings.

Racism, bigotry and discrimination continue to be among the greatest challenges we face in Ontario. That is why it is crucial that we continue to build on the progress we have made. Our work is not done.

The NDP pushed the government to reintroduce an Anti-Racism Directorate, and I was honoured to introduce a motion declaring October Islamic Heritage Month.

In August, an anti-Islam group rallied a few dozen people outside London’s city hall to spread their message of hate and intolerance. Hundreds of Londoners responded by rallying together and making it clear that there is no place for any form of bigotry or discrimination in our city.

In my riding of London–Fanshawe, my office has started a working group dedicated to ending the insidious racism that persists in our lives. Together, we started an “end racism” pledge to root out systemic racial discrimination, to acknowledge our prejudices and privilege, and to call out racism whenever we encounter it.

Written by leaders of diverse communities, the pledge is just one example of the important work that is being done in London. But we must continue to take a stand against racism, to listen first and understand the perspectives of those who experience racism daily, to educate one another and to enact an anti-oppression framework through legislation.

All of us together need to continue to work to end racism.

Ukrainian Heritage Day

Mr. Yvan Baker: The first Ukrainian immigrants to Canada, Vasyl Eleniak and Ivan Pylypiw, arrived in Canada 126 years ago, on September 7, 1891. Since then, many Ukrainians have left their homeland to flee oppression, to find freedom and to find a better life. Many have found that life here in Ontario.

My grandparents and my mother were some of those people. They and so many others in the community will always be grateful to Ontario and to Canada for that. In fact, that’s why, as proud as my grandparents were of their Ukrainian heritage, they often said that they were the proudest Canadians that they ever knew. They’re certainly the proudest Canadians that I’ve ever known.

At same time, Speaker, Ukrainians living here in Ontario have made important contributions to our province and to our country. They have contributed to our economic, social, cultural and political life and have helped make Canada the great country that it is today. For these reasons, in 2011 this Legislature unanimously passed a bill proclaiming Ukrainian Heritage Day on September 7 of every year. I was honoured to have worked with members on all sides of this Legislature on this bill.

I am also proud of the work that our government has done with Ontario’s Ukrainian Canadian community. We’ve included the internment of Ukrainian Canadians and the Holodomor in Ontario’s curriculum. We have provided funding for the Holodomor mobile classroom that will teach children across Ontario about the Holodomor, and our government has stood in support of Ukraine sovereignty and territorial integrity and has condemned Russia’s occupation of Ukraine.

Today, Speaker, I am proud: proud of my Ukrainian heritage, proud of the work our government has done with the community, and proud of the contributions that the community has made to Ontario and to Canada. Happy Ukrainian Heritage Day.

Jeremy Fritz

Mr. Monte McNaughton: I’m excited today to offer congratulations to an athlete from my riding who is a real hometown hero. Jeremy Fritz, a native of Florence, Ontario, has been wrestling professionally under the ring name Eric Young for almost 20 years. Jeremy, as Eric Young, first made a splash in 2004 when he debuted in TNA. He then went on to capture the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, an X-Division Championship, three TNA King of the Mountain Championships, and an incredible four tag-team championships. Altogether, he won 11 championships in TNA before finally achieving his dream and signing with the WWE in April of 2016.

Now wrestling in WWE’s NXT brand as part of a mysterious faction called Sanity, Jeremy’s Eric Young persona continues to bring excitement and pride to WWE fans in Lambton–Kent–Middlesex and across Canada.

His most recent victory came on August 19 at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III when he and fellow Sanity member Alexander Wolfe bested the formerly undefeated Authors of Pain to capture the prestigious NXT Tag Team Championships.

Speaker, I congratulate Jeremy on his thrilling victory in Brooklyn, and I look forward to seeing many more great matches from him and NXT as a member of Sanity.

Queen’s University

Ms. Sophie Kiwala: I am thrilled to host the faculty, staff and students from Queen’s University, in my riding of Kingston and the Islands, for their Queen’s Park day.

Queen’s is an integral part of the fabric of Kingston, and the campus and community are deeply intertwined. An impressive $1.5 billion in annual economic activity is created through Queen’s, along with countless hours of community service. By fourth year, 60% of students have participated in community service or volunteer activity, and nearly a third have participated in community-based projects. Just the other week, I attended a gala fundraiser for the Saint Vincent de Paul association in my riding of Kingston and the Islands. The students raised an astounding $20,000, approximately. Now, that’s community.

Queen’s is a key driver of the eastern Ontario innovation ecosystem, making massive economic contributions to this province. With Innovation Park, the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre, and numerous partnerships between Queen’s researchers and industry, they are also a significant contributor to Ontario’s highly skilled workforce. Queen’s students and faculty are making phenomenal contributions to society with successful commercial innovative ventures such as BKIN Technologies, Laser Depth Dynamics, GreenCentre Canada and Enviro Innovate, and the list goes on.

Through the work of Nobel laureate Art McDonald, Queen’s is responsible for changing the very way that we look at and understand the world through his work with neutrinos. Does it get any better than that?

I am delighted to welcome Queen’s University to celebrate its impact on the province and on the riding that I am so proud to serve.

World Suicide Prevention Day

Mr. Jeff Yurek: I rise today to highlight suicide prevention day, which was just held yesterday, September 10. Suicide prevention day has been recognized for the last 14 years, with the first taking place in September 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention. This year focuses on the theme of, “Take a minute, change a life.”

It is crucial for members of our communities to look out for and connect with those who are struggling. A word of encouragement or taking the time to listen could make all the difference in someone’s life.

Those who are suffering often say that they just wanted someone to intervene and ask them whether or not they were okay. Yet, all too often, family and loved ones are reluctant to intervene, even when they are seriously concerned about a loved one. This can sometimes be attributed to not knowing what to say or how to properly address the situation. I would encourage all those who know someone that they are concerned about to reach out and let them know that there are those who care about them and those who can help.

Suicide affects all ages, ethnicities and people of all socio-economic standings. Each day in Canada, 11 people end their lives and 210 make a suicide attempt. We as a society must end the stigma associated with mental health and encourage those who are feeling suicidal to come forward and seek help and those who suspect someone of struggling to take a minute to reach out and offer support.

There is more the government can do to support mental health and prevent suicide. Our communities have lost too many people.

Reports by Committees

Standing Committee on Government Agencies

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): I beg to inform the House that, during the adjournment, the Clerk received reports on intended appointments dated June 6, 2017, and August 10, 2017, of the Standing Committee on Government Agencies. Pursuant to standing order 108(f)(9), these reports are deemed to be adopted by the House.

Reports deemed adopted.

Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs

Ms. Ann Hoggarth: I beg leave to present a report from the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs and move its adoption.

The Clerk-at-the-Table (Ms. Tonia Grannum): Your committee begs to report the following bill, as amended:

Bill 148,

An Act to amend the Employment Standards Act, 2000 and the Labour Relations Act, 1995 and to make related amendments to other Acts / Projet de loi 148, Loi modifiant la Loi de 2000 sur les normes d’emploi et la Loi de 1995 sur les relations de travail et apportant des modifications connexes à d’autres lois.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Shall the report be received and adopted? Agreed? Agreed.

Report adopted.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Pursuant to standing order 74(b), the bill is therefore ordered for second reading.

Introduction of Bills

Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions Act, 2017 / Loi de 2017 sur le ministère de la Santé mentale et des dépendances

Mme Gélinas moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 149,

An Act to establish the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions / Projet de loi 149, Loi créant le ministère de la Santé mentale et des dépendances.

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

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member for a short statement.

M me France Gélinas: It will be very short, Speaker. The bill establishes the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions. The functions and duties of the minister are set out in

section 4 of the bill.

Motions

Committee membership

Hon. Marie-France Lalonde: Mr. Speaker, I believe we have unanimous consent to put forward a motion without notice regarding changes to the membership of standing committees.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The minister is seeking unanimous consent to put forward a motion without notice. Do we agree? Agreed.

Minister.

Hon. Marie-France Lalonde: I move that the following changes be made to the membership of the following committees:

That, on the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, Mr. Colle replaces Mr. Milczyn; and

That, on the Standing Committee on Estimates, Mr. Colle replaces Mr. Delaney, Ms. Hoggarth replaces Mr. Dickson, and Madame Des Rosiers replaces Mr. Milczyn; and

That, on the Standing Committee on General Government, Mr. Fraser replaces Mr. Colle, Ms. Wong replaces Madame Des Rosiers, and Mr. Rinaldi replaces Ms. Hoggarth; and

That, on the Standing Committee on Justice Policy, Ms. Mangat replaces Mr. Colle, and Mr. Romano replaces Mr. Walker; and

That, on the Standing Committee on Social Policy, Ms. Malhi replaces Mr. Fraser, Mr. Dickson replaces Mrs. Mangat and Mr. Delaney replaces Mr. Rinaldi; and

That, on the Standing Committee on Government Agencies, Mr. Berardinetti replaces Mrs. Mangat; and

That, on the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly, Mrs. Mangat replaces Ms. Malhi; and

That, on the Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills, Mr. Anderson replaces Mr. Berardinetti and Mr. Bradley replaces Ms. Wong.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Madame Lalonde moves that the following changes be made to the membership of the following committees—

Interjection: Dispense.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Dispense? Dispense.

Do we agree? Carried.

Motion agreed to.

Private members’ public business

Hon. Marie-France Lalonde: Mr. Speaker, I believe we have unanimous consent to put forward a motion without notice regarding private members’ public business.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The minister is seeking unanimous consent to put forward a motion without notice. Do we agree? Agreed.

Madame Lalonde.

Hon. Marie-France Lalonde: I move that, notwithstanding standing order 98(c), a change be made to the order of precedence on the ballot list draw of September 8, 2016, for private members’ public business, such that Madame Gélinas assumes ballot item number 64 and Ms. Horwath assumes ballot item number 71; and that, notwithstanding standing order 98(g), notice for ballot item 71 be waived.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Madame Lalonde moves that, notwithstanding standing order—

Interjection: Dispense.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Dispense? Dispense.

Do we agree? Carried.

Motion agreed to.

Statements by the Ministry and Responses

Firefighters’ National Memorial Day / Jour commémoratif national des pompiers

Hon. Marie-France Lalonde: It is a pleasure to rise in this Legislature to mark the first-ever Firefighters’ National Memorial Day and recognize those who sacrificed their lives while protecting families, homes and communities across Ontario.

J’ai l’immense plaisir de prendre la parole devant cette Assemblée pour marquer le tout premier Jour commémoratif national des pompiers et rendre hommage à ceux qui ont sacrifié leur vie pour protéger les familles, les foyers et les collectivités de l’Ontario.

Sixteen years ago, the world changed forever. Today we remember those who lost their lives on 9/11 and the families they left behind. We remember the firefighters and first responders who ran into the buildings while everyone else was running out. Every day, firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe. They provide emergency and life-saving services when we need them most. They look after us in our time of need.

It’s easy to take our safety for granted. We are fortunate to live in a place where our trust can be firmly placed in the hands of the dedicated people who risk their lives to keep us safe. We take comfort in the fact that Ontario’s firefighters are ready at a moment’s notice to protect our homes, our businesses and our loved ones.

Firefighters have proven time and time again that they play an essential role in responding to emergencies on the front lines and help to lessen the impact of disasters. I and the people of Ontario are grateful.

Je me joins aux citoyennes et citoyens de l’Ontario pour leur exprimer toute ma gratitude.

September 10 was recently declared Firefighters’ National Memorial Day. This day serves as an important reminder of the personal sacrifice those men and women have made to keep our families safe. Today, we honour their bravery, commitment and dedication. Our communities are stronger under their watch.

This day also reminds us that the work of a firefighter is no ordinary job. In protecting our communities, firefighters face danger on a daily basis and see things that, thankfully, many of us will never see or experience. It is one of the reasons why this profession is among the most respected in our society.

I would like to thank Ontario’s dedicated firefighters for the challenges they take on and the excellent work they do on our behalf. From educating the public about the importance of fire and carbon monoxide safety, to responding to emergency calls on the front line with their partner first responders, the work they do is essential in our communities.

Speaker, I encourage all members to use this week to say hello to your local firefighters and to show your gratitude for their tireless efforts to build safer communities across the province.

As I’m encouraging members to say hello, I would like to recognize Mark Train, the executive vice-president of the Ontario Professional Firefighter’s Association, who is in our members’ gallery. Thank you, Mark.

Au nom de la première ministre Kathleen Wynne, de notre gouvernement et de tous les citoyens de l’Ontario, je rends hommage aux pompiers de l’Ontario pour leur courage, leur engagement et leur service auprès de la population ontarienne.

On behalf of Premier Kathleen Wynne, our entire government and the people of Ontario, I want to recognize Ontario’s firefighters for their courage, commitment and service to the people of Ontario.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Statements by ministries? Statements by ministries? Last call for statements by ministries.

Therefore, it is now time for responses.

Mr. Randy Pettapiece: I am pleased to have this opportunity to honour all fallen firefighters across this country. They are truly national heroes.

I would like to begin by recognizing the hard work of the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation to create an official day of remembrance. It is thanks to their efforts that, starting this year, the federal government has designated the second Sunday in September as Firefighters’ National Memorial Day.

It is fitting that we mark this occasion today, on September 11, when so many firefighters lost their lives during the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001.

Speaker, the image of a fire truck rushing by is something we can all relate to. In fact, it is so common that perhaps many of us don’t give it a second thought. Yet every time firefighters respond to an emergency, they take on tremendous risk. These men and women leave the fire hall knowing that they might have to put their lives in harm’s way to protect us. Since 1848, more than 1,300 firefighters have lost their lives doing just that. This year alone, 13 individuals have fallen in the line of duty.

The vast majority of firefighters in Canada are volunteers. They run local businesses; they’re coaches of local sports teams; they’re mothers and fathers. At the same time, they are the ones we count on most in emergencies.

Just down the street from Queen’s Park sits the fallen firefighters’ memorial, on the northeast corner of College Street. I would encourage everyone to visit this beautiful monument sometime this week.

Among the names inscribed on the stone are two fallen firefighters who I share a personal connection with: Ray Walter and Ken Rea. On March 17, 2011, both men tragically lost their lives battling a fire at a dollar store in Listowel. The roof of the building collapsed while they were inside.

Ken was 56 years old and served as deputy district fire chief at the Atwood station. Ray was 30 and had joined the fire department in 2008.

I was in town that day with Tim Hudak, and I remember seeing the thick black smoke. There were rumours that someone had been hurt or killed in the fire. An investigation followed, and as it turned out, the roof of the dollar store building had been made with volatile lightweight wood trusses.

This tragedy was the motivation behind a private member’s bill that I tabled last spring, the Rea and Walter Act. It would require that all buildings using truss and lightweight construction display a decal to warn firefighters.

The day the bill received second reading, we had about 40 people from Perth–Wellington and the surrounding areas attend. Many were active and retired firefighters, in addition to Ken and Ray’s families. It was a great moment when the Rea and Walter Act passed with unanimous support.

Firefighter safety is our shared responsibility as lawmakers. There is perhaps no greater way to honour the sacrifices of fallen firefighters than to prevent future tragedies. I would encourage the government to make the Rea and Walter Act a priority in this legislative session.

Mr. Taras Natyshak: It is my honour to rise today on behalf of my leader, Andrea Horwath, and my Ontario NDP colleagues to commemorate the first Firefighters’ National Memorial Day.

I’d also like to welcome Mark Train, vice-president of the Ontario Professional Fire Fighter’s Association, who has joined us here today.

I’d like to take a moment to offer our continued heartfelt condolences and fellowship with the incredibly brave first responders who lost their lives or suffered great personal loss 16 years ago when the World Trade Center was attacked. Ontarians stand in solidarity with the people of New York and with the members of the New York fire department who bore such a tremendously heavy burden in their attempt to rescue thousands of people during that horrific event.

Closer to home, I’d like to extend my gratitude to the firefighters who courageously battled the wildfires which consumed Fort McMurray last year. I know that Albertans and all Canadians want to acknowledge and thank you for your service.

Speaker, it really is the best part of my job and all of our jobs here in the Legislature to stand up and pay honour to people in our communities and all communities who selflessly give of themselves to support their neighbours. I know that right now in every corner of Ontario and Canada there are men and women rushing to answer an alarm or knocking down a structure fire or searching in blinding smoke and searing heat for victims of fire, motor vehicle accidents and all manners of tragedy that people find themselves in.

This work goes on every day, and we are so fortunate to have the very best among us waiting to answer those alarms, ready and willing to go where the rest of us flee from. To put it simply, these men and women protect us. New Democrats believe that here in this place it is our job to protect them. Our words of honour are appropriate, but we have a much greater responsibility to provide the legislative framework which provides our firefighters with assurances that they will be able to do their jobs with the most up-to-date training, with state-of-the-art firefighting equipment and personal protective equipment.

We also have a duty to make sure that when a firefighter is injured or afflicted with an occupational illness or disease, we are there for them, to support them both personally and financially so that they may continue to support their families.

I also want to thank our firefighters for all the contributions that they make outside of the fire hall. Many kids in my region have a much better Christmas thanks to Sparky’s toy drive, and families appreciate the work that our firefighters do in support of Goodfellows.

It’s also important to note that on October 1, firefighters and their families will meet here at the firefighters’ memorial to once again remember fallen firefighters and to add another 55 names to the memorial, bringing the total to 736 names who now and forever will be remembered for their sacrifice in the name of public safety. From my part of the province, Kenneth Racine and Jack Lodge will be honoured.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to say thank you to each and every firefighter and civilian staff who keep our fire departments ready to respond at a moment’s notice for giving us all peace of mind to know that you will be there for us in our time of need.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): I thank all members for their statements.

Petitions

Long-term care

Mr. Bill Walker: “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas Ontario’s 627 long-term-care homes play a critical role in the support and care for more than 100,000 elderly Ontarians each and every year;

“Whereas nine out of 10 residents in long-term care today have some form of cognitive impairment, along with other complex medical needs, and require specialized, in-home supports to manage their complex needs;

“Whereas each and every year, 20,000 Ontarians remain on the waiting list for long-term care services and yet, despite this, no new beds are being added to the system;

“Whereas over 40% of Ontario’s long-term-care beds require significant renovations or to be rebuilt and the current program put forward to renew them has had limited success;

“Whereas long-term-care homes require stable and predictable funding each year to support the needs of residents entrusted in their care;

“We, the undersigned, citizens of Ontario, call on the government to support the Ontario Long Term Care Association’s Building Better Long-Term Care pre-budget submission and ensure better seniors’ care through a commitment to improve long-term care.”

I fully support it, affix my name and send it with page Duncan.

Services for disabled children

Miss Monique Taylor: I’d like to start by thanking Sherry Caldwell from the Ontario Disability Coalition for working so hard in bringing this petition to my attention. It reads:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas we need you to break down the barriers that are depriving many children and youth with all disabilities access to ongoing and continuous therapy to improve their quality of life to promote their independence;

“Whereas children and youth with all disabilities should be able to access quality therapy that is parent/caregiver directed. All children and youth with disabilities must have access to needed hands-on therapy such as physiotherapy, occupational, speech and language, augmentative communication and vision therapy;

“Whereas parents should be able to purchase therapy through a direct-funding model;

“Whereas there should be a transparent process for accessing therapy through the children’s treatment centres;

“Whereas all additional investments in children’s treatment centres should maximize front-line services and reduce excess management costs;

“Whereas parents should be able to access an independent appeal process;

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

“As currently many children and youth are being deprived of necessary therapies, which result in adverse long-term health effects, we are pleading with you to address this immediately;

“Urge the Ministry of Children and Youth Services to provide the necessary and required therapy to children and youth with all disabilities on a consistent and ongoing basis, with a choice of direct-funding model, to fulfill the government’s commitment to support all children to allow these services to increase their ability to participate fully at home, school and in the community.”

I thank Sherry for this petition. I will affix my name to it and give it to page Emerson to bring to the Clerk.

GO Transit

Mr. Lou Rinaldi: I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

“Whereas Cambridge, Ontario, is a municipality of over 125,000 people, many of whom commute into the greater Toronto area daily;

“Whereas the current commuting options available for travel between the Waterloo region and the GTA are inefficient and time-consuming, as well as environmentally damaging;

“Whereas the residents of Cambridge and the Waterloo region believe that they would be well-served by commuter rail transit that connects the region to the Milton line, and that this infrastructure would have positive, tangible economic benefits to the province of Ontario;

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

“Direct crown agency Metrolinx to commission a feasibility study into building a rail line that connects the city of Cambridge to the GO train station in Milton, and to complete this study in a timely manner and communicate the results to the municipal government of Cambridge.”

I will sign this and send it to the table.

Cormorants

Mr. Bill Walker: “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas there are growing concerns that the rapid population growth of double-crested cormorants in the Great Lakes region is having a negative impact on the ecosystems of many shorelines, inland waterways and island habitats; and

“Whereas double-crested cormorants nest in large colonies, stressing sensitive freshwater ecosystems and ruining biodiversity; and

“Whereas double-crested cormorant guano is toxic, killing trees and vegetation, and destroying traditional nesting habitats for other shoreline birds, such as the tern, egret or heron; and

“Whereas an adult double-crested cormorant will eat approximately one pound of fish per day, including game fish, which anglers and commercial fisheries say is impacting fishing in Ontario; and

“Whereas the Ministry of Natural Resources has failed to take action in the last decade to address the rapid population growth of double-crested cormorants throughout the Great Lakes region;

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

“That the government of Ontario moves quickly to bring Bill 205, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Amendment Act, 2016, before a legislative committee for review and public comment without further delay.”

I fully support it, affix my name and send it with page Will.

Komoka Provincial Park

Ms. Peggy Sattler: I’d like to thank the Thames Valley Trail Association and the many Londoners who signed this petition to remove the new fees from Komoka Provincial Park.

“Whereas Komoka Provincial Park has long served residents and visitors to London, offering free access to beautiful views and numerous recreational hiking trails; and

“Whereas evidence has shown that access to the natural environment helps to reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and lower risks for chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart attacks and cancer; and

“Whereas new parking fees ranging from $5.75 to $14.50 for daily use of Komoka Provincial Park have been imposed without consultation and without additional amenities to justify the new costs, appearing to be simply a cash grab by the Liberal government; and

“Whereas the lack of bike lanes and bus routes connecting Komoka Provincial Park to London, and the prohibition on roadside parking, requires almost all visitors to drive to the park and pay to park their vehicles; and

“Whereas the new fees are likely to decrease park visits with negative consequences for community health and well-being;

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

“That the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry eliminate the parking fees introduced in August 2016 to ensure that Komoka Provincial Park remains accessible to residents of the city of London and all Ontarians.”

I couldn’t agree more. I affix my signature and give it to page Andy to take to the table.

Mr. Arthur Potts: I want to give a shout-out to constituents Jasmine Rusnak and Emma Fletcher for their advocacy to help install an elevator at Malvern Collegiate Institute.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas Malvern Collegiate Institute ranks in the Fraser Institute’s top 30 schools, yet is not accessible to students with a physical disability or to those who use mobility devices because it is three storeys and offers no ramps, stair lifts or elevators; and

“Whereas all students should have the right to attend a good school that is welcoming and accommodating of all students; and

“Whereas teachers, guest speakers, parents and other visitors to the school who have certain disabilities are unable to enter the school and fully participate in school events either easily or at all properties; and

“Whereas the budget for elevator installation and other capital improvements in public schools is controlled by the province of Ontario;

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

“That the province of Ontario grant the Toronto District School Board a specific allocation of funds for the installation of an elevator at Malvern Collegiate Institute, to make the facility more accessible to people with physical disabilities and/or users of mobility devices.”

It’s an excellent petition, an excellent idea. I support it entirely and leave it with page Benjamin.

Wind turbines

Mr. Sam Oosterhoff: As always, it’s an honour to stand. I have a petition here to the Legislative Assembly that says:

“Whereas residents of Ontario want an immediate moratorium on all further industrial wind farm development;

“Whereas residents living in close proximity to proposed turbine locations are concerned about the impact on their health, the local environment, declining property values and the lack of local decision-making on industrial wind farm projects;

“Whereas unaffordable subsidies paid through the feed-in tariff program are causing electricity rates to skyrocket;

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

“To place a moratorium on all further industrial wind farm development, restore local decision-making, and to cancel the feed-in tariff program.”

I support this petition. I affix my signature to it and I will leave it with page Alessandro.

Anti-smoking initiatives for youth

M me France Gélinas: I’d like to thank Mathieu Simon, who is a volunteer with the Sudbury and District Health Unit, for collecting the names on this petition, as well as Daniel Prevost, who works for the health unit. It reads as follows:

“Whereas in the past 10 years in Ontario, 86% of all movies with on-screen smoking were rated for youth;

“The tobacco industry has a long, well-documented history of promoting tobacco use on-screen;

“A scientific report released by the Ontario Tobacco Research Unit estimated that 185,000 children in Ontario today will be recruited to smoking by exposure to on-screen smoking;

“More than 59,000 will eventually die from tobacco-related” diseases, “incurring at least $1.1 billion in health care costs;....

“The Ontario government has a stated goal to achieve the lowest smoking rates in Canada;

“79% of Ontarians support not allowing smoking in movies rated G, PG, 14A...;

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

They “petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

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

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

Dental care

Mrs. Cristina Martins: I have a petition here that is addressed to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

“Whereas lack of access to dental care affects overall health and well-being, and poor oral health is linked to diabetes, cardiovascular, respiratory disease, and Alzheimer’s disease; and

“Whereas it is estimated that two to three million people in Ontario have not seen a dentist in the past year, mainly due to the cost of private dental services; and

“Whereas approximately every nine minutes a person in Ontario arrives at a hospital emergency room with a dental problem but can only get painkillers and antibiotics, and this costs the health care system at least $31 million annually with no treatment of the problem;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to invest in public oral health programs for low-income adults and seniors by:

“—ensuring that plans to reform the health care system include oral health so that vulnerable people in our communities have equitable access to the dental care they need to be healthy;

“—extending public dental programs for low-income children and youth within the next two years to include low-income adults and seniors; and

“—delivering public dental services in a cost-efficient way through publicly funded dental clinics such as public health units, community health centres and aboriginal health access centres to ensure primary oral health services are accessible to vulnerable people in Ontario.”

I agree with this petition. I will affix my name and send it to the table with page Olivia.

Hydro rates

Mr. Bill Walker: “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I fully support, sign my name and send it with page Alessa