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

November 6, 2024

43rd Parliament, 1st Session

< Previous sitting day

Next sitting day >

Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcript 2024-Nov-06 (PDF)

L179 - Wed 6 Nov 2024 / Mer 6 nov 2024

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Wednesday 6 November 2024 Mercredi 6 novembre 2024

Orders of the Day

Honouring Veterans Act, 2024 / Loi de 2024 visant à honorer les anciens combattants

Wearing of pins

Members’ Statements

4-H clubs

Riding of Windsor West

Kemi Badenoch

Political discourse

Flu and COVID-19 immunization

Affordable housing

Remembrance Day

Riding of Don Valley West

Hate crimes / Ukrainian Remembrance Day ceremony

Remembrance Day

Introduction of Visitors

Consideration of Bill Pr55

Question Period

Government accountability

Government accountability

University and college funding

Energy policies

Government accountability

Transportation infrastructure

Forest firefighting

Health care

Veterans

Municipal funding

Land use planning

Health care workers

Licence Appeal Tribunal

Northern economy

Social assistance

Visitors

Deferred Votes

Time allocation

Introduction of Government Bills

Election Finances Amendment Act (Quarterly Allowances), 2024 / Loi de 2024 modifiant la

Loi sur le financement des élections (allocations trimestrielles)

Introduction of Bills

Day of Reflection for Indian Residential Schools Act, 2024 / Loi de 2024 sur la Journée de réflexion sur les pensionnats indiens

Petitions

Cancer treatment

Post-stroke treatment

Transportation infrastructure

Social assistance

Social assistance

Public safety

Tenant protection

Affordable housing

Homelessness

Ontario Place

Northern Health Travel Grant

Health care

Emergency services

Prévention du vapotage chez les jeunes

Labour legislation

Orders of the Day

Building Ontario For You Act (Budget Measures), 2024 / Loi de 2024 visant à bâtir l’Ontario pour vous (mesures budgétaires)

Building Ontario For You Act (Budget Measures), 2024 / Loi de 2024 visant à bâtir l’Ontario pour vous (mesures budgétaires)

Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024 / Loi de 2024 sur le désengorgement du réseau routier et le gain de temps

Affordable Energy Act, 2024 / Loi de 2024 sur l’énergie abordable

Honouring Veterans Act, 2024 / Loi de 2024 visant à honorer les anciens combattants

Honouring Veterans Act, 2024 / Loi de 2024 visant à honorer les anciens combattants

The House met at 0900.

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

Prayers.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Next we’ll have a moment of silence for inner thought and personal reflection.

Orders of the Day

Honouring Veterans Act, 2024 / Loi de 2024 visant à honorer les anciens combattants

Resuming the debate adjourned on November 5, 2024, on the motion for second reading of the following bill:

Bill 218,

An Act to amend various Acts with respect to honouring military veterans / Projet de loi 218, Loi modifiant diverses lois en ce qui concerne les hommages rendus aux anciens combattants militaires.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): When we last debated this bill, the member for St. Catharines had the floor. She still has some time left.

I recognize the member for St. Catharines to continue.

Mrs. Jennifer (Jennie) Stevens: Thank you, Speaker, and good morning to everyone this morning.

It is a great honour to be able to rise in this House, and especially today, to speak about our veterans, the men and women who have fought valiantly for our country and our freedom, overseas and on foreign soil.

Mother, good morning. I know that you’re looking forward to hearing me speak about your grandson and your grandchildren—your great-grandchildren, I guess—as well as your father and my grandfather. So, good morning, Mom, and welcome. And thank you all.

Veterans of the past paved the way for veterans of the future, but policies they established in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s paved the way for many of the foundational systems we still use and take advantage of as Canadians today.

Speaking of employment opportunities, I was glad to see this government acknowledge veterans’ unique skill sets and provide an update to the skilled trades act contained in this new bill. Military service members often come out of duty having received very specialized training in many areas, like mechanics, engineering and construction, through real hands-on experience,

whereas others need to attend skilled trades schools to get that same level of knowledge. From operating heavy machinery to working with and understanding the intricacies of mechanical or electrical systems, it is these direct skills that make our veterans highly adaptable. More importantly, it makes them highly employable after being released from service. However, some might not be out of the services when they come back from war or conflict. Some might get a job, and some might stay in the services and be landed in their base. My son has been working for eight years now since he was deployed across seas, and right now he is in hiring and recruiting of new navy officers or navy skills.

When they return to their community, often service members return home and have to map out the next 10 years of their lives. Some of them will be retiring within the next 10 years; some will be continuing on with their skills. What does that look like? It could be a professional in the skilled trades. As my son says, he wants to be a Zamboni driver when he retires—a job that provides long-term employment and career growth and opportunity for entrepreneurship. This is coming at a time when the trades are facing a severe shortage. The halls are empty. We all know that on this side as well as on the others.

Not many people want to get into the hands-on labour jobs nowadays, but they’re some of the most critical and crucial roles to keeping our communities moving forward—to build housing, to lay the bricks, to install electrical or even plumbing.

So it is great to see the government acknowledge that veterans have unique, very specialized expertise that should translate into getting provincial certifications without needing to go back to school. This would ultimately provide a stepping stone to long-term financial stability for our servicemen and servicewomen.

Similarly, there’s an organization which some of you might be very familiar with. It’s called Helmets to Hardhats, or H2H. They provide second-career opportunities within the trades and the unions to veterans, reservists, senior cadets and even military family members. H2H makes the transition easier, going from military to civilian life. Here’s a fun fact: A friend of mine, Derryk Fleming, was instrumental in bringing this organization to life and is also a national administration member of the Veteran Well-being Network.

Thank you, my dear friend Derryk, for all that you have done—and brought this forward.

Speaker, getting back to the bill: In 2022—March 1, to be exact—I stood in this very Legislature to put forward a motion that struck at the hearts of fairness and compassion in Ontario. My call was simple, but it was quite urgent: to end the clawbacks on disability benefits for our veterans and on crucial social support programs like ODSP and Ontario Works. Clawbacks do not just take away the dollars and cents; they take away dignity. They take away the hope of stability.

To claw back support from those who need it most, including those who have served our country with honour, goes against everything we stand for as a compassionate province. It is time we recognize that veterans, individuals with disabilities and those facing financial hardship should not be forced to carry the burden of balancing Ontario’s budget. I’m disheartened that I even have to stand here today and remind this government that back in 2022 my motion to ban these clawbacks received all-party support, yet almost three years later, this government has not kept good on their promise.

That would have been something really great to include in the new bill. I think we should be seeing it right here today.

Ensuring our veterans get every penny they’re entitled to is how you show the community you really do mean business. Our veterans rely on their disability benefits to cover essential costs—costs relating to their health, housing and basic needs that arise from a lifetime of service.

Meanwhile, people on ODSP and Ontario Works are working hard just to meet their daily needs, and yet, with every dollar they earn, they are penalized by clawbacks that chip away at their already limited income. This practice traps individuals in a cycle of poverty, leaving them with less when they deserve more.

By bringing forward this motion, I want to affirm that we must protect these benefits, ensuring that those who depend on them can do so without fear of losing what little they have. We should be building systems that uplift people, not punish them. These clawbacks punish veterans and people with disabilities for trying to get ahead or supplement their income.

Imagine serving your country only to find that the disability benefits you receive are reduced because you dared to seek extra income to cover rising costs—that could be by losing a limb; that could be coming back with the wounds without Band-Aids—or imagine relying on ODSP to make ends meet and being discouraged from finding ways to supplement that income due to penalties of clawbacks imposed on them. This isn’t just a budgetary issue; it is a moral one. We, as a government, should not be taking from those who need our help the most, to balance the books.

I urge all my colleagues here to remember why we’re in this chamber in the first place: to create an Ontario where everyone can live with dignity, live with security, and, most of all, live with hope.

I know that some may argue that budget constraints make it difficult to reform these systems, but I believe that compassion must guide our decisions, especially when it comes to supporting the vulnerable among us. As the cost of living soars, these clawbacks push people and service members closer to the edge. Veterans, Ontarians with disabilities and low-income individuals deserve our support, not penalties that pull the rug out from under them.

To everyone who stood with me in 2022—which is everyone in this chamber—who supported this motion and who continue to fight for the cause, thank you. Our work is far from over, though, and I stand here committed to advocate for a fairer, more compassionate Ontario for all. Let us keep fighting to end clawbacks—that you voted for—and let us build a future where every Ontarian has the opportunity to thrive without fear. I would love to see that in this bill.

This bill also sets out suggestions on ways to honour our veterans—and at this time, speaking of honouring veterans, my member from Niagara Falls reminded me yesterday that I brought forward a bill in 2018, Bill 51, Long-Term Care Homes Amendment Act (Preference for Veterans), and it passed second reading. Has anyone seen it since? No. It has not come back to this House, and that’s quite shameful.

I would like to raise the point that if the pandemic taught us anything, it has raised awareness on how important it is that we look after our veterans, our seniors, and recognize how important long-term care is for our residents in Ontario.

I want to introduce to all the members this morning a common name in Niagara and Niagara Falls—someone we honour. We don’t just honour him during Remembrance Week, we don’t just honour him on Remembrance Day, but we honour him—and I’d love this chamber to honour him—every day of the year: Burd Sisler. Burd Sisler is 109 years young. Burd will be turning 110 years old on April 14, 2025. It’s important that I raise your attention about Burd—Mr. Sisler. Burd gave 25 years working for the federal government and is a World War II veteran. Imagine that. Imagine the stories. Imagine the fear. Imagine what that man lived through.

If this government really wants to show support to our men and women in uniform and veterans like Burd Sisler, we should be debating and speaking towards Bill 51, Long-Term Care Homes Amendment Act (Preference for Veterans), which was brought to this floor in 2018, and making that bill legislation—or add it to this bill.

Burd Sisler, thank you for everything you have done. We honour you, we respect you, and we see you. Thank you.

Again, this bill also sets out suggestions on ways to honour our veterans during what the bill recognizes as Remembrance Day and Veterans’ Week, which, again, we’re currently in. Veterans’ Week has always taken place from November 5 to November 11.

The bill suggests actions for all of us to do, as Ontarians and as Canadians. It suggests attending or volunteering at a Remembrance Day event, visiting a war museum or a memorial or your local cenotaph, learning about the contributions veterans have made across Ontario, inviting a veteran to come and speak, appreciating veterans in a way you choose, supporting campaigns honouring veterans, and even volunteering and contributing to making sure cenotaphs are upkept—all such great suggestions, for sure. I would have loved to have seen a specific written suggestion about partaking in Legion activities.

Our boards and our Legions—and when I say “boards and our Legions,” I mean our poppy boards. Our poppy boards and our Legions across Ontario are empty. Give an hour. Give two hours. Get out there. Say hello to your community; they’d love to see you. We’re MPPs. We’re policy-makers. We should be standing at our local grocery stores, not making our veterans stand there. They don’t mind, but we should be thanking them by giving an hour in the rain. We’re lucky; we have very good weather right now. We can stand there for many hours. I’m standing for an hour in this House. I can at least—I’m on the boards.

I hope that my fellow members here will help out our Legions and sell the poppies. Fill those boards up, please.

Either becoming a member of your local Legion would be a good idea—volunteering at Legion events throughout the year is awesome, or even becoming a board member and being involved in decision-making at your local level. Again, put your name on those boards. Get involved in your community. Make those Legions active again. It is often an overlooked and forgotten volunteer opportunity, and more awareness-building around what a Legion is, their history and how they directly assist our veterans—I’m going to say that again: how they directly assist our veterans—camaraderie.

It’s the local shop steward who is there to say hello to that veteran. And remember, veterans are getting younger. It would have been really nice to see that laid out in this bill as a direct suggestion, at least.

My second thought was about barriers to doing this volunteer work and barriers to attending Remembrance Day ceremonies in our community—which, to be frank, is the fact that people have jobs to attend, especially those who are hourly paid and who don’t get paid at all to show up at a local Remembrance Day service. It is a privilege to work in a government role, to be on salary and to get back to our communities for Remembrance Day services. We are all able to attend, laying our local wreath at a political level, which I hope you are not doing—you’re laying it because you’re honoured to do it.

We’re all, again, able to attend our local wreath-laying ceremonies, and even armistice dinners that are this weekend. I don’t see anything in this bill that grants Remembrance Day as a paid statutory holiday across Ontario, and it’s disappointing, because taking

part in these events is how community members, students, our young children and grandchildren become familiar with their importance.

Speaker, in Halifax, on Remembrance Day, when my son, who is a service member, will be able to take my beautiful grandchildren Hazel Mae and Josephine by the hand, take them to the cenotaph and be able to show them what his brothers and sisters in the military helped him—be able to be honoured and thank his fellow service members, and his daughters will be able to thank their father. My son is only 42 years old.

These children who are in our schools in Ontario—their parents are going to be laying wreaths at our local cenotaphs in Ontario. They want to see their fathers and their mothers, to be able to honour them because they were the children who were at home with their mothers or their fathers while their parents—one of their parents, or maybe even both of their parents. Joanne and Denis—I know Lily will be there.

They have to take their child out of school in Ontario so that these children can honour their parents for the service they did—to honour their mother or their father who stayed at home for, often, a year at a time, while they worried about if their significant other was going to come home. I really don’t see that in here, and I would like to see it.

I feel as though having that be an addition, or that being a direct focus of this bill entirely, would have sent a clear and a very strong message that Remembrance Day is of the utmost importance, and that Canadians’ military history and veterans’ sacrifices deserve our full attention at least one day of the year. There are only three provinces across this great nation, Canada, that do not recognize Remembrance Day as a statutory holiday: Manitoba, Quebec and Ontario.

Another day I’d like to acknowledge is November 8, this coming Friday, which is National Indigenous Veterans Day. Started as a local Winnipeg, Manitoba-based initiative, Indigenous veterans are now rightfully recognized for their sacrifice.

Interjections.

Mrs. Jennifer (Jennie) Stevens: Yes, absolutely.

Having served in the Canadian Armed Forces across both world wars, the Korean War and many peacekeeping missions, Indigenous service members have played a significant role in Canada’s military history. For decades, Indigenous members were ignored and often forgotten, which is quite shameful.

It is estimated that over 120,000 Indigenous people fought for Canada’s freedom—fought for our freedom, their freedom. When they returned home, they weren’t met with praise and applause. They were met with systemic barriers—frequently denied military benefits, lacked access to other comprehensive veteran supports, and returned to communities struggling in poverty with very, very limited resources.

To my knowledge, there is not a single piece of provincial legislation that acknowledges Indigenous veterans—not even mentions their contributions in a simple suggestion, as we see many other ideas outlined as in this bill. While the argument might be that the term “veteran” is all-encompassing, I don’t really think that it is fair. The exact point of having a designated day to recognize Indigenous military members is because of their contributions being overlooked for far too long. It wasn’t until 1994 that this day was even recognized for the first time, so that says a lot.

It’s an important distinction to have the word “Indigenous” listed in a piece of legislation. Being in writing, it solidifies their contribution, it codifies the importance of National Indigenous Veterans Day, and it ultimately shows that we understand the unique barriers and hardships they faced despite their military status.

As I was reading through this bill for the first time two days ago, I naturally took pause at

schedule 4, which would amend the Soldiers’ Aid Commission Act, adding an additional objective of the program.

I remember, I think it was two years ago, my partner here from Ottawa Centre and I had a conversation about a veteran who was living in a tent with his family, with two young children——and he fought for our freedom. He had a wife and his two children. They were living in a tent, in an encampment, and at that time is when I brought up the Soldiers’ Aid Commission.

It’s in

schedule 4—it’s great that it’s coming and it’s in here and we’re bringing it to the forefront again. It has been buried for a while, but let’s bring it to the forefront again. It’s essentially adding that the commission would need to assist the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services with promoting this financial program for veterans. The way we can promote the Soldiers’ Aid Commission Act, in my personal opinion, is that when a homeless veteran comes to our office, we can ask them, “Do you need help? I can get you that.

Do you need information?” “Yes.” “Why are you homeless?” “I don’t have a driver’s licence. I don’t have a place to live.” That’s how we can bring awareness to the Soldiers’ Aid Commission. We are the people who should spread that news—not taking money out of this very special fund, this Soldiers’ Aid Commission, for financial programs to promote it.

As I pointed out a few minutes ago, language is concise for a reason, and this

section of the bill is very, very vague. It doesn’t clearly define how the commission will be assisting the minister, what financial obligations are attached to that role. It’s simply too ambiguous, and it’s left open for

interpretation.

I agree that the program should be and needs to be promoted. As I said, we should be promoting it in our own communities, as government. This government should also absolutely be doing the promotional work to ensure every military family and veteran straight across Ontario at least knows about the program, knows about the eligibility criteria, knows how to apply, and knows where to seek out more information if needed.

As I said, the poppy boards are empty at our local Legions. If we were over at our local Legions bringing back the funds that some people generously donated for a poppy, we could say to our local Legions, “Can you help us promote the Soldiers’ Aid Commission? Do you know of anybody who might be in need of it?”—a military family; somebody who is a new veteran; somebody who fought in World War II, as Burd did.

It has been almost 110 years since the Ontario Soldiers’ Aid Commission was established in 1915. Initially created to assist returning First World War veterans—Burd would probably know about this—the commission has evolved to address the diverse needs of veterans from various conflicts. It provides financial assistance to those facing financial hardships, covering essential expenses such as health-related items, housing and personal necessities.

May I say that back in 1915, when the Soldiers’ Aid Commission was established, the monies that were put for our veterans at that time—man, that was a good help. It was a good leg up. It helped those veterans get back on their feet. It helped house them. It helped put food on the table for them. We’re in 2024—$300 to $2,000. I don’t know, but is it going to be clawed back? That’s to be seen. I wonder if it will be clawed back. If you come back from the war and the federal government gives you compensation for losing a digit, this Ontario government claws back your ODSP dollar for dollar. I just said it.

It’s shameful. So I hope that—I don’t see it in here, but I hope that it’s going to be put in in writing that we’re not going to claw back this money.

This support aims to enhance the well-being and the stability of veterans as they transition to civilian life. Imagine that, coming back from seeing your best friend—you’re walking side by side, smoking a cigarette maybe, getting ready for war. You had boots on. You were in trenches. It’s raining. You see your buddies blowing up. You come back. You have to live a life here still, in Ontario. You still have to live a common life.

My grandpa didn’t say very much about the war. He never spoke about it, and I don’t know why. Those are secrets that him and his friends came back to Ontario—actually, Halifax. They didn’t speak too much about it. My boy came back—six months, three tours. He doesn’t speak too much about it either.

These are funds that they need when they come back to Ontario to be able to put food—to be able to seek medical help. Maybe they are crippled; maybe they’re in a wheelchair—by “crippled,” I mean minus an arm. They can’t get a decent job. They can’t get into the skilled trades, possibly, because they don’t have two arms to be able to get into them. The Soldiers’ Aid Commission was established in 1915 to help them get back into the civilian world. Veterans—they transition into that life. Hardships in life pop up. We should not be clawing back from these veterans who gave us this freedom.

Speaker, up to $2,000 in soldiers’ aid over a 12-month period is what they get. I’ve heard a few stories from local residents in St. Catharines—veterans who received help from the commission, which is always so great to hear.

Mr. MacLean, I’m going to mention you today. Thank you for coming in and letting me know the Soldiers’ Aid Commission helped you get that roof you needed. It makes a difference.

I remember distinctly, in 2020, my colleague for Ottawa Centre, as I said earlier, bringing this matter to our attention, and we addressed it at that time. I mentioned the military gentleman with his family living in a tent. The eligibility only included—through the soldiers’ aid—veterans who served in earlier conflicts, before 1953. This meant that veterans who served in more recent conflicts, such as Afghanistan, Rwanda, peacekeeping missions, were ineligible for the assistance simply because of their age—so, back in September 2020, that was my main goal. I worked diligently with MPP Smith.

We worked as a team with the associate minister—all sides of this House worked as a team, as they did on the fields. As I said, shoulder to shoulder, we worked as a team, and we got the Soldiers’ Aid Commission Act—we got it so that we could improve the lives. It wasn’t a lot, but it’s a little help. As a result, the eligibility criteria was expanded, and now all veterans, regardless of age, can apply and receive much-needed financial assistance. Isn’t that great—when we work together and we can say, “This might be needed in this bill”?

We know that previous to 2020, 60% of the Soldiers’ Aid Commission’s annual budget went unspent each year, and the hope is that now, that number is as close to zero dollars each year as possible, because our veterans deserve every fund, everything we can do, that this government has set aside for their benefit.

However, it is important that this government further clarify the language in this new bill, because we don’t want any of the advertising monies to come out of the commission’s annual budget that has been earmarked for our service members. Let’s keep that in mind, and let’s keep this a priority, please.

I look forward to working with the Premier and his ministers to ensure their public support of my initiatives in 2020 and 2021 aren’t suddenly turned into this government taking money away from our veterans, and I hope I don’t have to bring it to this floor—clawbacks, anything. I hope that the government does not take any monies away from veterans—and their families—who might need a walker, a medical device, a roof, a lawn keeper—there are so many things—somebody to hold their hand and talk to them and listen to their experiences.

In keeping on topic about modern-day veterans—as I said, my son is a modern-day veteran, and so are his buddies. We go to Halifax. They’re great guys. We have good fun with them. Some of them speak with a really, really heavy accent. It’s not a French accent. It’s an eastern accent, I guess, from our country.

Anyway, in keeping on topic about our modern-day veterans and recognizing their needs, I want to speak to veteran homelessness for a moment.

Just last week, the National Post released an

article reporting on high rates of homeless veterans. They spoke to the executive director of Veterans’ House Canada, an organization that helps service members by providing permanent housing—I spoke with them myself. The

article talked about two main points. According to a 2019 study on veteran homelessness in Ottawa, conducted by Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa, unhoused veterans reported that they first become unhoused roughly 10 years after completing their military service. That means we’re at year eight for Afghanistan and our peacekeeping missions—in two more years, we’re going to have a boom. And Veterans’ House Canada currently reports that they expect a boom—there you are—in unhoused veterans within the next year to two years, as those who served in Afghanistan reach the 10-year anniversary of their service.

Maybe that’s why that bill, the soldiers’ aid act, came in 10 years after World War I. The government of the day—look at that—were looking into the future; they were looking at hope for the people. The government of the day realized that people coming back from conflict were suffering with wounds that we don’t see.

I hope this government of the day will look into homelessness now. I’m giving you a two-year warning, I guess.

Interjection: Mental health care.

Mrs. Jennifer (Jennie) Stevens: Mental health care, PTSD, homelessness—it all comes under one umbrella, not 15 ministries.

This was so interesting and alarming to read because, again, touching on what I mentioned at the beginning, veterans are often seen as a federal entity. They’re over there and we’re here, and we can operate in a hands-off approach. The federal government does have a Veteran Homelessness Program that provides rent supplement funding to veterans at risk of or already experiencing homelessness. However, the issue is not a lack of funding for veterans at the federal level. The issue is that there needs to be more acknowledgment that issues like homelessness are plaguing our veteran population more than ever.

Most unhoused veterans are not aware they are entitled to wraparound services and rent supplements in the first place, for a variety of reasons—it could be mental health issues, which could be one of the major barriers for someone who has served our country. Federal government employees are not doing the on-the-ground work, local work, meeting veterans where they are. Remember, they’re homeless—we have to meet them where they are.

Housing is a provincial responsibility, so why not incorporate more initiatives for homeless vets into our legislation? When we make bills like this, we can incorporate it—again, work together.

MPP Wayne Gates: Tiny homes.

Mrs. Jennifer (Jennie) Stevens: Tiny homes, yes.

Meet them in our communities. Get those people who are on the ground, who are already working—the RPNs who go out on the streets. May I say, there are boots on the ground, and they’re meeting our veterans—because a lot of veterans will not admit that they’re homeless. They’re too proud. They’ve already fought for our honour—to be able to stand in this House, quite frankly, and to be able to say, with freedom, what we have to say.

We really have to look after them. We owe it to them. I think I hear that every Remembrance Day—“We owe it to our veterans.” You’re damn right we do.

Veterans need organizations to provide ongoing intensive case management support. They need assistance in accessing permanent housing and assistance connecting to community health supports. We owe them that. While the federal government provides the financial support—and you push it to the feds all you want—as I said, the provincial responsibility is housing. The federal government provides the financial supports that veterans need after service.

It’s the provincial government that is responsible for keeping veterans housed and that provides lower-tier governments, municipalities and regions, with the funding needed to operate their community service departments so we can meet them where they are, so we can identify them.

Dominion Command, the Legion of Ontario, wants us to do this program. They want to identify their veterans. They’re proud; they want to do all they can.

Unhoused veterans need to be identified and to be connected to health care, to be connected with mental health resources. This is where specific outreach and data collection comes in to connect veterans to services they need after so bravely serving our country, coming back to their motherland, trying to fit into the community. But you can’t do that if you’re unhoused, if you have mental health problems, if you have wounds that don’t have Band-Aids. People don’t understand that. PTSD is serious. We, as a government, can help our veterans get those mental health supports.

We need to recognize the ongoing needs—we have to look at and recognize the sacrifices that each and every one of our Ontario veterans has done.

Through its provisions, we have a unique opportunity to address issues such as veteran homelessness right here, improve outreach for provincial support programs, again, expand the visibility of services like the Soldiers’ Aid Commission, expand our verbal and written commitment to recognizing Indigenous veterans, and ensure our veterans have long-term financial stability.

For veterans who dedicated their lives to serving our country, this bill is a recognition that their service doesn’t end at the battlefield—and any battle that was fought on foreign soil. However, the bill needs work, through the addition of clear, concise language, and we need to be careful that this bill doesn’t come across as simply performative.

As I mentioned earlier, we are policy-makers in this House. We need to put down our colours and our stripes and our differences. Yes, we have a chance to be able to agree to disagree—however, they didn’t do that when they went to fight for our freedom. The men and women who have fought for our freedom, who have seen things that we never possibly will, need our help. They need their policy-makers in Ontario to look beyond the political parties, may I say, and join together—as the associate minister said yesterday, we on this side of the House, we’re a team.

Well, we want to be part of that team when it comes to our veterans. I want to be part of that team—each and every one of us on this side of the House, including some of their members.

I’m going to say right now that it is time that Ontario stands up; I know, every November 11, which is coming on Monday, we do—I know each and every one of us, and I know, and I take it and I feel it. We all honour our veterans. We all respect what they’ve done. But we need to do better.

As I said earlier, there are barriers within this bill. It says we should do certain things on Remembrance Day, like visit our local cenotaphs, make sure you volunteer to keep the upkeep of the local cenotaph, to fill the poppy boards. I’m doing a big advocacy for Branch 350, my local Legion. They’re in St. Catharines. I hope they’re watching this morning—probably not.

Good morning to Branch 350; Branch 24, downtown St. Catharines; 138; and also 425. I have four Legions.

It does say in here that we have to do these things—and it’s right in the bill. But, again, what I don’t see is the ability for children to go and honour our new veterans, our veterans like Burd Sisler, who does go, every Remembrance Day, to his local cenotaph. Imagine—109 years old. Three provinces all across our nation and all across Canada—Ontario is one of them that doesn’t identify it as a statutory holiday and puts those barriers up. In the legislation we’re passing today, it says that we should go to our local cenotaph and we should lay our wreaths and we should be honoured.

Like I said, my two grandchildren—and I have pictures in my office. Every year—my son with his whites on and Hazel Mae in Mama’s belly; Josephine, this big, holding her daddy’s hand, quite honoured. They live in Halifax. Josephine is now 10. Hazel Mae is now seven. They still hold hands. They have them every year, and they honour their father. There are many fathers and mothers and significant others at the cenotaph.

They flow out onto the street to honour their military family, to honour our veterans, to honour—to thank, quite frankly, our military, our men, women, the families who were left behind for years at a time. They have a statutory holiday. I think that should maybe be in here. You can argue with me—“Oh, the children will learn more if they’re in school.

They’ll learn more about their veterans.” I don’t think my grandchildren will learn any more about their father and what he did and what he sacrificed than by standing at a cenotaph, with their dad and their dad’s friends in uniform, with valour on their chest—I mean racks—because each and every one of them have fought in the Afghanistan war, peacekeeping.

The mothers and the fathers who stayed home with those children, who taught their children why their dads were serving their country and fighting for our freedom, deserve just as much respect here in Ontario as they do all across Canada—except for Manitoba and Ontario and Quebec. Maybe we should start looking at that.

Maybe next November, on Remembrance Day and during Veterans’ Week, I’ll see that when we’re government; we’ll see that when we are standing together, united in this House, and saying, “We’re going to let the little people who suffered without their parent at home, when they had tonsillitis or appendicitis”—Josie, I hope you’re feeling better, baby. Things like that are what we need to do as policy-makers, to make sure those children respect and they learn.

Do you know what? I was at my local Legion, and I was a judge, I guess I’ll call it—Judge Jennie. They did poetry. There was a little boy there, and he got up and recited his poetry. He mentioned his mother, who fought in the Afghanistan war, and how important it was for him to know that his mother is participating in Remembrance Day, and it was important to him to know that he could stand beside her now. This poem was really good. It was quite interesting. Maybe I will read it out on Decoration Day next year. I will get a hold of that young fella and get it.

It is important, as I said, that we knock down the barriers for not only little people, but for everyone in our communities to be able to go and say thank you—not only thank you to our veterans, but thank you to our local Legions for putting on such wonderful ceremonies at the local cenotaphs.

Evie is from my local Legion, and she makes some of the best darn chicken noodle soup. You’re only going to get it on Remembrance Day. Do you know who else is there getting the best chicken noodle soup? Our veterans. It would be nice if the little people could come and have some chicken noodle soup that Evie makes every year—because they’re not at school and they can say thank you to those veterans: “Mom, Dad, thank you.” “Thank you to Burd for all he has done.” I did mention that’s something we should actually look for.

These men and women put their lives on the line to fight for our freedom and our democracy, and they fought and restored peace in times of conflict. They fought piracy in the seas around this world. On November 11, on the 11th day of the 11th month, we do remember them; we will remember them.

We also need to take time to say “thank you”—that’s two small words. When we walk out of this chamber, we see peacekeepers and we see the police and we see our Sergeant-at-Arms—he’s standing at the back there. Our Sergeant-at-Arms is also a veteran. Every day, I make a point, when I walk through the halls of Queen’s Park, to say thank you not just to our Sergeant-at-Arms but to each and every one of the members who keep us safe, who stand and guard us every day. Take a moment and say thank you. It’s like the old saying, “A smile is free”—so is thank you.

They fought, as I said, in conflicts for us to be able to say thank you—“Thank you for all you do. Thank you for everything.” We should be recognizing them not just this week—please, not just this week, not just on November 11.

Go visit a veteran in long-term care. Hold his or her hand. They would love for you to say—“The first thing I want to say is, thank you for what you’ve done. You have given me the freedom so that I can walk in my country and in my neighbourhood and in my community. Thank you for that.” And listen to their stories.

As I said, in 2018, I put forward Bill 51. I don’t see it in this bill. For our veterans, I put forward Bill 51, Long-Term Care Homes Amendment Act (Preference for Veterans), and it was passed at second reading—yay! Everybody came over and shook my hand—“Good for you, Jennie. That’s great. You got it.” I’ve never seen it again. I don’t even know if it went to committee—I hope it did. I have never seen it on Remembrance Week—to bring forward—

MPP Jamie West: Even in this bill.

Mrs. Jennifer (Jennie) Stevens: I don’t see it in this bill. All it was was to recognize our veterans, to say that now we recognize them, as new veterans—not just World War I and World War II veterans. We recognize that our veterans are getting younger, that some of those veterans need long-term care for fighting for our freedom. That’s what that bill was basically about. It was about veterans, our seniors, and recognizing how important it is to give them a step up when they have to get into long-term care—not waiting on waiting lists, which they do. They shouldn’t—our veterans should be the first to be able to get care. Think about that.

MPP Jamie West: First in battle.

Mrs. Jennifer (Jennie) Stevens: Yes, that’s right, Jamie—first in battle, first off.

Imagine: You get to a strange land—God, I’ve only got three minutes left. Wow. This went by fast—and you’re running with your friends—and I’m just going World War I and World War II. We’ve all seen the movies.

My husband watches Saving Private Ryan and—oh, my goodness, he watches them over and over again—Top Gun. My husband—I don’t know what it is. My son and him, they get on the—anyway, they watch them together. It does show you something—Saving Private Ryan.

MPP Jamie West: It’s an important movie.

Mrs. Jennifer (Jennie) Stevens: It’s a very important movie. It shows us what they really did—blood, the trenches, the bullets, the bombs. We live in Canada. We don’t experience it; we shouldn’t.

We should thank each and every one of our men in uniform. Remember, they’re not wearing their uniforms all the time, but we should be respecting them.

God darn it, I hope that in this bill—I’m going to sum up; I’ve been very clear—in the Soldiers’ Aid Commission Act, we don’t claw back anything that we’re giving our veterans. Don’t give with one hand—I don’t care if it’s coming from the federal government. It’s up to Ontario to make sure that these soldiers and men and women who have fought in our battlefields and fought in trenches—it’s important.

Lock yourself up in this room. Can you imagine? I said to my son, “What is it like to be in the naval ship?” He said to me, “Lock yourself up at Queen’s Park. Shut all the doors. Shut all the windows.”

MPP Jamie West: God help us.

Mrs. Jennifer (Jennie) Stevens: Right?

“Stay in that room for six months. See how long you get along.” I said, “Oh, my goodness.”

In this bill, I want to make sure that there are no clawbacks to our veterans. Veterans deserve long-term support. Veterans deserve the support that this provincial government can give them.

No veteran should ever be homeless in Ontario—never. They should always be able to put food, a house—and a roof over their head. Let’s get to them. Let’s make sure we address them. Let’s go to them. Let’s make sure we have proper services in place, for mental health and homelessness, for our veterans. We must go beyond symbolic gestures.

I see us all wearing a poppy—a sea of poppies. I love it. We all do this to remember.

Ensuring that their contributions and sacrifices are reflected in practical and accessible supports is our duty, as policy-makers. This commitment is personal for me. As an advocate and as the critic of military affairs and Legions, who has a son serving in the Canadian navy—this bill isn’t just about abstract policies; it’s a matter of family and future generations for all.

Let us all remember that this bill—

The Acting Speaker (M me Lucille Collard): Thank you.

Questions for the member?

Mr. Sheref Sabawy: I really liked the speech from the respected member from the opposition.

I would like to just highlight that this bill is not only adding honouring the veterans who did contribute; it’s also adding more financial assistance for the veterans existing in the system. It’s also putting our money where our mouth is. This government is creating pathways for integrating those veterans, after they finish serving their country, into civilian jobs.

Can you please tell me if you are going to support this bill, which, for the first time, makes tangible contributions to help veterans integrate back into our society after they finish serving?

Mrs. Jennifer (Jennie) Stevens: Thank you for the question.

I did mention that the federal government also has a Helmets to Hardhats program that provides opportunities for veterans after they come back to the city life—it’s a great program. I see that in this bill.

However, when you say you’re putting your money where you mouth is—I find it very hard to say this to you, to the members opposite—you’re also taking money out of the hands of a service member when you claw back on ODSP dollar for dollar. When they get money from the federal government and you take it dollar for dollar, that’s not putting your money where your mouth is.

I’d seen the announcement yesterday—I watched it just before the great election. I saw the member—

The Acting Speaker (M me Lucille Collard): Thank you. We’re out of time for the response.

We’re going to move to the next question.

MPP Wayne Gates: I would like to thank my colleague for her one-hour lead. It’s never easy to do that.

I want to rise—and I see these young people who are here today. I am so proud to stand and say that my dad was a World War II veteran. He served over in Europe from 1939 to 1945. When it comes to Remembrance Day, it’s an honour for me to participate, just thinking about what my dad would have gone through in 1945.

I also think of my good friend Burd Sisler. This is a good story that I think everyone should listen to. I met Burd—Burd was still bowling at 101. He was calling bingo at 101. He was driving around the community at 101. I had known Burd for a few years—I asked him to nominate me, at 101. I was so honoured when he said yes. Then I got a chance, surprisingly, to ask him again when he was 105. And then I’ve got a chance to—sorry, I’m going to do this quickly—when he’s 109. He’s going to nominate me in three weeks to get me to do this job again.

I want to say to Burd, thank you very much for your service. Thank you for everything you do for our community.

During Veterans’ Week, everybody get out and support our veterans. They mean so much to us.

Mrs. Jennifer (Jennie) Stevens: My grandfather Griffin was on a minesweeper outside of Halifax—and the member from Niagara Falls made me realize this. During the war, the navy ship he was on, at the time, had no guns. Imagine that? They rigged up telephone poles—it’s a fun fact—to make it look like guns were on the navy ship. That was just in case the Germans spied on them and saw them. So they had telephone poles on there. My mother gave me the old newspaper clip from Halifax, so that’s why I know that. I just thought I would—I bet you Burd probably even knows about that too.

These are the things that our servicemen and servicewomen did to protect us off the coast of Halifax, let’s say.

Mr. John Yakabuski: I want to thank the member from St. Catharines for her address today and thank her family for their service. I hope I have time later today to speak to items of that nature, as well.

I did listen to the entire address, and I appreciate your passion.

I’ve been here for over 20 years, and I have never seen a government bill, from any side of the House, that answers all the questions—or they’d make War and Peace look like a bedtime story. It just doesn’t happen.

You talk a lot about what’s not in the bill, but on balance, this is a very positive bill for our veterans, showing respect and honouring our veterans. I have to ask the member: Can you talk about some of the positive things, and will you stand in your place and support the government as we try to honour veterans, and vote for this legislation?

Mrs. Jennifer (Jennie) Stevens: Thank you to the member.

I did list off a whole bunch of positive things in this bill. I don’t think you were listening that well. It’s great that we’re going to support the veterans at their local Legions and that we’re going to make sure that we go to local cenotaphs and lay down wreaths. There are so many great things in this bill. I am not arguing that.

I agree that we can’t put everything in the bill, but I think if we work together and we communicate as a whole, especially when it comes to veterans and our military families—we can all agree that when this side of the House brings Bill 51 for long-term care—and I brought the soldiers’ aid act, back in 2022, to recognize our veterans who were homeless.

I do believe there are really good things in this bill, but I really do believe there are things that need to be taken a little step forward, and they could be added in this bill—not a whole list of things; there were three asks that I asked for.

The Acting Speaker (M me Lucille Collard): We need to go to the next question.

MPP Wayne Gates: I didn’t get a chance to finish talking about our veterans, but I do want to talk about something that Jennie talked about, quite frankly, for about 20 minutes: the importance of our Legions.

I can tell you, when my dad went to the Legion and joined Branch 24—actually, it was in St. Catharines. When he passed away over 30 years ago, my mom continued to go to the Legion. That was where her safe space was.

So I say to the Legions every single day, “You’re helping somebody. You’re helping somebody who may be homeless.”

I’ll tell you what we need when it comes to housing for our veterans: We need tiny homes—the same way they’ve done in Kingston. They built tiny homes for veterans. Why can’t we do that right across the province of Ontario? There shouldn’t be one veteran in Ontario, in Canada, one of the richest countries in the world—to not have homes to go to. That shouldn’t happen in this province.

So my question—

The Acting Speaker (M me Lucille Collard): Thank you.

The member for St. Catharines.

Mrs. Jennifer (Jennie) Stevens: Any home that—for a homeless veteran is a home. They need somewhere where they can feel that they have accomplished what they set out to do. It’s not their responsibility to find a home, to make sure they have home, but it is the Ontario government’s job to make sure that—housing is a human right. They deserve a roof over their heads.

It’s not up to the Ontario government, as I said before, to claw back dollar to dollar on ODSP. It’s not up to them to put barriers up for health care for our veterans—it’s for us to be able to put services in place for homeless vets so that we can outreach to them, we can tag them, we can find where they are and give them the human right of food and housing.

The Acting Speaker (M me Lucille Collard): Next question?

Mr. Sheref Sabawy: Thank you for the answers from the respected opposition member.

I see that you are focusing on the stuff which is not in the bill for the majority of the time—more than stuff in the bill. Why don’t we talk about the good points inside the bill, not the points that are not inside the bill? This is the first part.

The second

part is that we are already, in this bill, talking about more benefits to the veterans, including some authorization in the municipalities to give them housing—it’s covering your point—as well as giving them some free riding in the GO stations, public transportation, to make sure that they can enjoy their time and be able to go wherever they need to go.

Mrs. Jennifer (Jennie) Stevens: Back over to the other side: GO isn’t in here. It doesn’t say that it’s in here. It’s not written in this bill. Another thing is that if the consultation between both sides of the government were done, I could have put that in this bill. There are a lot of good things in this bill—but when we don’t work together as a team, nothing gets done.

The Acting Speaker (M me Lucille Collard): We’re going to move to further debate.

Mr. John Yakabuski: Given the time on the clock, I move adjournment of the debate.

The Acting Speaker (M me Lucille Collard): Mr. Yakabuski has moved the adjournment of the debate. Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? I declare the motion carried.

Second reading debate adjourned.

The Acting Speaker (M me Lucille Collard): Orders of the day?

Mr. Anthony Leardi: No further business.

The Acting Speaker (M me Lucille Collard): The House stands in recess until 10:15.

The House recessed from 1010 to 1016.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members may take their seats.

Wearing of pins

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Point of order, the member for Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock.

Ms. Laurie Scott: If you seek it, you will find unanimous consent to allow members to wear lapel pins in recognition of scleroderma awareness day at Queen’s Park—and I’d like to welcome them all here today.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock is seeking the unanimous consent of the House to allow members to wear lapel pins in recognition of scleroderma awareness. Agreed? Agreed.

Members’ Statements

4-H clubs

Mr. John Jordan: On this date, November 6, we shine a green light to celebrate the achievements of 4-H clubs throughout our province and across Canada, spotlighting our vital connection to our agricultural community.

At a recent Tri-National Agricultural Accord in Virginia, where I was honoured to represent this province, it was agreed that one of our most pressing challenges is the engagement of our youth in honing their skills to take on future leadership roles in agriculture and agri-food industries.

Mr. Speaker, this is where 4-H clubs shine. Sowing the seeds for future entrepreneurs and integrating learned experiences with the driving force of new thinking and new technologies, our 4-H clubs are catalysts for change, as we challenge the next generation to look at agriculture and agri-food industries through a different lens.

At this time, I want to thank 4-H club volunteers, and I want to give a special shout-out to the Lanark and the Frontenac 4-H club contingents for bringing a prize-winning tradition of excellence to this year’s royal winter fair. Many of these 4-H members will go on to pursue careers in multi-generational farming, agri-food marketing, biodiversity, veterinary sciences, and some will engage in the challenges of global food security.

When the light shines today honouring 4-H clubs throughout Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston, may it illuminate the path forward for leaders in the future of sustainable agriculture.

Riding of Windsor West

MPP Lisa Gretzky: I’m honoured to share with the House how incredible the arts community is in Windsor. Windsor is home to some of the most talented, hard-working entrepreneurs, artists, filmmakers and creators.

This year, the Windsor International Film Festival celebrated its 20th year and just concluded its annual film festival, which showcased 13 feature films, 23 local films, 58 francophone feature films, 46 films selected from TIFF, 141 films from world-leading film festivals, 75 feature documentaries—and 42 countries represented. Like every year, WIFF drew long lines of eager viewers from Windsor-Essex, nearby communities, and our American neighbours. Thank you to Vincent Georgie and the entire team at WIFF for another incredible festival.

Congratulations to Windsor resident Heidi LM Jacobs on her book, 1934: The Chatham Coloured All-Stars’ Barrier-Breaking Year. This week, it was announced that the Speaker of this Legislature chose Heidi’s book for the Speaker’s Book Award. The book was published by Biblioasis, a local independent publishing company and bookstore—a true gem in Windsor.

Lastly, I joined Hiatus House, Dr. Patti Fritz and Fartumo Kusow, whose daughter was killed by her partner last year, for a panel discussion about intimate partner violence hosted by Art Windsor-Essex. The message was clear: Declare intimate partner violence an epidemic, and provide necessary resources and funding to support women and keep them safe. It is long past time for this government to join the nearly 100 Ontario municipalities that have declared IPV an epidemic. I am truly grateful to the team at Art Windsor-Essex for hosting that crucial discussion.

Kemi Badenoch

Mrs. Robin Martin: While some people may be focused on the results of the US election, I want to take the opportunity to congratulate the new Conservative leader of the UK Tories, chosen on November 2, Kemi Badenoch.

Badenoch was born in London, England, but was largely raised in Lagos, Nigeria, the home of her parents. She’s a computer engineering graduate. She’s feisty, fierce and outspoken. I like her already.

As Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Badenoch noted many times, “Government doesn’t create growth. You do”; and “What government needs to do is create the environment for entrepreneurs to thrive—and then get out of the way. That is the Conservative vision. We celebrate aspiration and provide opportunity.... Conservatives know that economic growth and rising living standards come from flourishing businesses and dynamic entrepreneurs—not from red tape, race monitors or compliance consultants.... Conservatives believe in capitalism, we believe in the power of business to do good, we don’t think profit is a dirty word and we are optimistic about our future.”

Badenoch is a supporter of free speech and describes herself as “anti-woke.” She has spoken out against identity politics and critical race theory, and she has promised to fight what she describes as “left-wing nonsense.”

She has argued, “Identity is multi-faceted and Conservatives do not pigeonhole people based on visible traits.... I am Black, and also a woman, a mother, a politician, an engineer, British and Nigerian. All of these things have an effect on my views ... more so than my skin colour.”

Congratulations, and best wishes to Kemi Badenoch for every success in promoting a conservative vision.

Political discourse

Mr. Joel Harden: I’ve been up since 4 a.m. this morning, I think probably like a lot of Canadians. I have a lot of friends in the United States—people who worked hard in the recent election.

I want to begin this member statement with a question: Is our movement for justice that we’re all working for big enough? Does it include the person in the United States who’s doing the dry cleaning for the congressman on his way to the office, who may not have perfect citizenship papers? Does it include the gig worker who can’t put food on the table and who’s struggling, who doesn’t feel seen in American politics, and perhaps even in our politics—or people from the same experience? Does it include the woman who wants the right to control her own body and not to have someone else tell her what her health care decisions should be? Does it include people who may think differently than us?

This is where I want to make a desperate plea to folks who are thinking about the American election in Canada today. I want to invite us to consider no one’s political supporters as garbage, no one’s political supporters as deplorables. I want us to try to move past the toxic vitriol that politics has become, not just in the United States and our country, but around the world, because the young people who are here in the gallery today, the elders who gave us our democracy, expect better. We can fight for better, and we can organize for better. We can demand better. That’s my message for today.

Flu and COVID-19 immunization

Mr. Billy Pang: As we enter respiratory illness season, I urge the people of Ontario to protect themselves and their loved ones by staying up to date with vaccinations.

This year, flu and COVID-19 shots are widely available across the province to support our health and reduce strains on hospitals.

Recently, I visited Unionville Guardian Pharmacy to receive both my flu and COVID-19 shots. The process was safe and convenient—showing how easy it is for all Ontarians to protect themselves this season.

I want to emphasize the importance of vaccinating, as it not only safeguards each of us but also helps protect those unable to be immunized, making our communities healthier and stronger.

Taking these simple steps means we can reduce unnecessary visits to hospitals and lessen the load on our health care system, keeping Ontario healthier and better prepared.

Thank you to everyone for prioritizing their health, and to our pharmacies, health care providers and public health partners for making vaccinations accessible throughout the province.

Let us all do our

part in ensuring a safe and healthy Ontario for ourselves, our families and our communities.

Affordable housing

Ms. Bhutila Karpoche: The Ford Conservatives have been in power for six years, and the housing crisis is out of control. The government’s own Housing Affordability Task Force said that Ontario needs 1.5 million homes in the next 10 years; that’s 150,000 new homes that need to be built every year. The Ford government failed to meet the target, so they lowered it to 125,000 homes a year. They failed to meet even that adjusted target, so they lowered it again, to 88,000 homes. Now we learn that the target has been lowered again, to about 81,000 homes—far below the original goal set by the task force and the adjusted lower targets they set for themselves.

The only type of housing that is increasing dramatically is encampments. There are over 1,400 encampments in Ontario. According to the Ford government’s own numbers, there are over 234,000 unhoused people.

Can the Premier tell Ontarians how confident he is that his government will hit the three-times-adjusted lower target?

Take a moment to think about it, because we will hold you accountable come election time—and we know that the Premier is preparing for a snap election.

Why should the people of this province give you another four years when you have done nothing in six?

Remembrance Day

Mr. Steve Pinsonneault: As we approach Remembrance Day, I rise to honour the courageous men and women who have served and continue to serve Canada and to recognize the ongoing efforts in my riding of Lambton–Kent–Middlesex to keep their memory alive.

Today, I want to recognize a special initiative in my hometown of Thamesville, led by Darren Carther, a firefighter, Legion member and a long-time friend to many in our community. Darren has created a powerful video projection display in the town hall to honour local veterans. This touching tribute, presented in collaboration with Thamesville Legion Branch 367, includes heartfelt images of Thamesville veterans, each with their name and rank. This display, which will run every night until Remembrance Day, serves as a reminder of the legacy of those who served and those who will continue to serve our country.

I’m also proud to acknowledge the beautiful work being done in Strathroy-Caradoc, where I attended the recent unveiling of their Poppy Project. Led by Museum Strathroy-Caradoc, with support from local Legion branches, this initiative commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Strathroy cenotaph. With the help of countless community members who donated over 10,000 knitted and crocheted poppies, the installation, displayed until November 11, now cascades down Strathroy town hall and fills dedicated space at the Caradoc cenotaph in Mount Brydges.

Mr. Speaker, it is initiatives like Darren’s video tribute and the Poppy Project in Strathroy that help educate young people about the significance of service and sacrifice. In today’s world, where these stories are less frequently taught, our veterans’ legacies must be passed on, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.

I would also like to acknowledge the role of our local Legions in Lambton–Kent–Middlesex, who serve veterans and their families year-round. Through their annual poppy campaign, they fund essential programs that directly support those who have sacrificed so much for Canada.

This Remembrance Day, let us remember to honour, support and reflect on the courage and resilience of our veterans. Together, we can ensure their legacy endures for future generations.

Riding of Don Valley West

Ms. Stephanie Bowman: Don Valley West is home to terrific neighbourhoods and active community groups.

Recently, I attended the Leaside Sports Hall of Fame, which honours local residents who have made an impact in sport—this year, it was Olympic gymnast Cassie Lee, who made us so proud at the Summer Olympic Games; Leaside High School’s varsity girls hockey team; Phillip Francis; and the late, great Pete Conacher. Congrats to the award recipients, and thanks to the volunteers who put on this great event every year.

But there are challenges in Don Valley West too.

Almost 30,000 people, 29% of my constituents, don’t have a family doctor—that’s even more than the 28% in the Premier’s riding who don’t have a family doctor. While they wait for a provider for primary care, people like Amal wait long hours in the ER—with his screaming-in-pain toddler. Too bad this government has given people a map to the nearest booze outlet when what they need is a government that gives them primary care.

Then, there are the infrastructure issues. On Halloween night, Thorncliffe Park residents had no power for eight hours and were the last to have their power restored. In the summer, Leaside residents’ homes were flooded.

We need a government that fixes these serious issues people face every day instead of one focused on booze and deal after deal to help their insider friends.

Hate crimes / Ukrainian Remembrance Day ceremony

Mr. Sheref Sabawy: Many of us have seen the videos, over the weekend, of a violent attack against worshippers at a Hindu temple in Peel region.

Unfortunately, in the past year, we have seen too many incidents of hate, violence and vandalism against religious institutions and places of worship. Religious intolerance, including anti-Semitic, Islamophobic and anti-Christian rhetoric, is on the rise.

At Merciful Redeemer Catholic parish in my riding of Mississauga–Erin Mills, there have been multiple incidents of vandalism over the past year—three times in two months.

At Qasimul Uloom Islamic centre in Streetsville, there was also an incident of vandalism.

In Ontario, we respect the right to protest and express disagreements, but we don’t tolerate violent acts of hatred and intolerance. It’s very simple: “No tolerance for intolerance.”

We must stand firm in supporting religious freedoms for all Canadians.

This weekend, I also attended the Ukrainian Remembrance Day ceremony with the member for Etobicoke Centre. It was a solemn moment of reflection, and I was honoured to attend. Thousands of Ukrainians served as members of the Canadian Armed Forces during the Second World War, including at the historic Battle of Normandy. Many sacrificed their lives and are buried there for our freedom.

My bill, Bill 215, the Ukrainian Heritage Month Act, would, if passed, provide opportunities to reflect on and celebrate the contributions of Ukrainian Canadians to our Canadian multicultural fabric. I’m looking forward to discussing it further on November 27.

Remembrance Day

Mr. David Smith: I rise today to honour the solemn occasion of Remembrance Day and to pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our country and the world. This day holds profound personal significance, reminding us of the courage, resilience and dedication of Canada’s Armed Forces past and present.

In Ontario, we join Canadians from coast to coast to coast in wearing the poppy and standing in silence to remember those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today. These heroes’ bravery and commitment inspire us, underscoring the values of peace, freedom and sacrifice that define our nation.

I would like to acknowledge Royal Canadian Legion Branch 617, which plays a vital role in the riding of Scarborough Centre, supporting veterans, preserving their legacy, and fostering a sense of community. I’d like to extend my gratitude to Debbie Chafe, president of Branch 617, and her team for their unwavering commitment to our veterans and their families.

As we honour their sacrifices, let us also commit to ensuring their stories and legacies live on for the future generation. Lest we forget.

Introduction of Visitors

Hon. Kevin Holland: I’ve got a few guests here in the House today.

First of all, I’d like to welcome Florin Pendea, representing Lakehead University.

As well, I’d like to welcome my good friends the mayor of Red Lake, Fred Mota, and Henry Wall from the Kenora DSSAB.

Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Miss Monique Taylor: I would like to welcome the Ontario Autism Coalition, who are here today—Kate Dudley-Logue, Bruce McIntosh, Ashley Ferreira, and Benjamin Schifman. They’re joined by Jenny Tozer, the mother of 18-year-old Logan, who went missing in the town of Havelock just recently—thankfully, brought home safely.

I would also like to welcome Charlise Hillen, who is a former page and the daughter of my executive assistant. She’s here today for Take Our Kids to Work Day.

Welcome to Queen’s Park, everybody.

Ms. Aislinn Clancy: Today is Take Our Kids to Work Day, and so my daughter, Zidra, and her friend Skyler are here to visit us.

Hon. Nina Tangri: I would like to welcome my constituency office executive assistant, who’s joined by her daughter Nina Kang, who is a wonderful, great volunteer as well.

Kam Sandhu, Nina Kang, welcome to your House.

Ms. Bhutila Karpoche: I would like to give a very warm welcome to OCUFA, who are here today at Queen’s Park. I want to recognize my good friend and executive director—or maybe CEO; I forget the title—Jenny Ahn. Welcome.

Ms. Bobbi Ann Brady: It is my pleasure to introduce to the House today my very best friend and partner, Sergeant Brad Adams, and his very fine nephew Colby Adams, who is here with me today for Take Our Kids to Work Day.

Welcome to the House.

Hon. Jill Dunlop: I, too, have a guest here for Take Our Kids to Work Day: Kaia McKay. Kaia is the daughter of Edyta McKay, my executive adviser.

Welcome to all the students who are here visiting us on Take Our Kids to Work Day.

Mr. Joel Harden: Joining the welcome to folks from OCUFA—it’s nice to see you here today.

Kate Dudley-Logue, it’s nice to see you here today.

Nothing happens in Ottawa Centre, in our office, without the great Erica Braunovan, executive assistant, who is here today with her daughters Ashena and Shania.

Thank you, girls, for your sacrifice in bringing your mom to our team.

Mrs. Karen McCrimmon: It’s my pleasure to also welcome the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations to the Legislature today. I’d like to introduce the president, Nigmendra Narain; the president-elect, Rob Kristofferson; the amazing executive director, Jenny Ahn; Mayurika Chakravorty from the Carleton University Academic Staff Association; Tyler Chamberlin from the University of Ottawa, and OCUFA treasurer; and Anna Zalik from the York University Faculty Association.

Welcome to your House.

Mr. Robert Bailey: I’ve got a couple of introductions I’d like to do today: June McCarthy, who is the page captain today; her father, Sean; and her grandfather Brian. They’re here in the gallery today.

Welcome to Queen’s Park, and congratulations on your daughter’s and granddaughter’s service.

MPP Jamie West: [ Inaudible ] the House—I want to particularly introduce Fabrice Colin from the Laurentian University Faculty Association.

Bonjour, mon frère.

Mr. Mike Schreiner: I too would like to welcome all OCUFA members to Queen’s Park today, with a special shout-out to Helen Booker from the University of Guelph.

Hon. Nolan Quinn: I have a few introductions.

First and foremost, I’d like to welcome OCUFA here today. I’m looking forward to our meeting this afternoon.

On Take Our Kids to Work Day, I’m actually taking my parents to work. My mother, Karen, and Frank Quinn are here today to see.

Mrs. Jennifer (Jennie) Stevens: I also would like to introduce the members from OCUFA, especially the faculty from Brock University.

Welcome to your House. I’m looking forward to our meeting this afternoon.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): If there are no objections, I’d like to continue with introduction of visitors.

Ms. Mary-Margaret McMahon: I’d like to introduce a young woman named terrific Tess Disturnal, who’s here to learn about legislative affairs. She’s accompanied by my dynamite daughter, Rebecca McMahon—who is much older than grade 9.

Welcome to your House.

Mr. Deepak Anand: I’d like to introduce Deborah Flint, the president and CEO of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, and the rest of the crew, who are here to showcase their major expansion.

Please join us in reception room 228 at noon.

MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam: I’d also like to add my voice and welcome to OCUFA. In particular, I see my dear friend Jenny Ahn, the president of the organization, as well as a dear family friend, Kimiko Inouye.

Mr. Kaleed Rasheed: Today is Take Our Kids to Work Day, and I would like to welcome my daughter Mariam Rasheed and her friend Sara Al-Dawood. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Hon. Graham McGregor: Coming today to Queen’s Park to talk about auto theft is the CAA delegation. We’ve got Marrianne Bridge, the board chair; board member Quentin Broad; two senior vice-presidents, Shoshana Fruitman and Anita Mueller; and president of CAA insurance, Matthew Turack. Elliott Silverstein is here as well.

Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Mr. Chris Glover: I’d to welcome to the House Bianca Mehrotra, a political science student at Innis College, my alma mater. She’s going to be shadowing me this year and learning about how this place works.

Mr. Stephen Blais: I, too, would like to welcome the members from OCUFA—but also welcome Blair Ostrom from the Greater Toronto Airports Authority. I look forward to having a chat with you later this afternoon.

Hon. Charmaine A. Williams: Today is Take Our Kids to Work Day, so I brought my daughter number two, Nayomi Bailey, to the House to shadow me today.

Mr. Terence Kernaghan: It also gives me great pleasure to welcome individuals from OCUFA, including Amanda Di Ponio, Ozden Sungur, Ben Muller, Nig Narain, and Johanna Weststar.

Welcome to the people’s House. I look forward to our meeting.

Hon. Doug Downey: I’m pleased to note that Elliot Nahshony is the page captain today. His father, Sam, is here with us, and his mother, Efrat Nahshony, is watching on TV.

MPP Lise Vaugeois: I have a few welcomes.

First, I’d like to welcome Noah Freedman, wildfire crew leader and incident commander, and Mark Belanger, veteran wildfire incident commander and safety officer, representing wildland firefighters.

Thank you and welcome.

Mr. Ross Romano: I would like to offer my congratulations and happy birthday wishes, on behalf of our entire caucus, to Minister Stephen Crawford.

Happy birthday, sir.

Ms. Peggy Sattler: I would like to extend a very warm welcome to London West constituent Nig Narain, who is also the president of OCUFA and who is here today with members of faculty associations from across Ontario.

Welcome to Queen’s Park. I hope all MPPs are taking advantage of the opportunity to meet with you today.

Mr. Anthony Leardi: On behalf of the whole PC caucus, I am pleased to welcome members of the Scleroderma Society of Ontario who have joined us today, including the president, Jennifer Botelho; board members Maureen Sauvé and Scott Heard; the executive director, John Malcolmson; and staff members Karol Bedoya-Carvajal and Kylie Wolfenden.

Welcome to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

Ms. Sandy Shaw: I also would like to welcome to the House Ryan Ladner with OCUFA and Wilfrid Laurier, and Rob Kristofferson, a constituent. Thank you very much for being here today.

MPP Lise Vaugeois: I would also like to welcome members of the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations: Florin Pendea from Lakehead University, Fabrice Colin from Laurentian University, and Darrel Manitowabi from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. I look forward to meeting with you later.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): That concludes our introduction of visitors for this morning.

Consideration of Bill Pr55

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I beg to inform the House that, pursuant to standing order 89(a), the Clerk has received a written request that Bill Pr55,

An Act respecting Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries, be referred to the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs.

The order for second reading of the bill is therefore discharged and the bill is deemed referred to the committee.

Question Period

Government accountability

Ms. Marit Stiles: This question is for the Premier.

After six long years, we all know how this government works. The Premier cuts deals, insiders cash in, and the people of Ontario are stuck paying the price.

Fresh reports from the Narwhal tell a familiar story of missing records, interference from the Premier’s office—and a familiar name when the Premier needs to apparently get something done: Ryan Amato. It turns out that Mr. Amato, the same staffer who was passing brown envelopes from lobbyists and government members to sell off the greenbelt, was also involved with another scandal-ridden government project: Highway 413 and the Bradford Bypass. So my question is, what role did the Premier have in the rerouting of these routes?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): To reply, I recognize the Minister of Transportation.

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: Our intention couldn’t be more clear with the 413 and the Bradford Bypass: We’re going to build both highways, and we’re going to continue to build Ontario.

Let me give that member, the Leader of the Opposition, a bit of a history check here. What happened on June 2, 2022? Let me remind you: Your members and your party opposed the building of the 413. And what did that result in? You lost every single seat in Peel region. You lost three members.

It’s about time you and the Liberals get on board and support building highways across this province, because we need to get people moving. The people of this province spoke loud and clear about their need and desire to see this province move forward with those highway projects. Nothing will stop us from moving forward and getting those highways built.

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

Ms. Marit Stiles: That was a lot.

Before he became a key figure in the greenbelt scandal, Ryan Amato worked as a senior staffer for the Ministry of Transportation. Records show—and there are very few records; I’ll get to that later—that Mr. Amato refers to directions coming directly from the Premier to him to explore the rerouting of the Bradford Bypass. I’m going to quote something that Mr. Amato wrote: “He wants to know the cost of moving it further north,” said Mr. Amato—and that “He” is the Premier.

So I want to go back to the Premier again. Can the Premier clarify what direction he gave Mr. Amato about rerouting the Bradford Bypass, and why?

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: Mr. Speaker, this government is following the direction of the people of this province, who elected us on June 2, 2022, with a historic majority mandate to build highways. Which highways? The Bradford Bypass and Highway 413, which the Liberals and NDP continue to oppose.

I ask that member, the Leader of the Opposition, to come to our communities in York region and Peel region and Brampton and Mississauga to see the gridlock first-hand.

The NDP don’t want anything built in this province. Whether it’s supporting public transit; whether it’s supporting and making sure we are building the highways that we need, whether it be the 413, the Bradford Bypass, or supporting Highways 11 and 17—they want to stop every single one of our projects. They want to build roadblocks against every single one of our projects.

We have a message for the NDP and Liberals: We’re going to get shovels in the ground in every single one of those projects, and nothing will stop this government.

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

Ms. Marit Stiles: Speaker, I’ve got to tell you, it seems impossible that with a massive project like this, there would be so few records at the Ministry of Transportation that are related to what they consider one of their signature highway projects. The limited records we do have show that Mr. Amato emailed the Ministry of Transportation bureaucrats, asking about the cost of rerouting the Bradford Bypass at the Premier’s direct request, and then, nothing—nothing. No more paper trail, no more emails, no more notes—it just all disappears magically.

You would expect to see, at the very least, I’m going to say, some kind of follow-up after a request directly from the Premier. But, strangely, the trail ends there.

So my question, again, to the Premier is, where are the records?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members will take their seats, please.

Minister of Transportation.

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: The 413 and Bradford Bypass have been discussed for 20-plus years. We’ve got studies on the books from 20 years ago—environmental assessments, public consultations.

But here’s the difference: Whether it be the Liberals or the NDP—the Liberals who didn’t do anything for 15 years. The reason we’re in such gridlock today is because they opposed every one of our projects, didn’t build public transit, highways. The NDP are no different. They don’t want anything built. They just want studies and consultation. That’s the difference between our government, Premier Ford and the PCs—we get things done, Mr. Speaker. We get shovels in the ground. Whether that’s Highway 413, Highway 7, the Bradford Bypass, or public transit across this province, we’re building.

We’re building for the future. We’re building for the next 10, 20, 50 years—a vision that the NDP and Liberals just don’t have, because they don’t want anything built in the province. They want to oppose every single one of our projects. They want to oppose public transport that moves 400,000 people a day, with the Ontario Line. They want to oppose the 413 that saves people 35 minutes—

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

Stop the clock.

I hesitate to interrupt question period, but this pattern continues, where members don’t make their comments through the Chair.

I am going to remind the Minister of Transportation to make his comments through the Chair when he is responding to questions. Thank you.

Start the clock.

The next question.

Government accountability

Ms. Marit Stiles: I’m not getting clear answers—and not from the Premier, clearly—so I’d like to ask the minister responsible at the time if she can shed some light. This question, then, is for the President of the Treasury Board.

Despite his senior role in the Minister of Transportation’s office, the Narwhal reports that there are very few records of Mr. Amato’s work on Highway 413 or the Bradford Bypass, including route changes. It’s almost like he was a ghost.

We’ve seen this happen before, Speaker. In her report on the greenbelt, the Auditor General revealed a pattern of Conservative staff working on the greenbelt file deleting emails and using personal email accounts to get around the rules.

So my question to the minister is, did government or ministry staff, under your watch, delete emails related to work on these highways?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Again, I’ll remind the members to make their comments through the Chair—I remind the Leader of the Opposition.

The response, Minister of Transportation.

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: Mr. Speaker, the people of this province have spoken loud and clear on these projects, whether it’s the Bradford Bypass or Highway 413.

We won every seat in Brampton—three that were held by the NDP. We won every seat in Mississauga. We are winning seats across this province that we never had because of our vision to build this province—whether that’s in Windsor and building highways in Windsor or the investments that we’re seeking in Windsor; whether that’s in Peel region; whether that’s up north or in Waterloo, where we’re building Highway 7.

This is a government committed to building highways—$27 billion over the next 10 years.

Public transit—$70 billion over the next 10 years. And guess what? The NDP and Liberals have opposed those investments every step of the way. Every LRT project, every subway project this government has put forward, they have opposed, and that’s a shame, Mr. Speaker—because this government will continue to get it done.

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

Ms. Marit Stiles: Speaker, let’s recap: In his role at the Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Amato would have been in very close contact with anyone impacted by the changes to the highway route, but there are no records of these interactions. He would have been in contact with powerful landowners who would later find themselves benefiting from preferential treatment from this government. The Toronto Star and the National Observer have all reported that a large number of these same landowners are friends of the Premier or donors to the Conservative Party. Some of these same people stood to gain from the greenbelt carve-up.

My question is, again, back to the President of the Treasury Board: Was she aware that the Premier made requests to her staff in her office to reroute the Bradford Bypass?

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: Mr. Speaker, the Premier has been clear. The people have been clear on this project. We took these projects to the people of this province—whether it be the Bradford Bypass, Highway 413, Highway 7, or projects across Ontario—and guess what? We got a resounding response from people, a historic mandate from the people.

I think the NDP should ask themselves what benefit they get from opposing these projects.

There’s a reason construction workers are leaving your party in droves and joining the PC coalition, under the leadership of Premier Ford and the Minister of Labour. There’s a reason you are losing historic support. It’s because you don’t have a vision. You don’t want to build. You want to do exactly what the Liberals did for the last 15 years, which was build absolutely nothing in this province, and that’s a shame.

This government will stand up for workers, good-paying jobs, and will make sure we get transit and highways built in this province.

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

Again, I hesitate to interrupt, but this continues.

I’m going to ask the Minister of Transportation to make his comments through the Chair. I’m going to ask all the members to make their comments through the Chair. If they don’t, I’m going to stand up and interrupt either their question or their reply and remind them in the middle of their question or their reply. This is a Parliament. We make our comments through the Chair.

I apologize to the Leader of the Opposition.

Start the clock.

Final supplementary.

Ms. Marit Stiles: Speaker, do you know what the people of Ontario didn’t vote for? They didn’t vote for a government so deeply—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock. The government side will come to order.

Start the clock. The Leader of the Opposition has the floor.

Ms. Marit Stiles: Again, I’ll tell you what the people of Ontario didn’t vote for: They did not vote for a government that is so focused on making deals for their insider friends that the people of Ontario are left behind every single time.

You should be ashamed of yourselves.

Does anyone—anyone—in this government know what is happening in their own ministries, Speaker?

Here’s what I’m seeing: Time and time again, the Premier cuts deals, insiders cash in, and the people of Ontario are stuck paying the price.

Was this another signature attempt to make a few of the Premier’s insider friends rich while Ontarians are left holding the bag?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The government House leader will come to order. Members will take their seats.

To reply, the Minister of Transportation.

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: I’ll tell you who the people of this province voted for and what they voted for—

Interjections.

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

I’m going to call the Minister of Transportation to order. You have to make your comments through the Chair.

Start the clock.

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: Through you, Mr. Speaker: Let me tell you what the people of this province voted for. They voted for a government that believes in building Ontario. They voted for a government that wants to build highways. They voted for a government that wants to build public transportation, not a government or an opposition that has no vision for this province, that calls projects “fantasy projects”—projects that they doubted every step of the way and which we have shovels in the ground on, whether that be the Ontario Line, whether that be the Bradford Bypass or Highway 413.

I have a message for the Liberals and NDP: Nothing will stop us from building in this province. Nothing will stop us from building Highway 413, the Bradford Bypass and Highway 7. We will continue to leave a legacy of building infrastructure in this province. That is exactly what we’re going to do. We’re going to get it done.

University and college funding

Ms. Peggy Sattler: My question is to the Premier.

Speaker, this government’s failure to ensure the financial stability of Ontario’s post-secondary sector is putting our province’s future at risk. Students can’t thrive, our economy can’t thrive, our communities can’t thrive when our post-secondary institutions are underfunded year after year after year. Almost half of Ontario universities are facing deficits this year. Colleges and universities are bracing for the impact of a multi-billion dollar loss of international student tuition, which is going to mean program closures, cuts to student services, staff layoffs.

Speaker, does this government understand what is at stake when it refuses to properly fund our post-secondary system?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Minister of Colleges and Universities.

Hon. Nolan Quinn: Speaker, that’s why our government made a historic investment of $1.3 billion earlier this year to stabilize and modernize Ontario’s post-secondary sector. We did not stop there.

As a small business owner—as well as working and volunteering in the not-for-profit sector—I know that any business or organization can always find ways to be more efficient.

That’s why we launched the Efficiency and Accountability Fund—so that our public colleges and universities can undergo third-party reviews, to identify institutions where they can drive long-term savings, for positive outcomes for the students and for the communities they serve. The response to this fund has been overwhelming. Schools right across this province, including those with very strong financial stability, have asked to be part of this great initiative.

Our schools understand that the opposition refuses to acknowledge that the solution to long-term sustainability and success is not always found by throwing taxpayer dollars at the system.

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

Ms. Peggy Sattler: Speaker, you’re not going to fix a $2.5-billion shortfall with efficiency reviews; I’m sorry.

One year ago, this government’s own panel of experts said $2.5 billion was urgently needed just to keep the sector afloat—and that was before the changes to international study permits. This government’s response? Half of what the panel called for, with nothing to address the loss of international student tuition.

For decades, Speaker, Ontario has had the lowest per student funding in Canada and has happily allowed international student tuition dollars to fill the gap in public funding. Instead of pointing fingers at the federal government, why is this Premier refusing to accept its basic responsibility to properly fund our colleges and universities?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members will take their seats.

Minister of Colleges and Universities.

Hon. Nolan Quinn: Part of that $1.3 billion was $903 million of the Postsecondary Education Sustainability Fund, Speaker—$700 million went, over three years, across the board to all institutions. On top of that, we also have a $203-million fund that allows institutions that are in larger financial need to be able to be financially stable.

Speaker, 20% of our colleges and universities received a 15% increase over last year’s base funding; on top of that, 22% of our institutions received a 10% increase.

We are fiscally managing the situation, and through this targeted approach, the ministry will be providing significant financial support where it’s needed the most in the sector.

As the member opposite spoke about tuition, Speaker, I think something for the people watching at home—under the NDP government, tuition went up 36% while inflation was only 13%; under the previous Liberal government, tuition went up 77% when inflation was only 29%.

Energy policies

M me Dawn Gallagher Murphy: My question is for the Minister of Energy and Electrification.

The previous Liberal government damaged Ontario’s energy system. Under their watch, electricity rates skyrocketed, increasing by 300%. These out-of-control prices made it harder for Ontario families to get by and for businesses to thrive.

Speaker, our government must be focused on reversing this damage. That’s why it is critical that we demonstrate leadership and ensure that Ontario families and businesses have access to affordable energy.

Can the minister please explain how our government’s reforms, including the Affordable Energy Act, will lower energy costs for new homeowners and promote economic growth?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The parliamentary assistant and member for Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke.

Mr. John Yakabuski: Thank you to the member for Newmarket–Aurora.

Speaker, the previous Liberal government’s costly energy experiments placed an unfair burden on Ontario families. They signed long-term energy contracts at prices up to 10 times the market rate, and families bore the brunt of these expensive experiments.

Our government is taking a different approach—one that prioritizes affordability. Through the Affordable Energy Act, we are extending the amortization period for energy infrastructure from 25 to 40 years, which will lower the cost to homeowners. This reform will save families thousands of dollars in connection fees, making home ownership more affordable. Additionally, this modernized framework ensures that businesses can expand without the excessive costs they faced under the Liberals’ failed policies. These reforms are a key part of our strategy to build an energy system that works for everyone—not one based on ideology.

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

M me Dawn Gallagher Murphy: Clean, reliable and affordable energy is essential for a strong economy.

Unfortunately, the previous Liberal government’s policies increased costs for families and businesses in the province and drove away investment. Under the Liberals, Ontario lost 300,000 manufacturing jobs, and businesses faced some of the highest industrial electricity rates in North America, which harmed our competitiveness.

In contrast, our government must build for the future, with a focus on keeping energy rates affordable.

Speaker, could the parliamentary assistant explain how the Affordable Energy Act will address Ontario’s growing energy demand while keeping costs down for families and businesses in the riding of Newmarket–Aurora, and beyond?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): To reply, the parliamentary assistant and member for Mississauga–Lakeshore.

Mr. Rudy Cuzzetto: I want to thank the member for that question.

Speaker, the Affordable Energy Act is about Ontario’s future. Energy demand is expected to increase by 75% by 2050.

Unlike the Liberals’ failed approach, which left us with high bills and unreliable power, our plan is focused on affordable solutions. Expanding nuclear energy, which currently provides over 50% of Ontario’s electricity, is central to our strategy to providing reliable, affordable energy. It is emission-free, and the Ontario Energy Board confirms it is one of the lowest-cost sources of power—cheaper than wind or solar.

Our government has created 860,000 jobs and attracted $45 billion in EV and auto investment.

Affordable, reliable energy is key to attracting investment and ensuring a prosperous future for Ontario, without repeating the costly Liberal mistakes of the past.

Government accountability

Mr. Chris Glover: To the Premier: This government closed ServiceOntario sites run by Ontario business owners and handed them over to Walmart and Staples. They’re handing over LCBO sales and revenue to Circle K and 7-Eleven.

Yesterday, we saw the 34 bids submitted to redevelop Ontario Place, including many from Ontario entrepreneurs and businesses. But instead of showcasing Ontario ingenuity, this government chose to hand over Ontario Place’s parkland for free, with a $1.5-billion subsidy to Austrian and American corporations.

My question is, why does this Conservative government continually shun Ontario entrepreneurs?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): To respond, the Minister of Infrastructure.

Hon. Kinga Surma: Again, I will respect the process of the Integrity Commissioner.

But, Mr. Speaker, I would be more than happy to speak in this House about the progress that we’re making on the Peel Memorial phase 2 redevelopment in Brampton. We issued the RFP recently. This new hospital will be serving Bramptonians.

Let’s talk about the Grandview Children’s Treatment Centre in Durham region—the construction was completed in early October.

So while the members opposite will be busy protesting and filing complaints, this government will focus on building Ontario and providing the services that are important to the people of Ontario.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary question. The member for Parkdale–High Park.

Ms. Bhutila Karpoche: The CEO of Infrastructure Ontario admitted that all applicants were not told that the government would pay for the on-site parking at Ontario Place, at a cost of $650 million of taxpayer money. Now that we have seen the list, we know that all applicants did not receive the information.

So my question to the minister is, why did the Conservatives give Therme preferential treatment?

Hon. Kinga Surma: The members opposite can spend all day disrespecting the Integrity Commissioner’s office, but I will not.

What I will do is talk about, for example, the Michael Garron Hospital and the brand new patient tower that we are building. They are going to serve hundreds and thousands of constituents in Toronto.

Let’s talk about the Mount Sinai Hospital redevelopment, which I had the privilege of touring this summer, which will also serve and provide health care to hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of constituents.

While they don’t know what’s important to the people of Ontario, this side of the House does, Mr. Speaker, and we will continue to build this province and improve health care across the province of Ontario.

Transportation infrastructure

Ms. Christine Hogarth: My question is for the Minister of Transportation.

As we know, our population is rapidly growing, and it’s important that we have the transportation infrastructure needed to keep up with the people. We need to keep our people moving in our communities all across the province.

Families in my riding of Etobicoke–Lakeshore tell me every day that they are so tired of bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Whether it’s going to a medical appointment, dropping off their kids at school or extracurricular activities, or just driving home to see their families, gridlock is making life harder.

The previous Liberal government knew there was a need to build our future, but they sat by as the problems got worse.

We can’t afford to wait any longer for new roads and highways, and—I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the voices of the riding of Etobicoke–Lakeshore—removing those bike lanes on Bloor Street.

Speaker, can the minister please share how our government is building highways for the future?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Parliamentary assistant, the member for Hastings–Lennox and Addington.

Mr. Ric Bresee: Because of this Premier’s strong leadership, our government is focused on getting people out of gridlock.

That’s why the Minister of Transportation introduced the Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, which will allow 24/7 construction on our priority highway projects. This new legislation, if passed, will designate priority highway projects so that we can build faster and keep people moving. Priority highway projects mean faster construction and less time for commuters stuck in traffic, and more time for them to spend with their family. We are reducing gridlock, not removing traffic lanes.

We know that after 15 years of Liberal inaction and endless gridlock, Ontarians need relief. By cutting red tape and streamlining the construction process, we’re building faster. After 15 years of Liberal inaction, we can’t afford to wait any longer, Speaker. We need to build.

Under the leadership of this Premier and this Minister of Transportation, we are building Ontario.

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

Ms. Christine Hogarth: We know that the Liberals don’t want to see transit built in Ontario. They voted against it every time. Their leader, Bonnie Crombie, is on record saying that she never supported the 413. And she certainly doesn’t support the concerns of the people in Etobicoke–Lakeshore.

The people of Ontario deserve better. They are tired of spending valuable time in traffic, instead of at home with their loved ones. People want common-sense solutions that make their lives easier.

Our government must do everything they can to build highways faster and get drivers out of gridlock and get them where they need to go.

Can the minister please outline how this legislation will benefit our highway projects and get people home to their loved ones quicker?

Mr. Ric Bresee: Thank you to the amazing member from Etobicoke–Lakeshore for all of her advocacy.

By designating priority highway projects, such as the Bradford Bypass and Highway 413, we can build faster and avoid construction delays. Ontarians are already seeing the benefit of 24-hour construction.

Under our plan to tackle gridlock, we’ve accelerated construction of the Gardiner Expressway. The Gardiner’s accelerated timeline is now four months ahead of schedule.

Speaker, it’s clear that the status quo approach from the NDP and the Liberals simply will not tackle the gridlock crisis.

Tearing down highways and removing car lanes only makes gridlock worse.

Speaker, we’re the only party with a serious plan to build and get construction projects done faster.

Forest firefighting

MPP Lise Vaugeois: Working without protective equipment, wildland firefighters, treated by this government as second-class first responders, are exposed to life-threatening levels of toxins 16 hours a day for six months, all while working and sleeping in carcinogen-saturated uniforms. It is critical to recognize their level of exposure by counting fire seasons as full years of service. The minister claims to have done this, yet it is not in the latest Working for Workers act.

Can the minister please explain why the government voted against the NDP’s amendment to count a single fire season as a full year of service?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The parliamentary assistant and member for Ajax.

Ms. Patrice Barnes: Through you, Speaker: We did what the previous Liberal government did not do in 15 years of service. We included wildland firefighters in the same presumptive WSIB coverage for occupational cancers and heart injuries as municipal firefighters, because they earned it.

Bill 190, Working for Workers Five, passed last week, with unanimous support from the NDP and Liberals—to centre supports for our front-line firefighter heroes. Within that committee, we recognized that already our Ministry of Natural Resources does recognize the season as a year. We committed to Mr. Freedman in that committee that we will examine what is being looked at under WSIB, and we continue to work with WSIB to clarify this issue.

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

Mr. Guy Bourgouin: Last spring, the Minister of Labour promised to change the classification of wildland firefighters, to get them the protections and pay they deserve, and yet, now he says that only the Treasury Board minister has the power to make these changes.

Speaker, these wildland firefighters don’t need excuses. They need protection and results.

Minister, will you uphold your commitment to reclassify these workers and make a single fire season count as a full year of service, as they deserve?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members will take their seats.

The Minister of Natural Resources will reply.

Hon. Graydon Smith: As the organizational review of firefighter classification by the OPS is under way, it would be inappropriate to comment further. But we have heard comments from the PA of labour this morning on the expanded presumptive coverage piece.

Mr. Speaker, what I want to talk about is how we’ve invested in wildland firefighters in Ontario. The opposition and the Liberals did not increase the budget to $135 million, a 92% increase; we did. The opposition Liberals did not put $5,000 in the pockets of wildland firefighters in Ontario and other support workers within AFFES; we did. The opposition Liberals and the NDP did not make sure that on-standby and on-call entitlements were put into action; we did. They also did not create 100 new FTEs in the last years; we did.

Mr. Speaker, we have been behind our fire rangers all the time, all the way. We will continue to be there—

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

The next question.

Health care

Mrs. Karen McCrimmon: Speaker, what is it going to take to make this government take the family doctor crisis seriously? This government is failing Ontarians in every comer of the province.

In the member for Etobicoke–Lakeshore’s riding, 21,000 people do not have a family doctor. And in the member for Mississauga–Erin Mills’s riding, 23,000 people do not have a family doctor.

This government is willing to borrow $3 billion for a pre-election giveaway, but they won’t spend a third of that amount so that every Ontarian can have a family doctor. So it’s quite clear we can afford better health care. This government doesn’t want to invest in the people of Ontario. They just want to invest in the next election.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Government side, come to order.

Mrs. Karen McCrimmon: Ontarians want family doctors, so I’d like to ask the Premier, why doesn’t his government?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: Speaker, the member opposite can have her own stories, but she can’t have her own facts, and the facts matter in this.

There is no doubt that our government, under the leadership of Premier Ford, has been investing in primary care in the province of Ontario.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Independent members, come to order. The member for Ottawa South, come to order.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: Speaker, when you have new medical schools that are starting in Brampton, in Scarborough, in Vaughan—

Interjections.

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

I’ll remind the members, if you refuse to respond appropriately to the request of the Speaker to come to order, if I have to speak to you again, you will be warned.

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Ottawa South will come to order.

Start the clock.

The Minister of Health still has the floor.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: Thank you, Speaker. The inconvenience of hearing the truth from our side is getting the opposition upset.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Orléans will come to order. The government House leader will come to order.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: I’m going to continue to remind the members opposite that as we’re expanding medical schools in Brampton, in Scarborough, in York region—the party opposite, when the Liberals were in power, were cutting residencies, Speaker. They were cutting medical spots. We are making the investments so that, for decades to come, those people are going to have opportunities to train and teach and learn in the province of Ontario.

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Don Valley East will come to order.

Supplementary question?

Mrs. Karen McCrimmon: Here are the facts. Here is the truth: 2.5 million Ontarians don’t have a family doctor. And each week, when the cabinet ministers, the most powerful people in this province, meet, they do nothing but accept the status quo—no help for the people of Ontario, not even their own constituents.

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Minister of Colleges and Universities will come to order.

Mrs. Karen McCrimmon: The truth, Mr. Speaker: In Chatham-Kent–Leamington, the Associate Minister of Emergency Preparedness has 31,000 constituents without a family doctor. The Minister of Agriculture, the MPP for Elgin–Middlesex–London, silently accepts that 38,000 of his people don’t have a family doctor. And to top it off, the Minister of Infrastructure does nothing to help the 40,000 people in Etobicoke Centre without a family doctor.

I’d like to ask the Premier, on behalf of all of his cabinet, why do these 109,000 people in just three ridings not deserve a—

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Minister for Red Tape Reduction will come to order.

To reply, the Minister of Health.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: When I see over 300 nurse practitioners practising in the province of Ontario, in multidisciplinary teams—three million Ontario residents who are accessing nurse practitioners in multidisciplinary teams.

But, Speaker, imagine, if you would, that the—

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Don Valley East is warned.

The Minister of Health still has the floor.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: Imagine, Speaker—

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The government House leader is warned. The Minister of Health has the floor, and I want to hear her answer.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: Speaker, imagine if the Liberals, when they were in power, hadn’t cut those 50 residency spots, those medical seats. We would have 300 physicians in the province of Ontario—we would have 300 young people who didn’t have to go overseas to get their medical training. Imagine if they’d actually planned and understood that Ontario’s population was aging and growing. We are making those investments, we will continue to make those investments, and I just hope at some point, when they get an opportunity to vote—

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

The next question.

Veterans

Ms. Laurie Scott: My question is to the Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism.

We all know how much veterans mean to our province. They fought for our freedom and safety, putting their lives on the line. These veterans gave so much to build our communities, and they deserve our respect, not just in words, but in real actions. These actions must respect the dignity of our veterans and honour their contributions to Ontario and Canada.

The Honouring Veterans Act is a chance for us to stand up for our veterans and give them the respect they deserve. Speaker, how will this act ensure that all veterans are honoured and respected for their service and sacrifice to our province and country?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): To reply, the member for Markham–Thornhill and parliamentary assistant.

Mr. Logan Kanapathi: Thank you to my colleague from Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock for that important question.

Veterans played and continue to play a pivotal role in securing our nation’s past and our future.

The Ontario government is proposing changes to the Remembrance Week Act, 2016, that would, if passed, better recognize and honour all veterans, including those who served as well as those who gave their lives. Our government is proud to honour the invaluable contributions of our veterans. In partnership with the Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Provincial Command and local community partners, we will be introducing a new award to recognize and celebrate the significant impact veterans have made to the broader community. This bill will build on our commitment to give veterans the recognition they deserve, including their contributions—

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

The supplementary question?

Ms. Laurie Scott: Thank you to the parliamentary assistant for the great response.

I’m proud to say that family members fought in World War I and World War II for our country. And the current veterans have put their lives on hold, faced dangers and fought for our freedoms, as those before them did.

Today, when they come back home, many veterans face challenges, like finding new jobs or getting the help they need. And we must also recognize the sacrifices of their families.

This new act promises to make life better for veterans. It promises them more support, more opportunities and more recognition.

Can the minister please explain how this act will connect veterans and their families with new opportunities for employment and financial support when they return home?

Mr. Logan Kanapathi: Thank you to my colleague for the supplementary question.

Our government is honouring veterans not only by working to expand provincial recognition, but also by increasing the financial and community support for veterans and opening more career pathways for veterans and military families as well.

The legislative and regulatory changes in this bill, once passed and implemented, would increase financial assistance and improve access to services and benefits for veterans and their families. Veterans have made tremendous sacrifices to make our country and the province what it is today, and we need to be there for veterans when they need us. That’s why we are proposing to increase the amount of funding an eligible individual can receive through the Soldiers’ Aid Commission, and to make it easier for eligible veterans and family members to apply for funding.

This government stands with the brave men and women who serve our country—

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

The next question.

Municipal funding

Mr. John Vanthof: My question is to the Minister of Finance.

This week, there was a tragic incident in Cobalt, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim of the attack and the families involved, and our thanks go to the OPP and the first responders.

Last week, the Minister of Finance talked about the increase in the OMPF funding and what it was going to mean to municipalities. To the municipality of Cobalt, that increase was $16,600, but the increase in the OPP bill to the town of Cobalt is $110,704. If fully transferred—a 15% municipal tax increase.

I will ask the Minister of Finance which basic services he suggests that the municipality of Cobalt and others cut.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): To reply, the Solicitor General.

Hon. Michael S. Kerzner: To my colleague from Timiskaming–Cochrane, I’ll repeat what I’ve said in the House before: We will absolutely listen to our municipalities. This morning, I met with the mayor of Red Lake, who is with us today. I will continue to engage in discussions. We will continue to review the invoices that were sent to the municipalities.

At the end of the day, as I’ve said in the House before, the OPP, which is a flagship police service, second to none in Canada, takes care of almost 75% of the land area. Over 300 municipalities depend on the OPP.

Our government will always prioritize our public safety, and we will work with our municipalities as well.

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

Mr. John Vanthof: Once again, to the Minister of Finance: This government has often said they are proud that they have never increased taxes.

Last year, the municipality of Cobalt had to raise their taxes 13% to provide basic services. This year, they will have to raise their taxes 15% just to cover the OPP bill. We agree they need the OPP. This isn’t about the OPP. This is about the provincial government abdicating their role in municipal services.

When will the province step up to the plate and actually help municipalities, before they actually can no longer provide basic services to their residents?

Hon. Michael S. Kerzner: I’ll repeat it again: We are going to engage our municipalities. We will listen to them.

Two million calls were received by the OPP last year, and the OPP responded to an incredible 1.2 million calls throughout Ontario, throughout the enormous size of Ontario—75% of the land area is protected by the OPP.

People who put on the OPP uniform deserve to be paid a fair wage for the incredible work they do. That’s why our government, under the leadership of Premier Ford, will always listen to the municipalities.

We are reviewing this matter, and we will continue to prioritize our public safety morning, noon and night.

Land use planning

Ms. Bobbi Ann Brady: My question is to the Premier. As he is aware, there is a proposal from Empire Homes to dump a city of 40,000 within one of the province’s largest industrial parks at Nanticoke. This hare-brained idea was tried in the 1970s at Townsend, just down the road from Nanticoke. It was to be a hub, with shops, trails, schools, an athletic centre, a train station. Large swaths of farmland were turned into wide parkways; municipal offices were put in. But it was not the field of dreams. Nobody came. In fact, only 161 hectares of the slated 35,000 were ever developed—one of the largest development failures in the province’s history.

You can imagine I get asked why Empire Homes is not being encouraged to develop where infrastructure already exists and where conflicts with new home buyers and their industrial neighbours can be avoided—and God knows we need to retain those jobs at the Nanticoke industrial park.

The Ontario government continues to hold on to 567 hectares of land at Townsend, and my constituents are curious.

Speaker, through you to the Premier: Could you please inform the people of Haldimand–Norfolk what the plans are for the 567 hectares at Townsend?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): To respond, the Minister of Infrastructure.

Hon. Kinga Surma: Thank you very much for the question. I’d be happy to take this back and sit down with you and meet with you.