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April 16, 2025

44th Parliament, 1st Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcript 2025-Apr-16 (PDF)

L003 - Wed 16 Apr 2025 / Mer 16 avr 2025

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Wednesday 16 April 2025 Mercredi 16 avril 2025

Members’ roll

Leader of the Opposition

Tabling of sessional papers

Orders of the Day

Throne speech debate

Members’ Statements

Cadets

Home Renovation Savings Program

Ajax youth wellness hub

City of Ottawa

Interprovincial trade / Ring of Fire

ProAction Cops & Kids

Highway safety / Sécurité routière

Maple heritage

Canada flag lawn signs

Introduction of Visitors

Independent members

44th Parliament

Question Period

Employment supports

Government contracts

Government accountability

Government accountability

Housing

Government accountability

Interprovincial trade

Public health

Government accountability

Ontario economy

Highway safety

Government spending

Employment supports

Board of Internal Economy

Introduction of Visitors

Introduction of Government Bills

Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, 2025 / Loi de 2025 pour protéger l’Ontario en favorisant le libre-échange au Canada

Introduction of Bills

Robbie’s Legacy Act (Honouring Beloved Organ and Tissue Donors), 2025 / Loi de 2025 sur le legs de Robbie (hommage à nos chers donneurs d’organes et de tissus)

Peter Kormos Memorial Act (Saving Organs to Save Lives), 2025 / Loi de 2025 commémorant Peter Kormos (Sauver des organes pour sauver des vies)

Motions

Appointment of Integrity Commissioner

Petitions

Soins de la vue

Armenian community

University funding

Cancer treatment

Caregivers

Highway safety

Emergency services

Health care

Northern Health Travel Grant

Services de santé mentale

Orders of the Day

Throne speech debate

Appointment of House officers

The House met at 0900.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Good morning, everyone.

Prayers.

Members’ roll

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I beg to inform the House that the Clerk has laid upon the table the roll of members elected at the general election of 2025.

Leader of the Opposition

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I also beg to inform the House that Marit Stiles, member for the electoral district of Davenport, is recognized as the leader of His Majesty’s loyal opposition.

Tabling of sessional papers

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I beg to inform the House that the following documents were tabled since the last sitting of the House:

—a report entitled Ontario School Boards: School Building Condition, Student Capacity and Capital Budgeting, from the Office of the Financial Accountability Officer of Ontario;

—a report entitled ServiceOntario Relocations: Financial Analysis of the Agreement with Staples Canada, from the Office of the Financial Accountability Officer of Ontario;

—a report concerning the Honourable Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure and member of provincial Parliament for Etobicoke Centre, from the Office of the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario;

—a report entitled the Financial Impact of Expanding the Beverage Alcohol Marketplace in Ontario, from the Office of the Financial Accountability Officer of Ontario;

—a special report on the Community-Based Child and Youth Mental Health Program, from the Office of the Auditor General of Ontario;

—a special report on the Safety of Non-Municipal Drinking Water, from the Office of the Auditor General of Ontario; and

—a report entitled Government Spending Trends: 1990 to 2023, from the Office of the Financial Accountability Officer of Ontario.

Orders of the Day

Throne speech debate

Consideration of the speech of Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor at the opening of the session.

Mr. Steve Clark: I move, seconded by the member for Essex, that an humble address be presented to Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor as follows:

To the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario:

We, His Majesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Legislative Assembly of the province of Ontario, now assembled, beg leave to thank Your Honour for the gracious speech Your Honour has been pleased to address to us at the opening of the present session.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Mr. Clark moves, seconded by Mr. Leardi, that an humble address be presented to Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor as follows:

To the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario:

We, His Majesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Legislative Assembly of the province of Ontario, now assembled, beg leave to thank Your Honour for the gracious speech Your Honour has addressed to us.

I recognize the government House leader to lead off the debate.

Mr. Steve Clark: Thanks, Speaker. I’ll be sharing my time this morning with the seconder of the motion, my colleague the member for Essex, who also acts as our deputy government House leader.

It’s wonderful to see you in the Chair, Speaker. On behalf of the entire House, let me take this opportunity to congratulate you on your historic election as Speaker, the first woman Speaker in the history of the province of Ontario. Congratulations.

I’ve known the Speaker for a long time. I just want her to indulge me for a few moments. I first met our Speaker when she was a reporter for CKWS TV in Kingston and I was the young mayor of Brockville, the mayor with the curly hair—so lots has changed since then, but one thing hasn’t changed, and that’s the way that our Speaker operated. As a journalist, she had an incredible reputation of being incredibly fair and incredibly balanced, and I’m positive that you’re going to take those same traits from your distinguished career in journalism and your distinguished career so far in politics to the Chair. So on behalf of everyone in this chamber, congratulations. It’s great to see you there.

This is the first time that I’ve been able to rise in the Legislature, obviously, for the first session of the 44th Parliament. Also, I want to take a moment in my address today to thank the people of the incredible riding of Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes—longest name but great service. I just want to say to the people of my riding: Thank you for putting your trust in me, and I want you to know that whether you put an X beside my name on the ballot or not, I will continue to work hard and get results for you in this Legislature.

I also want to thank my constituents for putting their trust in me. This is the sixth time that I have been elected as an MPP. It’s an incredible honour and a privilege, and, again, I just want to thank the folks in my riding for putting their trust in me and bringing me back to the Legislature for a sixth time.

Interjections.

Mr. Steve Clark: Thank you.

Interjection: You’re old.

Mr. Steve Clark: I’m not that old. I’m the same age as you.

I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate all the members of our 44th Parliament, who were elected on February 27. I want to take this opportunity on behalf of the government to thank not just my colleagues and congratulate them, but the members of the opposition as well. This is an incredibly important place, a special place. Very few get to serve and sit in these seats, and I wish all the best for all of you and your ridings in this 44th Parliament. Congratulations to everyone.

We bring different responsibilities, different perspectives, different backgrounds to this place, but we all, despite our differences—members rise in debate, they do so with the commitment to bring forward the concerns of their constituents. They want to make sure they ensure that their constituents’ voices are heard as part of the decision-making process. As well, as public servants, we’ve got a duty to represent those people that have put their trust in us. We also have a responsibility to uphold the traditions of this institution and our democracy that’s entrusted to us by Canadians who have sacrificed so much to defend it.

None of us stands here alone. While our names were on the ballot, it takes an entire team to bring us here. I think we can all agree on that. I want to take the opportunity to thank my family and my wife Deanna for her love and unwavering support. I also want to thank the people who are always back home when I’m here, and that’s the folks in my constituency office: Michael, Erin, Jo-Anne and Alishia. They’re the unsung heroes. I think we can all agree our constit staff are the unsung heroes. When we’re here, they continue to operate on our behalf and serve our constituents, so I want to thank them.

Also, words can’t express my deep thanks to my campaign team—to those volunteers who graciously gave up their time to knock on doors, to put up signs, to answer phones and to do every job in a campaign, both large and small. And let’s remember, colleagues, that people did that while braving snow and ice and unprecedented conditions.

My by-election in 2010 was on March 4, so I have to admit I had a bit of experience from that 2010 election, knocking on doors in ice. The other challenge I had in my by-election in 2010 was the by-election was in the middle of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, so no door-knocking on women’s or men’s hockey night. You also had to have your canvassers know exactly what was on television that night. Whether it was curling or downhill skiing, they had to be knowledgeable about what was going on.

But we had a big rule in that 2010 by-election: It didn’t matter how much snow was on ground or how much ice; there was no knocking on doors when Team Canada was on the ice playing hockey. I think I probably bumped up my total by a couple of points because we had that.

So I just want to thank my campaign volunteers. We’re actually going to have an appreciation breakfast for my volunteers. I encourage all of you, if you haven’t done so, to thank your volunteers who have helped bring you here. We’ve got a little breakfast to thank them for their commitment, not just for me, but for my party as well.

Before I begin, I also want to take just a moment to thank Premier Ford. I want to thank him for the confidence that he’s shown in me by reappointing me as government House leader and trusting me and the team to steer our legislative agenda through the House. As we heard from the Lieutenant Governor yesterday in the throne speech, it’s a very ambitious agenda that we’ve set against a backdrop of an extremely serious and challenging issue that we’re confronted as elected officials.

I had a very productive breakfast earlier this week with the House leader of the official opposition, with the third party and with the independents. I think we all started the day in an incredibly focused manner of working together and ensuring that, while our parties need to continue to put forward their voice, we’re starting the Legislature on the right foot. So I want to thank all those individuals for that meeting. I found it was very productive, a great exchange and a great way to start.

Going back to the campaign, Speaker: We knocked on thousands of doors, both during the campaign and in the months prior to the campaign, and it became clear to me what the residents of Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes saw as their priority. Their priority was leadership: leadership from our Premier and our government that they can rely on in the very uncertain and unprecedented times that we’re living in. That was a very clear direction that we heard.

President Trump’s attacks on our economy here in Ontario are already impacting businesses and workers in our province. In my own riding, the uncertainty has already resulted in an investment not being made, which has cost hundreds of good-paying jobs, just because of the uncertainty that President Trump has created.

On February 27, Ontarians resoundingly put their trust in Premier Ford by giving us that third majority mandate. Voters chose us because they recognize that we were the party that could best protect Ontario and steer our economy through the headwinds that are rocking us.

It’s a well-earned trust, Speaker, because Premier Ford has been front and centre in standing up against President Trump and taking the message directly to the American people. He’s been a relentless and tireless champion for Ontario and for Canada, and he truly deserves the moniker of Captain Canada. He’s shown leadership, he’s been relentless and, as I said, he’s taken that message directly to the American people.

Literally on televisions and households across the US, the Premier has told Americans that President Trump’s actions aren’t only going to harm our economy, but at the end of the day, his tariffs and the trade war that he’s unleashed are costing jobs and making life more difficult and expensive for Americans as well.

Economies thrive on certainty. I think we can all agree we’ve lived in very uncertain times under President Trump. Canadians here in Ontario and across our incredible country need to work in partnership. We are always better and more successful when we work together with our southern partners. No nation, no continent on Earth can match the economic strength we can have when we work together. No one can match us.

The relationship has been strained. The Lieutenant Governor used the word, I’ve used the word many times—the “chaos” that’s emanating from the White House. As a result, our government’s priority is to protect Ontario from immediate economic uncertainty that the chaos has caused. I think we have to move forward.

I look forward to the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, with his words this afternoon and the document that will be tabled. We’ve talked about our plan—we talked about it during the election; we’ve talked about it many times since—to deliver $11 billion in urgent relief for our workers and our businesses that are already feeling the impact. I’ve received a lot of very good emails and text messages and phone calls, as the Premier has, indicating how appreciative they are that our government will pull out all the stops to make sure we support our workers and support Ontario businesses.

That’s as it should be, Speaker. Those affected the most, the workers who are sacrificing as Canada fights back, have earned our support. They’ve earned our support, and we need to get them and their families the relief they need through these difficult times.

Our government is also working closely with industry and labour partners in the auto sector to fight those unprecedented challenges that we’re seeing. We don’t want to move back after all the progress that we’ve made. As part of that work, we have been clear, Minister Fedeli has been clear that we’re going to stand by our investments in the auto sector, in the electric vehicle and battery plants that have indicated their interest and their support of our province. These investments represent a path forward—a path forward to new jobs, to new prosperity for families and communities across Ontario.

But you know, Speaker, the upending of the economic partnership with the United States has really taught us a lesson. As much as we’ve depended on the US and will work to convince them they must lift these harmful tariffs, we’ve learned we have to be more self-sufficient as a province. We can’t put all our eggs in that big American basket because we know that President Trump will just upend it. So we have to look at other markets. We have to have an urgent response that can’t be limited to providing relief to those affected.

As important as that is, we have to also act for ourselves to be more economically independent from the US and to look for other markets for our products in Ontario. That begins by leading the way to tear down barriers that have been put up far too long that have kept Canada’s provinces from being able to trade with each other.

Who would have thought, who would have imagined that it would have taken President Trump to make us act finally on something we’ve talked about my entire life? I can see Morristown, New York, from my window at my constituency office, right across the St. Lawrence. We’ve done trade with the United States for so long, but our own interprovincial trade barriers have hampered us for so very long. So, again, I look forward to the initiatives coming out of the throne speech by our government that finally create that playing field across other provinces in our country.

I want to just talk a little bit about the economy in my own riding of Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. It’s extremely diverse. Obviously, we’ve got a tourism destination—it’s second to none. We’ve got the world-famous Thousand Islands, the World Heritage Rideau Canal.

We’ve got attractions like the Aquatarium, the Delta mill, cultural landmarks like the Thousand Islands Playhouse. We’ve got a myriad of festivals and events that take place, things like the Spencerville Fair.

We’ve got a tremendous agricultural sector. It’s a real powerhouse. We’re home to Burnbrae Farms, home of one of the largest producers of egg products in Canada, a fantastic corporate citizen.

We’ve also got the Port of Johnstown that supports our great farmers, that gives them access to markets around the world for their products. It’s got a strategic location on the St. Lawrence River.

We’re also fortunate to have some pretty strong industrial manufacturing companies, names like 3M, Northern Cables, Prysmian, Invista, Evonik, Cardinal Health and Greenfield Global.

During the campaign, Premier Ford got to tour one of those fantastic manufacturing facilities in my riding: It’s the Canarm plant in Brockville. I’ve got a great picture of the president of the company, David Beatty, holding a stack of papers, going over them with Premier Ford—and those were shipping labels that detailed shipments of products that were leaving Brockville for cities across the United States. It’s the same products that those other companies I listed—all of them sent products and are reliant on the US market.

I want to be clear: Americans aren’t buying wire from Northern Cables or medical supplies from Cardinal Health or HVAC equipment from Canarm just because we’re next door. They’re getting those products because they’re of the highest quality, made by workers who are second to none, and that’s why the Americans want those high-quality products. It’s not because of our location, it’s because of the work that we do, the people we employ and the products that we manufacture that they need.

Remember that when Minister Fedeli is on one of his many television interviews where he talks about the fact that nine million Americans wake up every day with a job because of what we do here in Canada. So it’s incredibly important that we get it right. It’s incredibly important that we act quickly and decisively as a government.

Again, we want to thank the people of Ontario for giving us that third majority mandate.

Under the leadership of our government, we’re going to capitalize on those strengths: our incredible workforce, our visionary entrepreneurs, our amazing agriculture and our agri-food sector, world-class tourism attractions—the list goes on and on and on.

Our mandate and our mission for the next four years are to do absolutely everything necessary to ensure that Ontario is the best place in the world to invest and to do business.

This government’s plan to protect Ontario will make us more self-reliant, will make us more independent, which will ensure that Ontario can withstand whatever comes our way.

We’re going to be at the forefront—and it was so great to hear this yesterday in the throne speech—to champion these nation-building infrastructure projects like pipelines, ports, railways and highways.

We’re going to speed up approvals to unlock the critical mineral resources in the Ring of Fire and bring new energy infrastructure, including nuclear. That’s what we need as a province to power our growth.

These are serious times, Speaker. Our economy is under attack. It’s not time to think small. It’s a time to be bold, to streamline approvals on these generational projects that put Ontario and Canada on its way to economic independence.

Since we were first elected in 2018, our government has introduced more than 600 red tape reduction measures to help people and to help businesses save time and save money, and that’s a good start, but I think we need to do more to cut red tape and some of the endless delays that have held back our economy and that have driven away jobs and driven away investment.

Just after the election, I wrote to the Minister of Infrastructure to seek her support in cutting red tape that’s been holding back the township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal from putting the Edwardsburgh land bank into productive use. The land bank, for those that don’t know, is comprised of 10,000 aces, currently owned by the province, most of which is sitting idle. I have to say, our township council has had that vision: that spark of economic growth and activity. They want to capitalize on that asset. So here’s a small township—they want to think big, with a big infrastructure project.

And they want to purchase the land bank so that it can become an area that farmers can plant crops, that builders can build housing, that we can establish an industrial park for employers to invest and to create jobs.

The municipality has made a full-price offer to Infrastructure Ontario. We’re hoping that they’re going to say yes. But I’m highlighting them because they have the kind of vision that’s going to allow that little township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal to help our economy grow, to help our economy prosper and deliver on that protect-Ontario mandate.

I want to thank the minister for all the conversations we’ve had together. We had a fantastic meeting with the minister at the rural Ontario municipal conference, and I wanted to highlight that when we talk about big projects. So remember: 10,000 acres, agriculture, housing, infrastructure, all of those things—and they’ve got the cheque. They’re just willing to give us that full-price offer to be able to deliver that. I want to thank them, and I wanted to highlight them today.

One of the other things we talk about is putting money back into people’s pockets and cutting red tape. This might seem like a small thing, but it builds upon what I said earlier about tourism and economic development. One of the things we need to do to help our economy is a motion that I put forward that I’ll be reintroducing, and it’s a motion to create a one-permit trail system for ATVs.

I want the members of the House to know that Ontario is the second-largest province for ATV use, with more than 300,000 insured vehicles. We’re the only province that doesn’t have some sort of comprehensive trail permit system in place. A one-permit trail system will unlock an incredible potential in our province and could bring thousands of ATV enthusiasts from across Canada to experience the beautiful trails and the beautiful nature we have in our province.

We need to do this, as we did for Ontario’s 30,000 kilometres of snowmobile trails—we did the same thing for them—and it will help better connect ATV owners to purchase that one annual pass to access the trail. The revenue that is received can then be reinvested into the trail system to ensure that we can expand it and ensure that it can grow.

I am told that there is an incredible potential that we could bring millions of dollars in tourism revenue to support businesses and communities through this system, through these ATV trails. Again, we’re the only province that doesn’t seem to have this type of system. Our riders go to many other provinces and experience this system.

I want to thank the Minister of Transportation and his parliamentary assistant, the member for Hastings–Lennox and Addington, for their support. I look forward to continuing working with them, with the OFATV. I look forward to working with clubs across the province for this one-permit trail system to make it a reality.

Whether it’s the Ring of Fire or the Edwardsburgh land bank or housing projects or highway projects across Ontario, but certainly—I’m biased—in eastern Ontario, I want to make sure the 401 expansion in eastern Ontario continues. Whatever those projects that I have talked about, we’re going to need a skilled workforce. We’re going to need a workforce that’s going to be sized appropriately to be able to deliver on all of these projects that are put forward.

Our government has led the way in education with our back-to-basics approach in schools, to give students the practical skills that they need in the real world. In terms of our colleges and universities, we’re ready to make decisions about ensuring that colleges and universities can invest in programs to help graduates find jobs in our economy, and I was glad to see the reference yesterday. If that chosen career is skilled trades, well, our government is making sure that that door is open for you.

Again, I want to thank the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development for the investments that his ministry is making through the Skills Development Fund. In my riding, we’ve seen more than $4.6 million invested. It will support over 2,600 workers in Leeds and Grenville. The program, with the support of the Upper Canada District School Board, is a fantastic partnership with the municipality and with the school board and with our government. It’s really helped revitalize the Kemptville campus under this government.

This was a campus that the previous Liberal government, under Kathleen Wynne, shuttered. We’ve been building it up ever since we became government in 2018, and Minister Piccini and his ministry have done a phenomenal job in supporting this.

I was proud, last fall, to have Premier Ford come to the campus, to talk to those young men and women who really see a light at the end of the tunnel with that beautiful opportunity in the skilled trades. They were really glowing to talk to the Premier about their experiences. They were so thankful that we’re funding these programs, to give them the opportunity to have a meaningful and lucrative career in the skilled trades.

I also want to talk just briefly about a situation I had. I was in Athens, one of the villages in my riding, just before the Premier’s visit. I was actually going into Big Waters Bakery. I think I have a body by baked goods. Anybody who’s in my riding, you’ve got to stop in Athens and go to Big Waters Bakery. I was walking across the street to the bakery, and a lady was calling my name, a young woman. She was running across to talk to me, and she was so passionate about the fact that this program, this skills fund program, changed her son’s life. I went to the Leeds County Plowing Match a week later and met with a young person who said that program changed his life.

So we’re really ensuring that this is working, and that these young people are having an opportunity to stay close to home and to get that skilled trades job. I want to thank the young lad and the young woman who came over and really talked to me, because that’s what it means to be an MPP: to get the feedback that you’ve actually hit it right and you’re making a difference in your own community.

We’ve had an unprecedented investment of $1.5 billion in this fund. We’ve been able to train more than a million workers in in-demand careers. We know that making Ontario’s economy stronger and more resilient is ensuring that we have a workforce that can build us up.

One of the projects I want to talk about briefly before I turn it over to the member for Essex is a project that needs some skilled workers to build, and that’s a new Brockville jail. It’s part of our government’s plan to ensure that safety to our front-line staff, provide capacity in our correctional system and to keep violent and repeat offenders off our streets. The new Brockville correctional complex will replace the existing jail and it will add 184 new beds, more than doubling its size.

For those who don’t know, the Brockville jail is the oldest operational jail in Ontario. It was originally built in 1842, so I think we can all agree that after 183 years we can build a new jail and create that capacity. It served our community well, it’s very historic, but it’s time for us to move on and it’s time to get the job done.

On the same site, we’ve got the St. Lawrence Valley Correctional and Treatment Centre. We’re going to expand it to accommodate a woman’s treatment unit. This is a project that myself and my predecessor, Bob Runciman, have talked about and championed for a long time. I have to say that the project was originally announced in 2020 by Premier Ford. It’s time to get it done. It’s time to get shovels in the ground, and I’m looking forward to having that new jail begin construction in 2025.

The Minister of Long-Term Care was here earlier. I want to thank the government for supporting five long-term-care projects in my riding—incredibly needed. We’ve had one that’s finished in Kemptville; another that will be finished, probably, at the end of the summer or early fall in Athens; one that has good construction just outside of Brockville; one that’s getting ready to turn the sod in Prescott; and another one we’re working very closely on with the ministry for redevelopment, the Carveth Care site in Gananoque.

These five projects are going to ensure that hundreds more people will be able to get high quality long-term care close to the communities that they help build. That’s why it’s so important in my riding—a big, rural riding—to have five projects like I have that are able to be delivered.

Finally, Speaker, I just want to talk to my colleagues about primary care—a big deal in the campaign. We’re responding to our primary care action team, led by Dr. Jane Philpott. It’s an investment of $1.8 billion. I want to thank all the health partners in my riding for working with me on my priority to establish an urgent care clinic in the city of Brockville.

We’ve got physicians that I’ve met with that agree that there are two critical needs in Leeds and Grenville: provide unattached patients, including many who have been de-rostered by physician retirements—and to alleviate pressure on our local hospital emergency department with unattached patients, who either can’t secure an urgent care appointment from their primary care provider or they don’t have one.

I’ve got a letter that I’ve sent to our outstanding Minister of Health from the team that I’m working with at the Brockville General Hospital, the Upper Canada Family Health Team, Rideau Community Health Services and the Brockville Family Health Organization, indicating that they’re ready to stand to deliver on that application.

We’re working on more physicians, more nurse practitioners through the REDI pilot, through Minister Piccini. There are a lot of good things happening, and a lot of good things happening in the riding.

I just want to say that my time is over, so I want to be able to pass it over to the member for Essex. But I just want to say, in closing, how incredibly proud I am of the team we have here at Queen’s Park. We’re going to deliver. We’re going to protect Ontario. And I really appreciate the fact that I was given the chance to kick off the opening address to the speech from the throne.

Thank you, Speaker. I’ll turn it over to the member for Essex.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ernie Hardeman): I recognize the member for Essex.

Mr. Anthony Leardi: Today we’re discussing the speech from the throne, and I want to take this opportunity to thank the voters of Essex county for returning me to this chamber. I want to congratulate all the members elected and re-elected, but especially to welcome the newest members to this chamber.

In November 2024, the United States of America had an election, a presidential election. The new President took office in January 2025 and then embarked on a series of proclamations, pronouncements, reversals, re-reversals, contradictions and repeated contradictions. Many of these were related to the relationship between the United States of America and Canada.

We’ve have had a long, peaceful and successful relationship with the United States. Canada is the number one customer of the United States and Ontario is the number one customer of 17 of those states. We have a near-perfect trade balance with the United States. It is nearly perfect when you factor out the cost of energy, and there is no comparable trade relationship anywhere else in the world.

Many of our sectors are integrated. This was not done by mistake; this was done on purpose. Integration of two economies makes it possible for both economies to benefit, and that’s what makes it possible for both the United States and Canada to successfully compete in partnership against the rest of the world. You might refer to this as fortress Am-Can.

It’s an integrated production system, especially when it comes to the automotive industry, which is very important to Essex county. For example, an auto part might cross the border several times before it’s finally put into an automobile and sold to a customer. It might be designed in the United States and then a prototype might be made, shipped across the border into Canada, and then tested at one of the excellent testing facilities located in Oldcastle.

After being tested, that part must be put into production on the United States side—thousands of parts made—and then they might be shipped across the border again to be finished at a facility on the Canadian side, and then shipped back across the border to be put into an engine in the United States, and then shipped back across the border to be put into an automobile in Canada that will eventually be sold both in Canada and the United States. The end result is an automobile that cannot be said to originate either in Canada or the United States but both. This is a remarkable and successful achievement.

But the new President has sought to torpedo this arrangement, contrary to trade law, contrary to written agreements, which he himself negotiated and signed. Of course, the most outrageous comments coming from the new President of the United States are comments involving the involuntary annexation of Canada. But such threats are not new. These types of bellicose comments emanating from the United States reverberate throughout history, and Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor made several references to those historic threats in her throne speech yesterday.

I’m glad she did, because it illustrates that the threats of annexation are not new; in fact, they are very old. Every time these threats have been made, they have resulted in considerable losses to the citizens of the United States of America. And at the same time, Canadians have remained resilient, steadfast and dedicated to this project that we call Canada.

One of the first of those threats took place 250 years ago. It was in 1775, and that was even before the Americans declared their independence, because the 13 American colonies that eventually declared their independence were not the only British colonies in North America. There were many British colonies in North America, but only 13 of them decided to declare their independence. Canada was invited to do so and declined, politely. The Americans, of course, commenced hostilities against their British compatriots in 1775.

That was the year of the famous battle at Bunker Hill, but it was also the year that American military forces invaded Canada. Their goal was the Citadelle at Quebec and the adjacent naval installation. The Revolutionaries knew as long as the British were in possession of Quebec and the naval installation, British forces could continue to refortify Canada with supplies and troops and to do so by sea. And the Revolutionaries decided that it was in their best interest to capture Quebec and the naval base and incorporate Canada into a new republic.

An American army left Massachusetts to join up with another American army heading up the Hudson Valley. They headed toward Quebec; they joined forces at Quebec and this army was led by none other than General Benedict Arnold. The assault on Quebec failed, American losses were massive, and the defeated army had to march its way back to the United States.

As I said, Speaker, every threat to annex Canada results in massive losses to the United States of America. But the American Revolutionaries did not give up. That war of independence ended in 1783 and the new republic drafted for itself a Constitution. That Constitution made specific reference to Canada. It said that Canada could join the American union at any time. This is what that Constitution said:

“Canada acceding to this confederation, and joining in the measures of the United States, shall be admitted into, and entitled to all the advantages of this union.”

In other words, there was an automatic recognition clause for Canada to join the United States, and that was actually in the original Constitution of the United States of America, and as we all know, once again, Canada politely declined to join. But winning their independence was not good enough for the American Revolutionaries. They still had their eye on Canada, so much so that conquering Canadian territories was the principal goal of the War of 1812. The Americans had their minds made up how easy it would be to annex Canada.

Speaker, I’m going to offer you a quote. This quote comes from Henry Clay, who at that time was the Speaker of the House of Representatives in the United States. He had the same job you have, Speaker. Here’s what the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives had to say about how easy it would be to annex Canada:

“It is absurd to suppose we will not succeed. We have Canada as much under our command as Great Britain has the ocean, and the way to conquer Great Britain on the ocean is to drive her from the land. I am not for stopping at Quebec or anywhere else, but I would take the whole continent from her and ask her no favours. I wish never to see peace until we do. God has given us the power and the means. We are to blame if we do not use them. The militia of Kentucky alone are competent to place Montreal and Upper Canada at the feet of Congress.”

That is a direct quote from Henry Clay, Speaker of the American House of Representatives from the state of Kentucky. The Americans didn’t even think they needed an army to take Canada. They thought the volunteers from Kentucky could do it on their own.

Speaker, I have given you old examples of threats of annexation, and I’m glad they’re old examples, because the relationship between Canada and the United States has been a successful and peaceful relationship for years and years—until January 6, 2025. As reported by NBC News:

“Trump has been unapologetic in his quest to conquer the Canadians—an effort he said in January would be conducted by ‘economic force.’ The result has been a disintegration of the relationship between the US and one of its closest allies, and a stock market plunge over fears of ever-increasing escalation of a trade war.”

It’s a sad, sad day when the President of the United States talks annexation. It’s a sad day for Canadians and it’s a sad day for Americans. But that’s where we are, and that’s where we have been brought. This is not a President who wants to talk about building a great trading relationship. He doesn’t want to talk about building fortress Am-Can. He says one thing one day and a different thing the next. He is causing massive disruption and a worldwide realignment of economic and strategic alliances. This is what we have to be prepared for.

So the Ontario response must be strong and resilient, and our first step should be to protect Ontario from economic uncertainty, because uncertainty is bad for economies, bad for markets. It’s bad for workers who don’t know how to train for the future and it’s bad for families who don’t know how to plan for tomorrow. That’s why the government of Ontario needs to take steps to counter the uncertainty.

The first step is to offer tax relief, and I would like to refer all members of this assembly to the release of this Ontario government speaking specifically to the topic of tax relief. I would like to quote directly from that document:

“Ontario is granting relief to businesses remitting taxes under Ontario’s 10 business-focused tax programs....

“Providing up to $9 billion in cash flow support to about 80,000 Ontario businesses by offering six months of interest and penalty relief will allow them to temporarily delay payments for select provincially administered taxes, giving them more flexibility to deal with any challenges resulting from US tariffs.

“The six-month period begins April 1, 2025, and ends October 1, 2025. All taxes ... must be paid by October 1, 2025.”

Speaker, this is an unprecedented move, and it’s a move that I support in order to counter the uncertainty being created by the President of the United States.

In addition, the government has pledged to stand firm in favour of the financial support being given to electric vehicle and battery manufacturing in Ontario. We have managed to land $46 billion worth of investments in that sector. This is a move that I also support.

In addition to taking steps to counter the uncertainty, we need a plan to protect Ontario. History and geography have placed us immediately next door to the United States, and it is inevitable that we must continue to bargain with the Americans. We must continue to engage with friends that we have in the United States and build partnerships with those states who seek a positive trade relationship with Canada and with Ontario. This will always happen, but we must not rely exclusively upon this relationship. We need to be leaner. We need to be more ambitious. We need to find excellence and cut red tape at every level.

In addition to that, we need to protect Ontario by unleashing our economy. Many Canadians and many people in Ontario will be surprised to learn that there are actual internal trade barriers inside Canada. Provinces erect barriers against other provinces to prevent trade. We can’t do this anymore. It might even be questionable whether it was ever wise to do it in the first place.

We need to unleash our economy. We need to co-operate with the other provinces and reduce trade barriers and eliminate them wherever possible. This is called reciprocity. We need reciprocity between Canadian provinces, and that should be the rule across the country.

We need to unleash our economy through reciprocity in credentialing. This would be the same as goods and services.

We need to unleash our economy with new pipelines. This is absolutely unacceptable, that we would prevent Alberta oil from reaching every part of Canada. We need pipelines to bring Alberta oil to the Pacific Ocean. We need pipelines to bring Alberta oil to the Atlantic coast. And the federal government needs to be part of that solution.

There are no equalization payments without Alberta oil. Alberta oil makes equalization payments a reality, and the reality is that the provinces have jurisdiction in this area, but the federal government does too.

We need to unleash our economy through new highways, new railways and infrastructure. The primary architect of this Confederation called Canada understood this. His name was John A. Macdonald, and he built and assisted the construction of an iron rail across the country. That was a nation-building project, and we must learn from that example and emulate it.

I have a special interest in the Ring of Fire. We need to unleash our economy by developing the Ring of Fire. It is a magnificent opportunity for Ontario and Canada. The Ring of Fire contains minerals which would produce gross domestic product in the billions of dollars, equivalent to the production of the existing city of Sudbury. We need to talk about the Ring of Fire and also how the Ring of Fire plays a role in national and international security.

On December 11, 2024, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, known as NATO published in a report the supply risk for critical raw materials in military applications. Here is the list of critical raw materials as identified by NATO: aluminum, beryllium, cobalt, gallium, germanium, graphite, lithium, manganese, platinum, rare earth elements, titanium and tungsten. Most if not all of these are found in Ontario and in the Ring of Fire.

And now let me quote directly from the report associated with that list:

“Aluminum, for example, is pivotal in producing lightweight yet robust military aircraft and missiles, enhancing their agility and performance. Graphite is crucial for the production of main battle tanks and corvettes due to its high strength and thermal stability. In submarines, graphite is used in the construction of hulls and other structural components, significantly reducing acoustic signatures and enhancing stealth capabilities. Cobalt is another critical material, essential for producing superalloys used in jet engines, missiles, and submarines, which can withstand extreme temperatures and stress.

“The availability and secure supply of these materials are vital to maintaining NATO’s technological edge and operational readiness. Disruptions in their supply could impact the production of essential defence equipment. Identifying these key materials is NATO’s first step towards building stronger, better-protected supply chains, crucial for allied defence and security.

“This initiative is part of a road map, endorsed by NATO defence ministers in June 2024, to protect allied supply chains from disruptions that could affect NATO’s deterrence and defence. The list was informed by the NATO Industrial Advisory Group, using a defence-capability focused methodology. The public release of this list highlights NATO’s commitment to support allies in securing essential materials for the development and delivery of allied defence capabilities.”

Speaker, we need to unleash Ontario’s economy, and we need to unleash the Ring of Fire, and we need to do this because our NATO allies are counting on it.

It can take up to 15 years to open a mine, and 15 years is too long. We need to do this. We need to mine these minerals, and we need to process them right here in Ontario, creating fantastic mining and job opportunity across the supply chain, from exploration to mining to refining, in our mighty northern cities like Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins and Sudbury.

In

summary, Ontario’s gross domestic product is approximately $1.1 trillion, as measured in US dollars, and that puts us in the same league as Saudi Arabia and Switzerland. In other words, the Ontario economy is as powerful as the economy of Saudi Arabia or Switzerland, and we have not yet unleashed all of the great economic potential in this province. It is time we did. It is time to protect Ontario.

Speaker, it would be rare for me to give a speech in this Legislature without making some kind of reference to the 2nd Concession of Anderdon township, because that’s where I grew up. I had previously mentioned Henry Clay, the House of Representatives Speaker who originated from Kentucky, who had boasted about the fact that he believed the Kentucky volunteers, a militia group, could conquer Canada on their own.

Well, I happen to know a little bit about Kentucky volunteers because they actually invaded Essex county. If you go down the 2nd Concession, where I grew up, and you turn left on the North Side Road and go about a kilometre, you get to River Canard. That’s where my wife grew up. At the River Canard, there’s a bridge—it’s a modern bridge that goes over the River Canard north to south, south to north—but back then it was a wooden bridge, back in the War of 1812 when Henry Clay was boasting about the Kentucky volunteers capturing Canada.

There were about 500 of them who invaded Canada at that time. They crossed from Detroit across the Detroit River.

They marched south toward River Canard, and they were searching about to find out what the area looked like because they were not familiar with it, and they got to the River Canard and they found the wooden bridge over the River Canard, and they were very excited about that because they could capture the bridge and that would allow them to get their cannon from their base, which was in Sandwich Town, down south over the bridge, and attack my hometown of Amherstburg, Ontario, where the fort was located that governed all of the river traffic. Those Kentucky volunteers were ecstatic that they captured that bridge.

But this is what happened: I have told you that American efforts to annex Canada always result in massive losses to the citizens of the United States. After capturing the bridge at River Canard, news arrived from the American fort at Mackinac Island, which is north near Sault Ste. Marie, that a bunch of Canadian fur traders and lumberjacks captured the American fort at Mackinac Island.

That created a big problem for the Kentucky militia volunteers located in Essex county because now the British controlled all of the river traffic all the way up from Lake Ontario through Detroit, the Detroit River through Lake Erie up to Lake Huron, all the way up to Sault Ste. Marie and Mackinac Island. That meant the British had cut off all communication between the Kentucky militia located in Essex county and their base of supplies back in Detroit. They had no choice now, having been cut off from their base of supply. They had to turn around and go back.

They abandoned their positions in Essex county, they abandoned their invasion of Canada and retreated back across the river to Detroit.

Their retreat emboldened the First Nations of the area to make war on the American republic and, in unison with the British force, they laid siege to the fort at Detroit, forcing its surrender. The Kentucky militia was humiliated. They surrendered the fort and the supplies and marched all the way back to Kentucky.

Speaker, let us protect Ontario. Let us remain resilient and strong.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ernie Hardeman): Further debate?

Ms. Chandra Pasma: I move adjournment of the debate.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ernie Hardeman): The member has moved adjournment of the debate. All those in favour? The motion is carried.

Debate adjourned.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ernie Hardeman): Orders of the day? The member from Essex.

Mr. Anthony Leardi: No further business, Speaker.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ernie Hardeman): The House stands recessed till 10:15.

The House recessed from 1007 to 1015.

Members’ Statements

Cadets

Mr. Will Bouma: Speaker, it’s great to see you in the Chair, and if I may add: It’s an incredible opportunity to be a part of history in the making. Good to see you there, ma’am.

As many of you are aware, my riding of Brantford–Brant is home to a vibrant, motivated and active cadet movement. Today we welcome the top cadets, as chosen by their commanding officers, for their dedication, excellence, and willingness to make our community the best that it can be. The cadets of Brantford–Brant not only improve themselves but also improve the communities where they serve.

For Navy League Cadet Corps Admiral Landymore we have: Leading Cadet Reyansha Kowai and Petty Officer Second Class Rajveen Pathak. They are accompanied by Lieutenant Richard Carpenter, who is also a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal through the Navy League of Canada, and Acting Sub-Lieutenant John Sinden.

For the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Admiral Nelles we have: Chief Petty Officer Second Class Julia Wood and Chief Petty Officer Second Class Andrew Parkinson, who are accompanied by Naval Cadet Steve Long.

For the 2569 Royal Canadian Army Cadets we have: Master Warrant Officer Jeffrey Harrison and Master Warrant Officer Timothy Freeman, who are accompanied by Captain Josh Jenne.

And for the Royal Canadian Air Cadets 104th Starfighter Squadron, we have Sergeant Avery Shaw and Sergeant Wilson Presscator, who are accompanied by Captain Celina Corner.

Cadets and officers, the people of Ontario salute you for your hard work and contribution to Brantford and Brant. Thank you.

Home Renovation Savings Program

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the member for Nickel Belt.

M me France Gélinas: And I’d love to recognize the Speaker. Congratulations—really proud, really proud.

Speaker, heating your home is essential in the cold Ontario winters and can cost you a lot of money, so the good people of Nickel Belt were so happy when the government announced the Home Renovation Savings Program to help Ontarians improve home energy efficiency and lower their heating bills. However, the money that the government offered is through a program only available to Enbridge natural gas customers. Speaker, 95% of the good people of Nickel Belt, we don’t have access to natural gas. I myself live a kilometre away from the big pipeline, but I don’t have access to natural gas, which means that I do not qualify for the program.

Many seniors, many people on fixed incomes would love to have a heat pump, would love to have a smart thermostat or energy-efficient fridge etc., but because we do not have access to natural gas, because we are not Enbridge customers, the provincial program is not available to us.

People, we all know that the further up you go, the colder it gets. Residents of northern Ontario have a much greater need for an energy savings program. This year alone, we made it to minus 38 degrees. Toronto doesn’t see that kind of weather; we do. People living in northern Ontario and I urge the government to help all Ontarians lower their energy bills. Make the program available to all Ontarians, not just Enbridge customers.

Ajax youth wellness hub

Mr. Lorne Coe: Speaker, congratulations.

Our government is making it easier and faster for youth across Durham region to access vital services that will support their overall health and well-being by launching a new youth wellness hub in Ajax. The establishment of the new youth wellness hub, operated by the Durham Community Health Centre, is an important step toward simplifying access to care for young people in the region of Durham, all within one welcoming, youth-orientated facility.

This hub will provide key mental health, substance use and primary care services, ensuring that youth have easy access to the help they need. Through the ongoing expansion of our Youth Wellness Hub Ontario network, our government is making sure that youth across the province can easily access top-tier mental health and addictions support, whenever and wherever they need it.

The new youth wellness hub will provide a safe space for young people to feel supported and connected to a community like Ajax and other parts of the region of Durham, offering them the resources and tools to navigate life’s challenges.

City of Ottawa

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Further members’ statements—and my genuine apology to members of the third party.

I recognize the member for Orléans.

Mr. Stephen Blais: Thank you, Madam Speaker, and congratulations.

It’s been a year since the so-called new deal for Ottawa was unveiled to great fanfare: a handshake, a couple of photo-ops and a lot of talk. But 12 months later, Ottawa is still waiting for results. What have we seen since? Transit chaos; infrastructure decay; rural roads falling apart; higher property taxes; cuts to bus routes; and higher transit fares. Just weeks after the announcement, the mayor was back in the news begging for more money. That’s not a deal, Madam Speaker; that’s a delay.

Ottawa deserves better. It’s the second-largest city in the province. It’s the capital of our country. Yet under this government, it’s treated like an afterthought. While the Premier and the mayor might be enjoying their bromance, Ottawa families can’t pay their bills with press releases and backslapping.

Progress is measured by outcomes, not chemistry, and so far, the people of Ottawa are getting all of the charm and none of the change. It’s time that this government stopped playing favourites and started treating Ottawa with the respect and resources it deserves: a real deal, a fair deal, a deal that delivers.

Interprovincial trade / Ring of Fire

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the member for Thunder Bay–Superior North.

MPP Lise Vaugeois: Thank you very much, Speaker, and congratulations on your new role and making herstory.

I want to comment on two issues outlined in yesterday’s throne speech. First, there are serious unacknowledged risks with a remove-all-barriers approach to interprovincial trade. For example, are health and safety standards considered red tape? Are food safety regulations considered red tape? And what happens to collective agreements when labour mobility is the priority, and companies can undercut each other by hiring people from provinces with weaker agreements, ultimately lowering wages and benefits for everyone?

Unfortunately, removing red tape is often about abdicating government responsibility for setting and maintaining the standards and regulations that are there to protect the people of Ontario.

Another issue of grave concern is the government’s plan to accelerate development of the Ring of Fire. Representatives from five First Nations have come to Queen’s Park repeatedly to meet with the Premier and have been turned away. This does not show a commitment to consultation. But beyond this, we also need to recognize that consultation is not the same as consent, and without consent, there is nothing but the politics of bullying, and that is a politics that will ultimately hinder the development of mining.

ProAction Cops & Kids

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the member for Mississauga East–Cooksville.

MPP Silvia Gualtieri: Congratulations, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a powerful new initiative that reflects the very best of public service and community care in the wonderful riding of Mississauga East–Cooksville and the region of Peel.

On April 4, I, along with Premier Doug Ford and Minister Nina Tangri, had the honour of attending Peel Appreciation Night hosted by ProAction Cops & Kids, a celebration that brings officers and children together in skill-building and mentoring programs.

Since the launch of the Peel

chapter in May 2021, ProAction Cops & Kids has funded 22 impactful programs—programs like the Peel youth basketball program, the boys-to-men mentorship initiative and female empowerment workshops. These are just a few examples of how officers have been stepping beyond their daily duties to uplift our youth. The result? Real connections; real impact.

For the residents of Mississauga East–Cooksville, this work is indeed vital. Our riding is home to vibrant, diverse communities. Initiatives like these help build trust, help build hope and create pathways to brighter futures. They show our youth that they are seen, supported and capable of greatness.

I want to sincerely thank Chief Nish Duraiappah for his leadership and continued dedication to community-led solutions. I commend ProAction Cops & Kids and every officer and volunteer involved.

Madam Speaker, together, we’re building a brighter future for the youth of Mississauga East–Cooksville and Peel, because when those who serve also inspire, entire communities rise.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I would like to remind members—in particular, our new members—we have time limits on the clock that we will, from this second moving forward, be abiding by. Members’ statements are a minute and 30 seconds long, and as you will hear soon, we have other time allotted sections in our proceedings that we will be sticking with.

Further members’ statements?

Highway safety / Sécurité routière

M. Guy Bourgouin: Merci, madame la Présidente, et félicitations pour votre élection. Félicitations à tous les députés qui ont remporté leur élection. For some of us, it was a bit close for comfort, but that’s okay.

Je suis profondément reconnaissant d’avoir été réélu pour une troisième fois. Je suis ici pour porter la voix de mes concitoyens, la voix du Nord, dans cette législature.

Ce que nous avons entendu aux portes cette élection et ce que nous savons depuis longtemps : le plus grand enjeu auquel nous faisons face en ce moment dans le Nord, c’est le danger sur nos routes.

Last week, our roads were closed because of yet another accident with a transport that cost someone’s life. Just yesterday, we got 15 centimetres of snow, and they closed the road again for precautionary measures because there are too many accidents. This is not a partisan issue.

Quand c’est rendu qu’on risque sa vie chaque fois qu’on prend la route, le monde s’en fout de quelle couleur ils ont voté.

Alors, cette saison législative, je demande au gouvernement : travaillons ensemble pour apporter des solutions.

Let’s work together this session to fix our northern highways once and for all.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Member, your election was not close; it was much more of a landslide.

Further members’ statements?

Maple heritage

Mr. John Jordan: Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the rich maple heritage of Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston. Maple syrup production is part of our national heritage, woven into the fabric of our past, present and future. In 2009, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada designated maple syrup as culturally significant to Canada and mounted three bronze plaques to tell this story. I am proud to say that Wheelers pancake house and maple museum located in beautiful Lanark county is home of the only one in Ontario.

The heritage of the maple industry has long been a cornerstone of our local economy, supporting countless farm families, businesses and tourism opportunities. For generations, producers have passed down their knowledge and skills, instilling a deep respect for this time-honoured craft. This heritage not only fosters a strong work ethic in young people but also ensures that the wisdom and traditions of the past continue to shape the future. Maple syrup production is a truly sustainable industry, supporting agriculture, tourism and local economies for generations to come.

Today, I recognize and celebrate the maple producers of Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston and the many businesses that support them. Their dedication ensures that this proud heritage remains a vital part of our region’s identity and prosperity, preserving an iconic Canadian tradition for future generations.

Canada flag lawn signs

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Members’ statements? I recognize the member for Markham–Unionville.

Mr. Billy Pang: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Congratulations again.

I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to the people of Markham–Unionville for placing their trust in me once again.

It is an honour to be re-elected as a member of provincial Parliament, and I will continue to serve our community with dedication, integrity and a strong sense of responsibility.

Speaker, the response from the community was overwhelmingly positive. Families, seniors and youth came together to proudly display the maple leaf on their lawns, reminding us of the strength we have when we stand united. Together, we are strong.

It’s great to be back, and I am truly humbled and honoured to continue serving the people of Markham–Unionville.

Introduction of Visitors

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Before we begin introductions, I’d like to take a moment to draw the attention of the House to standing order 34, which provides a time limit of five minutes for the introduction of visitors proceeding. I intend to start this new session of Parliament by strictly observing this rule, and I ask all members to be aware that I will be ending the proceeding at the five-minute mark. Should members attempt to introduce additional visitors by raising points of order, I will inform them that this is also out of order in accordance with standing order 34.

I ask all members to please be mindful that the five minutes allotted to the proceeding is to be shared amongst all members of this House.

Fortunately, any member who is not able to introduce their guests in the morning will have another opportunity to do so during the time for introduction of visitors in the afternoon routine.

Hon. Mike Harris: I want to wish a very, very happy birthday to my daughter Gemma today. She’s turning nine. We’ll get the clip, we’ll show it to her later—very excited to be able to do that today. See you later, Gemma.

Ms. Peggy Sattler: I want to welcome a long-time friend of mine, David Pepper, who divides his time between Ottawa and Sault Ste. Marie, and who worked together with me as a staffer in Parliament Hill in the 1980s. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

M. Stephen Blais: Je voudrais souhaiter la bienvenue à l’École secondaire publique Gisèle-Lalonde à L’assemblée législative aujourd’hui. J’ai hâte de les voir plus tard dans la journée.

Merci aux deux enseignantes qui ont accompagné les étudiants à Queen’s Park, Hanan Maanane et Souad Ben Chahra, et tous les autres qui ont rendu cette visite possible.

Bienvenue à Queen’s Park.

Ms. Jess Dixon: It gives me great pleasure to welcome one of our new pages Nathaniel Mollison; his mom, Thanh; his dad, Mark; and his brother Andrew. Nathaniel comes from my old school St John’s-Kilmarnock.

Nathaniel, welcome. I hope you enjoy your stay here.

Mr. Peter Tabuns: It’s my pleasure to welcome Louise Morin and family and friends today. Louise works in my constituency office and does amazing work. Welcome, Louise.

Mr. Adil Shamji: I’d like to welcome the Armenian National Committee of Toronto, notably co-chairs Katya Derhovagimian and Hrag Dadayan.

I’d like to encourage all members to join us at the lunch reception commemorating the 110th anniversary of the Armenian genocide.

Hon. Victor Fedeli: I want to recognize Dan and the folks from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. They’ve been long advocates of the removal of interprovincial trade. You’ll hear more from us later today.

MPP Wayne Gates: I’d like to welcome Ahmed. He’s waving up there in the corner. It’s the first time he has ever been to Queen’s Park. Welcome to Queen’s Park, my friend. He’s an intern in our office.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Introduction of visitors? Wow.

Interjection: We’re scared of you.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Oh, there is one. I recognize the Minister of Natural Resources.

Hon. Mike Harris: I see we’ve got two minutes left on the clock, so I’ll make it quick. I did just want to welcome a great contingent that is here from Ducks Unlimited. They’re our great partners in conservation. I’m looking forward to meeting them a little later this afternoon.

Independent members

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I would like to address the House regarding the participation of the independent members.

While the current Legislature marks the return to a configuration consisting of three recognized parties, it nonetheless has amongst its membership two MPPs elected as candidates of the Green Party of Ontario, and one MPP elected without party affiliation. None of these members belong to recognized parties, defined by standing order 3 as a party with a membership consisting of at least 10% of the total seats in the House, which is currently 12 seats. Accordingly, these MPPs are independent members for procedural purposes.

The standing orders provide the Speaker the discretion to permit independent members to participate in certain proceedings, notably question period, members’ statements and during certain debates, pursuant to standing orders 35(g), 33(

c) and 24(

d) respectively. To exercise this discretion, I aim to ensure that each individual independent member would have the same opportunities for participation as any other individual member of the Legislature if recognized party status were not a factor. I wish to now explain to the House how I have chosen to facilitate the independent members’ participation in these proceedings.

In determining how best to accommodate the three independent members, I have drawn on the precedents of the 42nd and 43rd Parliaments, which both included large groups of independent members. The approaches taken in these two previous Parliaments are described in the Journals for July 16, 2018, (at pages 18 to 19), July 19, 2018, (at pages 26 to 28) and August 10, 2022, (at pages 31 to 33).

The first substantive business before the House is the debate on the address in reply to the speech from the throne, or throne speech debate, to which standing order 44(

a) allocates a total of 12 hours. Using the same mathematical approach that was taken in the 43rd Parliament, in a 12-hour debate, each of the 123 individual members of this Legislature could expect to be allotted approximately six minutes of speaking time. Accordingly, the three independent members will each be granted one six-minute allotment of speaking time for this particular debate.

I will take a similar approach to debates on second and third reading of government bills and on substantive government motions. The allotment of speaking time for individual members in the previous two Parliaments was calculated based on the assumption that a typical debate is at least six and a half hours long, as that is the point at which the government can allocate time to the remaining stages of the debate, pursuant to standing order 50. Members can therefore reasonably expect that debates on second reading of government bills and on substantive motions will last for at least 6.5 hours, which breaks down to about three minutes of speaking time per individual member.

The three independent members will thus be allotted three minutes for all debates on second and third reading of government bills and on substantive government motions. As was the case in the two preceding Parliaments, this time may be banked. If the members do not wish to participate in a certain debate, their three-minute allotments will be recorded in a time bank which they may draw on in future debates. This will allow them to make longer speeches in debates that may be of greater importance to them. Over time, this will ensure that these members have approximately the same opportunities to participate in debates as any other individual member.

I have taken a similar approach to determining the allotments for question period and members’ statements. For these two proceedings, I have calculated the frequency with which each individual eligible member can expect to participate by either making a statement or asking a question. I have also considered the best way to incorporate the participation of the independent members into the usual routines of the House in a way that will be predictable to anticipate and straightforward for the Chair to facilitate.

During question period, I am prepared to recognize each independent member once per eight-day period. When recognized, an independent member will have the opportunity to ask one question and one supplementary. Similarly, each independent member will be able to make a member’s statement once per eight-day period.

Given that the House will not be sitting next week as per standing order 7(b)(ii), nor on Monday, April 28, due to the federal election as per standing order 9(i), we will begin this cycle on Tuesday, April 29, with questions and statements from independent members on the first Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the eight-day period.

I believe that following a repeating cycle that allows for the recognition of one independent member during question period and during members’ statements on those three consecutive days, followed by a gap of one sitting week, is a reasonable and fair way to respect and ensure the participation of the independent members of this House.

This provides a consistent and predictable flow to both of the daily members’ statements and question period proceedings, and is also suitably proportional to the independents’ membership in the House, neither favouring nor penalizing when it comes to the overall opportunities for participation.

I would like to remind the three independent members that they are required to inform the Chair in advance when they intend to participate in any of the proceedings I have addressed today.

While I have exercised the discretion accorded to me by the standing orders to arrange the participation of the independent members in this way, I would like to remind the House that it is the master of its own proceedings. If, at any time, the House might have any recommendations regarding the participation of the independent members, I would welcome that direction going forward.

I thank you all for your attention to this matter.

44th Parliament

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Point of order? I recognize the Premier of Ontario.

Hon. Doug Ford: Well, Madam Speaker—I love that word, “Madam Speaker.” Congratulations. It’s amazing. I still can’t believe it’s taken us to 2025 to get to this point, but the first woman ever to be Speaker—you’re going to go down in history. You’re blazing a new trail, and congratulations on that.

I also want to congratulate all the members that won. No matter what political stripe you come from, we all have a common cause: to serve your constituents, to fight against Donald Trump’s tariffs. We welcome you aboard on fighting the tariffs and coming up with new ideas, constructive ideas to create opportunities here in Ontario. There’s a battle like we’ve never seen before, an economic battle, and I just welcome each and every one of you for constructive ideas.

Again, welcome to the new members, congratulations to the members that won again and let the games begin. Thank you.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the leader of the third party on a point—

Mr. John Fraser: Thank you as well, Speaker, and I wanted, on behalf of our caucus, to congratulate you as the first woman to be the Speaker here in the Legislature of Ontario. We’re all very proud of it. We’re looking forward to it. We’re closer, so I guess I’ll have to be on my best behaviour.

I do want to say welcome to the new members of all parties. It can really accentuate the differences—elections—between us. But I think there’s one thing that the Premier and I can agree on today: that this election, it’s brought us closer together, as you can see right here. I’m hoping that he’s looking forward to seeing as much of me as I am of him.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): It’s now time for question period.

Question Period

Employment supports

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the leader of His Majesty’s loyal opposition.

Ms. Marit Stiles: Thank you very much, Speaker. I’d like to start by congratulating you again, Speaker, on your election. You have made herstory, as we all know.

I want to also join my colleagues in welcoming everyone back, and some of you for the first time, here into the chamber. Welcome back, and congratulations.

For me, it is absolutely an honour and a privilege to be able to stand here again as the elected official opposition leader in Ontario, so thank you very much.

My question is for the Premier. Trump’s tariffs have absolutely caused enormous uncertainty and fear in Ontario, especially for those workers and their families in tariff-exposed industries like auto and steel. Some 28,000 people in Ontario actually lost their jobs this March, in March 2025, with thousands more now on the line in places like Oshawa and Windsor and Ingersoll.

People are going to need help to weather this storm, and because we didn’t hear it in the throne speech yesterday, I want to ask the Premier specifically what steps the Premier has taken to ensure that there are strong income protections in place to get workers through the turmoil that’s ahead.

Hon. Doug Ford: I just want to thank the Leader of the Opposition for that question. I look forward to her supporting our agenda as we move forward to create more jobs—the $11 billion that we put in for a security net to make sure that we support businesses and employees and families. And we’re going to continue moving forward.

Today, we have the privilege of having two Premiers come to our province, Premier Holt from New Brunswick and Premier Houston from Nova Scotia, to sign an MOU about the free trade agreement. We are creating history today, making sure that we get rid of all the exceptions right across the country. We have two already signing today; there’s going to be 10 more. This is going to add another $200 billion—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Response?

Hon. Doug Ford: I’m sorry.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Response?

Hon. Doug Ford: Oh, sorry—8%, to the GDP. We look forward to your support in making sure we welcome all the other 10 provinces and territories today.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Question?

Ms. Marit Stiles: While I do appreciate a lot of the language in the throne speech yesterday, and I do think it spoke to the fears that Ontarians are feeling right now, but we need to see action. We need to see the government stepping up and stopping the loss, particularly, of jobs today.

Instead, what we’re seeing is companies that are loading up. They’re loading up their trucks with tools, with equipment, and ready to move themselves. In fact, it’s the workers themselves that have been forced, in places like Windsor, to blockade those trucks. We know that it is Ontarians that have invested their hard-working tax dollars into many of those companies we’re talking about. So as Trump is setting his targets on the auto sector, for example, I want Ontarians to know that those investments are going to stay here in Ontario.

So my question to the Premier is: Will the government prevent American companies from stripping equipment and resources from our communities?

Hon. Doug Ford: To answer your question directly, how we stop it is by making ourselves more competitive: create the environment and the conditions for companies to come and invest here.

I think you were having a little bit of a déjà vu seven years ago when companies were leaving. Let me tell you some stats here. There’s been over $70 billion in investment. StatsCan just came out a month ago saying there’s over a million more people that have jobs that didn’t have jobs under your leadership. Did you know, last week alone, because of the hard work of our Minister of Economic Development and Trade, that there was $1 billion invested right here in Ontario last week alone, creating 1,700 jobs. There was another announcement of $656 million being invested again.

I challenge each and every one of you from the Greens, from the Liberals, from the NDP: Please, once in seven years—you’ve never come to me once to say there’s a job here, there’s a company that wants to invest—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Further supplementary?

Ms. Marit Stiles: Well, Speaker, that’s an unfortunate tone coming from the Premier, who says he wants to talk about collaboration.

I asked two very specific questions that people are asking me. One was on what income supports they can expect if there are lost jobs; the other one was, very specifically, what are you going do to stop companies from moving down to the south right now, moving their equipment down there? That’s happening right now.

Look, Donald Trump’s tariffs aren’t just worrying people about their jobs today. They’re also worried about their financial security in the future. Hard-working Ontarians have contributed to their pensions with the expectation that they’re going to be able to retire with some degree of dignity and financial security. When Sears went belly up, we remember that it was workers who lost those pensions while the executives cashed out. So we are now seeing layoffs already, tariffs threatening to close major manufacturing facilities and even the recent liquidation of Hudson’s Bay. I mean, workers are worried about their pensions. They need to know they’re going to be protected.

So my question to the Premier is, will the Premier reassure Ontarians that the provincial government is going to step up and protect those pensions?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Response? I recognize the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

Hon. David Piccini: I just want to start by thanking the good people of Northumberland–Peterborough South and thank the Leader of the Opposition for that question.

Speaker, for a decade, we sat on the sidelines under the previous Liberal and NDP government and watched investments go anywhere but Ontario. Under this Premier—he got on the field and played, and we’ve attracted billions in investments. Let me tell you what that means for workers. I was down in Windsor quite often over the past number of months: $14 million per week in payroll going to good union jobs—good union jobs.

We also invested in skills development that resulted in new training centres, new training programs that have helped people get meaningful employment. We met with the Automotive Industries Association—and I’ve got stories to share there—Unifor workers just yesterday with the Premier and building trades that have resulted in thousands of good union jobs. That’s why—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Further questions?

Government contracts

Ms. Marit Stiles: Wow, plus ça change, right? Not much is changing here.

Back to the Premier with my second question: While we’re dealing with threats from south of the border, people all over Ontario are re-evaluating how we spend our money. We’re proudly choosing Ontario-made, Canadian-made products over American products. People want to know that their money is going towards supporting our farmers, our communities, our workers. Ontarians want to know that their government is actually doing the same thing.

So I wonder if the Premier will commit to re-evaluating the very many contracts that his government has made with American companies in favour of Canadian alternatives.

Hon. Doug Ford: To the Leader of the Opposition: Madam Speaker, you know we’re fixing that. We do over $30 billion from the Ontario public service. We’re making sure that Canadian companies—Ontario first, Canadian companies second—have an opportunity to bid, no matter if it’s computers or software that we’ve saved over a billion dollars on so far through Supply Ontario, or if it’s manufacturers that we’re encouraging to come here.

We found out that we don’t manufacture steel beams here in Ontario or anywhere across the country. We’re bringing a steel-beam-manufacturer company here to create more jobs. Aluminum cans, beer cans, soda cans, soup cans and everything else—we’re attracting a company to come here to start producing cans. That’s two—just a billion dollars, each sector. And we’re bringing—as simple as private label cereal. We don’t manufacture it here.

We’re going to make sure we attract these companies and—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Supplementary?

Ms. Marit Stiles: I mean, what I’d like to know is whether American companies are also going to get to bid on these contracts that are using Ontarians’ taxpayer dollars.

I want you just to imagine for a minute that you’re a worker who has just lost their job because of some tariff that’s been imposed, and then you have to go get social assistance and you’re showing up at a Staples, an American company. Ontario tax dollars should be creating good jobs here in Ontario, not lining the pockets of American shareholders. From Staples to 7-Eleven, a lot of Ontario’s taxpayer dollars have been doing just that.

So my question, again, to the Premier: Will he ensure that what we make in Ontario, we buy from Ontario too?

Hon. Doug Ford: Again, we have banned American companies bidding on the $30 billion. We’ve banned American companies on the $200 billion of infrastructure.

You know, as I always say to the Americans, it’s not the American people; there’s one person causing this problem and that’s President Trump. We are not the problem. The problem is China. China is shipping in cheap parts through Mexico. Mexico is not playing fair in the sandbox, slapping made in Mexico stickers on, costing American and Canadian jobs.

I believe in the Am-Can fortress. Making sure we put a ring around the two countries. We’ll be the most powerful, the richest, the wealthiest, most prosperous two nations in the entire world. That’s our message to our American friends. We’re going to get a deal. We’re going to keep fighting for Canadian and Ontario jobs.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Supplementary?

Ms. Marit Stiles: With respect, what we need in Ontario is a buy Ontario strategy—a commitment to local procurement and investment in our communities.

Projects that receive public funding should have a requirement to include Ontario workers and businesses, and that does not exist currently in anything that we’ve seen from this government.

The vehicles for the Ontario Line aren’t even being made in Ontario; they’re being made in the US right now. There are existing contracts with companies like Staples and 7-Eleven that this Premier won’t even commit to reviewing.

Ontarians want to know that their government shares their values of buying Ontario. To the Premier: Will the Premier increase Canadian-content requirements for all future public projects?

Hon. Doug Ford: I’m not too sure if the Leader of the Opposition has heard of BOBI. I think you’ve heard of BOBI; at least you should have heard of BOBI, Building Ontario Businesses Initiative.

We’re creating the plan for companies to come here and invest—again, the great work of my Minister of Economic Development and Trade, travelling around the world, attracting companies, and we are just so proud of the job that he has done, our team has done, attracting $70 billion of investment. We have another $70 billion on the table right now. We want to make sure that we land them.

Guess what? The number one thing is cutting red tape, cutting regulations, lowering taxes. And I get it, you don’t believe in that. We do believe in cutting taxes to attract jobs, which will create jobs for people that might not have one.

The training on the Skills Development Fund—we added an additional billion dollars to make sure someone has a skill when we do $222 billion of infrastructure. Until we have the electricians and the masons and the carpenters and every other trade union out there that—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Further questions?

Government accountability

Mr. John Fraser: My question is to the Premier. Ontarians need to have, especially right now, confidence in their government. The New York Times has done what this government hasn’t done—they haven’t done their job—dig into Therme’s credentials. What they found is stunning. A company with one small spa, only €1 million in equity, and an interconnected web of shell companies. Yet, somehow, they convinced the Premier that they had a global track record. It didn’t just stretch the truth, it led the Premier down the garden path, and Infrastructure Ontario signed right off on it.

Why did the Premier green-light a 95-year deal with a company that inflated its portfolio and couldn’t pass a basic financial sniff test?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Response? I recognize the Minister of Infrastructure.

Hon. Kinga Surma: Therme passed the financial test that was done by the world-renowned arm’s-length agency in Infrastructure Ontario. Now, I think that the professionals and the experts at Infrastructure Ontario have far more experience doing a financial test than the member opposite.

Speaker, 4,700 new jobs will be created during the redevelopment of Ontario Place, and another 2,000 permanent jobs will be created once Ontario Place is redeveloped. Not only are we creating jobs but we’re also creating a wonderful place for families to visit. Nothing is more important than protecting our economy, protecting jobs and standing behind the Premier as we fight for Ontario and fight for our country.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Supplementary?

Mr. John Fraser: We now know that bidders had to sign non-disclosure agreements and those non-disclosure agreements allowed the government to choose any company it wanted, qualified or not, bid or not, and then call that a procurement process.

The winner was a firm with no real experience, no transparency and no money. Therme didn’t win a contract; they won a prize, and the deck was stacked behind closed doors.

Will the Premier finally admit this was not a competitive process and explain why Infrastructure Ontario ran a done deal rather than a fair one?

Hon. Kinga Surma: We’ve done this dance already. We’ve had the Integrity Commissioner review. We’ve had audits done already. Infrastructure Ontario is a world-renowned agency, full of professionals and experts that have built hospitals in the province of Ontario, highways—that are expanding our subway system right now by 50% in the city of Toronto and are doing a great job for us.

We are creating jobs. We are supporting good, well-paying jobs at Ontario Place throughout its redevelopment, and 2,000 new permanent jobs once Ontario Place is done. Families from all over Ontario can come and enjoy themselves by the water.

We will continue to support and protect jobs as we fight against the tariffs and continue to stand behind the Premier as he fights for Ontarians—and has been throughout the months.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Further supplementary?

Mr. John Fraser: Speaker, it’s clear that the Premier has friends with benefits, and the benefits are a luxury spa on the crown jewel of Ontario.

So it’s a luxury spa for the Premier’s friends and hallway health care for everybody else. It kind of feels like greenbelt 2.0, doesn’t it? A small group of people are benefiting to the tune of $2.1 billion on public land.

I’ll give you a chance, Premier. Will the Premier just cut this deal like he did with Starlink and the greenbelt? Just do the right thing, Premier.

Hon. Kinga Surma: No, we will not, because during the current economic conditions, and while we continue to fight our neighbours to the south to protect Canada and Ontario, we will do everything possible to support and create jobs here for the hard-working people of Ontario.

Let’s talk about Infrastructure Ontario’s record. Let’s talk about the 50 hospitals that they are building and expanding in the province of Ontario, such as Trillium, for example—the largest hospital in the province’s, country’s history.

We will continue to support Infrastructure Ontario and the work that they do, and we will continue to create, support jobs and support the Premier while he fights for Canada.

Government accountability

Mr. John Fraser: Speaker, $2.1 billion is a lot of money. You can do a lot with $2.1 billion. And I might want to remind the minister that they cleared out the island and started construction before Therme got the investment they need to build. They don’t have the money they need to do it, and you’re already starting the work.

On top of that, let’s take the number down: $800 million. That’s how much you’re spending on a parking garage—of people’s money, for a company that had no money, that had no portfolio, that had no business doing that. You gave it to them.

What would $800 million do? Well, the hospitals that the member talked about—that would actually fund the local share for all those hospitals. That’s what it would do.

How can the Premier expect people to have confidence in him when he’s spending all that money for a foreign company on a parking garage, when their local share—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Response? I recognize the Minister of Infrastructure.

Hon. Kinga Surma: I find it incredibly hard to believe—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The House will come to order.

I apologize to the minister. You’ll be able to make your response with full time.

I will ask the members of the House to come to order.

I recognize the Minister of Infrastructure for a response.

Hon. Kinga Surma: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I find it incredibly difficult to understand the angle here. We are dealing with a difficult economy, we are dealing with a tariff war to the south, and the Liberals propose eliminating and cutting jobs for Ontario families. That is not what Ontarians need right now. What Ontarians want—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Order.

You may continue.

Hon. Kinga Surma: What Ontarians want is a leader, a leader that will negotiate, that will fight for this country, that will fight for Ontarians, that will protect jobs and fight for all of that. And we have that. The Premier won a third majority. Why? Because he stood up for Canada, he stood up for Ontario, and he’s protecting jobs.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Supplementary?

Mr. John Fraser: It looks like the Premier’s new speech writer is writing for the minister.

Speaker, back, through you—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The government side will come to order.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The government side will come to order.

Mr. John Fraser: I got you all talking, eh?

Yesterday in the throne speech, the Premier said that taxpayers’ money belongs to taxpayers. Well, apparently not $2.1 billion of it. That $2.1 billion, that would pay for a tax cut the Premier promised in 2018 and then again in 2022. But in yesterday’s throne speech? No relief like that for families, but a luxury spa for his friends.

How is the Premier justifying a process that wasn’t a process, that was done behind closed doors, that rewarded a foreign company with $2.1 billion of taxpayers’ money while he won’t make good on his promise to cut income taxes in this province, a promise he’s made multiple times?

Hon. Kinga Surma: I think Ontarians recognize that he’s doing exactly what he’s supposed to do. They just gave the man a third majority. We are back in this House, we are leading this province, we are running the government and we will continue to protect Ontario, to protect Canada, to fight for the interests of Ontarians, to rebuild our economy, to make it more resilient, to invest in energy, to build the infrastructure that the people depend on, and we will continue to support him and stand behind him throughout this time. Thank you.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Supplementary?

Mr. John Fraser: Again, $2.1 billion—it’s a lot of money. Taxpayers have a right to know the answers, and the Premier and the government aren’t willing to do that, aren’t willing to open the books. As I said, the $2.1 billion, that would have paid for the tax cut the Premier has promised multiple times. I hope we see one in the budget; maybe somebody can let us know whether or not that’s going to happen at some point today.

Mr. Adil Shamji: Don’t hold your breath.

Mr. John Fraser: Thank you.

Mr. Adil Shamji: Sorry.

Mr. John Fraser: You made me lose my train of thought. There we go.

Interjections.

Mr. John Fraser: On my own side, can you believe it?

The Premier also promised to end hallway health care. That didn’t happen. The $2.1 billion could have helped there. He promised he’d fix health care; 2.5 million Ontarians don’t have a family doctor. So who’s the Premier in this for? His friends, or Ontarians?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Response? I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: I’m going to have to go to the pharmacy and get some earwax, because I thought I heard that the Liberals want to cut taxes. They had 15 years, and you know what they did? They raised taxes, they raised fees. And you know what they got for that? Credit rating downgrades.

We’ve been cutting taxes, cutting fees, and we’ve been getting credit rating upgrades, which is lowering borrowing costs and helping us to invest in social services and the economy. I look forward to the member opposite going to the pharmacy and getting some earwax for me so I can hear him correctly.

Housing

Ms. Catherine Fife: My question is to the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

This week the CMHC reported that housing starts in Ontario are down nearly 40% from the same time last year. Housing starts in Ontario have fallen every year since 2021. When home construction is down, that means employment in skilled trades and residential construction is down as well. No skilled trades person or residential construction worker in Ontario should be underemployed in the middle of a housing crisis. Unemployment in this province is at 7%. Will the province make direct investments to build homes and get people working in this time of great economic uncertainty?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Response? I recognize the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Hon. Rob Flack: I think we all know that—and we’ve talked about it today already—we’ve hit a wall of uncertainty in this province. The Trump tariffs are punitive. They’re hurting the cost of building, and that has certainly caused chaos. Our Premier is doing a great job on limiting it.

Our single, focused job is to create the conditions for building to get kick-started again. We’re going to work with our municipal partners. We’re going to work with the federal government. We’re going to look at any idea or bold initiative to get shovels in the ground faster. We’re going to have a relentless focus to improve the time it takes to get a building permit, to lower taxes and lower DCs where possible, and finally create the talent pool and keep the talent pool in place.

Working with my Minister of Labour friend right here, we’re going to get the job, we’re going to protect Ontario, and we’re going to get the homes built.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Supplementary?

Ms. Catherine Fife: Housing starts in the province of Ontario are at 1955 levels. This is a missed opportunity for all of us. Unfortunately, housing starts are continuing to fall in Ontario at a time when people need new, affordable housing more than ever. We all know that new public investment in affordable housing is the only solution to homelessness. They need homes in Ontario.

We also need stimulus spending on housing to keep people working during the trade war and to provide certainty for home builders and suppliers. The Trump administration has slapped tariffs on Canadian home building materials that Ontario workers could be using to build new Ontario homes.

Will the government make direct investments in affordable housing to sustain demand for Canadian natural resources and building materials, get people working and get homes built? This is actually an opportunity for the government to fill this gap—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Response? I recognize the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

Hon. David Piccini: I appreciate the member’s question. You want to know what we can do to get workers working? Well, let’s look at some of the new training centres we’ve invested in to help good, union-paying jobs—jobs across Ontario.

I would challenge that member. I just got off the phone with one of the locals in her region who spoke to me about development charges, who spoke to me about new permits: Speaker, six weeks to get a signed permit for the new training centre to train the next generation of workers. You know who backs that kind of dithering and delay? It’s when we don’t support streamlining our permits.

I challenge that member: support us—streamlining, regulatory predictability, so we can get shovels in the ground that unleash our economic potential. Get good workers working—the very workers she claims to speak about.

Government accountability

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the member for Don Valley West.

Ms. Stephanie Bowman: Thank you, Madam Speaker, and congrats. It’s wonderful that we will finally have a woman Speaker’s portrait hanging on these walls.

We’re only three days into this 44th Parliament and already this government’s bad deals are in the news. This morning, the New York Times published an

article stating that a foreign company won a multi-billion dollar deal based on wrong information. The company claimed to have multiple spas across Europe, and yet it turns out they only had one. The AG report showed that this government’s bidding process was flawed and unfair, but this is unbelievable. It makes you wonder why this government doesn’t know how to do its due diligence on Therme.

My question to the Premier: How does a government in charge of the largest economy in Canada let this happen?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Response? I recognize the Minister of Infrastructure.

Hon. Kinga Surma: Again, I’ll repeat it. I’ll repeat it 10 times over if that’s how you want to utilize your question. They passed the financial test by an arm’s-length agency, world-renowned Infrastructure Ontario, that is filled with professionals and experts in the field.

But while they talk about that, we’re going to talk about what’s important to Ontarians. What’s important to Ontarians is providing stability and consistency during this difficult time. What’s important to Ontarians is providing that support to our Premier, who is leading the nation in tariff negotiations to protect this country, to protect Ontario, to protect Ontario families and to protect the jobs here in Ontario.

We’re focusing on rebuilding our economy, removing interprovincial barriers so that we can improve trade.

Madam Speaker, while they talk about that, let’s talk about rebuilding the economy and—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Question?

Ms. Stephanie Bowman: Speaker, do you know what’s important to Ontarians? A government that you can trust.

We now know, from the New York Times, that “the government could choose whatever company it wanted, whether or not it had met the bidding requirements—or even submitted a proposal.”

We already knew from the AG report that the process was flawed; that the company’s financial position was weak, with only €1 million in equity; but this government still went ahead and signed a multi-billion dollar deal with Therme, making them rich, and maybe others, on the backs of Ontario taxpayers.

This deal is the grift that keeps on grifting. Why would this Premier, who was a businessman, give a multi-billion dollar deal to a company without checking them out?

My question to the Premier: When will he admit that his deal with Therme was a mistake and fix it?

Hon. Kinga Surma: Madam Speaker, what we are doing is we are rebuilding and redeveloping a site that was left abandoned by the very members that are asking the question. Concerts had to be cancelled because of flooding issues, Madam Speaker. The truth is, the site was once enjoyed by Ontarians, back in the 1970s and the 1980s, but it was abandoned, and this government is rebuilding it.

We will be creating 4,700 jobs throughout the construction. We will have 2,000 permanent jobs. We will also have a wonderful place with 50 acres of public realm space for families to enjoy, and it’s under construction, Madam Speaker. I can’t wait until it’s done, and I can’t wait to have a big celebration and invite all of Ontario to come and enjoy Lake Ontario.

Interprovincial trade

Mrs. Michelle Cooper: My question is for the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. Tariffs from the US have reminded the world of the importance of free trade. For the past four decades, Canada and the US have had a strong trading relationship guided by successive free trade agreements. Free trade has brought jobs, investment and affordable North American goods to families and businesses on both sides of the border, but unfortunately, the threat of US tariffs on Canadian goods undermines our trading relationship.

The Premier and our government continue to push the US to remove the tariffs, but we also need to look at ways that we can boost free trade within Canada. Speaker, can the minister share with this House why we need to remove interprovincial trade barriers, and what our government is doing to address this issue?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Response? I recognize the Associate Minister of Small Business.

Hon. Nina Tangri: Thank you and congratulations, Madam Speaker.

Congratulations to the member for Eglinton–Lawrence, and thank you for the question.

Speaker, for too long, interprovincial trade barriers in Canada have driven up costs, discouraged investment and harmed Canada’s economic growth.

Internal trade barriers can add up to 14.5% to the cost of everything we buy here in Canada, making Canadian-made goods more expensive for Canadian families and for businesses. By removing these barriers, we will see Canada boost its national growth by 4% to 8% annually, which would represent a potential gain of over $200 billion per year.

We need to take bold and ambitious action to tear these costly barriers down. As the largest interprovincial leader and trader in Canada, Ontario is determined to lead that charge, and we look forward to sharing these details of our plans this afternoon.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Question?

Mrs. Michelle Cooper: Thank you to the minister for the response.

As our government puts forward an ambitious plan to tackle interprovincial trade barriers, we hope that more provinces and territories will follow our lead and do the same. These are important actions that will strengthen our country’s economy and lower costs for households and businesses, but the uncertainty of tariffs still looms large over the global economy.

I have heard from businesses and constituents in my riding who are worried about what this might mean for them. These are businesses who have been in Ontario for years and have consistently expanded and grown their workforce in our province. Now, with tariffs, they are struggling to plan and make prudent investment decisions.

Can the minister provide an update on what our government is doing to ensure Ontario remains competitive during these uncertain times?

Hon. Nina Tangri: Thanks again for the question.

Speaker, our government has always worked to ensure Ontario is the best place for businesses to invest and expand. We’ve cut 550 pieces of red tape. We’ve lowered the cost of doing business here in Ontario by $8 billion. As a result, we’ve seen tens of billions of dollars of investment flow into this province, which has propelled businesses to create over a million new jobs since we took office.

Now, US tariffs threaten to undermine the progress we’ve made. They have created chaos and uncertainty in the global economy, which has resulted in markets shedding off trillions of dollars in value and plunging consumer and business confidence levels across the province and around the world. We can assure businesses and workers in Ontario that this Premier and this government will continue to push the US to remove these tariffs and do everything to support you during these challenging times.

Public health

MPP Robin Lennox: Good morning, Madam Speaker. This question is for the Premier. We are seeing report after report about measles outbreaks across our province. The numbers are unprecedented, with 155 new cases just last week. This is not where we should be. Measles is highly contagious but highly preventable. But too many children are still unvaccinated, vaccine misinformation is rampant, and thousands of students are at risk of suspension.

We need to urgently provide support to public health units and family doctors to ramp up vaccination campaigns to prevent more outbreaks. Why haven’t we heard of a plan from our province?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Response? I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: Thank you, Speaker. Great to see you in the chair.

To the new member from Hamilton Centre, congratulations on your victory. I hope that we can work together.

It’s important that you raise this issue because, obviously, measles is a 100% preventable illness. As a result, we have been working very closely with the Chief Medical Officer of Health. In fact, in March 2023, he was sending out memos reminding public health units that they had to refocus their efforts to ensure childhood vaccines were caught up.

That work is ongoing. We have ensured that our public health units have all of the support they need. They have additional vaccines when they need it. They have additional opportunities to do those very important awareness campaigns.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Supplementary?

MPP Robin Lennox: No parent wants to see their child get sick, or worse, from a preventable disease like measles. And now, more than ever, Ontarians need an accessible, publicly funded and publicly delivered health care system. Public health care is an essential service and a core Canadian value.

Yesterday, during the Premier’s throne speech, he said that this government would “prioritize patients and their health above … dogmatic ideology.” Can the Premier please clarify which dogmatic ideology he was referring to?

Hon. Sylvia Jones: Respectfully, I’m not sure what ideology the member is talking about. But I can tell you, every single investment we have made in public health units across Ontario—every time we put it in our budgets, the NDP vote it down.

We have had investments in public health units across Ontario since 2018—20% increases to ensure our public health units have the support and investments they need. We will continue to ensure that caregivers—that parents, that educators—understand the importance of vaccines, but I also respectfully ask the member to look at her caucus and say, “Why are we voting against investments in our public health units?”

Government accountability

Mr. Stephen Blais: My question is for the Premier. Madam Speaker, the Premier’s own analysts at Infrastructure Ontario flagged Therme’s weak finances. As the minister has already explained to us, the analysts at Infrastructure Ontario are world-renowned. This is what they noted: They noted that Therme wasn’t cash-flow positive. They noted that they had low liquidity, and they noted that they had no real business footprint. But instead of walking away, the Premier’s government leaned in, investing public dollars and giving away public land. Now more than ever, we need a government that is focused on strong financial fundamentals.

Madam Speaker, why did the Premier and his minister ignore every financial red flag and still push forward with a deal that any reasonable government would have shut down on day one?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Response? I recognize the Minister of Infrastructure.

Hon. Kinga Surma: Again, they passed the financial test. We’ve had several auditor reports. We’ve even had an Integrity Commissioner report. But, Speaker, we are here; we are constructing; we are rebuilding Ontario Place. And do you know what’s most important? Yes, the jobs; of course, the jobs. Of course, the fact that we’ll have a wonderful place to go, that all families can enjoy. But also, we’re going to make it a self-sustaining site. We will have tenants that will be paying the province in order to be there. That way we know Ontario Place will not be left to fall apart, like it was under the Liberals.

It will continue to be there for families to enjoy. It will continue to be there for new workers that will work on the site.

We will continue to invest in Ontario Place. We will continue to protect jobs, and we will continue to stand up for Ontario families every—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Question?

Mr. Stephen Blais: My supplemental is also for the Premier.

Let’s be honest: This isn’t a one-off. We’ve seen this government bend the rules for their friends before, from the greenbelt to ServiceOntario centres. At every turn, this government blurs the line between public service and private interest.

Therme wasn’t chosen because it was the best choice; it was chosen because the government made sure no one else stood a chance.

As the government considers billions in stimulus and support spending, will the Premier just finally admit that there’s a broader pattern where insiders win and Ontarians are left footing the bill?

Hon. Kinga Surma: Madam Speaker, there were over 30 participants in the process. Therme was recommended by Infrastructure Ontario, an arm’s-length agency. We’ve done Auditor General reports; we’ve had Integrity Commissioner reports. What’s most important to Ontarians today is to protect Ontario, to fight for Ontario, to fight for Canada, to protect jobs. That is what our government is doing. That is why the people elected us. That is why the people elected the Premier, because the Premier has been leading the nation in this fight. He has been relentless.

He is making extraordinary changes, leading the way to removing barriers for interprovincial trade that will boost our economies here, especially in Ontario. And we will continue to focus on that: the economy, protecting jobs and standing behind the Premier as he fights for all Canadians.

Ontario economy

MPP Mohamed Firin: My question is for the Minister of Energy and Mines. Ontario workers are worried: The US is talking about new tariffs—big ones. And that puts jobs here at risk—steel jobs, mining jobs, energy jobs. We can’t count on Washington to protect us. We need to protect ourselves.

Speaker, Ontario has the tools. We have clean power, we have critical minerals and we have the workers ready to build, but we need to use what we have to stand strong, to build up our economy and protect our future.

Can the minister please tell this House what our government is doing to protect Ontario’s industries from tariffs and to grow a strong, self-reliant economy right here at home?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Response? I recognize the Minister of Energy and Mines.

Hon. Stephen Lecce: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Let me thank and congratulate the member from York South–Weston, the first Somali Canadian elected in our party history. We are proud of your achievements.

I want to join my members and our government in really reaffirming that with the threats of President Trump we are standing strong and we are ensuring we’re buying Canadian, built by Canadian workers, using Canadian materials to lead the way.

It’s why we issued a directive to all Canadian utilities in Ontario to buy Canadian. It’s why we put in place a procurement policy, led by the Treasury Board minister, that ensures that everything we do in government, to the extent humanly possible, is built by and supported by Canadian workers. It’s why just yesterday in Ottawa we reaffirmed this to our partners in Estonia and other eastern European markets, where we’re trying to get clean nuclear tech exported into that part of the world.

It’s why, Madam Speaker, we are working to get our critical minerals to market, to end the human-rights-abusing regimes of China and Russia, who dominate the space, to use democratic Canadian resources to power the world. This is our moment as Canadians. We’re going to lean in, buy Canadian, built by Canadians.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Question?

MPP Mohamed Firin: I want to thank the minister for his answer and his strong leadership. Western allies are searching for dependable access to critical minerals. Time and time again the Premier has made it clear Canada is not the threat. The real threat is China.

Other countries and regions are moving faster. They’re cutting red tape, they’re building the roads, the rails and the energy systems to get their minerals to market. We have the resources, we have the workers and we have the will, but we need to get moving now. Canada could add billions if we sped up permits and got the mines open faster.

Madam Speaker, what is our government doing to speed up permits and make Ontario the best place in the world to mine, refine and build the clean technologies of the future?

Hon. Stephen Lecce: The member is right. We, I think, accept that it cannot be business as usual with the election of President Trump. When we see Western Australia, a Commonwealth ally that we have so many similarities to, being able to open mines in six or seven years—in the EU it’s taking eight or nine years; and in Saskatchewan and Alberta, closer to 10, and yet here in Ontario, unacceptably, we rank number 10 out of 10 when it comes to subnational jurisdiction mining investment attractiveness—it is clear we have a problem we have to resolve.

We’ve got to step up in this critical minerals race and ensure that we get our products to new markets. We need to stand on our own two feet as Canadians—self-reliant, economically independent.

It’s why we’re bringing forth a plan that will respect our obligations under the Constitution but ensure that we get shovels in the ground with speed and purpose and that we end the duplication—end the delay—and use one window to deliver mining projects for the prosperity of Canada for another generation.

Highway safety

Mr. Guy Bourgouin: My question is to the Minister of Transportation. The number one issue for the north we heard when door-knocking this election was highway safety. People fear for their lives every time they drive on Highways 11 and 17. This winter we saw fatal accident after fatal accident and constant road closures. Just yesterday, after a snowstorm, they closed the road again as a precautionary measure because the risk of an accident is too high.

Before the election the minister told us over and over that Ontario had the safest roads in North America. Can he stand here today and tell us honestly that Highways 11 and 17 are safe?

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: It continues to be a priority for this government to ensure that we have the safest roads in North America, as we do. But as you saw during the campaign, and in many of the investments that this government has made, we are committed to highway infrastructure across the province and that includes Highway 11.

During the campaign and previously, Premier Ford committed to ensuring that we have the 2+1 pilot all the way from North Bay to Cochrane. We are the only government that is investing $28 billion over the next 10 years to support highway infrastructure improvements across the province. Unfortunately, the members opposite and the Liberals have refused to support the investments that we are making, especially in the north with respect to Highway 17 and Highway 11, including increasing enforcement across those highways as well. We will continue to ensure we make those investments.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Question?

Mr. Guy Bourgouin: This pilot project was never even started last election, and how it’s going to start this election is left to be seen. And a pilot project is not what we need. We need more passing lanes.

Again, Minister, before the election, my fellow northern MPPs and I put together a plan with real solutions that we could implement today to save lives on our highways. This is not a partisan issue. When you risk your life every time you drive, it does not matter who you vote for.

Again to the minister: Will he commit today to working with us to implement our northern highway safety plan?

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: