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June 6, 2006

38th Parliament, 2nd Session

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Hansard Transcripts

vol. A

Hansard Transcripts

vol. B

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcripts 2006-Jun-06 (PDF)

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L'ONTARIO

Tuesday 6 June 2006 Mardi 6 juin 2006

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

HOUSE PROCEEDINGS

QUARRY VILLAGE

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

SHELBY HEINBUCH

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

HOSPITAL SERVICES

TIM HORTONS CAMP DAY

CHILD CARE

SCIENCE FAIR

VISITORS

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

THUNDER BAY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS AUTHORITY INC. ACT, 2006

INTERIOR DESIGNERS ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006

SUR LES DESIGNERS D'INTÉRIEUR

MOTIONS

HOUSE SITTINGS

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY

AND RESPONSES

ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION /

PROTECTION DE L'ENVIRONNEMENT

RECREATION AND PARKS MONTH /

MOIS DE LA RÉCRÉATION

ET DES PARCS

ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

RECREATION AND PARKS MONTH

ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

WEARING OF PINS

DEFERRED VOTES

HUMAN RIGHTS CODE

AMENDMENT ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006 MODIFIANT LE CODE

DES DROITS DE LA PERSONNE

ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY

ORAL QUESTIONS

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

HEALTH PROMOTION

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED PROFESSIONALS

NATIONAL CHILD BENEFIT SUPPLEMENT

ONTARIO-QUEBEC AGREEMENTS /

ENTENTES ONTARIO-QUÉBEC

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

FOREST INDUSTRY

CONSUMER PROTECTION

TOBACCO CONTROL

FRENCH-LANGUAGE SERVICES /

JOB CREATION

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

PREMIER'S COMMENTS

PETITIONS

HERITAGE CONSERVATION

TRADE DEVELOPMENT

DRUG LEGISLATION

CHILD CARE

ORDERS OF THE DAY

STRONGER CITY OF TORONTO

FOR A STRONGER ONTARIO ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006 CRÉANT

UN TORONTO PLUS FORT

POUR UN ONTARIO PLUS FORT

The House met at 1330.

Prayers.

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

HOUSE PROCEEDINGS

Mr. Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North): My comments today relate to two events that occurred in the House yesterday.

To begin with, I'd like to thank the Liberal caucus for their support of John Tory's opposition day motion. I am pleased that you agree to recommend to the

Lieutenant Governor in Council that a commission be appointed to inquire into and report on how the absence of communication and a lack of leadership by Premier McGuinty and his Liberal government

allowed the Caledonia situation to escalate to a full-blown standoff and a public security crisis.

Secondly, I'd like to provide clarification to two non-answers I received from the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services yesterday. In the

question, I did not ask about Lewis MacKenzie and Norman Inkster; I asked what additional resources the McGuinty government had provided to police services to fight counterterrorism since their

election. The minister did not answer. I'm sure I know the answer: No additional resources have been made available to police services to fight counterterrorism.

In my supplementary, I asked the minister if he would commit to the House that he would not cut the previously planned $1.76 million from the CISO budget next

May. He refused to answer that question as well, instead turning to insults toward me. So to the people of Ontario and to the good folks at CISO, the McGuinty government is planning to cut $1.76

million from CISO next May. That is money to fight counterterrorism. How much softer on crime could a government possibly be?

QUARRY VILLAGE

Mr. Lorenzo Berardinetti (Scarborough Southwest): I would like to take this opportunity in the House today to talk about a landmark

affectionately known as the Quarry Village, located in the southwestern part of my riding, in the Gerrard and Victoria Park area. The Quarry Village first came to life as a gravel pit in the early

part of the 20th century. Labourers would work long hours to produce the brick we use to construct many of our homes, offices and community centres.

Presently, due to the efforts of entrepreneur Jack Mandos, the Quarry Village has seen a renaissance. The community has been transformed from a gravel pit into a

vibrant collection of stores, restaurants and office facilities. Further to this, the Quarry Village still maintains its natural appeal, with a vast tract of green space laden with trees and

various breeds of shrubbery.

The Quarry Village historically has been at the centre of community and business life in southwest Scarborough. If one is to travel throughout the various

communities surrounding the quarry, one will find some of Scarborough's first homes and early settlements. Along with this, the Quarry Village served as one of the first centres of employment in

Scarborough by providing paycheques to those individuals who put in long days and nights, tirelessly digging the earth to help make construction materials such as bricks. In fact, many of the

bricks you see on the homes across Toronto trace their origin back to the Quarry Village and its historic gravel pits.

The Quarry Village's past is matched by the great future that lies ahead. The Quarry Village is one of those hidden treasures in my riding of Scarborough

Southwest. I encourage all to come and visit to see this location.

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

Mr. Toby Barrett (Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant): Yesterday, this Ontario Legislature approved a motion calling for an inquiry into the mismanagement

of the Caledonia-Six Nations land dispute. I do commend all three parties in this Legislative Assembly for allowing this motion to pass, allowing for an inquiry, rather than waiting 10 years. Given

the dearth of communication about the dispute identified in yesterday's motion, people want to know what's going on. They want to learn about events in Caledonia and Six Nations. People don't want

another armchair inquiry years after the fact. We must constantly monitor; we must constantly evaluate.

In business, you have to know at the end of each day how much you've made or lost. As red flags pop up, you deal with them and you prevent them, as articulated

in the motion: to wit, a commission directed to "preventing similar chaotic confrontations" and to "improve dispute resolution."

To the McGuinty government: As we go forward with this inquiry, be cautious when you call this inquiry. Don't jeopardize the negotiations and any progress that

may have been made. Don't interfere with Superior Court Justice David Marshall's work.

I do commend all three parties for supporting this motion passed in this Legislature on June 5. I look forward to helping with this inquiry.

SHELBY HEINBUCH

Mr. Jean-Marc Lalonde (Glengarry-Prescott-Russell): I rise today to recognize one of our former legislative pages, Shelby Heinbuch, who is from

my riding. Shelby served as a page here from March to April of this year and she did a wonderful job. When she returned home to Rockland, she did something even more remarkable: Shelby decided to

donate some of her hair to the Angel Hair for Kids charity.

This organization provides human hair wigs for children from financially disadvantaged families who have lost their hair as a result of a medical condition. This

year, approximately 10,000 children in Canada will lose their hair because of cancer treatment, burn accidents and other diseases.

Plusieurs de ces enfants viennent de familles démunies qui ne peuvent se permettre le coût d'une perruque de qualité. Angel Hair for Kids a

toujours de cinq à 10 demandes à traiter et la demande s'accroît continuellement.

Congratulations, Shelby, for setting such a great example in making this donation. I hope that other people will be inspired to reach out to children in need and

support charities like Angel Hair for Kids. Young people like Shelby are the future of this province. Her selfless sacrifice should be an example to all Ontarians about what it means to help people

who need it.

Les jeunes comme Shelby sont l'avenir de notre province. Son sacrifice est un exemple à tous les Ontariennes et Ontariens de ce que veut dire la

charité humaine.

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

Mr. Norm Miller (Parry Sound-Muskoka): The McGuinty government has not only failed miserably in preventing or resolving the occupation of land

in Caledonia, but it has set a troubling precedent for shirking provincial responsibilities.

I was shocked at the abdication of responsibility voiced by the Premier's minister responsible for aboriginal affairs yesterday as we debated this government's

mishandling of the situation in Caledonia. The minister alleged that, "Ontario has probably exhausted all the tools that we have available," and "It is only the federal government that has the

tools to resolve an outstanding land claim...."

How can you say that the issue is about an outstanding land claim and try to pass the buck? Your own website that lists current land claims and related

negotiations does not include the Six Nations or the property in Caledonia, and you personally acknowledged yesterday that, "The dispute really is an accounting claim, by and large."

With respect to the occupied site, the federal government does not have jurisdiction over the title. In addition, regulations around land use, construction and

development are under provincial jurisdiction. The issue of public safety in this situation is also a provincial responsibility.

Premier McGuinty should have known and acted on the local concerns since they were first voiced by Six Nations in August 2005, yet he did not.

Isn't it a fact that the provincial government is responsible for the most immediate issues in Caledonia, all of which you have failed to address: title on the

land in question, land use and development policies, public safety and highways?

HOSPITAL SERVICES

Mr. Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): Dalton McGuinty and the Liberals' broken promise to shorten hospital surgery waiting lists is cold comfort --

no comfort -- to so many Ontarians, least of all Jeff Hagar of Fonthill.

Mr. Hagar, a 49-year-old man living with his wife and four kids and supporting them by working hard daily, has lived with chronic pain for two decades now. You

see, it was a motor vehicle accident some time ago that caused serious injury to his lower leg and ankle.

In December of last year, the decision was finally made that the pain was too intense for him to live with and the decision was made for him to undergo an

amputation of the leg below the knee. His condition is deteriorating, his reliance upon narcotic-type medications is increasing, and all he does is wait, because his orthopaedic surgeon can't find

surgery time and a hospital bed for him to recover in so that the surgeon can perform the job the surgeon is prepared to do and so that the surgeon can do what's necessary to give Mr. Hagar

something of a meaningful life.

Mr. Hagar says, "The pain at times is driving me crazy with discomfort and to be told that I have to wait ... is an insult.... All I want is to be close to

normal physically and emotionally with my family."

Here is a man who at this point in his life considers having an amputation below the knee to be close to normal physically and is being denied that opportunity

because Dalton McGuinty broke his promise to shorten waiting times for surgeries in Ontario's hospitals.

TIM HORTONS CAMP DAY

Mr. Dave Levac (Brant): I rise today to talk about an important initiative that's happening in my riding, in the province of Ontario and,

indeed, across the country right now. Tomorrow, June 7, is Tim Hortons Camp Day. On Camp Day, every penny of coffee sales for the entire day goes to the Tim Hortons Children's Foundation. Last

year, Camp Day raised $6.4 million and helped send many needy children to one of the foundation's camps.

The Tim Hortons Children's Foundation runs six camps: in Parry Sound, Ontario; Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia; Kananaskis, Alberta; Quyon, Quebec; Campbellsville,

Kentucky; and in St. George, Ontario, in my very own riding of Brant.

The funds raised on Camp Day throughout the year will allow the Tim Hortons Children's Foundation to send children to camp at no cost to them and their families,

because they're in need. Since 1974, more than 83,000 children and youth have attended the foundation camps. This year, more than 11,000 will benefit from the experience.

The children's foundation is dedicated to building a brighter future for many young children in our province and in our ridings. Camp Day helps them raise funds

to do just that. When we buy our coffee on that day, we're helping give more young people a great experience that might otherwise not have been had.

Although I will not be able to be there tomorrow, I want to thank Harry Fox, who runs the Colbourne Street Tim Hortons in our riding. I've been fortunate enough

to attend on a regular basis. He adds to that fund from his own pocket on the sales for that day. Let's congratulate Tim Hortons.

CHILD CARE

Mr. Ted McMeekin (Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Aldershot): Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with a local coalition of advocates concerned

about child care. Simply put, their goal is to compel the federal government to honour the early learning and child care funding agreement that was to provide Ontario with $1.9 billion over five

years. The coalition is angry and frustrated that despite widespread support for this historic and urgently needed agreement and recognition of the overwhelming need among Ontario families for

high-quality licensed child care spaces, it was unilaterally dismissed by a federal minority government.

The group recently held a code blue forum on the crisis in child care. With short notice, over 60 participants came together to discuss their mutual and pressing

concern about the future of the Best Start program and the thousands of proposed child care spaces that are now in jeopardy. This coalition is in sync with our government's commitment to creating

better opportunities for all our children. That's why the McGuinty government negotiated and signed the child care agreement in the first place.

In a world where you can purchase raw resources, borrow capital and copy technology, it is a highly skilled and creative workforce that will set us apart and

allow us to compete on the global stage. Best Start is the right start to ensure that this happens.

SCIENCE FAIR

Ms. Deborah Matthews (London North Centre): I would like to take a moment to recognize the bright minds that are in our Legislature today, and

I'm not talking about the ones on the floor. With us today we have some of the most intelligent, innovative and creative students in all of Ontario. They were regional science fair finalists

selected to compete with students from across the country in a week-long science fair in Saguenay, Quebec. Naturally, some of them are from my riding of London North Centre.

Chen Sun and Ratna Varma, from Orchard Park Public School, and David Wang from my alma mater, A.B. Lucas Secondary School, participated in this national fair.

Also, David Wang won the 2006 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Indianapolis just last month.

I am proud that our government is committed to research and development in Ontario. Through the major investments we've made in our public education system, we

continue to develop these bright young minds. The students here today prove why these investments are vital. These students are the innovators and inventors who will make great strides in the years

ahead. I am sure that some day soon we'll all marvel at Chen's camera for space, Ratna's fuel-efficient ideas and David's advances in diabetes research.

I'd also like to recognize the great volunteers at Sci-TechOntario, including my dear friend Dr. Patrick Whippey, who worked tirelessly and enthusiastically to

support and encourage our young people in science and research. Congratulations to all of you.

VISITORS

Mr. Norm Miller (Parry Sound-Muskoka): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: It's my pleasure to welcome to the Legislature today in the east

visitors' gallery teachers Shannon Mills and Amber Hammond from Parry Sound High School, who are here with students to participate in the read-in and to promote the Miss G project to encourage

women's studies course curriculum in Ontario secondary schools. Welcome.

Mr. Toby Barrett (Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: I also wish to welcome the students, teachers and parents from

Oneida Central Public School, a grade 5 class of Haldimand county kids.

Hon. Jim Watson (Minister of Health Promotion): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: Earlier this afternoon, Tim Peterson and I had the pleasure of

co-hosting a reception in support of Ontario's ski team. I'd like to point out in the members' gallery Jeff Ryley, founder of the World Cup Club; Joey Lavigne, Alpine Ontario athletic director;

Doug Findlay, Alpine Ontario tech director; Mark Kristofic, Alpine Ontario president; and in the gallery up there, the young men and women of the Ontario ski team: Cameron Day, Curtis Lush, Jeff

Hord, Kate Ryley, Kelby Helbert, Krystyn Peterson, Perry Watt, Marissa Riopelle, Laura Rozinowicz, Emma Kitchen, Ben Williams, Richard Long and Aimee Bell-Pasht. All these young athletes do us

proud. It's also Tim Peterson's birthday today. Welcome.

Mr. Miller: On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: It is also my pleasure to welcome representatives of the Ontario AIDS Network, who are making

presentations here today and are visiting in the members' gallery. Welcome.

Ms. Andrea Horwath (Hamilton East): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: There are women here from the Miss G project. Members might remember they

were here last year trying to convince government to put women's studies in schools.

Mr. Jean-Marc Lalonde (Glengarry-Prescott-Russell): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: I would like to welcome the Pretty couple, Carol and John

Pretty from Collingwood, who are visiting us today. They're the aunt and uncle of my hard-working intern, Jacqueline Lock.

Mr. Dave Levac (Brant): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: For those who haven't been welcomed, welcome.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

THUNDER BAY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS AUTHORITY INC. ACT, 2006

Mr. Mauro moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr27,

An Act respecting Thunder Bay International Airports Authority Inc.

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

Pursuant to standing order 84, this bill stands referred to the standing committee on regulations and private bills.

INTERIOR DESIGNERS ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006

SUR LES DESIGNERS D'INTÉRIEUR

Mr. Peterson moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 121,

An Act respecting interior designers / Projet de loi 121, Loi ayant trait aux designers d'intérieur.

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

The member may wish to make a brief statement.

Mr. Tim Peterson (Mississauga South): I rise to recognize the members of ARIDO, the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario:

Lynn McGregor, the president; Susan Wiggins, the executive director; Martin Campbell, the lawyer; and the best designer, Phil Dewan. Please rise and be recognized.

MOTIONS

HOUSE SITTINGS

Hon. James J. Bradley (Minister of Tourism, minister responsible for seniors, Government House Leader): The long-anticipated motion that

members of the House are waiting for, I know: I move that, pursuant to standing order 9(c)(i), the House shall meet from 6:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6, 2006, for the purpose of

considering government business.

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

All in favour will say "aye."

All opposed will say "nay."

In my opinion, the ayes have it.

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

The division bells rang from 1355 to 1400.

The Speaker: All those in favour will please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

Ayes

Arnott, Ted

Arthurs, Wayne

Balkissoon, Bas

Barrett, Toby

Bentley, Christopher

Berardinetti, Lorenzo

Bradley, James J.

Broten, Laurel C.

Bryant, Michael

Cansfield, Donna H.

Chambers, Mary Anne V.

Colle, Mike

Craitor, Kim

Crozier, Bruce

Delaney, Bob

Di Cocco, Caroline

Duguid, Brad

Duncan, Dwight

Elliott, Christine

Flynn, Kevin Daniel

Fonseca, Peter

Gravelle, Michael

Hardeman, Ernie

Hoy, Pat

Jackson, Cameron

Jeffrey, Linda

Kular, Kuldip

Kwinter, Monte

Lalonde, Jean-Marc

Leal, Jeff

Levac, Dave

MacLeod, Lisa

Marsales, Judy

Martiniuk, Gerry

Matthews, Deborah

Mauro, Bill

McMeekin, Ted

McNeely, Phil

Meilleur, Madeleine

Miller, Norm

Mitchell, Carol

Munro, Julia

Orazietti, David

Ouellette, Jerry J.

Parsons, Ernie

Peterson, Tim

Phillips, Gerry

Pupatello, Sandra

Ramal, Khalil

Ramsay, David

Rinaldi, Lou

Runciman, Robert W.

Ruprecht, Tony

Sandals, Liz

Scott, Laurie

Smith, Monique

Smitherman, George

Sorbara, Gregory S.

Tascona, Joseph N.

Van Bommel, Maria

Watson, Jim

Wilkinson, John

Wong, Tony C.

Wynne, Kathleen O.

Yakabuski, John

Zimmer, David

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

Nays

Bisson, Gilles

Horwath, Andrea

Kormos, Peter

Prue, Michael

Tabuns, Peter

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Claude L. DesRosiers): The ayes are 66; the nays are 5.

The Speaker: I declare the motion carried.

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY

AND RESPONSES

ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS

Hon. Caroline Di Cocco (Minister of Culture): Today is a special day for the Royal Botanical Gardens. This morning I was joined by Mayor Larry

Di Ianni of the city of Hamilton, and Chair Joyce Savoline of Halton region. I announced that the Ministry of Culture, the city of Hamilton and Halton region are providing one-time transitional

funding of $3.85 million over the next three years for the Royal Botanical Gardens.

As you know, the three partners undertook a review of the Royal Botanical Gardens last year, reflecting our partnership and commitment to solving the problems

faced by the gardens. We have worked closely with Halton region and the city of Hamilton to support the RBG review committee's report and the RBG's transition plan.

The review indicated that the RBG was in need of transitional support to move the organization from instability to stability. That is why my ministry is

providing $2.57 million, of which $400,000 was advanced in April 2006. The region and the city will provide over $600,000 each. This is an additional investment on top of the annual funding of $1.9

million provided by my ministry each year to the Royal Botanical Gardens. It is also above and beyond the annual funding provided by Halton and Hamilton.

This transitional funding will help the Royal Botanical Gardens create a new image and new offerings that will lead to increased attendance and more

self-generated revenues. Our investment will help the RBG protect and preserve our province's rich botanical heritage. It will also help its transformation in key areas, including marketing,

partnership development and outreach, education and research, and horticulture and conservation.

The government of Ontario, under the leadership of Premier Dalton McGuinty, is committed to supporting the Royal Botanical Gardens as an important cultural and

educational centre. The RBG is recognized for its unique contribution to the collection, research, exhibition and

interpretation of the plant world. The RBG grounds span over 1,100 hectares --

about 2,700 acres -- which includes 30 kilometres of hiking trails and 300 acres of cultivated gardens, making it the largest botanical garden in Canada. It is a living museum which serves local,

regional and global communities and promotes better understanding of the relationship between the plant world, humanity and the rest of nature.

I believe that together we can preserve and protect these beautiful gardens and lands for future generations.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION /

PROTECTION DE L'ENVIRONNEMENT

Hon. Laurel C. Broten (Minister of the Environment): The first week of June is recognized across Canada as Environment Week, with June 5

celebrated around the world as Environment Day. This represents a clear call to action and a collective acknowledgment of a fundamental imperative: We must take better care of this planet.

Le 5 juin se veut un appel à l'action claironnant. Il symbolise notre reconnaissance collective d'une vérité profonde et fondamentale :

nous devons mieux prendre soin de la planète.

This is also smog season. Summer is upon us and we've already had multiple smog alerts. Air pollution and climate change are the two most critical

environmental issues of our time. This government is passionate about protecting the health of all Ontarians. That is why we are taking aggressive action to protect and improve the air we breathe.

We know that a cleaner, greener Ontario is a healthier, more prosperous and more successful Ontario.

I want to focus on the air we breathe. Last year alone, air pollution caused 5,800 premature deaths in our province. It put more than 17,000 Ontarians in

hospital and resulted in more than 60,000 emergency room visits. Who were those people who suffered? Were they our neighbours, our friends? They could be any one of us or any of our loved ones.

When you add up the human costs along with the environmental and economic damages, which now are estimated to be around $9.6 billion, the price we are paying is too high.

It is absolutely critical that we focus on what we can do personally to reduce air pollution. Tomorrow is Clean Air Day. It's a great opportunity to choose to

ride transit or ride a bike, remembering to turn off the lights and planning ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. All of these steps will help us cut down the amount of harmful emissions going into

our air.

Our government is leading the way with initiatives to cut pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Yes, we are reducing our reliance on coal-fired energy

plants, and, yes, we are moving forward with our commitments to clean, renewable energy. We've signed contracts for 1,300 megawatts of wind power, enough for 300,000 homes. And we are putting our

own house in order by reducing energy use throughout all government buildings.

With the Greenbelt Act and Places to Grow, we have a comprehensive, long-term plan that curbs urban sprawl. We are also giving people more options to leave

their cars at home. Over the next five years, more than $1 billion will be invested in public transit through the provincial gas tax, and $3.1 billion will be going towards improving and expanding

transit through ReNew Ontario. Better transit means fewer cars on our roads and fewer harmful emissions in the air we breathe.

We have also improved Ontario's Drive Clean program by focusing on older cars that are more likely to pollute. We have exempted hybrids from testing and

offered owners of qualifying hybrids a provincial sales tax break of up to $2,000 to encourage people to drive greener and more environmentally friendly vehicles.

Soon, all cars in Ontario will be operating on cleaner fuel. We have put in place a regulation that requires all gasoline in our province to contain 5%

ethanol, on average, beginning in 2007.

We have set new and updated standards for 40 harmful air pollutants and set strict limits on seven industrial sectors to reduce smog-causing emissions, marking

the strongest stand any Ontario government has taken on air pollution in 25 years.

Our government is taking the lead. Yes, it's ambitious and, yes, it's aggressive, but that is the kind of action we must take to ensure Ontario's families have

clean air to breathe.

We are also encouraging other jurisdictions to follow our lead. In May, I went to Washington with a clear message that we need to work together with our US

neighbours to improve the air we all share. Later this month, the Premier and I will be hosting the second shared air summit, where we will seek solutions for our cross-border air issues. But we

can't do it alone. That's why we are working to build closer, more effective relationships with provinces and states to deal with the very real issues of transboundary air pollution.

Nous savons que nous ne pouvons pas réussir tous seuls. C'est pourquoi nous tissons des liens plus étroits et plus efficaces avec les provinces et

les États américains pour aborder les questions liées à la pollution atmosphérique transfrontalière.

We are encouraging our neighbours to work with us, and urging Ontarians to each do their part for cleaner air. Each of us can help make a big difference by

taking small steps to improve the air we breathe. Every week should be Environment Week.

RECREATION AND PARKS MONTH /

MOIS DE LA RÉCRÉATION

ET DES PARCS

Hon. Jim Watson (Minister of Health Promotion): I'd like to congratulate Parks and Recreation Ontario, the Ontario Parks Association and the

Ontario Recreation Facilities Association for their efforts in having June proclaimed Recreation and Parks Month in Ontario.

Recreation and Parks Month supports the ideals and priorities of our ministry and the McGuinty government. It declares that recreation enhances quality of

life, builds healthy bodies and positive lifestyles, and strengthens volunteer and community development while creating vibrant communities.

Depuis que nous avons lancé notre stratégie Vie Active 2010 visant à accroître la participation des Ontariens et Ontariennes à des

activités physiques et sportives, il y a deux ans, nous avons investi plus de 17 $ millions annuellement pour appuyer l'activité physique, la pratique du sport et le

développement des loisirs dans cette province.

Through our communities in action fund grants, which I know all members are aware of, we support many organizations affiliated with community recreation and

parks. This fund invests in community sport and physical activity, and helps remove barriers to participation. Recently, we announced $5 million to continue this program into a third year.

In addition, we are investing $3.5 million over the next five years in the implementation of the long-awaited Ontario trails strategy, our long-term plan to

strengthen and enhance more than 64,000 kilometres of urban, rural and wilderness trails. Out of this, we have allocated $440,000 per year to our Trails for Life grant program. Trails for Life is a

key component of the Ontario trails strategy that supports the government's plan to promote and extend Ontario's trail system for the health and prosperity of Ontarians. This year, 17 successful

projects will undertake initiatives such as a central website with information about trails across the province and a code of ethics for trail users.

Notre gouvernement appuie les familles qui accordent de l'importance à un mode de vie actif et sain. Les parcs, ainsi que les organisations et les centres

de loisirs de l'Ontario, constituent d'importants partenaires. Ils visent les mêmes objectifs que nous, soit améliorer la santé et le mieux-être de tous les Ontariens.

We are committed to continued collaboration with organizations such as Parks and Recreation Ontario, the Ontario Parks Association and the Ontario Recreation

Facilities Association. I had the pleasure of being in Guelph at their annual general meeting not too long ago, and I commend them for the good work they and all our other partners for sport and

recreation development in the province are doing.

We value the role these organizations play in helping us achieve the goals and objectives of initiatives such as Active 2010 and in supporting sport and

recreation across the province.

Recreation and Parks Month is a celebration of the values and benefits of recreation in everyday life. The theme, To Live it Every Day, is an important message

for all Ontarians to support healthy, active living. I encourage all of you to enjoy your local parks and recreation facilities across the province this month.

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

ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS

Mrs. Julia Munro (York North): I'm pleased to respond to the Minister of Culture. First of all, I'd like to congratulate the Royal Botanical

Gardens on this announcement, reflecting on a rather long road from the dire straits they found themselves in a couple of years ago. It's certainly a good-news announcement for the gardens.

I think it also demonstrates the fact that today there is a huge interest in gardening. There were some statistics given about how people were going to spend

the Victoria Day weekend and, actually, gardening outclassed golfing, which I thought was kind of interesting.

The Royal Botanical Gardens has provided leadership for us. Certainly the science of horticulture is ever-expanding, and there's the increased recognition of

the connection between people and their natural environment.

The Royal Botanical Gardens, as was announced by the minister, is the largest of its kind in Canada. It certainly demonstrates the importance and the role of

the Royal Botanical Gardens to all of us in Ontario, particularly, obviously, the people closest to it, but for all Ontarians and its many visitors.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Ms. Laurie Scott (Haliburton-Victoria-Brock): Yesterday, June 5, was World Environment Day. It's an annual event that has taken place since

1974. This year's theme was Deserts and Desertification -- Don't Desert Drylands. It was celebrated around the world in more than 100 countries, with municipalities, businesses and communities all

taking part. Protecting the world we live in is something that can unite people from all around the world, regardless of what country or continent they come from. It is a day when we can focus

worldwide attention on the importance of our environment. The health of our planet affects us all.

Drylands contain 43% of the world's cultivated lands, but each year an estimated US$42 billion is lost from agricultural production due to land

degradation.

In past years, World Environment Day has focused on green cities, seas and oceans, water, the world wide web of life, and children and the environment. The

theme of the first World Environment Day was Only One Earth. I believe this clearly sums up the important work done each and every day since then.

RECREATION AND PARKS MONTH

Mr. Norm Miller (Parry Sound-Muskoka): The minister today made a good-news announcement to do with parks. I would like to highlight some

announcements that are not so good to do with parks, and our fish and wildlife as well. They're both very recent.

OPSEU's online announcement of June 2, 2006, stated, "McGuinty government slashes provincial park staffing by 19%." This is obviously going to affect programs

in parks and many different services in the parks. It states in this press release, "The cuts will affect service in every area of the parks. Educational and park interpretive staff are being cut

back. Park wardens are being cut back. Park stores are closing or having their hours of operation reduced. Some parks will shut their gates earlier at the end of the summer."

I can tell you, speaking for my own riding, I've met with the township of Machar to do with Mikisew Provincial Park, and they want to see the park opened

earlier and be open for longer time periods because it has such a positive economic benefit for the township of Machar. So this is indeed bad news that the McGuinty government is slashing

provincial park staffing by 19%.

Another recent announcement by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, a media release: "McGuinty Slashes MNR's Flagship Environmental Program," cutting

50% to save $500,000 on the community fisheries and wildlife involvement program. So they're talking about saving $500,000 on this program. I want to tell you, this program affects some 35,000

volunteers and some 600 projects around the province, like stream restoration, fish stocking, tree planting, erosion control, spawning bed improvement, fish ladder construction, building nesting

structures for birds -- many very worthwhile projects. Yet this government, to save $500,000, is affecting the work of some 35,000 volunteers around this province. I think that's very

short-sighted. I hope the government will reconsider this move to cut this $500,000, agree that this is an investment in our natural resources and not cut these programs.

ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS

Ms. Andrea Horwath (Hamilton East): In response to the Minister of Culture's announcement, I have to say I'm pleased to have been able to have

played a role in keeping the government's feet to the fire on this file with the RBG, but what we need to remember is that the RBG --

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Order, Minister of Health, Minister of Energy. I need to be able to hear the member for Hamilton

East.

Ms. Horwath: What we know is that the RBG needs sustained and adequate government funding. The words "one-time funding" continue to concern

those of us who are passionate about seeing the RBG emerge to be everything it can be. The RBG needs to be a unique scientific and educational garden collection, and programs need to be put in

place that will attract visitors from all over the world as well as Canada, like it used to do. It will take a long-term commitment to build the garden and that reputation. The RBG is a treasure

for all of Ontario and Canada, not just Hamilton and Halton.

While I applaud my city of Hamilton and the region of Halton for sticking by the RBG when the McGuinty Liberals were on the fence, it is the senior level of

government that must make ongoing financial commitments to the RBG. There has been a dramatic decrease in staffing at the RBG. Even with its peak amount of 45 employees a couple of years ago, it

was considered to be a skeleton crew, an insufficient number of staff to run the place. Now they're down to 21 staff, two part-timers; there were 22 layoffs two years ago and the quality of the

garden has suffered significantly. You'll remember those layoffs because they're the layoffs that were put in place while your deputy minister was running herd over the review committee. You can't

fully restore the RBG by adding short-term staff. In fact, even last week I heard of another full-time staffer who was cut from the RBG.

In order to renew the facility in the manner in which the review committee has recommended, there has to be reinvestment in support systems. For example, the

outdated greenhouses need to be retrofitted or replaced. The RBG, at this point in time, still doesn't have computerization and there's no automated system for its plant inventory. In fact, some of

the RBG's horticultural collection has already been lost and there's no funding provision that will allow the acquisition of new or replacement plants in that collection. A world-class garden will

never be world-class without the staff who are specialists in horticulture and expertly maintain the grounds. If the funding is truly tied to the RBG review committee recommendations, then staffing

would have been a big part of the government's news release, and it isn't.

As stewards of this provincial treasure, we need to ensure a number of things: that the RBG returns a focus to scientific and educational horticultural

mandate; that the government of Ontario commit to providing ongoing adequate funding to meet that mandate; that staffing be refocused and vacant positions relating to the mandate be filled; that

marketing and revenue generating initiatives focus on the RBG's excellence in scientific and educational horticultural mandate.

In short, we need to make the RBG the acclaimed horticultural centre it should be and everybody will win over the longer term.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Mr. Peter Tabuns (Toronto-Danforth): It's hard to know where to start in responding to the statement by the Minister of the Environment on

Environment Week. It was an extraordinary statement. One of her lines, that air pollution and climate change are one of the most critical environmental issues that we face in this world: Yesterday

I asked the Minister of the Environment, is her government going to bring forward a Kyoto plan? Stephen Harper has dropped the ball. Is that government going to bring forward a Kyoto plan? No. You

have not brought forward a plan and you know it. Your minister yesterday danced and skated around the issue. Today we get to hear about the total wonders of this government in relation to the

environment. Another line reducing reliance on coal-fired power plants: talk of closure, out the window; talk of phasing out coal-fired power plants, out the window. It's ending. Any commitment,

any pretence of commitment, to the environment is going out the window.

Now we hear about new standards for dealing with air pollution. This very same minister was asked about stopping the burning of tires at the Lafarge cement

plant in eastern Ontario. What did we get? All kinds of obfuscation. Any commitment to really dealing with the question of recycling? Any commitment to dealing with the fundamental environmental

problem? No. None.

This government is putting out statements like this and setting aside the real work, the real commitment, the real resources that are needed to deal with the

environmental crises we face. Air pollution kills thousands of people now. Is this government going to put in place waste diversion so we can block the development of incineration? No. Is this

government going to deal with climate change in the way it has to be dealt with? Absolutely not. This government is going to sit on its hands while the earth heats up around us.

WEARING OF PINS

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): On a point of order: Our guests from the Ontario AIDS Network have already

been well welcomed here today, but might I ask for unanimous consent that any member and any of our visitors who wish to may wear the red pin, the international symbol of AIDS awareness.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Mr. Smitherman has asked for unanimous consent to wear the red pin for international AIDS awareness.

Agreed? Agreed.

Mr. Gilles Bisson (Timmins-James Bay): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: We would be most glad to wear the ribbon. Unfortunately, we need them

distributed to the opposition lobby, if they can take care of that, please.

DEFERRED VOTES

HUMAN RIGHTS CODE

AMENDMENT ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006 MODIFIANT LE CODE

DES DROITS DE LA PERSONNE

Deferred vote on the motion for second reading of Bill 107,

An Act to amend the Human Rights Code / Projet de loi 107, Loi modifiant le Code des droits de

la personne.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Call in the members. This will be a five-minute bell.

The division bells rang from 1427 to 1432.

The Speaker: All those in favour will please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

Ayes

Arthurs, Wayne

Balkissoon, Bas

Bentley, Christopher

Berardinetti, Lorenzo

Bountrogianni, Marie

Bradley, James J.

Broten, Laurel C.

Bryant, Michael

Cansfield, Donna H.

Chambers, Mary Anne V.

Colle, Mike

Cordiano, Joseph

Craitor, Kim

Crozier, Bruce

Delaney, Bob

Di Cocco, Caroline

Duguid, Brad

Duncan, Dwight

Flynn, Kevin Daniel

Fonseca, Peter

Gerretsen, John

Gravelle, Michael

Hoy, Pat

Jeffrey, Linda

Kular, Kuldip

Kwinter, Monte

Lalonde, Jean-Marc

Leal, Jeff

Levac, Dave

Marsales, Judy

Matthews, Deborah

Mauro, Bill

McGuinty, Dalton

McMeekin, Ted

McNeely, Phil

Meilleur, Madeleine

Mitchell, Carol

Orazietti, David

Parsons, Ernie

Patten, Richard

Peterson, Tim

Phillips, Gerry

Pupatello, Sandra

Ramal, Khalil

Ramsay, David

Rinaldi, Lou

Ruprecht, Tony

Sandals, Liz

Smith, Monique

Smitherman, George

Sorbara, Gregory S.

Van Bommel, Maria

Watson, Jim

Wilkinson, John

Wong, Tony C.

Wynne, Kathleen O.

Zimmer, David

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

Nays

Arnott, Ted

Barrett, Toby

Bisson, Gilles

Elliott, Christine

Hampton, Howard

Hardeman, Ernie

Horwath, Andrea

Hudak, Tim

Jackson, Cameron

Kormos, Peter

MacLeod, Lisa

Marchese, Rosario

Martiniuk, Gerry

Miller, Norm

Munro, Julia

Ouellette, Jerry J.

Prue, Michael

Runciman, Robert W.

Scott, Laurie

Tabuns, Peter

Tascona, Joseph N.

Yakabuski, John

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Claude L. DesRosiers): The ayes are 57; the nays are 22.

The Speaker: I declare the motion carried.

Shall the bill be ordered for third reading? The Attorney General.

Hon. Michael Bryant (Attorney General): I refer the bill to the justice committee.

The Speaker: The bill is referred to the standing committee on justice policy.

ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY

Hon. James J. Bradley (Minister of Tourism, minister responsible for seniors, Government House Leader): I believe we have unanimous consent

for all parties to speak for up to 90 seconds to recognize the 62nd anniversary of D-Day.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Mr. Bradley has asked for unanimous consent for all parties to speak for up to 90 seconds to recognize

the 62nd anniversary of D-Day. Agreed.

Hon. Mr. Bradley: Today, June 6, 2006, marks the 62nd anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. It was a decisive battle that changed

the course of the Second World War and set the stage for the liberation of millions of people in Europe. It was a defining moment in the war, in Canada's history and indeed in world history.

Although the war in Europe continued for more than 11 months, it was the invasion of Normandy, the largest combined sea, land and air offensive in history,

that signalled the beginning of the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Canadian troops were at the forefront that fateful day, advancing further inland than any other force. One hundred and fifty-five thousand Allied troops,

including more than 20,000 Canadians, many of whom were not yet 20 years old, distinguished themselves in the invasion and battle. The invasion force included Ontarians from across the province,

whose courage and bravery at sea, in the air and on the ground helped shape the province we live in today.

We have the privilege and good fortune to live in freedom and prosperity because of their sacrifices. As the decades pass, we need to take full advantage of

every opportunity to directly thank those who fought on D-Day and in the Battle of Normandy. We owe them a debt of gratitude. We honour those who fought for us and those who died for us.

It is crucially important that we remember the thousands who made sacrifices. Let us honour them by cherishing the gifts they gave us -- not the least the

preservation of democracy -- and treat their legacy with respect every day here in the Legislature. May we choose to show the same courage and selflessness in our own lives as those who fought on

our behalf. May we never take freedom for granted and may we always remember.

Mr. Joseph N. Tascona (Barrie-Simcoe-Bradford): Sixty-two years ago, the process began that brought new life for nations in Europe and assured

our nation of freedom from the threat that had been hanging over the world for years.

It's D-Day 62 years ago. Four hundred and fifty members of the RCAF parachuted into Normandy. Fighter planes engaged the enemy on the ground and in the air.

One hundred and nine vessels of the RCN took

part in the invasion; 10,000 soldiers were involved. Fourteen thousand Canadian soldiers took

part in the landing on the shores of Juno Beach: 350 were

killed, 715 wounded and 47 taken prisoner.

I'm going to read John McCrae's WW I poem, In Flanders Fields, in honour of all those who served on D-Day and for Canada's men and women who still today rise

to the challenge of his words: "Take up our quarrel with the foe: / To you from failing hands we throw / The torch; be yours to hold it high...."

In Afghanistan, in the war against terrorism and the struggle for peace, our soldiers risk their lives and meet death. Sixteen have been killed and many

injured. Along with the 350 killed on D-Day, we honour those soldiers too.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky,

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders Fields.

In appreciation for all those who served in our forces in World War II and Korea and international missions since, we unite in this Legislature today in our

thanks.

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): On behalf of New Democrats, I'm pleased to be able to again recognize the anniversary of D-Day, in

this case, the 62nd anniversary of D-Day. Now, 62 years later, it may sometimes be difficult to appreciate the magnitude of what was undertaken on June 6, 1944. It is very difficult to appreciate

the magnitude of what was accomplished. And it is important, I think, that we recognize what was accomplished by Canadians.

Amongst all the Hollywood movies and the bravado that is sometimes shown, Canadians actually had some of the most difficult fighting under some of the most

difficult circumstances on June 6, 1944. In fact, when the German army decided to counterattack to try to break up the invasion, it was directly at the beach that was held by Canadians -- Juno

Beach -- that they aimed their counterattack. So not just on D-Day, but in the days following, Canadians were involved in some of the most difficult, some of the most atrocious fighting. We need to

recognize that, and the sacrifice that was made and the tremendous accomplishment of those people.

ORAL QUESTIONS

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

Mr. Robert W. Runciman (Leeds-Grenville): My question is for the Premier. Premier, yesterday, this House endorsed our leader John Tory's

motion for your government to call a full public inquiry into the handling of the Caledonia situation and the resulting violence there. In a Legislature where your party has a 2-to-1 majority, it

was recognized that your procrastination and failure to show leadership when it was most needed allowed the situation to escalate into a public safety crisis. Premier, will you respect the

democratic will of the Legislature and call a full public inquiry?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): No, I will not join with my Conservative colleagues in playing politics

with a very important, complicated and sensitive issue. The members opposite seem to think that the issue of Caledonia is a laughing matter; we see it differently on this side of the House. We are

going to approach this on a continuing basis in the same manner with which we've approached it to date. We will be patient. We will bring respect. We will bring goodwill. We will persevere. We will

work as long and as hard as is necessary to resolve this in a peaceful manner.

Mr. Runciman: Premier, while you've been racking up your travel points traipsing all over the country, you and your colleagues have been

missing in action on a serious and escalating situation in Caledonia. Surely you can't be satisfied with your government's handling of this situation. If you will not call for an inquiry, then how

can you learn from your mistakes? How do you intend to assure Ontarians that they will not be subjected to the mistakes your government has made, mistakes this House has told your government it has

made, from occurring again? Will you respect the democratic will of the House and proceed with an inquiry?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: I think it's really important for the benefit of the people of Ontario that we remove that which is under the table and put

it on top of the table. We have a decidedly different approach in these matters. The party opposite would prefer that we direct a police action. Let's be honest about where they're coming from in

this regard. That is their preference.

We bring a different approach. It is thoughtful; it's based on our recent understanding of some painful lessons in the history of this province. We will

proceed in the same manner that we have to date. We will work closely with the federal government, we will be cautious, we will be thorough, we will be thoughtful, we will do everything we can to

bring all the parties to the table so that we can resolve this in a peaceful manner.

Mr. Runciman: That's a familiar and totally offensive allegation. The Premier should be made aware of the sub judice convention when he goes

down that road.

Premier, so much for your promises of democratic renewal: Reject and ignore the will of the Legislature. From day one, due to your lack of leadership and that

of your cabinet, your government has procrastinated, pointed fingers and mishandled the situation in Caledonia until it's become a full-blown public crisis.

Yesterday, members of this House spoke loud and clear. They said there has to be a public inquiry into your mismanagement of the Caledonia standoff. During the

election campaign, you promised to promote democratic renewal, but once again you've failed to follow through. Premier, when you have a chance, why do you choose to break another promise, why do

you choose to ignore the will of this assembly and why do you refuse to call a public inquiry into your mishandling of the Caledonia standoff?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: I prefer to be direct with Ontarians. Again, the Conservatives prefer that we direct the police and that we send them out

on some kind of police action. We see things differently. They have not drawn the appropriate lessons from what happened some four years ago. We have.

Just a little over four weeks ago, in fact, MPP Toby Barrett said, in reference to the OPP, "They're getting, obviously, no sense of direction or leadership

from the government. There's got to be some kind of direction for the OPP."

At least Mr. Barrett is straightforward and direct with respect to the perspective he brings in this. But I suggest to my friend opposite that he really should

own up to the fact that the objection he has, in terms of the approach we have taken, is that we have refused to direct the Ontario Provincial Police. We will not apologize for doing that. We will

not apologize for working as hard as we can to obtain a --

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

Mr. Tim Hudak (Erie-Lincoln): Premier, I remind you that today is day 99 of the crisis in Caledonia. Yesterday this House endorsed John Tory's

motion for your government to call a full public inquiry into your mishandling of the crisis in Caledonia.

Premier, are you a man of your word? During the election campaign, you said you would make this place work better. You promised to respect free votes and,

above all else, the will of the Ontario Legislative Assembly. Are you a man of your word? Will you call the inquiry voted on in the House last night?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: I draw from that that the principal objection being raised by the member opposite is that this has gone 99 days largely

without incident, without injury and without war. I suggest that the member opposite tell us, then, on what particular day -- if he's not satisfied with the police not having rushed in on the 99th

day -- would he have directed the Ontario Provincial Police to enter?

Mr. Hudak: With all due respect, I cannot believe the Premier just said "without incident." Where has the Premier been? When were you going to

get out from behind your desk, Premier?

In the last 98 days we have seen a major highway torn up by a backhoe; we have seen blockades restricting the right to free travel; we may very well have seen

a major energy transmission site sabotaged, working into a major blackout; and we saw sad, violent and unforgettable images of local residents engaged in a massive brawl to the point of riot. And

what have we seen from this Premier? Barely a peep from beneath his desk.

Premier, when are you going to show some leadership? When are you going to stand up and call a full public inquiry into the crisis in Caledonia?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: It's not about the inquiry. It's never been about the inquiry. What the member opposite is asking us to do is to direct the

Ontario Provincial Police in the conduct of a police action. We will not do that. We will not apologize for making every effort possible to work with the federal government, to work with the First

Nations community, to work with the community of Caledonia, to work with all those who have a sincere desire to bring about a resolution that is ultimately peaceful. That is our objective. We

remain firm in seeking out that objective.

Mr. Hudak: I say to the Premier that I know you wish you could tap your heels three times and make all of this go away, but there are times,

Premier, particularly at times like these, when you need to stand up and show some leadership and do the right thing. A community that has been healthy and vibrant and strong is being torn apart at

the seams. This crisis, now in 99 days, has become the poster child for your lack of leadership.

As you know, the motion yesterday, passed by the assembly, said in part, "To recognize that the Premier's procrastination and failure to show leadership when

it was most needed allowed this situation to escalate into a public safety crisis." Premier, the people of Halton, the people of Six Nations, the people of Norfolk, the people of Hamilton, the

people of Ontario want to know, when are you going to get out from underneath your desk, call a full inquiry and investigate the lack of leadership you have shown in this matter?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: The Conservatives remain stuck in some era long gone by. The approach they advocate, I say with every conviction, is

completely out of keeping with the values of the people of Ontario at the beginning of the 21st century. They understand that this is a complicated matter. It is steeped in over a century of

history. It is really important that the parties do everything they possibly can to cultivate some foundation of respect and goodwill. That's what we've been working very hard to do, together with

our federal partners, together with the First Nations community, together with the local community. We will not abandon our responsibility to bring real leadership to this issue. Again, we will

continue to work as hard as we can to foster the kind of climate that will ultimately lead to a peaceful resolution.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): A question for the Premier: Can the Premier explain why the McGuinty government is watering down

Ontario's environmental standards to give nuclear power plants and new garbage dumps easy and quick approval?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): I know the minister looks forward to speaking to this, but let me just

say that we are working very hard to ensure we can have the best of both worlds here in the province of Ontario. We want to ensure we have the proper regulatory regime in place that protects the

health of our citizens, while at the same time ensuring we can continue to grow this economy in the best possible way. What the minister has done today, and what she will continue to do throughout,

is to ensure that we continue to strike that balance. The member opposite sees things differently. He thinks we have to choose between a strong economy and a safe environment. We think Ontarians

are entitled to more than that; we want for them both.

Mr. Hampton: Premier, you're the one who promised a full environmental assessment of new nuclear plants. If we look to the province of Quebec,

Quebec provides for provincial environmental assessments of new nuclear plants; so does New Brunswick. Will you guarantee working families, worried about the long-term environmental costs and the

long-term financial costs of nuclear power, that your $40-billion nuclear mega scheme will be the subject of a tough, thorough and extensive provincial environmental assessment?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: To the Minister of the Environment.

Hon. Laurel C. Broten (Minister of the Environment): As the leader of the third party should know, nuclear facilities are the subject of

federal environmental assessment. Nothing with respect to the announcements we've made today, which are to ensure that we have an environmental assessment process ready to protect Ontarians for the

21st century, an environmental assessment process that will help us get green projects online faster, renewables, green energy projects, transit, get people out of their cars and on to transit,

which are all good and protective of the environment. It's exactly what these environmental assessment reforms are about. We want to get to "yes" faster when that's the appropriate answer and get

to "no" faster when that is the appropriate answer. I have to be crystal clear to Ontarians that we will absolutely continue to protect the environment, as we move forward with this absolutely

great tool that the ministry has.

Mr. Hampton: And I want to be equally clear with people what this is all about. The David Suzuki Foundation, Greenpeace Canada and the Pembina

Institute had a legal opinion prepared which says very clearly that the McGuinty government would have to have your nuclear mega power plant scheme go through a provincial environmental assessment;

that is, the electricity supply mix plan would have to go through a provincial environmental assessment.

What you have announced today is an attempt by the McGuinty government to avoid that. You don't want your $40-billion nuclear mega power plant scheme to have

to go through an environmental assessment. That's what this is all about.

So I ask my question to the Premier again. Instead of trying to avoid the issue, will the Premier guarantee that your $40-billion nuclear mega scheme is the

subject of a thorough provincial environmental assessment?

Hon. Ms. Broten: It's unfortunate that the leader of the third party continues to choose to misinform Ontarians.

The announcement that we have made is about prospective changes, the changes that we will make to ensure that the environmental assessment process continues to

protect Ontarians. An environmental assessment of any nuclear facility would undergo a federal EA, and the province would participate actively to ensure that the environment, human health and the

public interest are protected. That's our commitment to the environment, and that's our commitment to Ontarians.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): New question.

Mr. Hampton: To the Premier, Speaker. I've at least got a legal opinion that says you have to submit your nuclear power scheme to a full

provincial environmental assessment. Rather than accusing people of misinforming, maybe you can show us your legal opinion, Premier, that says you don't have to submit it to a full environmental

assessment.

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: To the Minister of the Environment.

Hon. Ms. Broten: As I've said to the leader of the third party, the announcements I made today with respect to streamlining and improving the

environmental assessment process are prospective in nature. Over the next number of months we will work to develop codes of conduct to ensure that everyone participating in the environmental

assessment process, who have as their aim protecting the environment, will have an understanding of the proper process and the proper protocols.

We will be putting these things in place, consulting on them, moving on them over the next six to 18 months, so that we can have an environmental assessment

process that moves along projects that should be moved along, and that quickly says no to projects that are inappropriate and should not move ahead in the province so that we better protect

Ontarians.

Mr. Hampton: Again to the Premier, what we saw six months ago was the Ontario Power Authority's electricity supply mix report, which advocated

a $40-billion mega nuclear power scheme. Six months later, the McGuinty government, after trying to sidle this way and then that way, refuses to respond to the Ontario Power Authority. In fact,

what we now hear is that you're not going to respond until some time this summer. I take it you hope that if you respond some time this summer, people won't notice the response. Now we see the

Minister of the Environment announce that you're going to water down Ontario's environmental assessment rules.

Premier, could I ask you this: What is the McGuinty government afraid of? Why do you want to water down the environmental assessment rules? Why are you so

afraid to respond to the Ontario Power Authority's electricity supply mix plan?

The Speaker: The Minister of the Environment.

Hon. Ms. Broten: To the Minister of Energy.

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Energy): I think [ failure of sound system ] in the world who wants the operator to be the regulator of

nuclear power. That's foolish. You should be embarrassed by that. We have a long-standing tradition in this country of the operators of nuclear facilities not being the regulators. We don't

regulate security, we don't regulate environmental assessment and we don't regulate the disposal of waste. It's tomfoolery to suggest for one moment that the operator should be the regulator. That

is where we run into problems.

The other thing that ought to be set straight is that environmental regulations and assessment ought not to be used to block new renewable energy sources. The

member forgets that we're doubling renewable opportunities in Ontario. So we oppose the operator being the regulator of nuclear facilities, and we welcome full federal --

The Speaker: Thank you. Final supplementary.

Mr. Hampton: It is interesting to watch the McGuinty government, that has speeches full of platitudes about protecting the environment, and

what we see today is the McGuinty government trying, any which way it can, to avoid the kind of environmental assessment of its electricity supply mix plan that Greenpeace, the David Suzuki

Foundation, the Pembina Institute and the Canadian Environmental Law Association say is obligated.

I asked the Premier a minute ago, instead of accusing people of misleading Ontarians, where's the McGuinty government's legal opinion that says that you do not

have to submit your mega nuclear scheme to a provincial environmental assessment? You don't have it. So I ask the Premier again, why are you looking for a place to hide on your mega --

The Speaker: The question has been asked.

Hon. Mr. Duncan: Let me also say what Mr. Suzuki pointed out: "Ontarians need a reliable power system that doesn't leave a legacy of economic

or environmental debt. Today's announcement will revolutionize the market for clean, renewable energy in North America and lay the groundwork for a healthier, brighter future." That's David

Suzuki.

Not only is there an entire history in the nuclear field in this country revolving around separation of operator from regulator, it's been well reinforced,

whether you're talking about the installation of new nuclear facilities, whether you're talking about refurbishment of existing nuclear facilities or whether you are talking about what we do with

the disposal of waste. I reject out of hand his notion and the notion of anyone else who suggests that the operator should be the regulator. That would be a recipe for disaster in the long term. A

prudent, responsible approach to nuclear power, to the ongoing maintenance of nuclear power or new nuclear power, should that be required, is a separation of operation and regulation. We support

that --

The Speaker: Thank you, Minister. New question.

HEALTH PROMOTION

Mr. Toby Barrett (Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant): My question is to the Premier. Your Minister of Health Promotion has identified physical activity

and sports participation as key activities to directly contribute to healthy Ontarians and stronger communities. Premier, as you know, last week I appealed to this Legislative Assembly and I've

appealed to elite athletes in Caledonia and Six Nations, to coaches and parents and to community leaders to take the lead in promoting healthy competition among young people in Six Nations and

Caledonia.

Premier, given my appeal in this House last week, what has your Minister of Health Promotion now done to promote this goal, to take a lead with respect to the

sports teams in Caledonia and Six Nations?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): I'm going to refer this to the minister responsible for aboriginal

affairs.

Hon. David Ramsay (Minister of Natural Resources, minister responsible for aboriginal affairs): I'm very pleased to see the constructive

attitude that the member is bringing to this, because all the way through the Caledonia conflict, we've been working with both communities to try to bring them together. Ideas like these in health

promotion and sports activity -- and as the member well knows, lacrosse is a common sport, and the two communities share hockey as a passion, as all Canadians do. These sorts of constructive ideas

are very helpful for us in working out this particular conflict. I salute the question.

Mr. Barrett: Minister and Premier, there is a reason for your Ministry of Health Promotion beyond cutting ribbons and self-promotion at media

events. There is a crisis with respect to culture and recreation. There is a concern about local anger impacting access to sports facilities. I warned this House last week that opposing teams are

unwilling to show up for baseball games. This flies in the face of the objectives of stronger communities through that particular ministry.

Premier or Minister, athletes are suffering. Their games are either cancelled outright or they're rescheduled into the future. What are you doing, where are

you, where's your minister to keep these games on track both in Caledonia and in Six Nations? People aren't showing up; they want you to show up.

Hon. Mr. Ramsay: I would ask the member, being the local member who has all the connections in the community, if maybe he could help us in

doing that, in bringing the two communities together. I think that's a very helpful suggestion, and we could certainly use his help there. As you know, we have been working with the liaison group

from the Caledonia community, which is made up of municipal officials, business officials and other community reps. On the cultural-recreational side, this is a very important interface the two

communities have there, both Six Nations and the residents of Caledonia. So these suggestions are helpful. I'd ask the member to work with us, with the various people from the government of all

ministries. They're on the ground in his riding trying to resolve this situation.

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): My question is for the Premier. Many of us have felt for some months that your government has

procrastinated, mismanaged and failed to show leadership with respect to the events that have unfortunately unfolded at Caledonia. Yesterday we saw some more of that failure of leadership: A motion

was presented here in the Legislature, and members of your government somehow couldn't decide if they were in favour or if they were opposed, or what the McGuinty government's position was on the

resolution. As a result, it was passed unanimously.

So my question is this, Premier: Are you going to call an inquiry into the situation at Caledonia so First Nations can get the full details on how the McGuinty

government has dropped the ball, or is it your position that you merely dropped the ball again yesterday?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): Frankly, I'm surprised that the leader of the NDP, who generally

expresses a sincere desire to address aboriginal issues, would also engage in this political mischief-making. I'm sure that the member opposite, the leader of the NDP, understands that this is an

issue of some sensitivity, of a great deal of complexity, that he understands it is very important that we approach this with respect and goodwill, with patience and with perseverance, all of which

we will continue to bring to the challenge before us.

Mr. Hampton: Premier, what I understand is that this issue didn't come out of nowhere suddenly. The issues at Caledonia have been serious

issues for over a year, and your government did nothing but procrastinate. Then, when the issues became serious and there was a picket, a protest, your government claims to be negotiating, but lo

and behold, then in go the Ontario Provincial Police and First Nations are left asking, "Were we negotiating or were we being forcibly removed?"

Then yesterday, when I would have hoped someone on the government side was paying attention to the debate and the discussion, your own members couldn't decide

whether to stand up and vote for or vote against, and ended up passing the resolution unanimously. I say, again, Premier, my question is this: Are you going to hold the public inquiry so that First

Nations can begin to understand what your government is doing, or are you simply going to write off --

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Thank you. The question has been asked.

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: If there is a single element in that diatribe which somehow might serve as a positive, constructive suggestion to help us

better address the situation before us, then I guess I missed it.

What we will continue to do is, we will work with the federal government. We will work with the local community. We will work with the First Nations

communities. We will do everything we can, bring everything possible to bear, to ensure that this results in a peaceful resolution.

INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED PROFESSIONALS

Ms. Judy Marsales (Hamilton West): My question today is for the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. First, I want to thank Minister Colle

for attending the annual conference of the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists held this past weekend in Hamilton. Ontario is attracting exceptional people.

Thousands of newcomers arrive in Ontario with global experience and skills and more than half of these newcomers have a university degree. The obvious concern is that many internationally trained

professionals are faced with barriers that prevent them from practising in their field of choice.

Minister, last Saturday, the McGuinty government made an important announcement that will go a long way towards eliminating some of the financial barriers that

internationally trained professionals face. How will this program help Ontario's newcomers?

Hon. Mike Colle (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration): I'd like to thank the member from Hamilton West for her question.

Mr. John Yakabuski (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke): What about her work in the riding? Why don't you throw that in too?

Hon. Mr. Colle: The Conservatives don't appreciate the hard work done by the technicians and technologists who represent 25,000 hard-working

Ontarians. These are the men and women who help build our bridges and maintain our buildings. They are excellent professionals. They are opening doors to foreign-trained professionals. That's why I

announced on Saturday in Hamilton help for foreign-trained individuals to become technologists and technicians. They're going to be eligible for a $5,000 repayable loan to overcome those obstacles

of paying for exams and fees and assessments, so that they can join the labour force. I was proud to make that $5,000 announcement.

Ms. Marsales: Minister, as you are well aware, financial barriers are but one aspect in a list of obstacles that the internationally trained

face. From 2003 until 2005, Hamilton welcomed 750 internationally trained professionals, many of whom will now be able to benefit under this loan program. I have consistently heard anecdotal

stories of internationally trained professionals driving taxi or delivering pizza, because they are struggling to find Ontario work experience in their profession. What is our government doing to

help these individuals?

Hon. Mr. Colle: Hamilton is a real hub that welcomes people from all over the world. Just to let you know that another concrete step we're

taking in terms of ensuring that internationally trained individuals get a chance at working and learning in Ontario is that we're going to be the first provincial government -- the first time in

Ontario history -- to establish a provincial internship program, so that foreign-trained individuals can get an internship position in the various ministries and agencies of the Ontario government

for the first time, with Minister Phillips to open the doors for internationally trained internships.

NATIONAL CHILD BENEFIT SUPPLEMENT

Mr. Michael Prue (Beaches-East York): My question is to the Premier. Today, Toronto Daily Bread Food Bank released its Who's Hungry report on

poverty and hunger in the GTA. Given its findings that almost 340,000 children in the GTA yearly rely on food banks, an increase each and every year since you have been in government and in office,

how do you justify breaking your promise to stop the clawback of the national child benefit supplement?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): The Minister of Community and Social Services.

Hon. Madeleine Meilleur (Minister of Community and Social Services, minister responsible for francophone affairs): First of all, let me thank

the Daily Bread Food Bank for this report. I appreciate their hard work and commitment to helping families in need across Toronto.

Interjection: Good people there.

Hon. Mrs. Meilleur: Yes, there are very good people there. My ministry shares this commitment to helping families and children in need, and I

will review the report in detail.

This government is serious about addressing the needs of Ontario's most vulnerable, and we are making a difference in the life of its lowest-paid and most

vulnerable workers, including the children of Ontario. Let me tell the member of the third party what we have done since we took power. First of all, we have raised social assistance by 5%. When

you have parents who are in need, you have children in need.

Mr. Prue: Madam Minister, your 5% has not even covered inflation in the three years you have been in government, so they are actually worse

off, and you admitted that in estimates. But your Premier told the kids that the clawback is wrong. Your Premier promised that you will end it. Your Premier has said that you should judge a

government by how we treat our most vulnerable citizens. But despite those three promises, there are 340,000 children every year in the GTA who have to rely on food banks. And what they are seeing

is that things aren't getting better, they're actually getting worse.

Start today. Daily Bread has given you a blueprint to help these hungry children. When will you stop the clawback of the national child benefit, like you

promised? It is the single biggest impediment to their having enough food.

Hon. Mrs. Meilleur: I will continue to lecture my colleague on what we have done so far. We have permanently flowing through the 2004, 2005

and 2006 increases to the national child benefit supplement, we have added 14,000 child care spaces, and I can go on and on. But I wanted to tell this party that every time we've moved forward to

improve the quality of life of children in Ontario, they've voted against it. I wanted to say that when we do all these things to improve the children's situation in Ontario, they should support

what we are doing instead of voting against it.

We have also increased the supplement for working families, which helps children. We have invested in children's mental health programs. We have invested in

child --

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

ONTARIO-QUEBEC AGREEMENTS /

ENTENTES ONTARIO-QUÉBEC

Mr. Phil McNeely (Ottawa-Orléans): This question is for the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. Ontario and Quebec are neighbours. We

have tightly linked economies. Together, economic activity in Ontario and Quebec leads Canada's economy. Ontario also has Canada's largest francophone population outside of Quebec, including a

vibrant community in my riding of Ottawa-Orléans.

For all of these reasons, I was very pleased to see Ontario and Quebec sign a series of co-operation agreements last Friday, June 2, at a ceremony in Ottawa.

Minister, can you tell the House why and how we came to sign these agreements, and what these agreements mean for the people of Ontario?

Hon. Marie Bountrogianni (Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, minister responsible for democratic renewal): I thank the member for the

excellent question. Ontario and Quebec do have a long-standing and important relationship. These particular agreements flow from the commitment made by Premiers McGuinty and Charest at their

meeting in Toronto on April 22, 2004. Following the Premier's commitment, ministries in both provinces have been working diligently for over two years to finalize agreements for co-operation in

important areas. We've had extremely valuable input from many MPPs, and particularly from our colleague Jean-Marc Lalonde.

As a result of the hard work put in by so many people on both sides, sector agreements were signed in the areas of francophone affairs, culture, natural

resources, forest protection, tourism and the environment. The agreement includes a framework protocol which recognizes Ontario's and Quebec's historic relationship and provides a mechanism to

guide the initiative.

Selon le protocole, les premiers ministres s'engagent à se rencontrer régulièrement pour évaluer le progrès réalisé,

discuter des sujets d'intérêt commun et des opportunités pour --

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

Mr. McNeely: As Mr. Lalonde's riding is right next to my own, I'm certainly aware of his long-standing efforts on this file and share his

sense of satisfaction and pride in the signing of these agreements by our government. At the announcement this past Friday, held at the Château Laurier in Ottawa, representatives from both

provinces got together to celebrate the co-operation between the leaders of these two great provinces. There was an unmistakable feeling of solidarity between the Premiers, and it will certainly

lead to further co-operation and nation-building in the future.

It was great to meet the Premier of Quebec; my neighbour MP Norm MacMillan from Ottawa-Orléans, just across the river; and the ministers from Quebec. It's

wonderful to see Ontario working so closely with our provincial neighbour on so many files. But there are two areas that I'm particularly interested in. Can you tell me more about what we're doing

in the areas of the francophone communities and labour mobility?

L'hon. M me Bountrogianni: Bonne question. Afin de renforcer l'engagement de ce gouvernement à appuyer la communauté

francophone de l'Ontario, une entente sur les Affaires francophones a été négociée pour encourager une collaboration particulière aux enjeux francophones dans les domaines

de la culture, de l'éducation, de la petite enfance et de la santé.

Ontario was also successful in working closely with our partners in Quebec in establishing an Ontario-Quebec labour mobility agreement. This agreement moves

towards resolving the decades-old irritant of labour mobility in the construction industry. The labour mobility agreement was signed by the Ministers of Labour from both provinces at the signing

ceremony on June 2.

With these agreements, we're making improvements in key areas that help us build a stronger economy, improve the delivery of services and ensure a higher

quality of life for the people of both provinces.

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

Mr. Robert W. Runciman (Leeds-Grenville): Une autre bonne question, this time for the Minister of Community Safety. Yesterday, CHCH-TV

reported that this past Sunday evening in Caledonia, two OPP officers were taken into custody by native protesters and charged with trespassing by Six Nations police after they drove onto occupied

land. Apparently, during the confrontation, the police cruiser's window was smashed.

Minister, can you confirm that this incident occurred, and if it did, can you advise the House if the action taken by First Nations police was appropriate, and

if the charges laid against the OPP officers will be pursued?

Hon. Monte Kwinter (Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services): I can confirm that that event happened. But the situation is that

the two OPP officers who had been assigned to the Caledonia area, who were not familiar with it, made a wrong turn. That was the extent of what happened. As a result of that, there was a reaction.

That is something that is now being investigated, and I'm not in a position to comment on it, but I can tell you this: There was nothing untoward about it. It was a mistake they had made. They made

a wrong turn and, because of the sensitivity and the tension in that area, it got out of hand within that very, very limited situation. That is now being investigated. That's a police matter and

they will deal with it.

Mr. Runciman: Yes, it certainly is interesting that the Minister of Community Safety is talking about the police making a wrong turn.

After the arrest of the OPP officers, a spokesperson for the occupiers, a Ms. Jamieson, told the media that the action was taken against the OPP after they

entered a "no-go zone." Those are her words, not mine. Minister, can you tell the Legislative Assembly if there is such a thing as a no-go zone for Ontario police in the province of Ontario, and if

so, why it should exist?

Hon. Mr. Kwinter: I'm sure everybody in this House understands the situation in Caledonia. They understand that there is a very fragile

relationship going on because of the negotiations that are happening. This was a situation that wasn't intentional. Two officers made a wrong turn. You may think that these people should be

infallible and they shouldn't make a wrong turn, but they did. That is being investigated by the police and it will be dealt with in a proper way. To try to escalate this into something that isn't

there is just irresponsible.

FOREST INDUSTRY

Mr. Gilles Bisson (Timmins-James Bay): My question is to the Premier. You would know that about a month ago you were very happy and excited

over Stephen Harper's deal on softwood lumber. You will know that last week, the Ontario Forest Industries Association informed the International Trade Commission in Ottawa that as a result of the

Harper-McGuinty softwood deal, there would be a 20% reduction in employment across this country, and that the Americans would be rearmed by the $1 billion you left on the table in order for them to

take action against us.

You praised this deal as being good for Ontario, so can you tell us how many more good forestry jobs will be lost in Ontario as a result of this very bad

deal?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): To the Minister of Natural Resources.

Hon. David Ramsay (Minister of Natural Resources, minister responsible for aboriginal affairs): Yesterday, I met with Jim Lopez and John

Valley of the Tembec corporation, as I do every week with the CEOs of the major corporations. We're all working together on basically putting the meat on the framework agreement that the two

countries had agreed upon. We're making good progress, and in talking to those officials on a daily basis we think we're at a point where we can get the framework to be advantageous for Ontario,

especially northern Ontario. Our companies feel we're making good progress and they should be able to prosper under this agreement.

Mr. Bisson: That's really interesting, considering that the Ontario Forest Industries Association that represents all of these employers has

quite a different view. The workers have a different view. The mill managers have a different view. I'll just read but one quote that came from Jamie Lim, president of the Ontario Forest Industries

Association, who says, "We expect to suffer -- and suffer a lot -- under the terms as now written." You've got continuing quotas, export taxes and $1 billion in legal tariffs that were left on the

table that we figure the Americans are going to use against us in further actions against our industry.

I say again, how can you stand in this House and defend this deal when you know very well it's going to lead to more job losses in Ontario, and what are you

going to do to fix it?

Hon. Mr. Ramsay: The companies, while obviously not happy with having to leave part of their money, their duties, on deposit with the United

States, are actually quite eager to get the 80% of it back to start to reinvest in their operations. They're looking at ramping up their operations.

As you know, Buchanan, which I meet with again tonight, is purchasing Neenah Paper. Therefore, they'll have a vertically integrated operation, a great market

for their chips. That means they'll be able to sell more logs, more lumber to the United States and to other markets that we're helping them export to. So we're going to start to see a ramping up

of this industry, and in fact, in general, with the announcements coming up in the next few weeks, we're going to start to see a major turnaround in forestry in Ontario.

CONSUMER PROTECTION

Mr. Tony Ruprecht (Davenport): I have a question for the Minister of Government Services. I have received a number of phone calls from my

constituents who have complained about the treatment they received from overly aggressive collection agencies. My constituents tell me that they know they have to pay, and in many cases repay, what

they owe, but they almost fear the constant phone calls and in some cases the use of threatening and indeed profane language. For instance, two weeks ago a 14-year-old child was called and asked,

"Where is your mother?" He didn't know, and therefore he was called an SOB. The profane language used by these collection agencies obviously must stop.

Minister, given that most collection agencies do not engage in such egregious behaviour, what has this government done to protect Ontarians from these few bad

apples?

Hon. Gerry Phillips (Minister of Government Services): I thank the member for Davenport for the question, and it's a good one. We get twice as

many complaints in this area as anything else. The next one is home improvements; this one, twice as many.

We have the Collection Agencies Act that helps us to regulate this industry. I should inform the members, and the public particularly, that as of June 1, a few

days ago, we brought in some additional regulations. Collection agencies are not allowed to phone you more than three times a week. The abusive language is completely unacceptable, is not

permissible and will be investigated.

We brought in these new regulations this June 1 to strengthen our oversight of collection agencies. I think we've got a good balance now between giving the

collection agencies the right to collect debts but making sure that it's done in a responsible manner that protects the individual. As I said, I think we have a good balance there now.

Mr. Ruprecht: Mr. Minister, I'm pleased to see that you have these new provisions in place, such as new standards and the prohibited practices

you talked about. They will certainly alleviate many of the concerns my constituents have with certain collection agencies.

But I worry about two things: (1) that my constituents may not know whom to contact, for instance, when a collection agency is overly aggressive -- are they

going to call the Ontario consumer services bureau? -- and (2) that the few bad apples in the collection agency industry will not adhere to these new standards and to these new, strengthened

consumer protection provisions.

My question is the following: How can Ontarians be sure that these provisions will in fact be enforced?

Hon. Mr. Phillips: Let me first say to the public and to your constituents that if you want to see the rules, get on our website and take a

look at the new rules so that you know what you're dealing with: www.mgs.gov.on.ca. If you've got a complaint, call 1-800-889-9768. Finally, I would say we do have this act. If people violate it,

there are fines; there are penalties. I think last year we issued 53 warnings to them and we had seven convictions on collection agencies.

If your constituents want to know the rules, they should go to the website. If they want to complain, they should give us a call. This is an area where there

are twice as many complaints as anywhere else. We have a responsibility to make sure that our companies are acting fairly with our consumers, and I think these regulations provide that

assurance.

TOBACCO CONTROL

Mr. Toby Barrett (Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant): To the Minister of Community Safety: Your government's Smoke-Free Ontario Act and the tax hikes

have created close to 300 smoke shops on Six Nations and the New Credit reserve. The Tekka newspaper reports that smugglers and organized crime benefit from this. Just as you've left the OPP on the

barricades in an untenable position, you've left the Six Nations police out on a limb. They could use some of that $9 billion that your government and other governments collect in tobacco taxes

across Canada.

Minister, I'm not asking you to stick your nose into operational matters. It's not your responsibility to direct police matters. However, given the current

crisis in Caledonia, I would like to know what you have done since I raised these concerns with you a year ago.

Hon. Monte Kwinter (Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services): I don't quite understand the purpose of the question, when you

said right in it that I don't have any responsibility for that, and you're not asking me to stick my nose into it, and in the meantime you're asking me to stick my nose into it. If you would just

clarify exactly what you want me to do, I'll be happy to respond.

Mr. Barrett: I'd be glad to clarify. We have reports of the presence of organized crime on Six Nations. It's in my hometown in Port Dover,

Brantford and it's in this city. I'm afraid that Six Nations is being taken advantage of by various groups. This is reported by the Six Nations police. I quote the Tekka newspaper: "There is

specific evidence of the presence of major motorcycle gang operations, Italian mafia, Russian mafia, Sri Lankan and Asian mafias, as well as Jamaican drug gang operatives working within the

relative safety of native communities"; reports of Hells Angels.

Minister, you do not understand the scope of these issues that I raised a year ago. If you did understand, then please tell us what you've done to support the

Six Nations. You accrue tax revenue. I requested this a year ago. I'm not asking you to direct the police. I'm offering you a chance to provide some support to the Six Nations community.

Hon. Mr. Kwinter: The support that we provide is with policing. We provide that so that they in fact deal with guns and gangs, they deal with

illegal smuggling, they deal with all of the things that happen. That is what they're doing. You're asking me to do something about directing those police services to do something, and in the next

sentence you say you're not asking me to do that. I'm suggesting to you that this is covered by normal police operations. They're certainly aware of that issue. This is something they deal with.

Again, it is not my role to tell the police how to deal with that particular situation.

FRENCH-LANGUAGE SERVICES /

M. Gilles Bisson (Timmins-Baie James): My question is to the minister responsible for the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

les régions désignées de la province. Comme vous le savez, c'est « mandatoire » pour le gouvernement provincial et ses agences de donner ces services en

Pensez-vous que c'est important que la commission des alcools de l'Ontario ait la responsabilité de s'assurer que ses employés soient capables de

desservir la communauté francophone dans ces régions?

Hon. Gerry Phillips (Minister of Government Services): I think it's important for all of our organizations to ensure that our citizens in both

languages have access to the services. I make the assumption that the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario is providing services in French where it's needed. If there are examples where it

should be done and it's not being done, I'd be very happy to look at it to make sure that our citizens are getting the appropriate services in both languages.

M. Bisson: Je suis très, très content que vous avez répondu comme ça. Justement, le monde dans la communauté de

quotidien -- se fait servir par quelqu'un qui est unilingue anglais.

On vous demande, êtes-vous préparé à voir, à assurer, qu'on mette quelqu'un en place, sur le lieu, qui est capable de servir la

Hon. Mr. Phillips: I thought I understood the question to be that the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario was not dealing with their

clients in French. If that was the question, I'll make certain that we have that capability.

If your supplementary, as I thought, was saying the clients in French -- but if it was making sure the alcohol and gaming commission has the appropriate

services in French, certainly I will do that. This is the first I've heard of it. I'm always happy to hear from the member. I don't mind doing it here, but sometimes we can get at these things

quickly if you send me a little letter too. But I'm happy to deal with it here.

JOB CREATION

Mr. Jean-Marc Lalonde (Glengarry-Prescott-Russell): My question is to the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. I have heard

concerns from the people in my riding who want to go into apprenticeships and the skilled trades. Some have mentioned that the information can be hard to find, and new Canadians have had problems

integrating into the skilled trades in Ontario. I know you have heard the concerns of my constituents. This is evident from your recent announcement on Job Connect.

Minister, could you please tell the people in my riding what the McGuinty government has done to improve Job Connect services for Ontarians?

Hon. Christopher Bentley (Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities): I was pleased to have been able to make the announcement just a

few weeks ago, and that was only a few short weeks after I toured Glengarry-Prescott-Russell with my colleague. Specifically in his riding, we announced $1 million to provide additional one-on-one

training and support services for almost 1,000 francophones.

Remember that Job Connect provides training, support and academic enhancement services in the broader Ottawa region and Ottawa Valley region. The JHS Youth

Employment Resource Centre is receiving more than $1 million to help 1,500 people. La Cité, in Ottawa region itself, is receiving another $1 million for over 1,600 francophone youth and

adults. The Ottawa YMCA-YWCA is receiving more than $1 million to assist 1,700 adults. St. Lawrence College, in the Ottawa area: $1 million to assist 1,750; and the Youth Services Bureau is

receiving $1.5 million --

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

Mr. Lalonde: Minister, let me tell you that the people of Glengarry-Prescott-Russell were very, very pleased to have you visit the riding.

I know my constituents who are looking to enter the skilled trades will be happy to hear that announcement. When I talk to the people involved in the trades, I

hear many good things from them about what our government is doing to enhance the profile of skilled trades in Ontario.

Minister, can you share for the benefit of all the members in the House all the things this government is doing to finally improve access to, and the profile

of, our skilled trade workers?

Hon. Mr. Bentley: Just to recap, that was $7 million, and over 9,000 people helped in his riding in the Ottawa region.

But to enhance the profile for young people in particular, we had the youth apprenticeship program, and an $8-million program that we're working with the

Minister of Education on to make sure that elementary and secondary school students have access to information about the trades.

Now, what about the routes into the trades? We've got a couple of novel ones. The McGuinty government introduced the co-op diploma program, which is providing

over 1,500 students with the opportunity to enter the trade and get a college diploma at the same time. We have a pre-apprenticeship program: 700 more people will get the pre-apprenticeship

opportunity this year at colleges throughout the province of Ontario. When they get there, we're enhancing the college's ability to give them a good background in the trades by the college

equipment fund, which provides support for all of our colleges. And then, to make sure employers will sign trades up, we've got the apprenticeship training tax credit: $5,000 a year for up to three

years, $15,000 to encourage them to sign up apprentices, because we know --

The Speaker: Thank you, Minister. New question.

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

Mr. Tim Hudak (Erie-Lincoln): A question to the Chair of Management Board: Could the Chair inform the House of the cost to the OPP and

municipalities of the ongoing policing costs in Caledonia?

Hon. Greg Sorbara (Minister of Finance, Chair of the Management Board of Cabinet): I cannot tell the member what the costs are, but I will

take his question as a matter under advisement and get back to him at the earliest possible moment, perhaps even when we meet again in estimates a little later on this afternoon. But I should say

to my friend that right throughout the government, in every ministry, my job as Chair of Management Board, along with my cabinet colleagues, is to make sure that we are using every single taxpayer

dollar in the most efficient and effective way possible. And so my friend, the minister responsible for the police force, the Minister of Community Safety, has to present a budget every year that

shows us on this side that the taxpayers' dollars that we are receiving are being used very wisely. That applies to all of us over here. So I will get to him the answer that he wants -- oh, my

goodness; we were almost there, weren't we?

Mr. Hudak: I appreciate the minister's response to my question. I understand he's going to endeavour to report back on the ongoing cost to

both the OPP and to municipalities for the policing costs in Caledonia.

The Chair of Management Board will know that in the motion passed by the assembly last night calling for the full public inquiry, the Legislature did call for

the government to recognize and compensate the Ontario Provincial Police for their unforeseen costs incurred while policing Caledonia. The minister knows full well that municipalities also pay part

of those costs. It would help municipalities if they will be compensated. So I'll ask the Chair of Management Board if he will follow through on that aspect of the motion to ensure that the OPP and

municipalities are fully compensated for the police costs.

Hon. Mr. Sorbara: Among the things that I will take under advisement is his supplementary, and will get back to him, perhaps even by way of a

written response, or perhaps as we spend the next few hours over the next couple of weeks in estimates. I appreciate his interest and will endeavour to satisfy his inquiry.

PREMIER'S COMMENTS

Mr. Robert W. Runciman (Leeds-Grenville): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: I'd like to refer you to

section 23(

g) of the standing orders. I

believe that earlier today the Premier may have violated the sub judice convention and may have, inadvertently or otherwise, prejudiced the proceedings of the Ipperwash inquiry.

If you read the references in our standing order 23(g), it says, with respect to referring to "any matter that is the subject of a proceeding

"(

i) that is pending in a court or before a judge for judicial determination, or

"(ii) that is before any quasi-judicial body constituted by the House or by or under the authority of

an act of the Legislature,

"where it is shown to the satisfaction of the Speaker that further reference would create a real and substantial danger of prejudice to the proceeding."

There are also references in Marleau to the sub judice convention. I would refer you to page 535: "any undue influence prejudicing a judicial decision or a

report of a tribunal of inquiry."

Mr. Speaker, I would respectfully ask you to review Hansard dealing with today's question period: the comments made by the Premier with respect to the previous

government and learning our lessons, and references to ordering police to enter into a confrontation with occupiers. In my view, that clearly is going to colour any judgments reached by the

Ipperwash inquiry, and the Premier should be sanctioned for making those comments.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): On the same point of order, the member for Niagara Centre.

Mr. Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): Very briefly, New Democrats join with the House leader for the official opposition in this point of order.

It's a matter of some great concern, and appreciating that the sub judice rule, the common-law rule, does not specifically apply to royal commissions because royal commissions are investigative

bodies, not adjudicative bodies -- in fact, Montpetit and Marleau refer to that very specifically in their

section on sub judice, specifically page 536.

They go further, though, because they note that in the federal Parliament while the sub judice common-law rule, the unwritten rule, does not apply to royal

commissions, "the Chair has cautioned against making reference to the proceedings, evidence, or findings of a royal commission before it has made its report." So on the basis of the sub judice rule

alone, the common-law rule, the point of order, I think and I submit to you, is appropriate.

But then we go to the standing orders, and the standing orders are broader than the sub judice rule because the standing orders specifically state not just

judicial proceedings, to which the sub judice rule applies, but also a proceeding "that is before any quasi-judicial body constituted by the House or by or under the authority of

an act of the

Legislature."

That, I put to you, is a royal commission, and I say to you that while there is the necessity "where it is shown to the satisfaction of the Speaker that

further reference would create a real and substantial danger of prejudice to the proceeding," that can be implicit in the words.

We concur with the Conservative House leader that when the Premier refers to conclusively ordering the police to do X, Y or Z, which is one of the subject

matters of the consideration of the royal commission, that prima facie, in and of itself, suggests that there is a predetermination by the Premier of the results and the appearance -- whether it

occurs or not is not the point; the appearance -- of a direction by the Premier to what should be an independent tribunal, to whit that royal commission.

I submit to you that the Premier, in this instance, at least warrants the caution that the Chair made as referenced on page 536 of Montpetit and Marleau.

Further, there should be consideration of the application of standing order 23(g)(ii).

The Speaker: On the same point of order, the Attorney General.

Hon. Michael Bryant (Attorney General): Firstly, I'd remind the Speaker that there was a question put. The question was with respect to a

matter and to a fact situation that involves ongoing prosecutions before the courts. The question involved a matter involving an injunction order that is being supervised by Mr. Justice David

Marshall. The question involved matters involving ongoing prosecutions on related matters. The question, in that sense, that was asked by the member who's bringing the standing order arguably is

entirely out of order because it is with respect to matters that are before the courts, an express reading of the standing orders. It appears to have been --

Interjection.

Hon. Mr. Bryant: Speaker, I didn't heckle their point of order submissions. I'd rather have the opportunity to speak to it, but I'm in your

hands.

Mr. John Yakabuski (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke): I think the Speaker can rule. He doesn't need your --

Hon. Christopher Bentley (Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities): Get in your seat.

The Speaker: I would remind the member for Renfrew -- he's not in his seat, and heckling, of course, is always out of order. The Attorney

General.

Hon. Mr. Bryant: I can assure the members opposite that, with a little bit of patience, I'll get to their point.

The point being that it apparently has been the practice of the Speaker for some time that, in fact, the nature of the questions, although they may in the case

of the questioner in particular, who has discussed matters before the courts not only today in his question but on frequent occasions, and evidence of this I'll be happy to forward to the Speaker

-- we obviously didn't get notice of this point of order. I'd be happy to forward to the Speaker the numerous times in which the member who has brought the point of order has been a serial violator

of the sub judice rule.

In any event, besides the violation of the sub judice rule in his question, the issue before the Speaker is whether or not in question period it is out of

order to raise matters that are before the courts. If that's the case, then the question itself ought to have been ruled out of order. The Speaker did not rule it so. The member asked the question

in the way that he did, and whether he asked it in a way that violated the sub judice rule or not is something that, I take it, has been the practice and convention of the Speaker to be left to the

member, to ask that question in that fashion or not.

Then we get to the question of whether or not the sub judice rule was violated with respect to the answer itself. Speaker, there is no question that any

cursory look at the Hansard will show that a very careful consideration of the way in which members refer to matters with respect to a commission or a potential commission is very important. The

question involved very specific fact situations by the member who not only made the question but made the point of order, and clearly he identified matters that are directly before the courts. If

his argument would be correct, he would be in violation of the very rule he has raised.

Conversely, it is very clear from the answer the Premier made, if you look at the Hansard, that in fact there was absolutely no reference to any matter that is

before the commissioner, as we speak, because of course there is a public inquiry into matters related to the death of Dudley George. The purpose of the sub judice rule, as the Speaker knows very

well, is to ensure that this Legislature is not interfering with matters that ought to be the subject of independent judgment, that ought not be subject to political pressure. So it is in the name

of decorum and it is in the name of the independence of the judiciary that there is not only that standing order but, as the House leader for the third party referred to, there is also a common-law

rule of sub judice that applies.

Lastly, pursuant to the Members' Integrity Act, members are held to the same principles and standards to not violate the sub judice rule. That was not violated

by the answer, I say to you, Mr. Speaker; that was violated by the question. If you can bring to this House, as a result of the member opposite's point of order, some clarity that would stop the

serial violation of the sub judice rule by the official opposition -- not by the third party, but by the official opposition -- I think that would create a huge contribution not only to decorum but

to the observation and in fact the pursuance of the standing order itself.

Speaker, I think there's no question that a close look at the Hansard revealed that the questions asked by the member that he's raising violate the particular

standing order and that the answer did not.

The Speaker: Are there further submissions?

I wish to thank the member for Leeds-Grenville, the member for Niagara Centre and the Attorney General for their submissions on this matter. I will reserve my

judgment.

PETITIONS

HERITAGE CONSERVATION

Ms. Lisa MacLeod (Nepean-Carleton): I'm very excited to finally have an opportunity to introduce this very important petition in my community.

It is from the residents of Manotick and the city of Ottawa. On it I have signatures from the mayor of Ottawa himself, Bob Chiarelli; the MP for Nepean-Carleton, Pierre Poilievre; and Jeff Morris,

the Barrhaven Independent/Manotick Messenger editor, as well as numerous city councillors supporting this motion. They call on the Parliament of Ontario:

"Whereas the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, a provincial regulatory agency, is scheduled to move out of Dickinson Square, Manotick, in the summer of

2007; and

"Whereas the designated buildings of Dickinson Square are steeped in Canadian and Ontario history and are the city of Ottawa's only and one of the few

remaining working industrial heritage sites in the province of Ontario; and

"Whereas these five buildings of Dickinson Square are now at risk to potential non-heritage use and development; and

"Whereas recent public consultation has resulted in overwhelming support to retain all five buildings in public ownership and management; and

"Whereas community agencies have formed a non-profit organization, Dickinson Square Management, to build upon the successful management of Watson's Mill and

create a vibrant, public-owned arts and heritage cultural space within the square;

"That we, the residents of Manotick and surrounding areas in the city of Ottawa, call upon the government of Ontario to take a leadership role in working with

the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority and the city of Ottawa in order to ensure the historic site of Dickinson Square remain under the auspices of public ownership and management."

I'm proud to affix my signature to this and am pleased to report that the Minister of Health Promotion and the Premier of Ontario are aware of this, and we're

working with them to ensure this is successful. Thank you, and I present it to page Gregory.

TRADE DEVELOPMENT

Mr. Jeff Leal (Peterborough): I have a petition today from hard-working men and women who are members of the CAW and involved in Ontario's

auto industry.

"Whereas more than 260,000 Ontarians make their living and support their families through their careers in the auto industry in Ontario, which has become the

pre-eminent manufacturer of motor vehicles in North America; and

"Whereas Canada imports more than 130,000 vehicles annually from the Republic of Korea, which imports virtually no vehicles or parts from Canada and does none

of its manufacturing or assembly in Ontario or in any other Canadian jurisdiction, even though Canadian auto workers make the best-quality, most cost-effective vehicles in the world; and

imbalance in the auto sector, and includes no measures to require Korea to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers to Canadian-made vehicles, auto parts and other value-added services or

components;

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

agreement contingent on fair and equal access by each country to the" other country's "domestic markets in manufactured products such as motor vehicles and in value-added services, and ensure that

Korea commits to manufacturing vehicles in Canada if Korea proposes to continue to sell vehicles in Canada."

I agree with this petition and will affix my signature to it.

DRUG LEGISLATION

Mr. Gerry Martiniuk (Cambridge): I have a petition signed by hundreds of residents of Cambridge, where petitions have been provided to me by

the Prescription Shoppe, the Cambridge Price Chopper pharmacy and the Zellers pharmacy.

"To the Parliament of Ontario

"Whereas the McGuinty government's Bill 102 introduces a significant degree of uncertainty for pharmacists and patients across Ontario; and

"Whereas the McGuinty government's Bill 102 could result in reduced services to patients resulting from fewer hours of pharmacy operations, fewer pharmacies

stocking expensive drugs, unfair capping of claim maximums, elimination of rebates and the permanent closing of some pharmacies; and

"Whereas the changes to the dispensing fees do not accurately reflect the true costs of safely dispensing drugs; and

"Whereas there is no protection afforded by Bill 102 to prevent future increases in drug prices where pharmacies are limited to the acquisition cost;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly ... as follows:

"That the McGuinty government withdraw or amend Bill 102 to ensure fairness to patients and pharmacies."

CHILD CARE

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): The member for Davenport.

Applause.

Mr. Tony Ruprecht (Davenport): Thank you very much. Wow. Even you.

It reads as follows:

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

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

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

regulated child care spaces in the first three years;

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

child care" programs;

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

Since I agree, I'm delighted to put my signature on this document.

The Acting Speaker: Pursuant to standing order 30(b), it being 4 p.m., I am now required to call orders of the day.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

STRONGER CITY OF TORONTO

FOR A STRONGER ONTARIO ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006 CRÉANT

UN TORONTO PLUS FORT

POUR UN ONTARIO PLUS FORT

Mr. Gerretsen moved third reading of the following bill:

Bill 53,

An Act to revise the City of Toronto Acts, 1997 (Nos. 1 and 2), to amend certain public Acts in relation to municipal powers and to repeal certain

private Acts relating to the City of Toronto / Projet de loi 53, Loi révisant les lois de 1997 Nos 1 et 2 sur la cité de Toronto, modifiant certaines lois d'intérêt public

en ce qui concerne les pouvoirs municipaux et abrogeant certaines lois d'intérêt privé se rapportant à la cité de Toronto.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): I recognize the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for his leadoff remarks.

Hon. John Gerretsen (Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing): It gives me great pleasure to commence the third reading of Bill 53, a bill

that was fir