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June 16, 2008

39th Parliament, 1st Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcripts 2008-Jun-16 (PDF)

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L'ONTARIO

Monday 16 June 2008 Lundi 16 juin 2008

ORDERS OF THE DAY

SMOKE-FREE ONTARIO

AMENDMENT ACT, 2008 /

LOI DE 2008 MODIFIANT LA LOI

FAVORISANT UN ONTARIO SANS FUMÉE

INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS

ORAL QUESTIONS

TOURISM

GASOLINE PRICES

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

SCHOOL SAFETY

INFECTIOUS DISEASE CONTROL

SMALL BUSINESS

GOVERNMENT INVESTMENTS

CASINO EMPLOYEES

WORKPLACE SAFETY

SMALL BUSINESS

ERAMOSA KARST

CHINESE-CANADIAN HEAD TAX

REDRESS DAY

GREENHOUSE INDUSTRY

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION

PETITIONS

STROKE SURVIVORS

PROTECTION FOR MINERS

ONTARIO SOCIETY FOR

THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY

TO ANIMALS

POPE JOHN PAUL II

HOSPITAL FUNDING

HOSPITAL FUNDING

HOSPITAL FUNDING

SERVICES FOR THE

DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

HOSPITAL FUNDING

GRAFFITI

SERVICES FOR THE

DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

HIGHWAY 138

HOSPITAL FUNDING

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

ONTARIO FARMERS

STILT WALK CHALLENGE

TOURISM

ERAMOSA KARST

TOWNSHIP OF WILMOT

GOVERNMENT'S RECORD

STUDENT LITERACY

TRILLIUM BOOK AWARD

GREENHOUSE INDUSTRY

REPORT, INTEGRITY COMMISSIONER

REPORTS BY COMMITTEES

STANDING COMMITTEE ON

JUSTICE POLICY

STANDING COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

INCREASING ACCESS TO QUALIFIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS FOR ONTARIANS ACT, 2008 /

LOI DE 2008 VISANT À ACCROÎTRE L'ACCÈS DES ONTARIENNES ET DES ONTARIENS AUX PROFESSIONNELS DE LA SANTÉ QUALIFIÉS

SIGNAGE TO PROMOTE ONTARIO GROWN AGRICULTURAL FOOD PRODUCTS ACT, 2008 /

LOI DE 2008 SUR L'AFFICHAGE

VISANT À PROMOUVOIR

LES PRODUITS AGROALIMENTAIRES

CULTIVÉS EN ONTARIO

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY

AND RESPONSES

FOREIGN-TRAINED DOCTORS

FOREIGN-TRAINED DOCTORS

FOREIGN-TRAINED DOCTORS

ORDERS OF THE DAY

HIGHWAY TRAFFIC AMENDMENT ACT

(SPEED-LIMITING SYSTEMS), 2008 /

LOI DE 2008 MODIFIANT

LE CODE DE LA ROUTE

(SYSTÈMES LIMITEURS DE VITESSE)

The House met at 0900.

Prayers.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

SMOKE-FREE ONTARIO

AMENDMENT ACT, 2008 /

LOI DE 2008 MODIFIANT LA LOI

FAVORISANT UN ONTARIO SANS FUMÉE

Ms. Best moved third reading of the following bill:

Bill 69,

An Act to protect children from second-hand tobacco smoke in motor vehicles by amending the Smoke-Free Ontario Act / Projet de loi 69, Loi modifiant la Loi favorisant un Ontario sans fumée pour protéger les enfants contre le tabagisme passif dans les véhicules automobiles.

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Debate?

Hon. Margarett R. Best: Today I will be sharing my time with my PA and esteemed colleague the member from Oak Ridges–Markham.

If we pass this legislation to protect children from second-hand tobacco smoke in motor vehicles, we will be taking an important stride forward in protecting the health of young people across Ontario. Bill 69 would amend the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. It builds on the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, which, as always, has the primary objective of protecting people from second-hand tobacco smoke in enclosed public spaces and workplaces.

This amendment would extend province-wide protection to children under 16 in motor vehicles. Science shows that second-hand smoke in vehicles is particularly harmful, and even more so for children under 16. Yet a Health Canada study in 2005 estimated that 140,000 children in Ontario between the ages of 12 and 16 years were exposed to second-hand smoke in vehicles during a one-month period.

I have listened to my colleague opposite from Nickel Belt. I heard and appreciated her concerns for constituents who may not know about the new law or who may find it hard to stop smoking in their motor vehicles, with or without children present. But I also know that since this public debate began last December, with sincere thanks to my friend and colleague David Orazietti from Sault Ste. Marie, many people have already got the message that they should not smoke in their car with children present. Rest assured that we will continue to work proactively to get this message out to all corners of this province.

Our goal is voluntary compliance. Our public education campaign will be comprehensive, working with our partners in public health to reach out to drivers wherever they are in their vehicles and wherever they think about their vehicles and their children. Our message won't simply be that you will get a ticket if you are caught. Our message will be about protecting the health of our children. Our message will also be about getting help to quit smoking. Our message will be about the dangers of tobacco smoking.

As part of the smoke-free Ontario strategy, one of the most comprehensive tobacco control strategies in North America, our government supports excellent cessation programs. We have helped more than 150,000 smokers in their efforts to quit, through programs like the Driven to Quit Challenge and Smokers' Helpline, which are managed by our partner the Ontario division of the Canadian Cancer Society. We have also committed to a permanent retail sales tax exemption for nicotine replacement therapies to help Ontario smokers to quit smoking.

Tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable disease and death in Ontario. It kills over 13,000 Ontarians every year, and children exposed to second-hand smoke are more likely to suffer sudden infant death syndrome, acute respiratory infections, ear problems and more severe asthma. The public supports taking action to protect children under 16 from tobacco smoke in motor vehicles. In January of this year, a poll released by the Canadian Cancer Society showed that over 80% of Ontarians, including 66% of smokers in Ontario, support a ban on smoking in vehicles with children under the age of 16.

We are confident that the public is ready for this proposed ban to protect the health of our children.

Support for this legislation also comes from leading non-governmental health organizations, including the Ontario division of the Canadian Cancer Society, the Ontario Lung Association, Ontario Medical Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. In the words of the Ontario Lung Association, this is about giving a voice to the back seat.

The people of Ontario are ready for legislation to protect our children from being exposed to second-hand smoke in motor vehicles. Our experience with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, including the recent ban on display of tobacco products, is that we can expect a high voluntary compliance. We are confident in anticipating wide voluntary compliance for this amendment, especially given the level of public support. The reason is very obvious: This is about the safety and well-being of our children. I appeal to all Ontarians to make the commitment to smoke-free cars, smoke-free vehicles, for our children's sake.

It is about the health of our children. I also urge all members of this Legislature to join me in voting in favour of this legislation. This is about creating a healthier, smoke-free Ontario. It's about our future: our children and their health.

Ms. Helena Jaczek: I'd like to begin by acknowledging our colleague the member from Sault Ste. Marie, David Orazietti. Without his determination and drive, we would have, I think, taken a lot longer getting to this place.

We are now in third reading debate on Bill 69,

An Act to protect children from second-hand tobacco smoke in motor vehicles by amending the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. It has been more than 40 years that we've been waging this war against tobacco. It was in 1964 that the US Surgeon General, Everett Koop, produced his landmark study that linked smoking tobacco with lung cancer. He also was hoping that by the year 2000, we in fact would be a smoke-free society. We haven't achieved that goal, but with this particular bill, we are going to get that little bit closer.

Today, tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable disease and death in Ontario, killing over 13,000 Ontarians every year. Tobacco-related diseases have been estimated to account for $1.6 billion in direct health care costs and $4.4 billion in productivity losses each year.

In my own experience in the war against tobacco, which started in the 1970s, I've seen many people suffering from tobacco-related illness. I was also very much impressed in those early years as to how addictive tobacco can be, so that, as a family physician, counselling those smokers in my practice did not result in very much success. Of course, those smokers were living in a society where tobacco smoke was really pervasive—in restaurants and public places—and so quitting was exceptionally hard.

When I started as medical officer of health in York region in 1988, smoking was commonplace in regional council. In fact, in our own health committee, it was the practice for the chair of our committee to smoke. After a few months, he did acknowledge that perhaps this was not the most exemplary behaviour, and ashtrays and cigarettes were banned from York regional council.

We've come a long way in the last 20 years. Gradually, municipal boards of health called for no-smoking bylaws in municipalities. In York region, this was a very hard thing to do; we had nine area municipalities. I well remember attending those council meetings and urging them to pass smoke-free bylaws—and they did, gradually. At the end of the day, in the year 2000, we finally passed a regional bylaw that covered the whole region of York. The problem, of course, was that as municipalities developed their own bylaws, they had differences in them. So when the McGuinty government passed the Smoke-Free Ontario Act in 2006, we levelled the playing field across the province.

We have made significant progress: In 2003, the government was committed to reducing tobacco consumption by 20% before the end of its first mandate. We have surpassed that goal: We have had more than a 30% tobacco-consumption reduction, which translates to an incredible 4.6 billion fewer cigarettes. We accomplished this by introducing one of the most aggressive and comprehensive tobacco control strategies in North America, and we have wonderful compliance: It's something like 99% compliance for smoke-free bars, restaurants, hotels and workplaces.

We have introduced some cessation programs that have been quite successful as well: More than 150,000 got help with quitting through programs like the Driven to Quit Challenge and the Smokers' Helpline. The STOP study—Smoking Treatment for Ontario Patients—through the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, is designed to find out the most effective methods of supporting Ontario's smokers who want to quit.

In its first two years, this study has reached more than 38,000 smokers, and we announced this January that the Minister of Health Promotion has provided an additional $2 million to add another 15,000 smokers to this study.

In the 2008 budget, our government also committed to a permanent retail sales tax exemption for nicotine replacement therapies to help Ontario smokers to quit. On May 31 of this year, the power walls came down, and we estimate that we have at this point at least 95% compliance with that regulation. Bill 69 is the next important step forward. The primary objective of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act has always been to help protect people from second-hand tobacco smoke in enclosed public spaces and workplaces. This amendment would extend province-wide protection to children in motor vehicles.

There has been widespread support for this action. First of all, on the private member's bill introduced by Mr. Orazietti, Vance Blackmore, the president of the Association of Local Public Health Agencies, said, "The passage of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act was a clear message that the government understood the significant dangers of second-hand smoke and is committed to minimizing involuntary exposure to it. We believe that this bill is a worthy amendment to the act, as it will protect children from involuntary exposure to it while in any vehicle."

A former colleague of mine, Dr. Charles Gardner, medical officer of health for Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and chair of the Council of Ontario Medical Officers of Health, has said, "More than 24 municipalities have supported a ban on smoking in cars with children present. I am pleased that this includes the regional municipality of York, as well as the town of Tecumseh, city of Kenora, township of Terrace Bay, Peterborough and Toronto, to name a few." There is support from across the province.

Last week in committee, we worked through Bill 69, and I really would like to say that I appreciate the care and consideration my colleagues opposite have given to this bill. I especially appreciate the shared sense of importance and urgency we have on passing this bill. At committee, we heard from a number of major health organizations that came to comment, and we have their full support in moving this bill forward as it is presented to the Legislature.

We heard that second-hand tobacco smoke in vehicles is particularly harmful and even more so for our children. Recent studies suggest that the concentration of toxins in vehicles can be up to 27 times worse than in a smoker's home. The Ontario Medical Association found that children exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke are more likely to suffer sudden infant death syndrome, acute respiratory infections, ear problems and more severe asthma. The medical science is clear: Second-hand tobacco smoke is dangerous to our children's health.

Yet, a Health Canada study in 2005 estimated that 140,000 children in Ontario between the ages of 12 and 16 were exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke in vehicles during a one-month period—a clear indication that this bill is necessary.

We are confident that the public is ready for this proposed ban to protect the health of our children. Given the support from Ontarians, we are expecting that the legislation will have significant voluntary compliance. This legislative debate is just one part of the process that will bring greater public awareness and education.

If this bill is passed, we plan to deliver a multi-layered public education campaign with our smoke-free Ontario partners across the province that will reach out to people wherever they think about their vehicles and their children.

We are leveraging all the components of the smoke-free Ontario strategy to ensure voluntary compliance. Public health units will continue to champion this call to arms, and our cessation programs will help smokers quit.

In conclusion, this is about the safety and well-being of our children. The Premier and our government are committed to this, and our partners are committed to this. I appeal to all Ontarians to commit to smoke-free cars for our children's sake. This is the next step towards a healthier smoke-free Ontario.

The Acting Speaker (Ms. Andrea Horwath): Questions and comments? Further debate?

Ms. Laurie Scott: I'm pleased to join third reading debate on Bill 69, which is amending the Smoke-Free Ontario Act to ban smoking in motor vehicles with children under 16 in the vehicles. Unfortunately, I was double-booked last week on the committee days, but the member from Burlington filled in quite well.

I want to thank all of those associations that came in to appear before the committee: the Canadian Cancer Society, the Council of Ontario Medical Officers of Health, the Council for a Tobacco-Free Toronto, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, the Ontario Campaign for Action on Tobacco, the Ontario Lung Association, and Toronto Public Health.

As we stated in second reading debate, we're certainly in favour of protecting more people from second-hand smoke; in this case, children 16 years of age and younger who are found in cars with adults who are smoking. It's certainly very important to give them a voice, as has been mentioned, from the back seat and that they have protection.

When we heard all the groups who were supportive of the bill before us, many times we heard the statistics on the effects on health of smoking in confined areas, and especially the increased effects on children because of their various lung capacities. I know that they had most of the reports in 2005—the California Air Resources Board report—and then followed up by the 2008 study conducted by the University of Waterloo, which confirmed those findings.

Health Canada, for example, reports that children who are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke are 50% more likely to suffer damage to their lungs or have breathing problems, sudden infant death syndrome, acute respiratory infections, ear problems and more severe asthma, just to mention a few, and we've discussed that thoroughly.

There was a discussion at second reading and in committee about the need for regulation. Again, a Health Canada study estimated that 140,000 children in Ontario between the ages of 12 and 16 were exposed to second-hand smoke in cars in a one-month period. Some of the statistics that you find when you start researching these bills are quite astounding. The Ontario Lung Association backed that up—and the Canadian Cancer Society has phrased it as "giving a voice to the back seat."

Certainly, there's widespread support, even by smokers, about the banning in vehicles when children are present.

It's always a balance in our society about bringing in legislation and banning things. You have to try and do a balance. I think that when it involves children 16 years of age and younger, you have to assist them with legislation so that they are protected. That is certainly what this bill does.

There are other precedents that are set, especially in Canada. We have other jurisdictions—British Columbia, Nova Scotia and the Yukon Territory, to name just a few—that have brought in similar legislation.

We've asked some questions about the enforcement part and voluntary compliance. We hope to see a high degree of voluntary compliance, but as the Ontario Campaign for Action on Tobacco commented, given the harm that can be done to children by repeatedly exposing them to second-hand smoke, we believe there should be an escalation-applicable fine for repeat offences, and I'm hoping that that may be discussed in regulations as the bill proceeds to that stage.

The education component was brought up by the minister again today. There is no question that there needs to be a strong education component. I know that there has been some education component, especially since the bill has been introduced.

My colleague from Kitchener—Waterloo, Mrs. Witmer, introduced a resolution on December 13, 2007, "that, in the opinion of this House, the government of Ontario should protect the children and youth of this province from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke in automobiles by immediately implementing an effective province-wide campaign to educate parents about the dangers of smoking in vehicles when a person who is less than 16 years of age is present."

I know the member from Nickel Belt spoke quite eloquently in committee about the northern Ontario region she represents and the fact that there has to be more education to reach the people in some remote areas, and I'm sure she will speak to that when she has the opportunity.

There are some suggestions that were brought forward to improve the bill. I know that the member from Burlington has had a private member's bill—I will bring it up again—and moved an amendment in committee that unfortunately was defeated. But despite the fact that the title is the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, it's not a pot-free Ontario act. Many of my colleagues in the Legislature will know that the member for Burlington, Joyce Savoline, tried on numerous occasions to get the McGuinty government to close that loophole in the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and include marijuana and controlled substances.

As I said, our first attempt was a private member's bill, which received unanimous consent in the Legislature but was cut down quickly by the whipped Liberal members in committee. So, unfortunately, we didn't even have the opportunity to hear from the public as to their thoughts and their positions on this issue, as the discussion—can we use the phrase?—was butted out before we could engage our citizens in that debate.

But the member from Burlington is quite tenacious. She valiantly tried again by putting forward an amendment to Bill 69 in committee which would include marijuana and controlled substances as illegal to smoke in cars with children. The argument that no one would smoke marijuana in a car with children is ridiculous. As a reasonable person, as a medical professional myself, I would also have assumed that no one would smoke cigarettes in a car with children, but then I've just read statistics—and other members have—that this is not true. Once again, the Liberals shot down her amendment, based on "the lack of scientific evidence."

We find that choice of phrasing odd. I now recall where I last heard it used. It was in the 1960s and the 1970s when big tobacco companies were justifying their existence and reassuring the public that their products were safe.

I want to comment about the grade 11 student, Mr. Salvatore Anania, who appeared before the committee and said that one does not need scientific evidence to know that marijuana smoke is harmful and felt that it was the perfect time to include marijuana in the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. So I compliment that grade 11 student who made the connection that this government cannot seem to make in respect to banning the smoking of pot, the use of marijuana—in this case before the committee—in cars. The private member's bill before was banning second-hand smoke from marijuana in public places. I think it was just tremendous for a grade 11 student to participate.

I want to thank a group of students that assisted the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit in my area. They brought petitions in, supported at the local high school in Lindsay. They went and engaged in the political process—which I find is enlightening; we're getting our youth involved—and brought those petitions to me. We presented them in the Legislature.

The educational component could have been started months ago, but we're happy to see that some third party groups are advocating and going forward with an educational component. You can you never do enough in that regard and I hope that more is addressed in that matter.

We want to move forward with this legislation; I think all parties are in agreement for that today. It's unfortunate that the amendment from the member for Burlington was not passed, but maybe we will have this in another day, as regulations proceed.

Thank you very much for the opportunity to speak on Bill 69 today.

M me France Gélinas: It is my pleasure to rise today for the third reading of Bill 69, which amends the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. Basically, the NDP supports this bill. It is consistent with our party's historic support for health promotion and children's well-being. It certainly falls squarely within the framework of what we call the second stage of medicare, which is to keep people well. Protecting children from second-hand smoke does that: It keeps children well.

We also know there is widespread support for the bill by different partners, certainly the partners that came and presented, but also the Ontario Medical Association, the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario, the Ontario Public Health Association, the Lung Association, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, public health units, the Non-Smokers' Rights Association —and the list goes on. We know that there is strong public support: Up to 80% of the people in Ontario support this new bill. But this is balanced with the fact that really only 37% of the smokers have made their vehicles smoke-free.

At the base of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act is

an act that is there to protect every Ontarian from second-hand smoke. During second reading, I had an opportunity to bring forward two amendments that clearly go along with the mission of the act that we're about to modify with Bill 69: to protect all Ontarians from second-hand smoke. The first amendment was to bring the cut-off age, which presently sits at 16—which means it protects kids 15 and under because it cuts off at 16; 16-year-olds are not included—to 19, 19 being the legal age at which people can smoke. This link is easy to do.

The government told us, "Well, it has to do with the consent to treatment." To me, that link is not there. We had an opportunity to be in line with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and to make the cut-off at 19. When I asked if there was any body of evidence, any studies that would support that 16 is better than 19, such bodies of evidence did not exist. Nobody can point to a study that says, "If you do the cut-offs at 16 rather than 19, you will have more compliance." None of this exists.

There is a study that exists that used a cut-off of 16, but that was it. There's no valid medical reason or any other reason, for that matter, not to put the cut-off at 19 years old, which would protect children from 18 down to birth.

Many other jurisdictions have chosen to put the cut-off at 19 and to line it up with the age at which people are legally allowed to smoke. By putting that 16-year-old cut-off there, you're building onto this idea that we all know there are a lot of teenagers aged 16 to 19 who smoke; we all know this. Although it is illegal, it still happens. They go, they get cigarettes one way or another, and they smoke.

In putting in this bill an age 16 cut-off, we are almost endorsing that it's a fact of life that kids aged 16 to 19, although they're not allowed to buy tobacco, are going to be smoking in Ontario, and we'll give up on this and put the cut-off at 16, because it's too just hard to get those kids. We are leaders. It's upon us to lead. To put the cut-off at 19 would have shown leadership, but the amendment was voted down by the Liberals.

The second amendment that I brought would make a mandatory three-month period from the time that the bill receives royal assent to the time that the fines will start to be given. Everybody agreed that the strength of this bill is in the education that it sends out. It sends out this message that it is not okay to smoke in a car when there are kids present. But we know that 63% of the smokers are still smoking in their cars when there are kids present.

To give public health units and other groups an opportunity when the law has been passed—it is not talked about anymore; it is a law that has received royal assent in Ontario. To give them a three-month education period is what we call a prime time for health promotion. It is a time when people listen, because the law is about to change. It is a great time to do education and to go get those hard-to-get ones.

The minister and some of the people who represent the government say, "Well, there has already been quite a bit of talk about this bill." Yes, I agree that the media have picked the bill and talked about it, but this is very different from targeted health promotion education to people who we know will have a hard time complying.

In my riding, there are communities with smoking rates three times the rates in the rest of Ontario. We know, and the public health units and the people working on smoking-reduction strategies know that this three months of education would have gone a long way to allow them to be successful in helping those people comply with the law. But this amendment was also turned down.

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act is there to help protect people from second-hand smoke, but it looks like we're only going to do this in tiny, weenie little steps when we could have had an opportunity, at no cost to anybody, to take a way bigger step. The NDP will still support this bill, but we wish they could have made it a whole lot stronger, faster.

I think I have to say this at the beginning, but I will share my time with my colleague.

Ms. Cheri DiNovo: It's an honour to rise, as we all do in the New Democratic Party, in support of Bill 69. We are absolutely in support of smoke-free cars. We're in support of anything that promotes the health of children, and certainly this bill is a step forward in promoting the health of children. It's staggering to me that people still smoke in cars, but it was also educational to me to discover how toxic that practice is.

I didn't know, for example—and I think many watching at home probably don't know—that even if you smoke in a car with a child not present and a child gets into that car, the very upholstery in the car gives off a toxic gas which is also very detrimental to the small lungs of small children. That's something I didn't know.

I was a child in an era when smoking was everywhere. I was a child of parents who smoked, and I think of my own health being compromised. The health of many in the generation that sits here in this chamber has been compromised by a practice that people genuinely didn't see as dangerous, particularly if they cranked down the windows a bit. Now we know better. Now we know that even if you crank down the windows, it's still dangerous. Even if you don't have the child in the car and then you smoke in the car and the child gets into the car afterward, it's still dangerous. It's dangerous no matter how you look at it. It's a dangerous practice and it should be stopped.

Of course, it will be difficult to enforce, but as our lead critic, the member for Nickel Belt, pointed out, it's not about the enforcement of this bill so much, it's about the educational aspect of this bill. The fact that this bill is out there, that it gets some media play, will, in turn, let people know just how detrimental this practice is, and that's the force of this bill.

I also feel very saddened that the amendments that were put forward by the opposition parties were not taken to heart by the McGuinty Liberals, but so be it. That's always the way. Unfortunately, sometimes partisan politics trump common sense. This is certainly the case here. Again, a bill that could have been made stronger and could have offered even more protection will offer a little less protection because it's more important to have partisan politics here, and Liberals to be Liberals, than it is to protect the health of small children.

In fact, if the McGuinty Liberals really were serious about protecting the health of small children, there are a lot of things they could do, and we know this. We know that our member from Hamilton Centre has been an advocate of daycare. If the McGuinty Liberals really wanted to protect the health of children, they would look at what our neighbours in Quebec have done and offer some government-sponsored daycare spaces to children. In fact, now in Ontario, only one in 10 children even have a shot at a space, and they're not subsidized. The average cost for daycare is over $1,000 a month in Ontario right now.

It's $7 a day in Quebec. Why can't we do what Quebec does here? Good question. That would protect the health of children.

Something else the McGuinty Liberals could do if they were really serious about protecting the health of children is bring in a dental care program. My husband and I were in Sweden recently where there is free dental care up to the age of 18. If we had that here, that would truly protect the health of children. A community of 9 million in Sweden and we've got 13 million in Ontario—don't tell me we couldn't do it. We're one of the wealthiest jurisdictions in the world. That's what the McGuinty Liberals could do to protect the health of children.

What else could they do? There have been a number of other moments in the news in this last little while: C. difficile. We in the New Democratic Party have called, through the expert leadership of our health critic from Nickel Belt, for the Ombudsman to give oversight to our hospitals. The Liberals aren't interested in that; they're not even interested in having reporting on C. difficile deaths happen until September. I'm speaking personally because my uncle was one of those victims, three times, of C. difficile. Making hospitals safe places would help the health of all of our citizens, including children.

What else would help if the McGuinty Liberals were really serious about protecting the health of children? Not only passing Bill 69, which is about smoking in cars with children, but also bringing in affordable housing because we know one in six of our children suffer from poverty. Poverty is a serious social determinant of health. Children who are poor do not get enough to eat, do not have adequate housing, do not have dental care etc. That's what the McGuinty Liberals could do: actually spend some of the federal dollars that they've got on housing.

And of course—a subject near and dear—up the minimum wage, because 41% of our children who live in poverty come from working families. If you have a mother who's working two jobs at minimum wage, that child's health is being compromised.

But I digress. To get back to Bill 69, smoking in cars with children: bad thing. Yes, it's a bad thing, and New Democrats will support the government in trying to abolish this bad act by people who, I don't think, are so much bad as addicted. Which begs the other question of, what are we doing for those who have a hard time overcoming addictions? The answer, unfortunately, from the McGuinty Liberals is not much. They're not doing much to combat addiction in this province, tobacco and alcohol addiction being the two pre-eminent arbiters of death from addiction.

Again, insofar as this bill is a good educational tool, insofar as this bill will take an inch forward where we need a mile forward in terms of children's health—insofar as it does that, we certainly support it. We would also call on this government to look at the whole issue of addictions. We don't have a drug strategy in Ontario. The city of Toronto has a drug strategy and it's an excellent one. Perhaps we could upload something from our municipalities, and that would be an Ontario drug strategy that the McGuinty Liberals could bring in to look at the whole issue of addiction rather than simply this one small piece of addiction that in this one small way affects children's health.

Certainly, before I sit down, I want to give acknowledgment where it's due, and that is to the wonderful leadership on this file by our wonderful health critic from Nickel Belt and to all of those who put time in on this committee. As I said, we in the New Democratic Party will do anything that will help to further the health of our children.

The Acting Speaker (Ms. Andrea Horwath): Questions and comments? Further debate?

Seeing none, I will go to the minister for a reply.

Hon. Margarett R. Best: I would like to begin by acknowledging my colleague from Sault Ste. Marie, David Orazietti; my PA, the member for Oak Ridges—Markham; and also the members opposite for their commitment, support and interest in the well-being of our children. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Ontario for their input.

As was said earlier by my colleague from Oak Ridges—Markham, tobacco-related diseases have been estimated to account for $1.6 billion in direct health care costs and $4.4 billion in productivity losses each year. Our government has made remarkable progress in the fight against tobacco-related illnesses and death. We accomplished this by introducing one of the most aggressive and comprehensive tobacco control strategies in North America, as I said earlier, and we established a province-wide law for smoke-free environments when the Smoke-Free Ontario Act became law on May 31, 2006.

Just recently, on May 31, we took down the power walls, and once again we have achieved widespread voluntary compliance. Our estimates show that over 96% of vendors were in compliance by the May 31 date.

Now, Bill 69 is the next important step in moving forward. The primary objective of this bill and the Smoke-Free Ontario Act has always been to protect people from second-hand smoke in enclosed public places and workplaces. This amendment would extend province-wide protection to children in motor vehicles.

The medical science is very clear that second-hand smoke is dangerous to our children's health. As a government, we are also very aware that even acting in the public's interest needs public support. In January of this year, a poll released by the Canadian Cancer Society showed that over 80% of Ontarians, including 66% of smokers in Ontario, support a ban on smoking in vehicles with children.

Our government is confident that the public is ready for this proposed ban to protect our children's health. Support comes from leading non-governmental health organizations, as I've said before, including the OMA, the Ontario Lung Association, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario and the Canadian Cancer Society. I want to take this opportunity to thank them for their input. I would like to quote the CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society, Peter Goodhand, who said: "Children don't have a choice when it comes to exposure to second-hand smoke while travelling in a vehicle. We congratulate the Ontario government for taking this step to protect ... children's health."

Our government believes that the people of Ontario are ready for legislation to protect our children from being exposed to second-hand smoke in motor vehicles. This is about protection of our most vulnerable citizens: children who do not have a voice, children age 16 and under. We are confident in anticipating wide voluntary compliance for this amendment, especially given the level of public support.

In response to the member opposite, as with any legislation, I agree with her that this ban will still require some level of enforcement. That is why this proposal includes a partnership with police services across the province to enforce the legislation. Enforcement is indeed important, but voluntary compliance is our goal. Our government knows that public awareness is key to making that happen.

This legislative process alone has brought greater public awareness and education. Again, in response to the member opposite, if this bill is passed, we also plan to deliver a multi-layered public education campaign across the province with our partners. We anticipate that we will reach people wherever they are, to get them to think about the importance of their children's health and our children's.

In addition to public education and enforcement, we will also be leveraging all the components of the smoke-free Ontario strategy to ensure voluntary compliance, including programs to help smokers quit and working with our partners in public health to continue to champion this very worthy cause.

This is about the safety and well-being of our children. The Premier and our government are committed to this, and our partners are committed to this. I appeal to all Ontarians to commit to smoke-free vehicles for our children's sake. Again, I thank everyone involved.

The Acting Speaker (Ms. Andrea Horwath): Ms. Best has moved third reading of Bill 69,

An Act to protect children from second-hand tobacco smoke in motor vehicles by amending the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

Third reading agreed to.

The Acting Speaker (Ms. Andrea Horwath):

Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.

Orders of the day.

Hon. David Caplan: I seek consent for the House to recess until 10:45 of the clock today.

The Acting Speaker (Ms. Andrea Horwath): Is there unanimous consent of the House to recess until 10:45? Agreed. This House now stands recessed.

The House recessed from 0950 to 1045.

INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): I take this opportunity to welcome a number of visitors to Queen's Park today.

On behalf of the member from Kitchener Centre, in the east members' gallery: Brian and Connie Voll.

On behalf of the member from Scarborough—Guildwood, in the east members' gallery: Clara Russell, Ferlena Burke and Ida Fogo, the member's sisters and a family friend. Welcome.

On behalf of the member from Carleton—Mississippi Mills, in the west members' gallery we'd like to welcome Victor and Gloria Morris and Larry and Rita Morris, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary—congratulations—and also John Morris.

On behalf of the member from Thornhill, in the west members' gallery: Mr. Fred Winegust, marketing manager at IBM.

On behalf of the member from Peterborough, in the east members' gallery: Mr. Ted Hunter from the Peterborough Rotary, and Ms. Patyna Litvinova, Rotary exchange student from Siberia.

On behalf of the member from St. Paul's, in the east members' gallery: Mr. Sam George, councillor, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation.

On behalf of page Doaa Hussein, in the west members' gallery: her father, Hatem Hussein; her mother, Layla Al-Asawi, and her sisters Samaa Hussein and Safa Hussein.

On behalf of page Taylor Martin, in the public galleries: a friend of hers, Deanna Martin.

In the Speaker's gallery, I'd like to welcome two guests of mine: Francine and Terry Melmer from St. Thomas. Welcome to Queen's Park today.

As well in the Speaker's gallery, we'd like to welcome a delegation from the Ghana Parliament: Ms. Gloria Insaido, librarian; Mr. Kwesi Eshun, director, research department; Martha Acquah Hayford, head of Hansard; Mr. Addow Quashie, head of their information communication technology department; and Mr. Adams Fusheini, information resource coordinator, Parliamentary Centre. Welcome to all of our guests today.

ORAL QUESTIONS

TOURISM

Mr. Ted Arnott: My question is for the Minister of Tourism. According to a recent Hamilton news article, the Ministry of Tourism projects a 9% drop in travellers from the US to Ontario this year, costing us about $46 million in revenue. The minister knows that things are getting much worse. From the minister's own website, for the first quarter of 2008, the number of same-day trips from the US is down a staggering 25%. Grace Sammut from Resorts of Ontario tells us that the number of employee hours worked to date is down 24% from last year. This means lost jobs.

My question is this: Does this government actually intend to do nothing to reverse these declining tourism numbers?

Hon. Peter Fonseca: I want to thank the member for Wellington—Halton Hills for sharing some of that factual information. The first thing that I want to say is that this government is dedicated to a sustainable, viable tourism sector. That's why we're working with our partners on a plan—a plan that has put significant dollars into tourism; a plan that is working.

I would like to share some facts. When we look across Canada and Ontario, yes, we're experiencing some challenges when it comes to tourism. But Ontario, compared to some of the other provinces like BC or Quebec, which have seen a 7% and 5.8% decline in their numbers—we've actually seen a bit of an uptick in our numbers with overnight travellers from the US. So things are working. Yes, we do have challenges—

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Thank you. Supplementary?

Mr. Ted Arnott: I have no idea who the minister's talking to. We're hearing a very different story. This government brags about marketing, yet the My Ontario travel book put out by this minister makes no mention of Windsor and Essex county and only makes passing reference to London, ignoring the great tourism potential of these communities. In the past six years, the tourism industry in Windsor has declined 50%. Both Windsor and London have been amongst the hardest hit by manufacturing job losses. Apparently, London and Windsor don't figure high in this minister's priorities.

John Tory's plan to stimulate tourism and suspend the PST on hotels and attractions this summer will give Ontario's tourism industry a much-needed boost. Will the minister commit today to implementing John Tory's plan?

Hon. Peter Fonseca: We've got a great plan that is working. Unfortunately, John Tory's poor band-aid for the province and for the tourism sector is something we will not move on. What we did in our budget bill was to put 92 million new dollars into our tourism industry. These are in tax incentives and initiatives that will help the tourism sector. What's great about Ontario is that we have a four-season destination here.

Let's look at the Windsor area. Next week, we're actually opening up the new Caesars-branded casino. I think this is going to be wonderful for that area. It will attract many more people. It's unfortunate that the opposition opposed that. The opposition also voted against our $30-million stimulus package for the industry that we brought forward last fall. The opposition—

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Final supplementary.

Mr. Ted Arnott: The thousands of small businesses and the villages, towns and cities that rely on tourist dollars can't wait a year or two for another study like this minister's offering. They need action. They need action this week before the House rises. Where's the small business minister in all of this?

Here's a voice from the north. Stephen Holt of Charlton Lake Camp writes, "Northern Ontario is in need of immediate help for the upcoming season and the government has been quiet." Last week, the minister said that very few support our plan. This week, he's singing a different tune because he knows that the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario understands the urgency. North Bay city council supports our plan. Resorts of Ontario supports our plan. Attractions Ontario supports our plan. Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association supports our plan.

Wings of Paradise in Cambridge, the Red Pine Wilderness Lodge, the Walper Terrace in Kitchener and the Millcroft Inn in Alton all support our plan. I could go on and on.

Why won't the minister respond to these pleas for immediate action and bring in our plan to support tourism into Ontario?

Hon. Peter Fonseca: We've been committed to the tourism sector since forming government back in 2003. Right away in 2004, in our first budget, we made sure that the RST was exempted so that we can use those monies for promoting and marketing our many destinations across Ontario.

For the immediate, we came up with a great initiative through our OPS, which this idea came out of. We have a fun pass that's being distributed to 1.4 million kids across this province. They're going to be able to go to any of our attractions, agencies—the AGO, Fort William, etc.—for free. That will drive much traffic.

Also, where we've had huge success has been with our "There's no place like this" campaign. It really helped our most important market. Our most important market is our domestic market, Ontarians being tourists within—

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Thank you. New question.

GASOLINE PRICES

Mr. Tim Hudak: The question is to the minister responsible to consumers. Minister, this morning gas prices hit up to $1.36 in Hamilton. Back when Dalton McGuinty was in opposition, he claimed he had "three solid ideas" to hold the line on gas prices. Which of those three ideas have you actually acted upon?

Hon. Ted McMeekin: I know that the federal government has just been doing some investigation on this. I also know that the former minister, Minister Phillips, had taken a couple of initiatives which we've followed up on. So I think at the supplemental, in terms of the specific plans, I'll refer it to Minister Phillips.

Mr. Tim Hudak: I guess the answer is that they've acted on zero of the three promises that Dalton McGuinty made before the election.

Unlike Dalton McGuinty, real families that have to pump gas into their own automobiles are getting whacked by gas prices up to $1.36. Some forecast that gas prices may go as high as $1.40 a litre this summer.

Minister, somebody driving a Honda Civic made in Alliston, Ontario, who fills up their tank, on average, once a week would see an increase in their costs of $378. Families driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee would pay an additional $603.

Minister, given that your government has acted on none of your promises, what exactly are your plans to give working families and seniors a break on their rising costs this summer?

Hon. Ted McMeekin: To Minister Phillips.

Hon. Gerry Phillips: Probably the first question the public asks is, "Are the gas companies, oil companies, proceeding appropriately?" There's no question that the responsibility for that—and I think the member would agree—rests with the federal Competition Bureau, quite appropriately. There's no question of that, and we agree with that. I would note that, according to what we've seen on the weekend, the Competition Bureau has taken some steps. I think we should expect the federal Competition Bureau to play their role on behalf of the consumer.

What can we do here in Ontario? I would say: Ensure that people have options. We are working very closely with our car manufacturers on producing energy-efficient cars and investing a substantial amount of money in assisting them with that.

I will, in the—

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary.

Mr. Tim Hudak: It is ironic that they switch from the minister who is here to protect consumers to the minister representing the oil companies in the province of Ontario.

Let me say this back to the minister: You heard that somebody driving a Honda Civic is looking at $378 more this summer from higher gas prices. Since 2003, a typical middle-class family in Ontario is facing $2,000 more annually in expenses with gas, rises in electricity, higher Dalton McGuinty taxes, new user fees and delisted OHIP services.

We have called for relief this summer for working families by eliminating the provincial sales tax, at the very least, on accommodations and on attractions to help families spend some quality time this summer. Dalton McGuinty has steadfastly refused, because he believes he can spend the money better.

Minister, what kind of relief will you give to Ontario families this summer?

Hon. Gerry Phillips: I appreciate the yelling of the question, but it doesn't make it any better.

I'd just say: The public in Ontario want options. It was, dare I say, the Conservative government that cut out support for public transit. It was not a smart move. We are investing a substantial amount of the gas tax in public transit. That will help some people have options. That's a good idea. It will also take pressure off gasoline consumption; another good idea. It will help greenhouse gas emissions; another good idea. We are taking substantial long-term steps.

You made some bad mistakes when you were in government, and that's frankly why you're there. We're now making the right decisions for the public in Ontario, and we'll keep doing that.

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Mr. Paul Miller: My question is for the Acting Premier. Last Thursday, I was in Oshawa proudly marching with GM truck workers and their supporters at the plant. The marchers want GM to live up to its obligations, which were negotiated in good faith less than one month ago. What is the government doing to convince GM to keep the truck plant open and save the livelihoods of 2,600 workers?

Hon. George Smitherman: To the Minister of Finance. Could we ask the honourable member to go back to his side for question period?

Hon. Dwight Duncan: I apologize to the member; I couldn't hear the question.

Our government is proud of the investments it has made to keep automotive jobs right here in Ontario. Whether you're talking about the domestic, the Detroit Three—General Motors, Ford, Chrysler—or whether you're talking about Honda or Toyota, there is no question that the kinds of investments we're making not only help that sector transition to a newer economy; they help transition to a cleaner economy.

I was pleased last Wednesday evening to be at the tribute to Buzz Hargrove that was held here in Toronto and to see the Premier of Ontario. I was proud to sit with the CAW locals from my community: Ford, Chrysler, General Motors. I was pleased that they continue to recognize, as does the leadership of the—

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Thank you, Minister. Supplementary?

Mr. Paul Miller: This morning, workers complied with an injunction that ended the peaceful blockade of GM's corporate offices. While a judge ruled that the blockade should come down, I note some of the comments made in his ruling: GM was "almost deceitful" in its negotiations with the workers. Additionally, he wrote that the company "should not be rewarded for improper conduct." Well, the company already has its reward in the form of nearly a quarter of a billion dollars of taxpayers' money. Will this government force GM to live up to its obligations or will it allow GM to keep the money and run?

Hon. Dwight Duncan: As both the Premier and my colleague the Minister of Economic Development indicated last week, there are penalty clauses associated with the General Motors contract which will be implemented.

What I will say is this: Were it not for those investments at Toyota, we wouldn't have a new plant opening this fall. Were it not for those investments, we wouldn't have flex manufacturing, which leaves the opportunity for a new product line at Oshawa. Were it not for those investments, we would not have flex manufacturing in Oakville, which will allow for a new product mandate. This government's record is aimed at and designed to encourage the next generation of jobs. That member and his party voted against every one of these initiatives.

We stand with the working men and women in Canada's automotive sector. We'll continue to make the prudent investments that not only create jobs but ensure that we will have a better future ahead in the—

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Thank you. Final supplementary?

Mr. Paul Miller: If it means that existing jobs are protected and new jobs are created, New Democrats are not against strategic investment in the auto sector. In this case there were no job guarantees and no product guarantees. With so many good-paying jobs on the line, how could the McGuinty government have been so incompetent as to negotiate an agreement with a multinational corporation that leaves $235 million in the company's back pocket while leaving 2,600 workers with nothing more than a pink slip? This time, will this minister just cut the verbal attacks against the NDP and actually answer the question?

Hon. Dwight Duncan: Accountability truly is difficult, and you shouldn't have voted against those initiatives. Shame on you. You should have listened to Buzz Hargrove when he said that Premier Dalton McGuinty's government has been "active and supportive, recognizing the importance to the whole provincial economy of retaining these high-productivity jobs."

You should have been supportive when the workers at Chrysler, General Motors and Ford came to us and said, "Make these investments to help protect our jobs and to bring new jobs." You should have been supportive when we invested in Toyota, which will see a new plant opening just outside of Woodstock. You should have been supportive, sir, I say with respect, when Honda expanded. That party had an option. It chose to vote against auto workers. It chose—

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Thank you. New question?

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Ms. Cheri DiNovo: My question is to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. By the end of March 31, 2009, how much does his ministry expect to invest in provincial funds through the Canada-Ontario affordable housing program?

Hon. Jim Watson: We're very proud of the affordable housing program for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, it was an agreement signed by the previous federal government and the McGuinty government.

Let me just give the honourable member a couple of examples of some of the dollars that have gone into affordable housing programs: in her home city of Toronto, $178.5 million, which represents 5,246 units; in my home town of Ottawa, $44.7 million for 1,064 units; and in the great community of London, $22.9 million for 647 units.

This is in addition to money that we just put in in our last budget—$100 million—the largest single investment of repair and rehabilitation money in the history of Ontario. We're proud of that. We know more work has to be done.

Ms. Cheri DiNovo: I have two documents in my hand. One is a 2005 Canada-Ontario agreement where the McGuinty government promised to invest 300 million provincial dollars in affordable housing by March 31, 2009. The other document I have is an April 2008 letter from the minister's own office that says he expects to spend only $100 million of the $300 million by March 31, 2009. Why won't this minister admit in this House that he has absolutely failed to deliver on his $300-million promise?

Hon. Jim Watson: The member is completely wrong, once again. She is mixing up two or three different programs. Let me just tell you the record of this government compared to the record of when the NDP were in power. The last year that the NDP were in power, what did they spend? Fifty-two million dollars. The McGuinty government has spent $185 million.

I'm quite proud of the fact that this government entered into an affordable housing program agreement with the previous federal government, and I'm disappointed that the NDP are not putting pressure on their federal counterparts to raise this issue, day in and day out, to ensure that the federal government comes to the table with a realistic affordable housing program, because we know that the funding starts drying up with the RAP program and the homelessness initiative on March 31. So stand up for Ontario, NDP.

Ms. Cheri DiNovo: The minister knows that the federal funding dollars for affordable housing are here only because of the role the NDP played in Ottawa.

Here is what the Toronto Star says about his performance: "Idle Funds Go to Waste"; "Ontario Lagging on Social Housing"; "Many Shut Out of Rental Programs"; "Ontario Housing Gap Tops $1 Billion"; "Buck-Passing on Housing." That's what the Toronto Star editorial board says about his performance. Meanwhile, $285 million of promised Ontario money and federal real dollars are going wanting and 150,000 people are waiting for affordable housing in Ontario.

Will this minister stand up and apologize for wasting the funds, for not spending the money and for promising something that's not there?

Hon. Jim Watson: Again, if the honourable member wants to be the leader of her party, she's going to have to get better research and get her facts straight.

This government has done more on the affordable housing front than the last two governments combined, because we actually reached a deal with the previous federal government under the leadership of Premier McGuinty, Jean Chrétien and Paul Martin.

Let me tell you what the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association executive director said: "While no one government can solve decades of issues affecting the current state and need for more affordable housing, this government is leading the way in finding solutions to improve affordable housing in Ontario. Today's announcement will make a real difference and demonstrates that the government has been listening to" the sector's "concerns."

I'm proud of the fact that we are back in the affordable housing business. Yes, we have to do more, but we need the federal government to be at the table as a willing partner to work with cities, towns and the province.

SCHOOL SAFETY

Mr. Frank Klees: To the Minister of Education: Last Wednesday, the Premier told this House that he would direct the Minister of Education to investigate the failure of an elementary school principal to report an assault on a six-year-old in one of our public schools.

Unfortunately, the minister appears not to share the Premier's urgency. In fact, when I offered that the opposition would co-operate with the government to pass an amendment to the Child and Family Services Act that would make it mandatory for school officials to report to parents and to the police, the minister chose to ignore that proposal and instead rambled on about a future committee investigation.

We have the facts. There are protocols in place; they're not being followed. What we need is an amendment to legislation that will make that reporting mandatory. What is the minister waiting for and why will she not act on this issue?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I watched for eight years while the government opposite made precipitous decisions that did not take into account what was actually going on in our education system. That is not how this government operates. What we are doing is looking at the reporting mechanisms, and as the member opposite knows full well, there are reporting mechanisms in different pieces of legislation.

My answer is that I'm very concerned that we close any gaps that exist in reporting. My parliamentary assistant, Liz Sandals, is leading the safe schools action team. They are talking to people around the province who understand the issues of safe schools and understand the culture of schools. What I commit is that I will take the advice of the safe schools action team, because they will have considered the real situation in our schools rather than an ideological political position.

Mr. Frank Klees: The minister is saying that what I brought to the attention of this House and the Premier last week is not real. What she is saying is that when the Premier said to this House that he will instruct the minister to investigate, she doesn't share the Premier's concern.

There is nothing further to investigate. We know that protocols aren't being followed. We know that principals are not using good judgment. We need legislation to support what every parent expects, and that is that if a student is assaulted in our schools, they'll know about it and the police will know about it.

I'm calling now on the minister to assume her responsibility, bring legislation into this House and ensure that there are teeth in the law to ensure that those responsible for looking after our kids in our schools will follow the law, report to parents and report to the police. Why will she not do that?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: It's obviously a very serious situation when a protocol has not been followed. The Premier did speak to me. I understand absolutely that it is my responsibility. It is our responsibility to make sure that the correct protocols are in place and that they are followed. The fact is, the protocol was in place. The protocol was there. What we need to do is make sure that we have the right enforcement mechanisms and that we have the right procedures in place.

It is clear that the board has taken action in this situation, and that is as it should be. The board has taken action. It is my expectation that when a protocol is breached, a board will take action. But it is not the answer for any of the children in our system for a government to take action that has nothing to do with the realities of what's going on in our schools. I need the information. I need to know where the reporting gaps are, and when we know where the reporting gaps are, then we will fill them.

INFECTIOUS DISEASE CONTROL

M me France Gélinas: Ma question est pour le ministre de la Santé et des Soins de longue durée.

Under the minister's watch, Ontario hospitals are cutting beds, cutting staff and increasing occupancy rates. The Rouge Valley Health Centre proposed cutting 220 health providers, 24 of them cleaning staff, and cutting 36 hospital beds, while at the same time pushing its bed occupancy level from 82% to over 95%. Studies show that when occupancy goes over 90%, as Rouge Valley is projecting, infection rates go up by 42%. Why is this government promoting public policies that put Ontarians at risk of contracting and dying from a hospital-acquired infection?

Hon. George Smitherman: As the honourable member will know from her participation this morning with her colleagues from one of the public sector unions, there have been governments in the province of Ontario historically that have cut funding for hospitals. She is in a party that was one of them. Our party hasn't done that. When she leads her question by suggesting that overall in health care we're closing hospital beds and reducing staff in hospitals, that's not accurate either. I would encourage the honourable member to bring forward information that actually confirms that point.

All across the platform of health care, our government has been associated with enhanced investment and substantially increased employment so that those people working in hospital environments can enhance their capacity to care for the people of Ontario. That is our record; it is proven by statistics. If the honourable member has a question with a basis in fact, I'll be looking forward to it by way of supplementary.

Mme France Gélinas: Well, I do have a bit of facts. The British Medical Association concluded in their report that high occupancy rates and less cleaning staff lead directly to the spread of hospital-acquired infections. Ontario's own chief coroner stated that overcrowding may have played a role in the C. difficile outbreak in Sault Ste. Marie hospital. Especially in light of this C. difficile outbreak, why is this minister standing by while hospitals cut staff, close beds and force hospitals to operate at 95% capacity?

Hon. George Smitherman: Maybe it was the combined efforts of those two parties who closed more than 18,000 acute care beds that has contributed to these occupancy issues. Our work over the course of the last four years has been to invest in the construction of more hospitals than the last five governments in the province of Ontario combined, and when you look at the particular circumstances in Sault Ste. Marie, that has included moving toward many more semi-private rooms—a substantial advance over the circumstances that were in place.

I do say to the honourable member: We acknowledge that there are very genuine risks in our hospital environments associated with things like superbugs. That's why public reporting and measurement of those will be introduced very shortly. Even your allies on this situation agree that that's an important step. I do say to the honourable member: If she wishes to demonstrate that across the province of Ontario there are fewer beds now than when we came to office, she's got a lot of work to do, because it's simply not true.

SMALL BUSINESS

Mr. Bruce Crozier: My question is to the Minister of Revenue. My constituents have told me that it can sometimes take a lot of time and resources when they're required to fill their tax obligations and that they find them to be cumbersome. Filling out numerous forms, waiting for information to be provided, and interpreting tax laws on remitting the correct amount of tax can sometimes be quite challenging. Considering the fact that small business makes up 99% of the business community in Ontario, what are you doing to alleviate the red tape and ease the amount of time associated with filing taxes correctly and helping Ontarians focus energy on running their business?

Hon. Monique M. Smith: I would like to thank the member for Essex for the question. It gives me a great opportunity to speak about the fact that this morning I was at the Toronto Board of Trade launching our Ministry of Revenue new initiative on improving and modernizing our tax system to allow all taxpayers across the province the opportunity to pay their taxes in a more streamlined way. Our new system is called Onttaxs. Part of that system was to introduce one new toll-free number, 1-866-ONT-TAXS, which will replace 39 phone numbers that the Ministry of Revenue formerly had in place. This will streamline it for all of our taxpayers across the province.

We're also introducing one business number for every business across the province. That will integrate the federal business number and allow our taxpayers to use one number when accessing information. They'll be able to access this information soon on a new Internet service that will allow businesses to file their returns, make payments and view their accounts 24/7, seven days a week. We're making great initiatives here to—

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Thank you. Supplementary.

Mr. Bruce Crozier: I am pleased that this government is moving forward on the modernization of Ontario's tax administration system, and I'll certainly advise my constituents of the changes that are taking place, which they will no doubt be pleased to hear. Many will feel that they are long overdue.

Minister, changes of this magnitude in a tax system as old as ours can be nothing short of monumental. Why were some of these changes not made years ago, as has been the case in other jurisdictions, and what benefits other than those you've mentioned can Ontario businesses expect to see as these changes come to fruition?

Hon. Monique M. Smith: One of the reasons that these changes were not implemented sooner was because the Conservatives, when they were in power, made no effort whatsoever to modernize our tax system in the province, despite the fact that the Auditor General requested it in not one, two, but three different reports. We are proud to be moving forward with our Onttaxs system and providing an easier system for all taxpayers across the province.

Our online service will provide our business taxpayers their tax history for over four years, right at their fingertips, 24/7; we are spreading our walk-in service to over 70 Service Ontario locations; we have this new 1-800 number; and we have the new business number, but it's really the interactive service that we're providing through the Internet that's going to benefit all of our taxpayers. They'll be able to remit their PST and their Ontario health tax in a timely manner, online, starting this fall.

We're rolling it out in a streamlined way to ensure that security's in place, but it will be a service that will be available this fall for all taxpayers.

GOVERNMENT INVESTMENTS

Mr. Ted Chudleigh: My question is to the Deputy Premier. In the wake of Liberal contracts gone awry and industrial unrest, the Premier and two of his ministers are in California, despite being snubbed by Governor Schwarzenegger. Their purported mission is to stir up interest in Ontario's biotech industry and to advertise the $1-billion Next Generation of Jobs Fund and a pharmaceutical investment program, yet a close inspection of these Liberal corporate handout schemes is very problematic. Nowhere in the eligibility criteria is there a mention of job guarantees.

The government is obviously not learning from its recent mistakes. Deputy Premier, why are job guarantees not part of the criteria for biotech funding?

Hon. George Smitherman: To the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Dwight Duncan: I think I need to remind the member of some facts about our province. I wonder if the member knows that Ontario is number two in pharmaceutical research in Canada. Those are the kinds of things we're investing in.

I wonder if the member knows that we're number three in the digital media industry in Canada and that we want to be number one. That's why we are taking some of the steps we're taking.

I wonder if he knows that we're number one in the ICT sector in Canada. Toronto's the third largest in the world in North America, and we are number one in financial services in Canada, number one in R&D, number two in aerospace, number one in the business services sector and number one in the chemical sectors.

We will continue to make the investments through the Next Generation of Jobs Fund and through the other sources that we have available. We will make the investments that will create jobs, that will ensure that we remain competitive in the—

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Thank you. Supplementary.

Mr. Ted Chudleigh: That was a terrible answer. He just got hosed in Oshawa, and there are no guarantees in the Next Generation. The fact is that this government's attempt to interfere and control the market is stifling Ontario's competitiveness. As their weak contracts are exploited, industries that do not receive government favour are being pillaged by some of the highest business taxes in the western world.

Deputy Premier, when will your government learn that no-strings-attached, one-off handouts are not effective in the long term? When will you stop wasting Ontario taxpayers' dollars and pay attention to some of the experiences you've had just recently in Oshawa, where you got hosed because your guarantees were no good?

Hon. Dwight Duncan: The member for Oshawa and the member for Whitby called for that. In fact, the federal Minister of Finance is now calling for more assistance to companies like General Motors. In the member's riding of Oakville, the very day the General Motors' announcement happened, Ford was announcing a new flex line at their plant and increased employment.

There is no doubt that we do need a variety of policies. That's why we have a five-point plan. That's why we're investing in skills. That's why we have cut the capital tax and eliminated it for manufacturers. That's why we are investing in research and innovation. That's why—

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): I'd just remind the member from Halton: You just asked a question. You should be listening to the response. Minister.

Hon. Dwight Duncan: That's why we're investing in partnerships. This government's five-point plan is the right approach. It is the approach that will help get this economy through the challenges it faces, and we will be better and stronger as a result of it.

CASINO EMPLOYEES

Ms. Andrea Horwath: To the Deputy Premier: In light of Ontario's job crisis, what is your government doing to ensure that the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. stops its current drive to take away good-paying, full-time jobs and benefits from CAW casino workers that it employs in Brantford, Toronto and Sudbury?

Hon. George Smitherman: To the Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal.

Hon. David Caplan: Quite the contrary, I can assure the member that the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. has spoken to the conciliator and let him and the union know that they are quite eager to get back to the bargaining table. I want to encourage both parties to do so.

The facts are these: The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. is seeking, on behalf of its shareholders, the people of Ontario, and on behalf of its employees a fair deal that will honour both parties and make sure that we have a strong sector. This corporation has taken great pains to bring a new culture of continuous improvement. I think that's being reflected in the current dialogue that is going on. Speaker, I can assure you and I can assure the member that all work is being done toward achieving a fair settlement, and I would encourage both parties to get back to the table to achieve that.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: The OLG is pressuring CAW to agree to demands that would replace their full-time casino staff with part-time temporary workers for less pay and fewer benefits. The government's own corporation is set to kill off full-time casino jobs and decent wages and benefits for workers. This cannot be allowed to stand.

Will this minister meet with CAW leadership immediately, as they have requested of him by letter, and work to ensure that the OGL doesn't erode the full-time employment status of CAW casino workers and the jobs that are supporting their families?

Hon. David Caplan: I can assure the member that it is not my intention to insert myself, as it would be inappropriate, into the current round of bargaining. We are working through the conciliation process, through the collective bargaining, which we do believe in. We don't believe there should be interference in that process. I'm encouraging both sides to come together to achieve a fair settlement.

Also, this member's charge, that somehow there is a change, is not quite in keeping with the facts in this province. In fact, this government and this corporation have invested considerably, and next week I'm looking forward to being in Windsor for the re-branding of Casino Windsor to the Caesars brand. That represents an investment today of some $439 million back into this sector, back into good jobs, back into supporting the communities of Windsor and the families right across this province that depend on these vital jobs. This government has taken great pains to invest in this sector—

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Thank you. New question? The member for London—Fanshawe.

WORKPLACE SAFETY

Mr. Khalil Ramal: My question is for the Minister of Labour. I was shocked and horrified last week when a young, 14-year-old worker received burns to more than 50% of his body while working at an auto parts company. I understand from my colleague MPP Ruprecht that a workplace accident involving a 20-year-old happened in his riding at the end of May. That young man also received burns to 50% of his body.

Minister, I am sure it must be difficult for you to see these accidents happen over and over again. I would like know what steps your ministry is taking to make sure these kinds of accidents do not happen again and that the people of Ontario, especially our young workers, are safe when they go to work.

Hon. Brad Duguid: I thank the member for London—Fanshawe for the question. Having been to his riding not too long ago and meeting the stakeholders with the member, I know how concerned he is about injured workers, in particular the safety and health of young workers.

I share his concerns about these two injuries that have occurred over the last number of weeks, and my sympathies certainly go out to the parents and the injured workers themselves. We hope for a full and speedy recovery.

The reality is that a new worker is four times more likely to be injured in the first month on the job than at any time in their career after that. That tells me that we all have a lot of work to do when it comes to working with employers across this province to ensure that those young workers get the orientation and training they need to be healthy and safe when they get out on the job. I thank the member for raising this issue. It's a very important—

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Thank you. Supplementary?

Mr. Khalil Ramal: My constituents of London—Fanshawe, as do the members of this Legislature, want to know that their sons and daughters will return home from work safe and sound. I noted that you said that all MPPs got a kit on young worker safety again this spring. Has your ministry undertaken any other activities to help ensure the safety of our young workers? It's important not just for my riding, as I mentioned, but to all the members of this House, because it's very important for us to make sure our young workers, when they go to work, come back home safe. Can you tell us, Minister?

Hon. Brad Duguid: Yes, indeed, we have sent out tip sheets that have been distributed to one million students from grades 7 to 12 right across the province. It is about awareness. It is important that young people, when they go to their jobs this summer, are aware of the fact that they do have rights to protect themselves if they feel that what they're being asked to do is unsafe. It's about awareness for employers as well. They have a responsibility to ensure that they provide orientation and that they provide training. The member is quite right. We just celebrated Father's Day this weekend.

As a father myself, when my son is old enough to go off to the workforce—I think all of us want to make sure that when they do go to their job, they will come home safe and sound. It's a priority for our government. We are conducting a blitz of employers across the province as we get into the summer job season, and we're making a number of other efforts in partnership with a number of others across this—

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Thank you. New question.

SMALL BUSINESS

Mr. Norm Miller: My question is to the Minister of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, who doesn't appear to be here, so I will redirect the question to the Deputy Premier. What kind of support does your government offer small business operators in understanding and complying with provincial regulations?

Hon. George Smitherman: As the honourable member would know, even through question period, from an earlier question addressed by the Minister of Revenue, the government has had an approach which is designed to enhance the ease with which people working in small businesses are able to deal with the various regulatory challenges and burdens that are there. In addition, we're working with the Minister of Labour in the driver's seat to enhance our ability to diminish regulation burdens where possible. BizPal is a one-stop shop for business licensing and permits, which is a big step forward in design to enhance the ease with which small business operators can meet those various tests.

Mr. Norm Miller: I recently met with a convenience store operator in my riding of Parry Sound—Muskoka. He told me that times are tough. He has been in business for four years, and recently an inspector arrived at his business and wanted to see all the receipts for the past four years for cigars purchased. Without the receipts, the fine would have been $10,000. Now, at no time since he bought the business has anyone from the government come around to tell him that he should be hanging on to these receipts. In fact, at no time has anyone from the government come in to give him any kind of advice or support on how to comply with your government regulations.

Minister, big business is packing up and leaving Ontario, and we're going to need to start treating small business a lot better in this province. It seems that your government is doing nothing to help small business. When will you start to work to help small business instead of putting the focus on laying charges and collecting fines?

Hon. George Smitherman: First off, the matter at hand that the honourable member raises is quite a serious public health concern. I think that it is important, as well, for the honourable member to acknowledge that there's a very strong likelihood that this regime—the one that he mentions—is identical to that which was in place when his party was in government.

But we have made huge strides forward on this issue. BizPal, as I mentioned in the earlier answer, is a partnership with the federal government and municipalities, an initiative that allows small businesses to create a customized list of permits and licences. This is a very, very important enabler. We've created a single corporate tax administration form, a one-stop regulatory registry, a master business licence, and compliance information systems. You can see that all across the landscape is an attempt to make easier the burdens associated with the regulation of business. These are initiatives which could have been—

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Thank you. New question.

ERAMOSA KARST

Mr. Paul Miller: My question is to the Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal. Last week, your Ontario Realty Corp. held an agency public involvement centre drop-in session as part of the planning and class environmental assessment on the Eramosa karst feeder lands. The primary focus of the planning and class environmental assessment study is stated as the possible disposition of these ANSI feeder lands.

When will the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Natural Resources do the right thing and transfer the ownership of the Eramosa karst to the Hamilton Conservation Authority?

Hon. David Caplan: Thank you for the question. It's quite bizarre, because I was on hand when I personally transferred the deed for the Eramosa karst to the Hamilton Conservation Authority. I don't know what further action he's looking for. I can tell the member, in fact, that the Ontario Realty Corp. has opened up dialogue with the local community. They have brought in international karst experts to provide the very best scientific data, research and advice as far as what further lands should be protected.

It's a hallmark of this government to want to engage the public, to be able to open an honest dialogue with them and to listen to the advice that they receive before any future decisions are made.

The member is also aware that the city of Hamilton in an earlier official plan had designated these lands for development. They have subsequently decided to put a—

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Thank you. Supplementary?

Mr. Paul Miller: I'm glad the minister mentioned "honesty" and "experts." At the public consultation last week, the minister's true agenda for these lands was clearly visible. The mockery of the public consultation process was disgraceful. The unbiased premise for such consultations was clearly breached and a major conflict of interest inflicted upon this process. Why has this minister hired Adi Irani of A.J.

Clarke and Associates Ltd.—who just happens to be the president of the Hamilton-Halton Home Builders' Association, the voice of the residential and construction industry in our area—as a consultant to this project? Where are the environmentalists? Where are the local interest representatives? Nowhere. This is really special, Mr. Minister.

Hon. David Caplan: It is very special that finally we have a government committed to protecting public lands. It didn't occur under the NDP and it certainly didn't occur under the Conservatives. In fact, this government takes a back seat to no one on the opposite side of the Legislature when it comes to protecting the public interest and permanently protecting vital lands, as we did when I presented the deed for the karst lands to the Eramosa Karst Conservation Area in Hamilton.

The member is all rhetoric and hot air, because the facts are quite a bit different. The government has undertaken a genuine consultation process and has brought in international experts when it comes to the karst. I know that the member is very late to this particular issue and is trying to gain some particular attention for himself locally, but the fact is—

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Thank you, Minister. New question.

CHINESE-CANADIAN HEAD TAX

REDRESS DAY

Mr. Charles Sousa: My question is for the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. June 22 is the second anniversary of the federal government's apology for a dark

chapter in Canada's immigration history, the Chinese head tax and the subsequent Chinese Exclusion Act. These two separate pieces of legislation had a strong impact on Canada's immigration system, setting guidelines and a per person levy which discriminated against newcomers of Chinese origin.

Minister, as you well know, such federal restrictions at that time created serious social and economic consequences. Would the minister please tell us what the impact has been of this historic apology?

Hon. Michael Chan: My thanks to the honourable member for the question. The member is correct: June 22 marks the second anniversary of the federal government's apology for the Chinese head tax and the Chinese Exclusion Act. First passed by the House of Commons in 1885, the Chinese Immigration Act imposed a $50 head tax on all people of Chinese origin upon entering Canada. This head tax was raised to $500 in 1903, comparable to two years of wages at the time. While the tax decreased the number of Chinese newcomers, the amended Chinese Immigration Act of 1923 cut off all Chinese immigrants to Canada. This act stood from 1923 to 1947, banning Chinese immigration to Canada.

Canada is now a multicultural society, where it is widely acknowledged that diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Currently, newcomers from 200 countries come to Canada—

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Thank you. Supplementary.

Mr. Charles Sousa: I, like all members of the Legislature, acknowledge that the Chinese head tax was discriminatory and unfair. I am pleased to note that, despite the adversities of the head tax, the Chinese community here in Ontario, which is hundreds of thousands strong, continues to make significant contributions to our province.

To the minister: What has been the response to the federal apology for the Chinese head tax here in Ontario and what effect does this have on immigration to Canada?

Hon. Michael Chan: In the fall of 2006, the then-Minister of Citizenship and Immigration rose in the Legislature to seek the consent of all parties to recognize June 22 as Chinese-Canadian Head Tax Redress Day in Ontario. On this day, members from all parties rose and confirmed their support for the federal apology and condemned the past discriminatory practices of the federal legislation. The apology itself was very important. It allows all Canadians, regardless of ethnic background, an opportunity to learn from the mistakes of the past and to continue building a strong Ontario for the future.

Now, in my capacity as Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, I ask all members to pause for a moment on June 22 to reflect not only on the past injustices done or how far we have come but also about the work that still needs to be done to ensure that Ontario continues to be a place of opportunity for newcomers from all over the world.

GREENHOUSE INDUSTRY

Mr. John Yakabuski: I have a question for the Minister of Energy with respect to the Ontario Greenhouse Alliance, and we welcome them to the Legislature today. Minister, I understand that the greenhouse industry has met with successive Ministers of Energy on several occasions to discuss the potential benefits of the Ontario Power Authority's energy programs as they relate to the province's supply requirements and the opportunities for the greenhouse industry to be part of the OPA solution, at the same time providing for the sustainability of the industry.

Can the minister provide us with an update on the status of the clean energy standard offer program and its feasibility for the greenhouse industry?

Hon. Gerry Phillips: The member is right: I have met with them. My colleague from Essex is a relentless champion of the greenhouse industry. My wife is from Leamington, so I have a good appreciation of the greenhouse business.

Yes, they have a proposal, to use the language that the member used—the clean energy standard offer program. What that really means is that the industry can produce electricity as part of their heating projects in their greenhouses and sell it into the grid, as we call it—sell electricity to the rest of the people in Ontario. It is a good idea. The OPA, on our behalf, is pursuing that.

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Answer?

Hon. Gerry Phillips: My understanding is—and I will give the total answer in a few minutes—that in the week of July 14, they'll release the draft rules, and I'll tell you the rest of the story in the supplementary.

Mr. John Yakabuski: Minister, you acknowledge—and we've talked about it many times—that we've got a supply problem in this province, and much of it is as a result of your government's energy plan. Combined heat and power can be a huge part of that solution, and the greenhouse industry is a very appropriate sector for combined heat and power.

Could I ask the minister if he would direct the OPA—because they've had meetings with three successive ministers over three years—to sit down for some meaningful discussions with the greenhouse industry so that they can move on with a standard offer program that is beneficial not only to their industry but to everybody in Ontario who is facing energy shortages as we go into the future?

Hon. Gerry Phillips: I won't let one of the things he said go unchallenged. We'll have more new electricity generation coming online in the next 18 months than at any other period in the history of the province, so I'm happy with that.

Again, as a result of the work of my colleague from Essex and others, the Ontario Power Authority will sit down with the greenhouse industry. As I said, the plan right now is that in the week of July 14, as a result of those discussions, draft rules will be issued. In the week of August 11, the final rules will be issued, and we can get on with this process of signing contracts with our greenhouse partners to produce electricity for the people of Ontario.

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

Mr. Gilles Bisson: My question is to the Minister of Labour. Minister, you'll know that Unilever, down on Lakeshore, about six years ago remorphed itself into a company called Korex. In order for that company to stay open, the new company, Korex, wanted concessions from the workers. The Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada sat down and negotiated a six-year agreement where they took an 85-cent cut in pay and they froze their salary and their collective agreement for six years in order to save that company.

Today the new owner-operator of Korex is saying that they want to take out of the collective agreement everything but wages and benefits; in other words, all of the seniority rights, all of the grievance procedures and all of the language that the workers have benefited from for many years in that company. My question on behalf of those workers is: What are you going to do to protect those workers' rights?

Hon. Brad Duguid: I thank the member for raising the issue. It would be totally inappropriate for the Minister of Labour to comment specifically about a matter that's going on between an employer and an employee with regard to their collective bargaining agreement.

However, we do have mediators in the Ministry of Labour. I think everybody in this Legislature respects them as being among the best mediators in the country. We're always pleased to place those mediators at the disposal of parties when they're in these kinds of disputes to provide advice and help them reach agreements that they can go forward together with. It's in the interest of everybody if, indeed, the employers and the employees can reach those agreements. If that is not possible, the member would know that the workers and—assuming that they're unionized as well—their unions could—

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Thank you. Supplementary.

Mr. Gilles Bisson: Of course they're unionized; they're CEP. That was part of the question.

Listen: If the Minister of Labour is not going to protect workers, then who in this province will protect workers? The issue here is, the employer is saying, "I want to gut your collective agreement and take out things that have been given you by right through the Ontario Labour Relations Act." These workers, for years, have done what they've had to do to keep this company afloat. All they get back in exchange is a company that says that they want to gut those rights.

It's bad enough that we're losing jobs at GM and losing jobs across this province. What are you going to do to protect workers who are working today, to make sure we don't have bad bosses who come in and try to take away all of the collective rights that workers have fought for all these years?

Hon. Brad Duguid: I think what the member is asking me to do is intervene in a matter that's before the Ontario Labour Relations Board. I think the member knows full well that it would be completely inappropriate for the Minister of Labour to do that.

What we can do, and what we do do, is assist parties in trying to come together and reach agreement. We certainly have mediators who are available to assist the parties in these matters. Workers have the opportunity to grieve matters when they feel an employer has in some way abrogated their collective bargaining agreement. That's what the Ontario Labour Relations Board is there for. Certainly, in a matter such as this, the Ontario Labour Relations Board would have an opportunity to take the issues that the member has brought up under advisement. Our goal as a government is to provide a climate where parties can, in a balanced way—

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Thank you. New question.

POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION

Mr. David Zimmer: My question is to the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. In a changing global economy, knowledge and skills are key to future success. To compete in the changing global economy, we need to make sure that Ontarians are at their best.

Our primary, secondary and post-secondary educational institutions play a huge role in educating future leaders and innovators. That's why our Ontario government places such high emphasis on education. Post-secondary institutions allow students an opportunity to develop and refine their skills. They offer future leaders the support and guidance they need.

Our Reaching Higher plan was the largest single investment in post-secondary education in 40 years. Minister, what else are you doing to make our post-secondary schools—

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Thank you. Minister.

Hon. John Milloy: I'd like to applaud the honourable member's support for post-secondary education. As members know, in order to compete globally, not only do we need to invest in post-secondary education and training; we also need to invest in research around international issues.

I was very pleased last week to announce a $25-million investment at the University of Toronto for the new School of International Studies. The new school raises Ontario's profile on the world stage, bringing together the Munk Centre for International Studies and the Canadian International Council, while forging strong ties with the School of Public Policy and Governance and the Rotman School of Management. It will create opportunities for 15 new Ph.D. students this year and 40 masters students over the next two years.

Institutions like this will attract some of the best scholars and ensure Ontario's place as a leading research—

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Thank you. The time for question period has expired.

PETITIONS

STROKE SURVIVORS

Mr. Gerry Martiniuk: I have a petition signed by 2,649 good residents of Cambridge, presented to me by the Cambridge Stroke Recovery Association and Norma, Rudy and Doug Martin.

"Whereas there is a complete lack of government-funded outpatient therapy for stroke survivors upon discharge from hospital in the city of Cambridge ... ; and

"Whereas, on October 29, 2004, a state-of-the-art government-funded outpatient hospital program, which included therapy programs for stroke survivors discharged from the hospital, was cut by the Cambridge Memorial Hospital due to a lack of provincial funds;

"We, the undersigned stroke survivors, caregivers, family members and friends of stroke survivors in Cambridge ... , draw your attention to the following:

"That the absence of a government-funded outpatient therapy program leaves many stroke survivors who are unable to pay for private therapy with a gap in services. As a result of this lack of therapy, many survivors despair and regress; and

"That therapy is critical to restoring a survivor's ability to function and become rehabilitated and reintegrated in the community, as opposed to being forced to enter a long-term-care facility, thus saving the system money while greatly improving the quality of life for stroke survivors and their families; and

"That resources devoted to fund one in-patient stroke rehabilitation bed could fund a full stroke rehabilitation outpatient team (full-time physiotherapist and occupational therapist and half-time speech-language pathologist and social worker) for one year ("Starting a Revolution in Stroke Rehabilitation");

"Therefore, we request that the Ontario government give priority to restoring a government-funded outpatient therapy program in Cambridge, Ontario, to provide desperately needed rehabilitation for stroke survivors (and others with similar needs) after discharge from hospital."

As I agree with the contents of the petition, I affix my name thereto.

PROTECTION FOR MINERS

M me France Gélinas: I have a petition from the people of Naughton and Whitefish.

"Whereas the current legislation contained in the Ontario health and safety act and regulations for mines and mining plants does not adequately protect the lives of miners; we request revisions to the act;

"Lyle Everett Defoe"—a resident of my riding—"and the scoop tram he was operating fell 150 feet down an open stope (July 23, 2007). Lyle was 25 years and 15 days old when he was killed at Xstrata Kidd Creek mine site, Timmins;

"Section R-60 ... states that, 'A shaft, raise or other opening in an underground mine shall be securely fenced, covered or otherwise guarded....' The stope where Lyle was killed was protected by a length of orange plastic snow fence and a rope with a warning sign. These barriers would not have been visible if the bucket of the scoop tram was raised. Lyle's body was recovered from behind the scoop tram."

They ask the Legislative Assembly to enact:

"Concrete berms must be mandatory to protect all open stopes and raises;

"All miners and contractors working underground must have working communication devices and personal locators;

"All equipment involved in injuries and fatalities must be recovered and examined unless such recovery would endanger the lives of others; and

"The entire act must be reviewed and amended to better protect underground workers."

I fully support this petition, will affix my name to it and send it with page Murray.

ONTARIO SOCIETY FOR

THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY

TO ANIMALS

Mr. Pat Hoy: I have a petition signed by persons from Blenheim, Tilbury, Ridgetown, Chatham and many other points within my riding.

"Whereas the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act has not been updated since 1919; and

"Whereas Bill 50 would require all veterinarians to report suspected abuse and neglect, protecting veterinarians from liability; and

"Whereas it would allow the OSPCA to inspect and investigate places where animals are kept; and

"Whereas the bill would prohibit the training of animals to fight; and

"Whereas Bill 50 would allow the OSPCA to inspect roadside zoos;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to pass Bill 50, entitled the Provincial Animal Welfare Act, 2008, to protect our animal friends."

I have signed the petition.

POPE JOHN PAUL II

Mr. Jim Wilson: "Whereas the legacy of Pope John Paul II reflects his lifelong commitment to international understanding, peace and the defence of equality and human rights;

"Whereas his legacy has an all-embracing meaning that is particularly relevant to Canada's multi-faith and multicultural traditions;

"Whereas, as one of the great spiritual leaders of contemporary times, Pope John Paul II visited Ontario during his pontificate of more than 25 years and, on his visits, was enthusiastically greeted by Ontario's diverse religious and cultural communities;

"Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Parliament of Ontario to grant speedy passage into law of the private member's bill

An Act to proclaim Pope John Paul II Day."

I agree with this petition and am signing it.

HOSPITAL FUNDING

Mr. Bob Delaney: I have a petition to the Ontario Legislative Assembly, and I thank many of the staff at Credit Valley Hospital for having affixed their signatures to it. It reads as follows:

"Whereas wait times for access to surgical procedures in the western GTA area served by the Mississauga Halton LHIN are growing despite the vigorous capital project activity at the hospitals within the Mississauga Halton LHIN boundaries; and

"Whereas 'day surgery' procedures could be performed in an off-site facility, thus greatly increasing the ability of surgeons to perform more procedures, alleviating wait times for patients, and freeing up operating theatre space in hospitals for more complex procedures that may require post-operative intensive care unit support and a longer length of stay in hospital;

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

"That the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care allocate funds in its 2008-09 capital budget to begin planning and construction of an ambulatory surgery centre located in western Mississauga to serve the Mississauga-Halton area and enable greater access to 'day surgery' procedures that comprise about four fifths of all surgical procedures performed."

I am pleased to sign and support this petition and to ask page Christopher to carry it for me.

HOSPITAL FUNDING

Mrs. Christine Elliott: I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

"Whereas we, the undersigned, believe that Ajax-Pickering hospital should have full funding for mental health, including beds; and

"Whereas this would affect the mental health programs and mental health beds at the Ajax-Pickering hospital;

"Therefore

be it resolved that we, the undersigned, respectfully petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to:

"Fully fund the mental health beds and programs at Ajax-Pickering hospital."

HOSPITAL FUNDING

Mr. Joe Dickson: This is a new petition for the preservation of Ajax-Pickering hospital.

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas the Rouge Valley Health board reversed the 2006 announcement closing the maternity and pediatric services at the Ajax-Pickering hospital due to an overwhelming public outcry; and

"Whereas the Rouge Valley Health board of directors has recently approved closing the 20-bed mental health unit at the Ajax-Pickering hospital; and

"Whereas there remains further concern by residents for future maternity/pediatric closings, particularly with the new birthing unit at Centenary hospital, which will see 16 new labour, delivery, recovery and postpartum ... birthing rooms and an additional 21 postpartum rooms opening this fall in 2008, even with the Ontario Ministry of Health's largest-ever expansion of the Ajax-Pickering hospital; and

"Whereas there is a natural boundary, the Rouge Valley, that clearly separates the two distinct areas of Scarborough and Durham region;

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

"That the Central East Local Health Integration Network ... and the Rouge Valley Health System ... board of directors review the Rouge Valley Health System makeup and group Scarborough Centenary hospital with the three other Scarborough hospitals; and

"Further, that we position Ajax-Pickering hospital within Lakeridge Health, thus combining all of our hospitals in Durham region under one Durham region administration."

I affix my signature to this and will pass it to Dina.

SERVICES FOR THE

DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

Mrs. Christine Elliott: I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

"Whereas many young people with developmental special needs have no meaningful social, recreational or vocational opportunities after high school; and

"Whereas many of these young people have no real options for living independently in the community; and

"Whereas current supports in place are insufficient to meet the needs of these young people;

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

"That the McGuinty government allocate an appropriate level of funding to advance a transformation agenda of individualized funding for adults with developmental special needs in the province of Ontario to allow them to live with dignity and to reach their full potential as members of our communities."

I'm pleased to sign this and give it to page Murray to take to the table.

EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

Mr. Lou Rinaldi: I have a petition here, and I'll read it.

"Whereas the federal government's employment insurance surplus now stands at $54 billion; and

"Whereas over 75% of Ontario's unemployed are not eligible for employment insurance because of Ottawa's unfair eligibility rules; and

"Whereas an Ontario worker has to work more weeks to qualify and receives fewer weeks of benefits than other Canadian unemployed workers; and

"Whereas the average Ontario unemployed worker gets $4,000 less in EI benefits than unemployed workers in other provinces, thus not qualifying for many retraining programs;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to press the federal government to reform the employment insurance program and to end the discrimination and unfairness towards Ontario's unemployed workers."

I've signed this, and I'll have Christopher from the great riding of Northumberland—Quinte West deliver it to the table.

HOSPITAL FUNDING

Mrs. Christine Elliott: "To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas we, the undersigned, believe that Ajax-Pickering hospital should have full funding for mental health, including beds; and

"Whereas this would affect the mental health programs and mental health beds at the Ajax-Pickering hospital;

"Therefore

be it resolved that we, the undersigned, respectfully petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to:

"Fully fund the mental health beds and programs at Ajax-Pickering hospital."

I'm pleased to sign this in support.

GRAFFITI

Ms. Laurel C. Broten: "To the Legislature of Ontario:

"Whereas graffiti creates a nuisance that can adversely affect property values, business opportunities and the enjoyment of community life; and

"Whereas graffiti promotes a sense of disrespect for private property and a perception that laws protecting public and private property can be disregarded with impunity; and

"Whereas it is important that everyone do their

part in keeping both public and private properties free of graffiti in order to maintain community pride and confidence; and

"Whereas the quick removal of graffiti from walls, fences and other structures is critical to maintaining community cleanliness and beauty; it is always true that the prevention is the best policy;

"Accordingly, we, the undersigned, petition the Legislature:

"To impose certain conditions on the sale of spray paint, broad-tipped marker pens, paint pens, glass-cutting tools and glass-etching tools or instruments of graffiti and to make it be unlawful for any person, other than a parent, legal guardian, school teacher or law enforcement officer in the performance of duty, to sell, exchange, give, deliver, loan, or otherwise furnish or permit to be sold, exchanged, given, delivered or loaned any prohibited graffiti material to any minor unless the minor is accompanied by their parent or legal guardian."

SERVICES FOR THE

DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

Mrs. Christine Elliott: "To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas many young people with developmental special needs have no meaningful social, recreational or vocational opportunities after high school; and

"Whereas many of these young people have no real options for living independently in the community; and

"Whereas current supports in place are insufficient to meet the needs of these young people;

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

"That the McGuinty government allocate an appropriate level of funding to advance a transformation agenda of individualized funding for adults with developmental special needs in the province of Ontario to allow them to live with dignity and to reach their full potential as members of our communities."

I'm pleased to sign this in support.

HIGHWAY 138

Mr. Jim Brownell: I have a petition from a number of constituents from Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry, and it reads as follows:

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas provincial Highway 138 is one of the province's only two-lane roadways within the region and provides the main connection from the international bridge at Cornwall through Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry to Highway 401 and Highway 417; speed and traffic volumes are of particular concern and may have been contributing factors in numerous collisions and fatalities;

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

"To urgently consider measures that will address the serious public safety and traffic hazard concerns on provincial Highway 138."

I shall affix my signature and send this to the clerks' table.

HOSPITAL FUNDING

Mr. Joe Dickson: "To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas the Central East Local Health Integration Network ... board of directors has approved the Rouge Valley Health System's deficit elimination plan ... ; and

"Whereas, despite the significant expansion of the Ajax-Pickering hospital, the largest in its 53-year history, a project that could reach $100 million, of which 90% is funded by the Ontario government, this plan now calls for the ill-advised transfer of 20 mental health unit beds from Ajax-Pickering hospital to the Centenary Health Centre in Scarborough; and

"Whereas one of the factors for the successful treatment of patients in the mental health unit is support from family and friends, and the distance to Centenary Health Centre would negatively impact on the quality of care for residents of Ajax and Pickering; and

"Whereas it is also imperative for Rouge Valley Health System to balance its budget, eliminate its deficit and debt and realize the benefits of additional Ontario government funding;

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

"That the Rouge Valley Health System continue to provide the current level of service to our Ajax-Pickering hospital, which now serves the fastest-growing communities of west Durham; and

"That the Ajax-Pickering hospital retain the badly needed 20-bed mental health unit."

I affix my signature to that and pass it to Brianne.

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): The time for petitions has ended. This House stands recessed until 1 p.m. this afternoon.

The House recessed from 1205 to 1300.

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

ONTARIO FARMERS

Mr. Ernie Hardeman: For many farmers, on-farm sales are an important source of additional income. For many families, stopping at a farm to purchase newly picked Ontario corn, strawberries, tomatoes or other produce is a summer tradition. People watch for road signs to know when crops are ready and where they are available for sale. But in Dalton McGuinty's Ontario, this simple tradition is being threatened.

Many farms aren't located on the well-travelled provincial highways; they're on country side roads. Customers and farmers rely on directional signs to help people find the farms where produce is being sold. But for farmers like Charles Emre, an asparagus farmer in Norfolk, having that sign has become a battle.

This spring, Charles posted his sign, with permission, on private property along Highway 24. Soon afterwards, the owner of the land received a threatening letter from MTO telling them to take it down. Charles estimated that his sales dropped by 50% without the sign. The story appeared in newspapers across Ontario. Since then, MTO agreed to ignore the sign for the rest of the harvest.

We want our Ontario farmers to succeed. We want people to Buy Ontario, but the ministry's action had the exact opposite effect. Farmers shouldn't have to go through this. That's why, later today, I will be introducing a bill that will allow farmers to post seasonal directional signage along provincial highways, so that farmers like Charles can stop dealing with red tape and get back to dealing with asparagus, potatoes and all the people who will once again follow the signs to Ontario's freshest produce.

STILT WALK CHALLENGE

Mr. Dave Levac: I would like to recognize six exceptional students of North Park Collegiate's leadership class in Brantford, organizers of the recent stilt walk challenge—Sam Brandow, Kristie Wilhelm, Brittany Baker, Kylee Wilson-Powell, Deanna Murray and Meaghen Rollins—and congratulate them for organizing the event and motivating the participants to come out and beat the Guinness world record for the most people simultaneously walking on stilts.

In the summer of 2007, Doug Hunt—"Doug the Great," as he's known—director of marketing, fundraising and volunteers of Participation House Brantford and world record holder himself for walking on the tallest stilts in the world, approached teacher Ted Thomas of the leadership class to join him in attempting his third time to break the stilt-walking record. Mr.

Thomas agreed, and on May 15, 625 participants from North Park Collegiate in Brantford, Paris District High School of Paris and residents of Brant county taped themselves to stilts and walked 100 metres down the North Park track, more than the previous Guinness record held by Cirque du Soleil and unofficially beating the Japanese record.

Proceeds are still coming in on a daily basis from this successful fundraiser, which benefits Participation House Brantford, a not-for-profit organization that serves adults between the ages of 16 and 65 with physical disabilities in Brant county.

I extend my heartfelt appreciation for the great efforts of the organizers, especially the students, and the participants of the stilt walk challenge who made this possible, and thank them for bringing Brantford recognition on the world Guinness map.

TOURISM

Ms. Laurie Scott: I rise this afternoon to recognize the resorts, lodges and tourism operators of Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock and their tremendous efforts to provide jobs and promote Ontario—-no thanks to Dalton McGuinty, who is in California, possibly at an off-site movie studio with the Governator filming True Lies, part two.

Unfortunately, our dedicated tourism operators are being left to go it on their own, and they are doing a tremendous job, despite tough economic times and predictions for a soft season. Resorts Ontario tells us that the number of employee hours worked to date is down 24% from last year. That means lost jobs.

Tourism businesses and employees are looking for a show of faith from the Liberal government. What they are being given is a do-nothing strategy from the Minister of Tourism.

The PC caucus proposed a strategy to save Ontario families some of their hard-earned money by eliminating the retail sales tax for the summer on tourism operations and attractions.

The Ontario Tourism Industry Association understands the urgency. The Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association supports our plan, Attractions Ontario supports our plan, and many others do also. Despite the support from all across Ontario, Mr. Fonseca has told vacationing families that he has no intention to save them money, even as he sits high atop the huge piles of tax he collects from the tourism operators. The challenges of our economy are real and the signs are clear, yet the Premier and his do-nothing-strategy colleagues have their heads buried deep in the sand over there.

Once again, instead of leadership and a willingness to work hard, this Liberal government is doing nothing other than hoping all the bad stuff will go away. It's time to help tourism in the province of Ontario. The time is now.

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): I'd just ask the honourable member to withdraw the comment she made regarding the movie.

Ms. Laurie Scott: I'll withdraw at your request, but it's a title of a movie.

ERAMOSA KARST

Mr. Paul Miller: This morni