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April 13, 2015

41st Parliament, 1st Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcripts 2015-Apr-13 (PDF)

L066 - Mon 13 Apr 2015 / Lun 13 avr 2015

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Monday 13 April 2015 Lundi 13 avril 2015

Wearing of pins

Introduction of Visitors

George McCague

Oral Questions

Energy policies

Energy policies

Privatization of public assets

Health care

Energy policies

By-election in Sudbury

Cancer care

Energy policies

Nurses

Agri-food industry

Energy policies

Pan Am Games

Ontario Retirement Pension Plan

Energy policies

Education

First Nations

Visitor

Correction of record

Members’ Statements

Vimy Ridge anniversary

Heather Theijsmeijer

North Dumfries Historical Preservation Society

Hydro rates

University funding

Volunteers

Corey Conners and Joey Hishon

Variety Village

Volunteers

Tim Hoday

Introduction of Bills

Long-Term Care Homes Amendment Act (Preference for Veterans), 2015 / Loi de 2015 modifiant la

Loi sur les foyers de soins de longue durée (préférence accordée aux anciens combattants)

Motions

Committee membership

Petitions

Taxation

Privatization of public assets

Terry Fox Day

Off-road vehicles

Alzheimer’s disease

Hydro rates

Hospital parking fees

Water fluoridation

Off-road vehicles

French-language education

Hydro rates

Credit unions

Winter road maintenance

Orders of the Day

Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment Act, 2015 / Loi de 2015 modifiant la

Loi sur la Société de protection des animaux de l’Ontario

The House met at 1030.

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

Prayers.

Wearing of pins

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Point of order from the member from Kitchener–Conestoga.

Mr. Michael Harris: Speaker, I’d ask for unanimous consent for members to wear the Vimy pin, recognizing the 98th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, April 9, 1917. Pins have been distributed this morning.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Kitchener–Conestoga is seeking unanimous consent to wear the distributed badges. Do we agree? Agreed.

Introduction of Visitors

Mr. Jim Wilson: I would ask all members to welcome Mrs. Brigitte McCague and several members of the McCague family; they’re here this morning for George McCague’s eulogy. Thank you.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Further introductions? The member from Haliburton—the member from—

Mr. Lou Rinaldi: Northumberland–Quinte West.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): —Northumberland–Quinte West; sorry, I’ve been off too long.

Mr. Lou Rinaldi: Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to introduce Kim Rudd, the Liberal candidate for our next federal election from Northumberland–Peterborough South. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Mr. John Yakabuski: I’m pleased to stand and recognize in our public gallery today members of the Society of Energy Professionals who are holding a lobby day today. They’re led by president Scott Travers and have members from across the province who help power Ontario. With over 8,000 members who work to generate, transmit, distribute and regulate the power that the province’s people and businesses rely on, they are a key part of our energy sector.

I just want to remind members that the Society will be hosting a reception tonight beginning at 5 p.m. in the legislative dining room.

Mr. Bas Balkissoon: I’m pleased to welcome the grade 10 class from Francis Libermann Catholic secondary school in the great riding of Scarborough–Rouge River. They’re accompanied today by their teachers, Mr. Ebreo and Mr. Ruggiero. They’re here to observe the Legislature as part of their civics program. They’re in the west gallery, and I’d like to welcome them.

Mr. Bill Walker: It’s my pleasure to introduce legislative page Cailyn Perry from Macphail Memorial Elementary School in the great riding of Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound.

Mrs. Cristina Martins: I’d like to introduce a new page to everyone this morning. We have, from my riding of Davenport, Misha Davies Gedalof, from Winona Drive Senior Public School. Welcome, Misha.

Mr. Monte McNaughton: It gives me great pleasure to welcome the family of Lambton–Kent–Middlesex page Colton Tompkins to Queen’s Park today: mother, Tanya Tompkins; father, Fred; and sister, Tatiana. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Hon. Tracy MacCharles: I have four members here from the Society of Energy Professionals from the great riding of Pickering–Scarborough East: Rob Berthelot, Tracy Miller, Vicki Power, Dave Romanowicz and Mary Byberg. Welcome to Queen’s Park, and enjoy your day here.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Welcome.

Mr. Victor Fedeli: I’d like to welcome two guests to the gallery today: Donna Daffern and Martin Sarkisian.

Mr. Joe Dickson: On behalf of MPP Amrit Mangat, from Mississauga–Brampton South, I would like to welcome Cindy Atkinson, mother of page Thomas Atkinson. She is in the public gallery this morning.

Mr. Jim McDonell: I’d like to welcome today a resident from my riding, Rick Marvell, who is in with his grandson Corey. Rick is an ex-VP at Zellers, and Corey is attending Ryerson University.

Rick had another accomplishment a few weeks ago, where he actually won a championship in Florida for a free-throw contest.

Mr. Wayne Gates: I’d like to welcome our new page, Ashton Corr, and I’d also like to welcome his mother, who is here today as well. I’m just trying to find out where she is. Welcome.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Welcome.

Ms. Ann Hoggarth: On behalf of MPP Chris Ballard from Newmarket–Aurora, I’d like to welcome the page captain today, Joshua Osborne; his mother, Jennifer Osborne, and his father, Raymond Osborne, who was a page in 1957. They are in the public gallery this morning.

Mr. Todd Smith: I’d like to welcome Daniel Gibson and Andrew Stock, both from the Ontario Society of Energy Professionals, who are with us this morning for question period.

Ms. Daiene Vernile: Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to introduce you to a new page, Ethan McCready-Branch, who is right here in front of the energy minister. I want to mention that Ethan is celebrating his 14th birthday today, so happy birthday, Ethan.

His father, Greg Branch, is here in the public gallery. Welcome.

Mr. Ted Arnott: I’m pleased to welcome Kylee Mazerolle, who is here from Hillsburgh today. She is receiving an Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers in the Lieutenant Governor’s suite right now.

Mr. Han Dong: Good morning, Mr. Speaker. It’s great to be back. I would like to welcome one of my constituents. We have Shoshanna Saxe here today. She is a talented civil engineer who is currently finishing her PhD at the Cambridge University Centre for Sustainable Development. Welcome, Shoshanna.

Mr. John Yakabuski: I’d like to welcome—he’s not a first-time visitor—a constituent of mine from Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke, in the west members’ gallery today: Trevor Dick. It’s great to have him here.

George McCague

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): A point of order from the deputy House leader.

Hon. James J. Bradley: Mr. Speaker, I believe you will find that we have unanimous consent to pay tribute to George McCague, a former member of this Legislature from the then riding of Dufferin–Simcoe, from 1978 to 1987, and the riding of Simcoe West, from 1987 to 1990, with a representative from each caucus speaking up to five minutes in tribute.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The deputy House leader is seeking unanimous consent to pay tribute to a deceased member. Do we agree? Agreed.

It is now time for those tributes.

Mr. John Vanthof: It is an honour to be able to take

part in this tribute to George McCague, on behalf of the Ontario New Democrats.

“I think I can say without fear of contradiction from any side of the House that George McCague leaves with the respect of all members of the House from all parties. He is a man who has done his job and done it well. He is a man who has earned our respect.” These words were spoken 15 years ago by a member when George announced his retirement from the Legislature, and I think they’re very true.

I never had the privilege of meeting Mr. McCague, but on doing the research for this tribute I learned that there were many aspects of his life that I could relate to. George McCague grew up on a dairy farm, and not just any dairy farm. He grew up on Glenafton Holsteins. His father, J.J. McCague, founded one of the most prominent herds not only in Ontario but in Canada. It’s internationally known. Even years later, dairy farmers, like I used to be, when we see the name Glenafton in the history of a cow family, we take notice.

George graduated from the Ontario Agricultural College and worked on the family farm. He also had a keen personal understanding of the dangers of farming because he fell from a hay mound and broke his back, and he was in a body cast for six months. I think that’s also a testament.

In a newspaper article, George related how he enjoyed field work and fondly remembered driving the first Cockshutt tractor that came to replace the horses on the farm. That brought a smile to my face. Although I never worked with horses, I fondly remember the day our Massey-Harris 44 with a trip plow was replaced with a 414 that had a three-point hitch. It was a great day. Progress is kind of a rite of passage on a farm. I think that impacts your whole life, and I think it impacted George’s whole life, to our betterment.

George built up a real estate business in Alliston and later returned to active agricultural work with the purchase of a sod farm.

At first glance, it may not seem that farmers and politicians have much in common, but a closer look reveals some striking similarities. In both cases, it’s not just a job, it’s a calling. The hours can be long and the success of your harvest often depends on forces beyond your control, and in both, countless hours are spent tending crops in what others feel could just be a barren field. People outside farming, outside public service, in many cases, don’t have a clue of what people actually do.

Citing his father’s inspiration for public life, George’s public service career began as an Alliston councillor in 1960 with stints as reeve, warden and mayor before taking his seat as MPP for Dufferin–Simcoe in 1975. He served five terms before his resignation in 1990, after which his career went full circle as he finished his service in electoral politics as the first mayor of the town of New Tecumseth.

Today, we welcome a number of George’s family and friends who have made the trip for this tribute. Those of us who have been blessed with the privilege of serving our communities know that it is often the sacrifices of loved ones that make our work here possible. As we acknowledge George’s service to the people of our great province, we also take this opportunity to thank you for the role you have played in establishing his legacy.

I would like to close with an excerpt from Hansard from the Standing Committee on Social Development on October 28, 1991, after Mr. McCague’s retirement. The Chair had called the meeting to order with the following:

“I will follow the McCague rule. Apparently former member George McCague, at the appointed hour for starting many meetings, used to look around the room, and even if there was no one there used to say, ‘I see a quorum,’ and begin the meeting.”

Being a man of faith, I am sure he knew the verse, “There is a time to sow and a time to reap,” but coming from a farm I am sure he knew that you have to make hay when the sun shines and the rain waits for no man. For that, we are very thankful for his contribution. It’s been a privilege to take part on behalf of Ontario New Democrats in a tribute to Mr. George McCague.

Ms. Ann Hoggarth: I’m honoured today to rise to recognize the contributions made by a former member of this House, someone who truly dedicated his life to his community and to giving back through public service. I’m pleased to rise today to pay tribute to George McCague.

In preparing for this, I reached out to many of George’s friends and former colleagues. During my conversations, one thing became clear: George was deeply loved and admired by his friends and his family. He was a pragmatic person and someone who knew his strengths and helped others realize theirs.

One of those close friends I spoke to was Dan Needles. Dan worked for George as his executive assistant for five years until 1981. During our conversation, Dan described George as a man of few words, who thought extremely carefully before saying anything. When solving issues, George would listen to all sides and synthesize complex issues to their simplest elements. That was his gift, bringing people together through consensus and solving those difficult problems.

George was born in Essa township, not far from my home in Barrie. Even from a young age, he was dedicated to his community. He joined the Junior Farmers and, as one friend told me, “He joined every group he could find.”

After returning from school in Guelph, he entered public service as a councillor in Alliston in 1960. By 1969, he had served as deputy reeve, reeve, a public school board member, Simcoe county warden, and then as mayor of Alliston. In 1967, he was also appointed as the first chairman of Georgian College in Barrie, and we thank him for that. In 1975, he was elected as the member for Dufferin–Simcoe. He served 15 years here at Queen’s Park, holding portfolios in government services, the environment, transportation and communications, and chair of Management Board of Cabinet.

George brought his judiciousness to Queen’s Park as he consistently was a consensus-builder. Linda Collins, former mayor of Springwater, told me that George McCague represented his riding well, mindful of all people. He visited farmers at the farm and was very responsive to any questions from his constituents. He served with great distinction and credibility. His long-standing record speaks to the trust bestowed upon him.

He had many friends from all political parties, with one of his closest being Liberal member and agriculture critic Murray Gaunt. In the Legislature, they passionately debated the issues of the day, but once the House rose, they often went on fishing trips. Dan Needles told me that George once described public service to him as “a long meeting with the odd fishing trip.”

George retired from Queen’s Park in 1990, but he wasn’t done yet. He returned to municipal politics and became the first elected mayor of the newly amalgamated town of New Tecumseth in 1992. I spoke to former New Tecumseth mayor Mike MacEachern about George’s local contributions. He described George as a “community builder” and a “champion of the community.”

George had a quiet way of commanding a meeting. He would immediately display leadership and was an expert at steering past distractions and diving right into the heart of a matter. Mike also told me that George would also tell him to “never ask a question you don’t already know the answer to.” I think he said this because he understood the importance of truly understanding all the issues.

After retiring from public service, he continued to chair the New Tecumseth Improvement Society. He also loved to give back. He was a driver for cancer patients and continued volunteering into his retirement.

At his funeral last year, the leaflets contained a passage from 1 Peter 4:10-19. It read, “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.” George knew that his gift was the ability to build consensus and solve difficult issues. But he went further than that. He helped others see their gifts, and would consistently remind friends and colleagues of their strengths.

George was a remarkable man, who truly made his community, province and country a better place. Thank you, George.

Mr. Jim Wilson: I’m privileged to have known George Raymond McCague. He was a great man, a great mentor and a great friend, not only to me but to all those who had the good fortune to be counted among his many friends.

As many of you will know, I worked as George McCague’s assistant for about seven years, during my years at university here and for a few years after that. I followed the great playwright and author Dan Needles, as the honourable member for Barrie has just mentioned. A couple of weeks before George passed away, he asked me to be an honorary pallbearer. I thought I better ask him if he wants me to say anything at the funeral. He said, “No, I want somebody to do it right. I’ve already asked that Needles guy.” So George Raymond McCague, here goes.

Mr. Speaker, I am reminded of the proverb, “Say not in grief: ‘He is no more,’ but live in thankfulness that he was.” I will be eternally grateful to George for the lasting memories he has given me and for the lessons I learned from him.

No matter what issues George was involved with over the course of 40 years of public service, he always knew the heart of the matter was addressing problems and people with respect. He knew that respect for all people is at the heart of politics.

Although our families have been lifelong friends, I first got to know George when I was a grade 8 student. He was running for re-election in the 1977 provincial campaign and came to my classroom, along with the other candidates, to speak with us. He stood out from the other two candidates because he treated us like young adults. He didn’t deliver talking points or carefully crafted campaign slogans. Of course, that was part of George’s charm. He never spoke from a prepared text.

My friend Dan Needles, whom George nicknamed McNutt, wrote speeches for him over a seven-year period, as his executive assistant here at Queen’s Park. George never delivered a single one of those speeches. But he valued Dan’s work and would spend hours going back and forth with him and studying those speeches. Then he would put them back in his pocket and speak from the heart. Dan joked when he gave the eulogy for George that the funeral was the first time anything he wrote for George was actually delivered in whole.

Dan no doubt also wrote the speech George never delivered when he showed up at my grade 8 class. George spoke to us with sincerity and treated us with respect. He showed us he was interested in our thoughts even though we were too young to vote.

Of course, two or three days later George showed up at my parents’ house. The next thing I knew, I was volunteering on his campaign. George was always pretty crafty, Mr. Speaker, in his own humble way.

He also never forgot the people who helped him and always looked for a chance to help them as well. He gave me my first opportunity to work in a political office when he needed to hire a driver. Actually, George didn’t give me any choice. He once again called my mom up and asked what I was doing. She told him, “Well, he’s working while trying to finish his degree at St. Michael’s College.” George then corrected her and said, “No, Theresa. Jim is going to drive for me and work on my correspondence part-time.” Later, he encouraged me and supported me in going to work for the Honourable Perrin Beatty in Ottawa.

I credit George with setting me on my career path. Some days, I also blame him for that. But he always had the best of intentions.

George’s respect and gratitude for everyone who worked with him inspired loyalty and deep friendship. George always referred to Henry Davis, who couldn’t be with us today—Henry was his campaign manager for five campaigns—as a peach of a man. I’m a bit envious of Henry for the glowing praise George always heaped on him when he wasn’t in the room.

After George swept all the polls in Alliston that were located near the Catholic church and school in the 1985 election, he went around telling everyone that it was the token dogan on his staff who made it possible. He was referring, of course, I learned many years later, to me, who was studying Catholic theology at St. Mike’s.

George’s own nickname here at Queen’s Park was appropriate to his nature. He was called Quiet George because he never wanted to be, as he put it, a headline hunter, nor did he like to pick fights. He often said that one should never get into a spraying match with a skunk.

George’s deep faith in democracy, coupled with his humble ego, made him a perfect fit when he served in the roles of Chairman of the Management Board of Cabinet and chair of cabinet concurrently for many, many years in the Bill Davis government. He enjoyed these jobs immensely.

I remember him telling me with a wink that he appreciated that, as chairman, he was the person who got to interpret consensus at each meeting. Of course, I was to find out many years later from Premier Davis that he and George had already decided what that consensus was going to be before the meeting had even started.

George’s wit was dry and often unexpected. After my nomination meeting to run as MPP for Simcoe West, after George retired from Queen’s Park, his first words to me when I got off the stage at Creemore were, “Don’t screw it up, kid.” I thought that was rather strange. I thought he would congratulate me for being acclaimed, actually.

It was a few days later before it dawned on me, after a conversation with my father when he reminded me that the riding had been Conservative since Confederation and he didn’t want me to be the first one to lose it. In doing so, George gave me the shove I needed rather than the pat on the back I expected, and I’m grateful for that.

Since I was elected, George never once played the armchair quarterback. He was always available for advice anytime I called, but he said I had to do my job the way I thought I should.

George Raymond McCague, I will always be grateful for your friendship, mentorship and leading example of integrity. Your memory will always burn brightly and warmly. We miss you very, very much.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): I’d like to thank all members for their very heartfelt and kind words. As a tribute to George and to his family and friends, we will make available a hard copy of Hansard and a DVD of these wonderful tributes to a wonderful man.

Thank you for being here today, and I thank all members for their constant and ever-vigilant respect for former members. I appreciate what was said today.

It is now time for question period.

Oral Questions

Energy policies

Mr. Jim Wilson: And now for something completely different, Mr. Speaker.

My question is for the Acting Premier. Cap and trade is a carbon tax by any other name. There is no way around it. This scheme isn’t about reducing greenhouse gas emissions; it’s about taking more money from the taxpayers to fund this government’s spending addiction. It’s pretty simple: When businesses pay more, consumers pay more. By imposing this tax on businesses, you will drive up the cost of everything in this province. It’s a tax on everything.

Acting Premier, how much money will this scheme cost Ontario families?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: I have to say that I’m disappointed at this approach. Climate change is already happening, and we are already paying the price for climate change. The record rain in Toronto in 2013 cost almost $1 billion. The ice storm in 2013 cost $200 million in insurance costs. Experts are predicting that the cost of climate change will grow dramatically over the next number of years if we don’t take action.

What is very strange to me is that just a few weeks ago, all parties in this House voted in favour of a motion to take action on climate change. We are taking that action, and I expect you to stand with us.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Jim Wilson: Back to the Acting Premier: You recently cancelled the clean energy benefit. Many families, farms and small businesses will now see a 10% increase in their electricity rates. This province already has ridiculously high electricity prices, and ratepayers, we’ve been told, will see a further $140 rise in their rates this year, as well as losing the 10%. Now you want to raise at least $1 billion with your tax on everything.

Australia’s carbon tax scheme cost the average family $550 per year before common sense prevailed and the program was cancelled.

Acting Premier, with many people in Ontario already struggling to pay their bills, where will they find the money to pay this new carbon tax?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: As I said before, people are already paying the cost of climate change. We are paying it in our insurance rates. We are paying it in the health of our children, our grandchildren, our parents and our grandparents. We must take action.

If the party opposite is saying that we have to leave this problem to the next generation, we fundamentally disagree with you. That is a point of clear distinction between them and us.

We believe we have a responsibility to take action—to take action now. We’ve set our path. We will be going with a cap-and-trade approach, in concert with the province of Quebec, with the province of British Columbia. That’s 75% of Canadians who will be operating under a cap-and-trade approach to reduce carbon emissions.

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

Mr. Jim Wilson: To the Acting Premier: Your carbon tax will raise the price of everything that Ontarians buy on a store shelf. It will raise the price of every service they use that requires any form of transportation to deliver that service.

Acting Premier, after the gas plant scandal, the green energy windmill scandals and disaster, the $2 billion on smart meters—Ornge and eHealth—everything you do in the energy sector you make into a boondoggle. Why should Ontarians trust that this won’t be another multi-billion dollar boondoggle and tax grab?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: There are many people in the Conservative Party who are encouraging us to take this action, including Preston Manning. Preston Manning, not known to be a Liberal, is saying, “Take action.”

We have taken action. We’ve taken the largest climate change initiative in North America by shutting down our dirty coal plants. That’s $4.4 billion in avoided costs. It’s like taking seven million cars off the road. We are committed to doing our part for a cleaner environment, a more sustainable environment. We’re taking action. I’d love to hear your positive suggestions on what we need to do.

Energy policies

Ms. Lisa M. Thompson: My question is to the Acting Premier. Your carbon tax will make it more expensive to buy anything made in Ontario, more expensive to drive your car, buy your groceries, and more expensive to heat your home. The most vulnerable of Ontarians will be hurt by this tax.

For those already struggling to make ends meet, it’s about to get even harder. Your consultations proved just that. I was there, and I heard from the people of Ontario. But unfortunately, I’m saddened to say that your government has chosen to ignore them. You don’t care that they cannot afford this tax.

Acting Premier, will you rethink this disastrous tax on everything and admit that your climate change consultations were nothing but a sham?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: We’ve been listening very, very carefully, and I wish the member opposite would also listen carefully to the voices that are supporting, including—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): I’m going to end this quickly. I want to hear the answers.

Hon. Deborah Matthews: Speaker, voices supporting this action include Don McCabe, president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. I think we should be listening to the farmers of Ontario. Don McCabe said, “The Ontario government’s commitment to carbon pricing reinforces our fight against climate change and we look forward to working with them.”

Listen to the farmers. Listen to your constituents. Climate change is costing us today; it will cost us only more in the future.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Lisa M. Thompson: To my colleagues in this House and to people watching today, I have to say: Don’t be fooled by the comments we’ve just heard from the Deputy Premier. This announcement this morning has nothing to do with reducing emissions, but rather the introduction of a new revenue tool to cover off their wasteful spending. That’s what it’s all about.

Back to the Acting Premier: Since you won’t rethink this disastrous plan and you’re fully prepared to raise prices of everything in this province, I want you to remind you of a line from the Premier’s throne speech. She promised to use “evidence before ideology and choose partnership over partisanship.” Evidence shows that cap-and-trade systems are riddled with scandal, corruption and fraud; all things, I would dare say, that your government well knows about. Billions and billions of dollars have been lost to cap-and-trade fraud across the globe, and it’s no surprise that you’re looking to jump on that train.

Acting Premier, will you prevent the fraud that comes hand in hand with cap and trade and—

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

Deputy Premier?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: It’s quite true that other jurisdictions have gone before us on this, and we are learning from their experiences. We will ensure that this is done right in Ontario; in fact, that this is done right in Canada.

The costs of climate change are staggering, and for the party opposite to ignore the costs of climate change and focus on the costs of cap and trade is disingenuous at best, Speaker.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Withdraw, please.

Hon. Deborah Matthews: I withdraw.

The National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy estimates the costs of climate change in Canada would go from $5 billion in 2020 to at least $21 billion by 2050. Those are real costs borne by real people. I wish the opposition party would have constructive ideas on how to address this very important global problem.

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

Ms. Lisa M. Thompson: Again, back to the Acting Premier: You have learned nothing from other jurisdictions. The Green Energy Act is a perfect example of the absolute destruction of our province, in terms of manufacturing, and our homes and families throughout this province.

There is a lot of evidence demonstrating the problems now with your carbon tax on everything, yet neither the Premier nor her minister could identify today where the revenue from this tax is going to end up. This is a worry.

Acting Premier, you’ve proven time and time again we cannot trust you. Will you admit that this cap and trade is just another general revenue tool to supplement your wasteful spending?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: I think it’s time for the party opposite to pick a lane on this.

A few weeks ago they voted in favour—in fact, the member from Huron–Bruce voted in favour of the motion from our member from Glengarry–Prescott–Russell, that reads, “in the opinion of this House, the Ontario Legislative Assembly recognizes that scientists agree that climate change is caused by man-made greenhouse gas emissions and poses a serious threat to Ontario’s environment, businesses, communities and economy, that scientists and leaders of G8 countries—including Canada—have recognized the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with a goal of avoiding more than two degrees of warming, and affirm that this House must take necessary action to reduce emissions, transition to a low-carbon economy and combat the effects of climate change.”

You supported that motion two weeks ago. Today you are standing in the way of—

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

New question.

Privatization of public assets

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My question is for the Deputy Premier. When is it that Ontarians are going to be able to see the Ed Clark report?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: As the member knows, we are committed to putting our assets to work to create a better Ontario, to build Ontario up. We have asked Ed Clark to give us advice on what action we take. I suspect the Minister of Finance will be able to discuss in more detail when we might see the results of that work.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Perhaps the Deputy Premier can tell Ontarians why Liberals think it is a good idea to hold a fire sale of Hydro One and local utility companies.

Hon. Deborah Matthews: Minister of Finance.

Hon. Charles Sousa: The member opposite, in her own platform, during the election made reference to the very things that we’re talking about right now. She based her projections on the ability for us to maximize the value of our assets, to reinvest and repurpose those very issues so that we can afford the things that matter to Ontarians like transit and infrastructure, and ensure that we actually gain even greater value from those assets. That is what Mr. Clark and the advisory team are doing in looking at those opportunities, and we will release those in the coming days and weeks.

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

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Selling Hydro One is going to mean higher hydro bills for families and businesses. It’s going to mean an end to Ombudsman oversight. It’s going to mean not being able to shed light on skyrocketing salaries at the hydro system, like we do right now through the sunshine list. The Liberals are doing all of this, despite decades of Liberals promising that they would never sell off Hydro One.

Now, they know that this is a strategic asset for Ontarians which supports health care and education year over year over year. They know it’s an asset that helps us drive conservation, productivity and efficiency. It is too valuable to put on the auction block.

Will the Liberals simply rubber-stamp the sell-off of Hydro One—something the people own?

Hon. Charles Sousa: What’s important, and what it’s going to mean, is greater efficiencies and more effectiveness of the very assets and crown corporations that we own so that we can repurpose and maximize their value. It’s inappropriate for us not to look at these opportunities. These are indeed important assets for the province of Ontario and for the people of Ontario, as are the future assets that the people of Ontario are asking us to invest in. That’s what we will do.

I’ve made it clear before that the council’s work is guided by the following principles: that public interest remains paramount and protected, that decisions are aligned with maximizing value to Ontarians and that the decision process remains transparent, professional and independently validated. We are looking after the best interests of the public by ensuring that we look at those opportunities in their entirety.

Health care

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My next question is also for the Deputy Premier. The Liberals ran on a promise not to cut health care, but here we are, and that is exactly what they are doing.

Can the Deputy Premier explain why, every time there’s a Liberal scandal that requires billions of dollars to cover up, the Liberals can find the money, but when it comes to health care and local hospitals, they say that the cupboard unfortunately is bare?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: Well, I must say that this question is passing strange coming from that party, given that the member from Waterloo—

Interjection: Kitchener.

Hon. Deborah Matthews: —Kitchener–Waterloo actually said in the campaign that she could find $600 million more. Where would that come from? She said health care and education. This is the party that wanted to cut more from our health care, wanted to cut more from our education, so I am puzzled by this change of tack.

I can tell you that the Minister of Health, I know, wants to speak to some of the investments in health, but we’ll leave it at that for now.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Last week I visited with families, nurses, doctors and front-line workers in the Niagara region. They’re worried that the Liberal plan to close hospitals is going to put the health of themselves and their loved ones at real risk. There are reports by international experts showing that the Liberal plan “lacks any rational justification.” Local Ontario Nurses’ Association president Loretta Tirabassi-Olinski told me that she felt betrayed by the Liberals, saying, “They lied to us. They told us they were going to give us some home care and give us some real relief.”

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): We can’t even use quotes in a way which would be unparliamentary, so I’m going to ask you to withdraw, please.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Speaker, I withdraw.

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

Ms. Andrea Horwath: So the quote said, “They”—blanked—“to us. They told us they were going to give us some home care and give us some real relief.”

My question is simply, when will the Liberals start—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): No, no, no. I went through this once before. We just do not make that reference whatsoever, even indirectly, so I would ask you to again withdraw.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: I withdraw, Speaker.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. Now finish, please.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: The local nurses’ association was very disappointed with the rollout of the Liberals’ lack of fulfillment of commitments they had made previously. So my question is, when will the Liberals start keeping their promises and stop cutting the health care system?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: Minister of Health and Long-Term Care.

Hon. Eric Hoskins: Mr. Speaker, I’m happy to talk about our investments in the Niagara Health System, which we’re very proud of. The funding in Niagara region for health care has gone up by 80% since we came to power in 2003. That’s an increase of $164 million.

But to me, what’s really important is to look at the progress we’ve made in the outcomes that we’re seeing, the improved outcomes. The wait times for hip replacements are down by 48%. That’s a massive improvement. Knee replacement wait times are down by 144 days, an improvement of 41%. CT wait times in the Niagara Health System are down by 78 days, or 81%. We’re seeing incredible progress as our investments, including investments specifically in decreasing those wait times, are beginning to pay off.

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

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Last week I also visited with moms in Leamington. The Liberals are cutting health care there too, Speaker. They’re firing nurses in Leamington, and Liberal cuts are threatening the closure of Leamington’s obstetrics unit, meaning that moms will have to travel an hour or more, in order to have their babies in Windsor.

Now, I think that Leamington parents should be able to have Leamington babies.

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Beaches–East York, come to order.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Will the Liberals actually do the right thing and stop firing nurses, cutting care and slashing hospitals? That’s the question, Speaker. Will they actually do what they said they were going to do, and invest in health care—make sure they weren’t cutting health care—bring home care services online the way they’re supposed to do, and save the obstetric wards in Leamington?

Hon. Eric Hoskins: I’m glad that the leader of the third party has finally addressed the issue of Leamington. It’s a very important issue that I’ve been working on diligently for quite a number of months, frankly. Mr. Speaker, I’m proud of the work that that hospital—and the LHIN—under my direction, is doing.

When I first learned of the precarious state of the Leamington obstetrics ward, I asked the LHIN to get directly involved with the hospital. They put a pause on things, so we could have a full community and expert consultation to find out if there are options that would be viable for that hospital that would meet with the confidence of the community. I met with a delegation of women, midwives and others, mothers who were expecting—that had come to Queen’s Park a month or so ago—and spoke with them about the real challenges that they’re facing, but also about the options that they’re bringing forward.

I actually believe the process that we’ve put in place with an expert panel, the massive community consultation, quite frankly, looking at all innovative options may actually provide us with—

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

New question.

Energy policies

Mr. John Yakabuski: My question is for the Deputy Premier. The Premier won’t cancel her trip to Quebec, which I might add would cost taxpayers even more with your new tax on everything.

When British Columbia implemented their carbon tax, they pledged to lower other taxes an equal amount, so the average family wouldn’t be paying more—no more taxes, just different taxes. Deputy Premier, in Economics 101 that’s called a tax shift. What your government is doing—that’s called a tax grab. You’re taking more from the average Ontarian’s pocketbook because you can’t and won’t control your spending.

I oppose your cap-and-tax scheme, but since we can’t stop your misguided decision will you ensure that this will not cost Ontario taxpayers more and that you will not turn this into your newest revenue tool?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: I think that the member opposite has raised an important question, and that is, where will the money raised go? I can tell you that we will be very transparent in how we spend that money. It will be reinvested back into projects that—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Stop the clock. Members will come to order.

Interjections.

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

Finish, please.

Hon. Deborah Matthews: As I was saying—

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Simcoe North will come to order, second time—right after I got quiet.

Hon. Deborah Matthews: —the money will be invested transparently back into projects that help reduce pollution and help businesses remain competitive. Projects may include helping families to be more energy efficient—

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound, come to order.

Hon. Deborah Matthews: —building more public transit to reduce congestion, helping plants and businesses reduce their pollution. We will be announcing the full plan later this year. But make no mistake, there are savings associated for individual people. In fact, let’s look at the experience in California. I’ll save that for the supplementary.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. John Yakabuski: Only a Liberal could say that with a straight face, Speaker.

Again, to the Deputy Premier: When a cap-and-trade scheme was introduced in Europe, powerful industrial lobbyists armed with millions of dollars “convinced ... governments to issue more carbon credits than” were actually required, than there were “actual emissions.” That led to emissions going up, not down.

We’ve all seen what your government does when lobbyists come knocking, and you need money or votes. We’ve witnessed your party cost taxpayers billions, with the gas plant scandal, the eHealth scandal, the smart meter fiasco, and you handed out sweetheart deals to your Liberal friends through the Green Energy Act. I doubt this is going to be any different. This scheme sounds like another Liberal boondoggle in the making.

Deputy Premier, what do you plan to do when the lobbyists come calling?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: I think that it’s important to look at the experience of other jurisdictions that have implemented cap and trade: California, for example. It’s true that the University of California, Berkeley, estimated that cap and trade does add about 2.6 cents per litre. However—and this is the important “however” that seems to be beyond the ability of the—

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound is warned.

Carry on.

Hon. Deborah Matthews: Thank you. However, California estimates that the amount the average person spends on fuels declines from $1,400 a year to $1,000 a year because this kind of initiative actually results in improved vehicle efficiency and other measures to reduce fuel use.

There is a cost to climate change. I would love to hear what the party opposite is advising us to do on climate change, or are they just wanting to turn their back on the issue and leave—

Interjection.

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

New question.

By-election in Sudbury

Mr. Gilles Bisson: My question is to the Deputy Premier. Can you tell us if the Premier, her deputy chief of staff, Madam Sorbara, along with the Liberal insider Gerry Lougheed and the member from Sudbury, have had an opportunity to talk to the OPP yet in regard to their involvement in the Sudbury bribery scandal?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: The member opposite knows well that there is an investigation under way, that all members are co-operating fully with that investigation and that investigation is happening outside the House.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Gilles Bisson: To the Deputy Premier: The Premier has said she was going to meet with the OPP in this the month of April. We’re now more than halfway through the month. I asked you a very simple question: Has the Premier, has Madam Sorbara, has Mr. Lougheed and has the member from Sudbury met with the OPP in regard to that investigation?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Order.

If the member needs time, he has 10 seconds to wrap.

Mr. Gilles Bisson: Sorry. I couldn’t see, Speaker.

My question is: Can you tell me when the Gang of Four is going to get those interviews? Will it happen this month?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: Speaker, I know the member opposite has a remarkable interest in the timing of the interviews. What I can tell you, Speaker, as you’ve heard from the Premier: We are co-operating fully with the investigation that is happening, and it is happening outside the Legislature.

Cancer care

Ms. Ann Hoggarth: My question is for the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. In 2014, an estimated 73,800 Ontarians were diagnosed with cancer and 28,000 of those people died from the disease. This means that eight people are being diagnosed and three people are dying from this disease every hour of the day. I’m happy to say that I’m a 15-year survivor.

Applause.

Ms. Ann Hoggarth: Thank you.

I hear from my constituents in Barrie who are affected by cancer, either themselves or their families. My heart goes out to all of those affected by the disease. Every day we are one step closer to finding a cure. The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Question.

Ms. Ann Hoggarth: Minister, I ask: What are we doing to raise awareness of the Canadian Cancer Society?

Hon. Eric Hoskins: Thank you to the member from Barrie for asking this very important question.

We’re in Daffodil Month, Mr. Speaker. It’s held every April. It’s the national fundraising campaign of the Canadian Cancer Society. Donations that are made during this month, the month of Daffodil Month, help cancer patients and their families in communities right across Ontario by funding life-saving research, support services and other important work so that fewer Canadians, hopefully, will be touched by cancer.

Thanks to Ontarians’ generous support of Daffodil Month and the Canadian Cancer Society’s other fundraising programs, the charity was actually able to fund more than $20 million in world-class research to fight all cancers last year. During this time, the society also provided critical support to more than 49,000 Ontarians.

Mr. Speaker, let’s all do our part to support this important month. I thank the Canadian Cancer Society for their dedication to the cause.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary.

Ms. Ann Hoggarth: Ontario is a leader in cancer care in Canada and around the world. I have heard positive feedback from constituents in my riding about the cancer care system in Ontario. I thank our government for the wonderful cancer care centre that we have built in Barrie. In fact, an Ontarian who gets cancer has one of the best chances of survival anywhere in the world. But we know that too many Ontarians are diagnosed with cancer each year, which is why we continue to take action to fight this deadly disease.

Minister, could you please tell us: What is our government doing to ensure our cancer-screening process is robust?

Hon. Eric Hoskins: Thank you again for the question. Cancer screening is easy and it definitely saves lives. It’s imperative that Ontarians get screened for cancer, and we’ve worked hard as a government to expand screening services and their availability across this province.

We broadened the scope of the Ontario Breast Screening Program back in 2011 so high-risk women are screened earlier, starting at 30 years of age. This means 90,000 more screenings over a three-year period. In 2013-14 the Ontario Breast Screening Program provided over half a million breast screens for average- and high-risk women across the province. There are currently over 150 of these Ontario Breast Screening Program sites across the province.

We also launched Canada’s first province-wide colorectal cancer screening program to combat the second deadliest form of cancer in the country, and in 2009 we further expanded cancer detection by funding the PSA test to help fight the most common cancer among Canadian men. There’s always more work to be done.

Energy policies

Mr. Victor Fedeli: Good morning, Speaker. My question is for the Deputy Premier. We all agree that action must be taken on climate change, but it’s your track record that leaves something to be desired. When you launched the Green Energy Act, then-Minister George Smitherman said that it could lead to a modest increase in electricity bills of about 1%.

Since then, the Auditor General told us, tens of billions of dollars later, that our hydro rates have tripled to amongst the highest in North America. People are forced now to choose between paying rent or keeping their lights on, between food or fuel. Now you’ve found a new way to put your hand even deeper into people’s pockets.

How are you going to make sure that life doesn’t become even more unaffordable for Ontarians?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: I am delighted to know that the member opposite actually believes that action must be taken. The next question is, of course: What action are they proposing?

The member from Huron–Bruce this morning offered her advice, and that was to address the issue of gridlock in the GTA. We couldn’t agree more, Speaker. We want to see, though, the plan from the Progressive Conservative Party.

The easy part of being in opposition is that you get to oppose. The harder part of being in opposition—and it’s a big responsibility—is to propose better ideas. Speaker, we have yet to hear a better idea coming from the people opposite.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Victor Fedeli: Well, Deputy, we’re here to talk about your plan today, so why don’t we just call it what it is. It’s nothing more than the latest cash grab to pay down your growing deficit. You’re going to sell carbon credits in a costly and complex cap-and-trade tax scheme. There will be industry winners and losers.

Just like in the Green Energy Act, your Liberal friends are poised to benefit. It’s you who will determine which industry is regulated, which sectors are given exemptions. This is your next scandal in waiting, all designed to bring in billions of dollars to satisfy your spending addiction and fool everyone into believing you’re actually doing something about climate change.

The real concern is: how are you going to make sure the latest scheme won’t cost us more jobs and more investment in Ontario?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: I know that if the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change were here, he would want to say that we are creating enormous opportunities for people in Ontario. We are creating opportunities for farmers, for people in the forestry industry, for those people involved in the technology that will help companies bring down their emissions.

The member opposite cannot put his head in the sand and say that this isn’t costing people today. It is costing people today. It’s costing them in their insurance. It’s costing governments when climate change creates havoc and devastation in our communities.

The National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy already pegs the cost of climate change by 2020 as $5 billion, growing to at least $21 billion by 2050. We are paying the price. The time for action is now.

Nurses

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

We know that the government is cutting nursing hours and laying off nurses across our province. The minister tries to deflect the blame to hospitals, but we all know who funds those hospitals. They say that the nurses’ positions are not being eliminated; it is an ebb-and-flow affair.

Speaker, the Minister of Health is the steward of our health care system, so I hope he can tell us, altogether throughout the hospital system of Ontario, how many nurses and nursing hours have flown out of our hospital system so far, and how many more does he expect?

Hon. Eric Hoskins: What I can do is refer the member opposite to some of her colleagues, who no doubt already have this information about active and open postings for nurses, for hospitals in their ridings.

For example, the leader of the third party probably knows that in Hamilton, there are open, active postings to hire seven RNs and three RPNs at the Hamilton Health Sciences centre. In London West, at the London Health Sciences Centre, there are active postings to hire 11 RNs and two RPNs. In Kitchener-Waterloo as well, at the Grand River Hospital, there are active postings to hire 10 RNs and two RPNs. At Windsor Regional Hospital, as the member for Windsor West would know, there are active postings for two RNs and one RPN. These are new hirings. These are new nurses who are going to come into the system.

There is that ebb and flow as programs are created and programs are shifted and nurses are shifted around the hospital environment.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

M me France Gélinas: I think everybody in this House knows that the first

part in addressing a problem is admitting that you have one.

So far, I have counted the equivalent of 242 nurses who have already been laid off, and close to half a million hours of care that have been lost in Ontario hospitals. This is a massive decrease in nursing care across our hospitals.

If a change of this magnitude is not worth the minister’s time, then what is? The government likes to say that nurses are the backbone of our health care system, but it doesn’t keep them from cutting nurses and nursing hours across our hospitals.

My question is quite simple: How many more nursing positions need to be eliminated before the minister pays attention?

Hon. Eric Hoskins: I expected better of the member opposite. She’s a health care professional. She knows how the system works. She knows that we have 24,000 more nurses in this province since roughly a decade ago. She knows that there are 10% more RPNs who are practising in this province, across the hospitals, since 2009.

It is correct that at the Ottawa general hospital, for example, where they have made some reductions, there will be five fewer full-time-equivalents in nurses out of that complement of 11,000 staff that practise through that hospital. But she may not know, because she’s not counting this side of the story, that there are 46 active postings on the website—she could go to it—of the Ottawa general hospital for RNs to be hired into that system.

I would ask the member opposite that she be genuine, as I am attempting to be, on this important issue.

Agri-food industry

Mr. Granville Anderson: My question is to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Minister, in October 2013, the Premier challenged Ontario’s agri-food industry to double its growth rate and create 120,000 new jobs by 2020. The Premier’s challenge is an opportunity to show our province, and the world, the important contribution our agri-food sector makes to our economy and our quality of life.

As we know, expanding trade can be a key part of developing and strengthening Ontario’s industries at home and abroad. Building relationships with foreign governments and businesses helps Ontario showcase and increase our exports and provide new opportunities for Ontarians like those in Durham.

China is a key partner in this growing and rapidly changing agricultural sector in Ontario. Can the minister please inform this House on his upcoming trade mission to China and how opportunities for—

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

Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Hon. Jeff Leal: I want to thank the member from Durham for his question this morning. I know that he’s a champion for agriculture in the Durham region, and I know that he works very closely with Nancy Rutherford, who is the economic development officer for agriculture in Durham region. She does an outstanding job.

Minister Chan and I will be leaving this Wednesday for China, a unique opportunity over the next 10 days to really showcase what Ontario has to offer. We all know, on all sides of the House, that Ontario has an outstanding reputation in terms of food safety and food quality. This is a really good opportunity for us, Minister Chan and I, to meet with Chinese agricultural leaders in four cities in China and their government leaders to make sure that the Ontario case is presented in China.

More importantly, too, on our last step in Hong Kong, Minister Chan and I will be laying wreaths at the—

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

Supplementary.

Mr. Granville Anderson: Thank you to the minister for his excellent answer. Promoting increased trade and investment in Ontario’s agricultural food sector will help meet the Premier’s growth challenge while keeping Ontario’s agri-food sector a world-class leader.

But Minister, if Ontario’s industry is to be positioned to grow and continue to compete internationally, more needs to be done by both government and industry. In order to help meet this challenge, it is essential that government work with industry to promote our agri-food sector while identifying further opportunities for growth and innovation.

Mr. Speaker, through you, can the minister please update this House on additional steps our government is taking to support growth in the province’s agri-food sector?

Hon. Jeff Leal: I want to thank the member for his supplementary question. There’s a great innovator in agriculture right in his riding of Durham, Algoma Orchards. I know many people from all sides of the House had the opportunity to visit that operation, which is truly unique, not only provincially but nationally and internationally.

We have established the growth steering committee. It’s being co-chaired by Amy Cronin, the very distinguished chair of Ontario Pork, and by very distinguished Deputy Minister Dr. Deb Stark, who has an outstanding reputation in Ontario’s public service. They are coming together with the growth steering committee to work on the Premier’s challenge. Premier Wynne gave this sector a challenge: 120,000 new jobs by 2020. Mr. Speaker, I assure you that we’re going to reach that goal.

Energy policies

Mr. Michael Harris: My question is to the Acting Premier. Premier Wynne promised the people of Ontario that she wouldn’t bring in any kind of carbon tax, yet after a decade-long spending spree driving the province deep into debt, that’s exactly what you’re doing: a cap-and-tax scheme that will damage our economy, put Ontario companies at a competitive disadvantage, kill jobs and saddle Ontario families with higher prices. This is a carbon scheme that she told Ontarians was “not part of our plan.” She lied straight to the face of every Ontarian—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member will withdraw.

Mr. Michael Harris: Withdraw.

So Deputy Premier, I have a simple question: Do you think the people of Ontario are ignorant or do you simply have no respect for them?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: Wow. First of all, I want to ask the member opposite to look back and see that we have, for many years, said that we are going to be introducing a price on carbon. This morning, we announced that we will be moving forward with a cap-and-trade process.

We have enormous respect for the people of this province. We have enormous respect for our children, for our seniors and for all of the people who are paying the cost now, in their health and in their wallet, of climate change, of pollution and climate change. We are moving forward, and there is real support for this initiative.

The member opposite is part of a party that supported action on climate change just a couple of weeks ago. I think you were right then, and I think you’re wrong today. We are moving forward on this because it’s the right thing to do today and for future generations.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary.

Mr. Michael Harris: Deputy Premier, climate change is a serious issue that needs to be addressed, but not with a carbon scheme that will hurt our economy, kill jobs and punish Ontarians with higher taxes and prices.

But here’s another serious issue: your Liberal government’s lack of integrity. The fact is, the Premier told the people of Ontario that a carbon tax was “not in our plan.” The last time I asked in this House, I was told a carbon scheme simply does not exist and that I must be reading Alice in Wonderland. Now that you’re broke, you’ve gone down the rabbit hole, you’re turning your back on your word and turning toward a $2-billion tax-and-cap scheme.

Deputy Premier, be honest with Ontarians this time and admit what we all know: This scheme isn’t about the environment; it’s about the money.

Hon. Deborah Matthews: Well, Speaker, there are many who would disagree with that statement, and I think the member opposite would like to know some of the people who are actually supporting this initiative.

Gideon Forman, the executive director of Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment: “Doctors are very pleased Ontario is moving forward with carbon pricing.... Ontario’s visionary leadership in eliminating coal power—along with today’s announcement on carbon pricing—stand in stark contrast to the federal government’s inaction on this file.”

Speaker, I think that the member opposite would like to know what Jim Lopez, the president and CEO of Tembec, has to say. “We congratulate the government of Ontario on announcing a carbon pricing system to reduce emissions while growing the local economy and jobs.”

Peter Boag, the president of the Canadian Fuels Association, says, “The Canadian Fuels Association and its members support the Ontario government’s commitment to implement a comprehensive climate change policy”—

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

New question.

Pan Am Games

Mr. Paul Miller: Speaker, my question is to the minister responsible for the Pan Am Games.

The Hamilton soccer stadium was supposed be ready last June. Nine and a half months later, the stadium is still not ready and, after inspections, there are still hundreds of deficiencies. Hamilton police say they need this stadium ready no later than May 1 to prepare for the games. There’s now a risk that the stadium will not be ready for the Pan Am Games.

Will the city of Hamilton, its businesses and the residents be compensated if it isn’t ready? Can the minister tell us what the government’s plan B is? Or is there a double meaning, Speaker, when the song from the Pan Am TV spot says, “Ready or not, here I come”?

Hon. Michael Coteau: I know that the Minister of Economic Development will take the second part of this question.

We’re proud of where the Hamilton stadium is at this point. It’s 99% complete. The Tiger-Cats were undefeated in that stadium, so it has been functioning. In addition to that we’ve seen concerts take place there.

I’ll tell you, Mr. Speaker, when I had the opportunity to go to the stadium, I saw something remarkable taking place. Not only has that development changed that stadium—which was 100 years old—it has changed the area around it. You’re starting to see economic development in that part of town.

I think the member opposite should be out there pushing the success of this stadium to the people in his constituency because, I’ll tell you, it’s one of the best investments to come into Hamilton for years.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary.

Mr. Paul Miller: What I love about this minister: Everything is always rosy.

My second question is to the Minister of Infrastructure. Why will Infrastructure Ontario be handing over the full $89 million to Ontario Sports Solutions before the stadium is complete, which you withheld? Why is there no provision in that contract to reduce, not merely postpone, that $89-million payment for an almost one-year delay? Why is it that the public and the local subcontractors are the only ones being penalized for the main contractor’s incompetence? How many other P3 arrangements have been toothless to reimburse the public for costly delays caused by the incompetence of the contractor? And what has this cost the public?

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Stop the clock, please. The deputy House leader will come to order.

The question has to be directed to the minister. They choose whether or not they move it to the other minister.

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

Hon. Michael Coteau: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the minister responsible for infrastructure.

Hon. Brad Duguid: The last person we’re going to take any advice from on this particular issue when it comes to the contract is the NDP, because if they had their way, we would have done this under traditional financing, which would have meant any cost of the delays would have been on the backs of the taxpayers. Because we did this through alternative financing procurement, any delays will not cost the taxpayers.

This project is 99% complete—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Finish, please.

Hon. Brad Duguid: Maybe I’ll share with the members some of the facts before they keep heckling. These are some of the things that still need to be done: waterproofing around the bleachers, IT systems integration, testing of IT and sound equipment, and some water-damage repairs to drywall. That’s part of the 1% left to be completed. We’re absolutely confident that this will be completed in time for the games, and because we didn’t do it the NDP’s way, any delays will not be on the backs of taxpayers.

Ontario Retirement Pension Plan

Mrs. Kathryn McGarry: My question is for the Associate Minister of Finance. Minister, I know that our government is very concerned about the undersavings problem. Several studies have shown that Ontarians are not saving enough and that, without action, many will face a decline in their standards of living in their retirement.

I know this is an issue that many of my constituents in Cambridge are particularly concerned about. They want to know that, after decades of working and contributing to the economy, both they and their children will be able to retire with dignity. That’s why so many are pleased to see that our government is taking leadership by creating the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan.

Speaker, it was brought to my attention that McKinsey and Co. recently released a study that found that many Canadians are on track for saving for their retirement. Speaker, through you, can the minister please explain how our government is reconciling these different findings?

Hon. Mitzie Hunter: Thank you to the wonderful member from Cambridge for that very important question. I’m pleased to clarify those findings for the members of this House.

When we look at McKinsey’s findings, it’s a question of demographics. The study shows that, while older generations may fare well in retirement, younger generations face different challenges. The author of the McKinsey study said this: “Projecting the situation in retirement for someone who is 55 or 60 today can be done with a lot of accuracy or confidence. With someone who is 25 or 30, any study will have a greater factor of uncertainty.”

As well, Fred Vettese, the chief actuary at Morneau Shepell, has said that, while he believes that those a decade or so away from retirement may have enough saved, “Young people are definitely going to have some challenges.” This is exactly why our government is taking action: to ensure that not only we but also our children and grandchildren can save for retirement.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary.

Mrs. Kathryn McGarry: Thank you to the minister for that response. I’m pleased to know that our government is reviewing a variety of different studies as it continues to consider key design features of the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan.

I’ve also noticed that a variety of new polls released by major Canadian institutions underscore how little Ontarians are saving. In the last few months, I’ve seen alarming findings from RBC, CIBC, Sun Life Financial and, just last week, BMO Financial that all point to a major undersavings problem. These polls highlight not only how few Ontarians feel prepared for retirement, but also how many Ontarians have not even begun to save.

Can the minister please share some of these recent findings with the members of this House and discuss how our government is addressing this issue?

Hon. Mitzie Hunter: Thank you again to the member from Cambridge. Earlier this year, I travelled to 10 communities across the province to speak with Ontarians. It was very clear that retirement is top-of-mind. It’s easy to understand why people are concerned about retirement when you read the findings of recent studies. According to a study from BMO released last week, only 43% of Canadians are saving for retirement. An RBC study found that 30% of Canadians have not begun to save for retirement, and a Sun Life Financial study found that 60% of respondents now expect to work past 65, up from 48% in 2008.

These studies paint an alarming picture. It’s hard to understand how our colleagues on the other side of the House can look at these numbers and still suggest that we do nothing to address this issue. Our government, on the other hand, is committed to taking leadership. That’s why we’re introducing the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan.

Energy policies

Mr. Robert Bailey: My question is to the Deputy Premier.

Applause.

Mr. Robert Bailey: Thank you.

Interjections.

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

Ask, please.

Mr. Robert Bailey: Thank you, Speaker. My question is to the Deputy Premier. The European experience with cap and trade has proven to be what not to do for economies around the world.

Energy rates have skyrocketed across Europe. Germany’s economics and energy minister stated that his country faces dramatic deindustrialization if energy costs cannot be reduced. However, today your government has announced that Ontario will commit to a cap-and-tax scheme, therefore committing to an increased burden on business and the people of Ontario with unacceptably high energy costs.

Deputy Premier, will this carbon tax raise energy costs in Ontario?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: I’m very proud of the action that our Premier and our government have taken this morning: that we have joined with the province of Quebec, that we are implementing a very important initiative that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. That is the right thing for us to be doing. Just a few weeks ago, the party opposite thought it was the right thing to do; today they have a different opinion.

As I said to a member earlier, you were right a couple of weeks ago when you supported the motion of the MPP from Glengarry–Prescott–Russell. Speaker, I really think it’s time for constructive advice to come from the party opposite.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Robert Bailey: Again to the Deputy Premier: The evidence is overwhelming; your carbon tax is a cost taxpayers cannot afford.

In Germany, steel producers now pay double the US rate for electricity and four times as much for natural gas because of cap and tax. Just imagine how much higher Ontario’s rates will rise.

Here in Canada, three of the five provinces that are furthest from their 2020 greenhouse gas reduction targets have carbon taxing schemes already. Clearly they are not working.

Deputy Premier, why are you ignoring the evidence? Does your government not realize that your carbon tax does nothing more than raise the price of all goods?

Hon.

Deborah Matthews: Speaker, let me one more time read into the record the motion that the party opposite supported just two weeks ago: “In the opinion of this House, the Ontario Legislative Assembly recognizes that scientists agree that climate change is caused by man-made greenhouse gas emissions and poses a serious threat to Ontario’s environment, businesses, communities and economy, that scientists and leaders of G8 countries—including Canada—have recognized the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with a goal of avoiding more than two degrees of warming, and affirm that this House must take necessary action to reduce emissions, transition to a low-carbon economy and combat the effects of climate change.”

Speaker, this government is acting in response to the will of this House.

Education

Ms. Jennifer K. French: My question is to the Acting Premier. Speaker, the Premier promised she would not make cuts to education, yet her government just handed out pink slips to 118 contract teachers at the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. Our schools are already underfunded, but instead of investing in education, the Premier is choosing to gut the system.

Speaker, if the Premier isn’t making cuts to education, how does she explain taking 118 teachers out of the classroom?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: The NDP is fortunate, in that they have three former school board trustees within their caucus, Speaker. The member from Windsor West was a trustee on the Greater Essex County District School Board, and she actually supported motions to close J.L. Forster Secondary School and Victoria Public School. When asked to explain the board’s decision, chair Helga Bailey said, “We have to do this because otherwise we are spending money on bricks, mortar and empty space.”

The member from London West—I know her well—was a trustee at the Thames Valley District School Board. She voted to close Sir Winston Churchill Public School, Colborne Street Public School, Southdale Public School, Maple Lane Public School, Rolph Street Public School, West Elgin Senior Elementary School and Sir George Ross Secondary School.

The members opposite know that education is complex. These decisions are not easy. I don’t know why they continue to criticize government for doing what they actually did.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Jennifer K. French: I’m pleased to respond to the Deputy Premier, and remind her that while we have three former trustees, we also have a former teacher. I’m pleased to say that I know first-hand just how squeezed our schools already are. I also know that we should be giving our students a leg up and not trying to balance the budget on their backs.

Speaker, every teacher that this government cuts directly affects our students’ education experience. Will the Premier stay true to her word and stop cutting and gutting our education system?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: To the Minister of Education.

Hon. Liz Sandals: I’m very pleased to be able to answer this question and actually to remind my critic for the NDP that we haven’t decreased the funding this year. In fact, the funding in the last school year was $22.5 billion. The funding this year is $22.5 billion. It doesn’t sound like a cut to me. The funding is stable.

In fact, we’ve done some really interesting things this year. We’ve actually doubled the funding for school renewal projects. That’s for that major repair of the roof, fixing the leaky window, replacing the boiler. Last year, there was $250 million. This year, there’s $500 million so that boards can—boards have been telling me for ages that there’s a backlog. We’re going to fix that backlog.

First Nations

Ms. Indira Naidoo-Harris: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. My riding of Halton is home to a diverse and vibrant First Nations community that has played a vital role in our region’s history. In fact, close to 10% of the entire aboriginal population that lives in and around the GTA reside in Halton. The Iroquoian Village at Crawford Lake continues to be one of the key educational and historical treasures in our community.

We all know that a strong and vibrant First Nation community strengthens Ontario culturally, socially and economically. I know that our government has demonstrated its commitment to invest in programs and services that cater to First Nation peoples in Ontario. Speaker, through you to the minister: What is our government doing to create a stronger relationship with the northern First Nation communities in Ontario?

Hon. David Zimmer: Developing meaningful relationships with First Nations is a priority for this government. In fact, last week, I travelled to Timmins, Ontario, to participate in the Mushkegowuk Council of Chiefs. That’s made up of seven communities in the James Bay area. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss strengthening governance and economic development in First Nations. I met with the grand chief to hear about some of the priorities coming out of the region, and I’m eager to continue those discussions.

Premier Wynne has directed this government to move forward with a new treaty strategy tactic. It will facilitate constructive engagement on treaties, revitalize treaty relationships and promote improved socio-economic outcomes for aboriginal peoples. As we continue to move forward on these discussions to highlight an even stronger commitment to develop their economic interests as best we can, this is good for First Nations and for the people of Ontario.

Visitor

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): A point of order: the member for Kitchener–Waterloo.

Ms. Catherine Fife: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I hope everyone will join me in welcoming Scott Travers, president of the Society of Energy Professionals, who’s here with many members today. I hope that you’ll all be at the reception today at 5 p.m.

Correction of record

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The deputy House leader on a point of order.

Hon. James J. Bradley: Mr. Speaker, I rise to correct my record. George McCague was the former member of this Legislature from the riding of Dufferin–Simcoe from 1975 to 1987, as I recall. My notes said “1978,” so I correct it as “1975.”

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. All members are allowed to correct their record.

The Minister of Energy on a point of order.

Hon. Bob Chiarelli: Mr. Speaker, I’d like to seek unanimous consent supporting Ontario’s only team, led by the Hamburglar, in the Stanley Cup playoffs this year.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The Minister of Energy is seeking unanimous consent to support the Hamburglar. Do we agree? No. Okay, thank you.

There are no deferred votes. This House stands recessed until 1 p.m. this afternoon.

The House recessed from 1159 to 1300.

Members’ Statements

Vimy Ridge anniversary

Mr. Todd Smith: Brigadier-General Alexander Ross famously said that when he looked out across the battlefield at Vimy Ridge, he saw “Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific on parade.” He felt that he was witnessing “the birth of a nation.”

Every year we must reflect and pay our respects to the honourable Canadian soldiers who sacrificed their lives at the Battle of Vimy Ridge, France, Easter Monday, 1917.

I had the opportunity yesterday to lay a wreath on behalf of Ontario at a commemorative service in the warm sunshine at the Belleville Cenotaph to remember the sacrifices at Vimy.

It was 98 years ago that the four divisions of the Canadian Forces came together for the first time to occupy the French hill at Vimy Ridge from the German army. This Allied victory was a significant milestone for our country as we joined together as one nation to defend our freedom during the First World War. However, we can’t forget that this success came with great sacrifice.

Throughout the three-day battle, more than 15,000 brave Canadians overtook the Germans under heavy fire. At the highest peak of the ridge, where the memorial now stands, soldiers battled machine guns with their bayonets in a long, costly fight to victory. Some 3,600 Canadians were killed during the three days, and another 7,000 wounded.

With the 100th anniversary just two years away, I’m proud to stand here on behalf of all members of the Ontario Legislature to pay our respects to those who gave their lives so that we can live free in Canada.

Back in France, a radiant Vimy sculpture stands as a tribute to the fine men and women from the First World War. The memorial has a statue of a woman representing Canada, a young nation mourning her dead. Below is a tomb to remind us of the soldiers killed in France who have no graves. We will remember them.

Heather Theijsmeijer

Mr. Michael Mantha: Manitoulin Secondary School math and science teacher Heather Theijsmeijer has been named the recipient of the Ontario Association for Mathematics Education Award for Exceptional and Creative Teaching in Secondary Mathematics for 2015. This award recognizes an exceptional and creative secondary teacher who demonstrates excellence in mathematics education and contributes to the overall development of students. A letter of support for Heather’s nomination provided a comprehensive picture of her exceptional and creative teaching, her contributions to mathematics education and her ongoing support for students.

Ms. Theijsmeijer was honoured to be recognized at a provincial level, and she is now looking forward to representing the Rainbow District School Board at the awards ceremony in May.

MSS principal Laurie Zahnow was part of the nomination process, saying, “Heather is an inspirational educator. Her passion for learning is very contagious. Her need to put students first and her drive is what makes her such an exceptional and creative teacher. She is very deserving of this award and we are all very proud of her. We are lucky to have her.”

Congratulations, Ms. Theijsmeijer. Teachers will teach and be fulfilled in touching many young lives. However, it is later in life that the student will reflect on and speak of the impact that one teacher had on their lives.

North Dumfries Historical Preservation Society

Mrs. Kathryn McGarry: On Saturday, April 4, I was pleased to attend a pancake breakfast in my riding of Cambridge which was hosted by the North Dumfries Historical Preservation Society. The breakfast took place at the historic Clyde and Scott’s Women’s Institute, and about 55 tickets were sold in support of the society.

When I sat as a board member for Heritage Cambridge, we assisted the Clyde and Scott’s Women’s Institute to refurbish the bell tower. It was nice to see it.

The event featured a number of fascinating historical archives on display, including local Tweedsmuir books.

Speaker, it was an honour to attend the breakfast and it was a pleasure to hear you speak at the event as well. The attendees were interested to hear about the Speaker’s role—your role—and it was wonderful that you could provide my constituents with an understanding of how Queen’s Park functions.

Joanna Rickert-Hall, a historian based in Waterloo region, spoke about the founding of the Women’s Institute by Adelaide Hunter Hoodless. Adelaide Hoodless was an activist and advocate for women’s rights and education. We have her to thank for many of the leaps forward that we have made in terms of women’s rights in Canada and abroad.

The North Dumfries Historical Preservation Society has a very important role in my community. Its mandate is to preserve history and culture in North Dumfries, and it aims to create an archive for the township. Organizations like this one truly remind us about how important it is to remember and honour our past and to preserve pieces of our history for future generations.

Hydro rates

Mr. Randy Hillier: Every day, I receive calls from constituents complaining about their hydro bills. I’ve recently conducted a comparison that looked at the all-in cost of the average electricity bill in rural areas across the country. Hydro One’s all-in cost far surpassed that of all other jurisdictions. It’s an amazing 277% higher than for our neighbours in Quebec. The main cause for this was due to the outrageous delivery, regulatory and debt charges. These charges are unique to Ontario and are not found in other provinces.

There are countless cases where bills are more than double due to delivery charges, which are often more than the cost of the electricity. To charge more for delivery of electricity than the value of the electricity itself is a direct result not only of wasteful, inefficient and bloated bureaucracy in Ontario, but also the painful policies of this government and their disregard for oversight of these agencies.

But there’s more: Tens of thousands of errors, overbillings, outrageous estimates and no bills at all for extended periods of time from Hydro One have resulted in a crown corporation that people have lost, utterly, all confidence in.

It’s now time to put an end to this disastrous Hydro One monopoly and the disastrous policies of this government.

University funding

Funding should be stable and predictable to facilitate long-term planning and to avoid extreme fluctuations in institutional revenue. Funding should be allocated across institutions on a fair and equitable basis to protect against wide variations in quality across the system and to support student success in all universities.

This review must be an open-ended, public and inclusive process where outcomes have not been predetermined or artificially constrained at the outset. Above all, university funding must not be subject to short-term political objectives.

Volunteers

Mrs. Cristina Martins: I rise today to recognize National Volunteer Week. During this special week, we say thank you and celebrate the enormous impact volunteers have on our lives.

More than 5.2 million volunteers of all ages give their precious time to make our communities stronger and to build Ontario up. They do it by supporting caregivers, welcoming newcomers, supporting food banks, and knocking on doors for worthy causes. For many, volunteering is a lifetime commitment. They deserve our respect, recognition, support and heartfelt thanks.

We celebrate and honour our volunteers through a number of programs, including the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award, the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers and the Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Award for Students. As many of you are aware, the annual Ontario Volunteer Service Awards are now in full swing in communities across the province. This year, more than 9,000 volunteers are being recognized for their outstanding community service.

With the Pan/Parapan Am Games coming this summer, it is important we recognize the tremendous role volunteers will play. Over 23,000 volunteers will deliver an unforgettable Pan/Parapan American Games experience to athletes, families and spectators.

In addition, the games present an opportunity to create a lasting legacy on Ontario’s voluntary sector. A certificate of achievement will be provided to volunteers to recognize the training and experience they gained to assist with future employment opportunities.

Corey Conners and Joey Hishon

Mr. Randy Pettapiece: Today I’m pleased to recognize the accomplishments of two outstanding athletes in Perth–Wellington: Corey Conners and Joey Hishon.

Listowel native Corey Conners is one of two Canadians who played in last week’s 79th Masters tournament. Corey is an exceptional golfer and has been a member of Team Canada for five years. He won his way into this year’s Masters by placing second in last year’s US Amateur Championship. In 2013, Corey was a semi-finalist in the same tournament and, along with Team Canada, finished second in last year’s World Amateur Team Championships. I would like to congratulate Corey on his fine work at the Masters and all of his golfing accomplishments.

Another local athlete who earned great praise last week was Joey Hishon. On Tuesday, Joey scored his first NHL goal, breaking a tie between the Colorado Avalanche and the Nashville Predators. Joey grew up in Stratford, and has played hockey with the Stratford Minor Hockey Association, the Ontario Minor Hockey Association, the Ontario Hockey League and the American Hockey League, and now the NHL. He was a first-round pick of the Avalanche in the 2010 entry draft. I’m confident that this is the first goal of what will be a remarkable NHL career for Joey.

Again, congratulations to both Corey Conners and Joey Hishon for their outstanding athletic accomplishments.

Variety Village

Mr. Lorenzo Berardinetti: On March 23, I had the opportunity to be part of a memorable event in my riding of Scarborough Southwest honouring the Honourable David C. Onley and Mrs. Ruth Ann Onley with a 2015 In the Spotlight Award. This award is in recognition of the support and friendship they have shown to Variety Village over the last 20 years. The Onleys have gone above and beyond to support Variety Village’s customized recreation and fitness programs for people of all ages and levels of ability in an integrated, engaging and inclusive environment.

Variety Village’s true accomplishments can be seen through client-specific recreation, fitness, wellness and lifestyle programs. The Ontario government has always been a proud supporter of Variety Village and the continuous efforts to improve the lives of the people in our community. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to help support this dynamic organization through recognizing all the individuals who have gone to great lengths to help support Variety Village.

Finally, I’d like to say a big thank you to the Onleys on behalf of the residents of the riding of Scarborough Southwest.

Volunteers

Ms. Soo Wong: I rise in the House today to recognize constituents from my riding of Scarborough–Agincourt who have received this year’s Ontario Volunteer Service Awards. This provincial award recognizes individual volunteers for their long-standing commitment and years of dedicated service to community organizations.

Last week, I had the privilege of being part of three different volunteer service award ceremonies held in Scarborough, where over 100 of my constituents were recognized for their work in our community. One of those constituents, Muriel Alvares, a staffer for my colleague Minister MacCharles, has joined us today in the House. Muriel was recognized for her 15-year involvement with Operation Springboard-Scarborough Youth Justice Committee, where she continues to support youth participation in restorative justice. Thank you, Muriel, for your commitment to community service.

Volunteers are the most important resource that community organizations have. Their dedication to devote their time to the betterment of our community is invaluable.

Speaker, this week is National Volunteer Week. Every year, more than six million Ontarians volunteer their time to causes they believe in. I believe that it is this dedicated community service that makes this province a great place to live, work and play.

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

Tim Hoday

Mr. Wayne Gates: Point of order.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): A point of order from the member from Niagara Falls.

Mr. Wayne Gates: Mr. Speaker, I’d like to rise and offer my condolences to the family and friends of Tim Hoday. Tim was 55 years old and served 32 years on the Niagara Falls Fire Department. Tim passed away from cancer that resulted from his work in the line of duty. His incredible dedication to his community will be missed.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tim’s family and his co-workers.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. Not to diminish the importance of your announcement, but I would recommend that all members seek their House leader’s circumstances under these kinds so they don’t be misinterpreted as announcements or statements. But I obviously give sympathy to the family members. I appreciate that.

Introduction of Bills

Long-Term Care Homes Amendment Act (Preference for Veterans), 2015 / Loi de 2015 modifiant la

Loi sur les foyers de soins de longue durée (préférence accordée aux anciens combattants)

Ms. Forster moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 87,

An Act to amend the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007 to give preference to veterans for access to beds / Projet de loi 87, Loi modifiant la Loi de 2007 sur les foyers de soins de longue durée pour accorder la préférence aux anciens combattants qui veulent avoir accès à des lits.

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

First reading agreed to.

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

Ms. Cindy Forster: This bill amends the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007, by enacting a definition of “veteran” that includes former officers and former non-commissioned members of the Canadian Forces.

The bill amends the act to require the minister to ensure that preference in admission to long-term-care homes is given to veterans.

Motions

Committee membership

Hon. Jeff Leal: Mr. Speaker, I believe you will find that we have unanimous consent to put forward a motion without notice regarding the membership of the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly.

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

Hon. Jeff Leal: I move that Mr. Mantha replace Mr. Singh on the membership of the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Mr. Leal moves that Mr. Mantha replace Mr. Singh on the membership of the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly. Do we agree? Agreed. Carried.

Motion agreed to.

Petitions

Taxation

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

“Whereas the government has indicated they plan on introducing a new carbon tax in 2015; and

“Whereas Ontario taxpayers have already been burdened with a health tax of $300 to $900 per person that doesn’t necessarily go into health care, a $2-billion smart meter program that failed to conserve energy, and households are paying almost $700 more annually for unaffordable subsidies under the Green Energy Act; and

“Whereas a carbon tax scheme would increase the cost of everyday goods including gasoline and home heating; and

“Whereas the government continues to run unaffordable deficits without a plan to reduce spending while collecting $30 billion more annually in tax revenues than 11 years ago; and

“Whereas the aforementioned points lead to the conclusion that the government is seeking justification to raise taxes to pay for their excessive spending, without accomplishing any concrete targets;

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

“To abandon the idea of introducing yet another unaffordable and ineffective tax on Ontario families and businesses.”

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

Privatization of public assets

Miss Monique Taylor: I have a petition named “Ontario Is Not for Sale.

“Whereas the Liberal government of Ontario is currently reviewing proposals to sell off a significant amount of our shared public assets such as Ontario Power Generation (OPG), Hydro One, and the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO); and

“Whereas our shared public assets provide more affordable hydro, develop environmentally friendly energy, create thousands of good Ontario jobs, and are accountable to all Ontarians; and

“Whereas our shared public assets put money in the public bank account so we can invest in hospitals, roads and schools; and

“Whereas this Liberal government is more interested in helping out wealthy shareholders and investors than they are in the hard-working Ontarians who are building this province; and

“Whereas Ontario is stronger when there is shared prosperity;

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

“Stop the selling-off of our shared public assets. Keep our public assets in public hands.”

I couldn’t agree with this more, Mr. Speaker. I’m going to affix my name to it and give it to page Olivia to bring to the Clerk.

Terry Fox Day

Ms. Soo Wong: I have a petition addressed to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

“Whereas on March 26, Bill 61, the Terry Fox Day Act, passed second reading with unanimous support from the Ontario Legislature;

“Whereas if passed at third reading before the Legislature rises in June, Bill 61 will proclaim the second Sunday after Labour Day in 2015, September 20, as Ontario’s first Terry Fox Day;

“Whereas the second Sunday after Labour Day is the day on which the Terry Fox Run is traditionally held, and September 20, 2015, marks its 35th anniversary;

“Whereas on November 27, 2014, Terry Fox’s home province of British Columbia passed similar legislation proclaiming this same day as Terry Fox Day starting this year;

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

“That the Legislative Assembly move quickly to pass Bill 61 at third reading before the end of the current session, ensuring that on September 20, 2015, Ontarians can celebrate Terry Fox Day.”

I fully support the petition. I will give my petition to page Ryan.

Off-road vehicles

Mr. Norm Miller: I have received petitions from the Mattawa area, mailed to me in support of Bill 58, the Utility Task and All-Terrain Vehicles Act. It reads:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas it has been over a decade since regulation 316/03 of the Highway Traffic Act has been updated to recognize the new classes of off-road vehicles and a motion to do so passed on November 7, 2013, with the unanimous support of the provincial Legislature;

“Whereas owners of two-up ATVs and side-by-side UTVs deserve clarity in knowing which roadways and trails they are legally permitted to use these off-road vehicles;

“Whereas owners ... should be able to legally access woodlots, trails, as well as hunting and fishing destinations;

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

“That the private member’s Bill 58, which seeks to update the Highway Traffic Act to include new classes of all-terrain and utility task vehicles, receive swift passage through the Legislature.”

I support this and will give it to Misha.

Alzheimer’s disease

Mr. John Vanthof: “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are progressive, degenerative diseases of the brain that cause thinking, memory and physical functioning to become seriously impaired;

“Whereas there is no known cause or cure for this devastating illness; and

“Whereas Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias also take their toll on hundreds of thousands of families and care partners; and

“Whereas Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias affect more than 200,000 Ontarians today, with an annual total economic burden rising to $15.7 billion by 2020; and

“Whereas the cost related to the health care system is in the billions and only going to increase, at a time when our health care system is already facing enormous financial challenges; and

“Whereas there is work under way to address the need, but no coordinated or comprehensive approach to tackling the issues; and

“Whereas there is an urgent need to plan and raise awareness and understanding about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias for the sake of improving the quality of life of the people it touches;

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

“To approve the development of a comprehensive Ontario dementia plan that would include the development of strategies in primary health care, in health promotion and prevention of illness, in community development, in building community capacity and care partner engagement, in caregiver support and investments in research.”

I wholeheartedly agree, add my signature and give it to page Luca.

Hydro rates

Ms. Sylvia Jones: My petition is to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

“Whereas household electricity bills have skyrocketed by 56% and electricity rates have tripled as a result of the Liberal government’s mismanagement of the energy sector;

“Whereas the billion-dollar gas plants cancellation, wasteful and unaccountable spending at Ontario Power Generation and the unaffordable subsidies in the Green Energy Act will result in electricity bills climbing by another 35% by 2017 and 45% by 2020; and

“Whereas the Liberal government wasted $2 billion on the flawed smart meter program; and

“Whereas the recent announcement to implement the Ontario Electricity Support Program will see average household hydro bills increase an additional $137 per year starting in 2016; and

“Whereas the soaring cost of electricity is straining family budgets, and hurting the ability of manufacturers and small businesses in the province to compete and create new jobs; and

“Whereas home heating and electricity are a necessity for families in Ontario who cannot afford to continue footing the bill for the government’s mismanagement of the energy sector;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to immediately implement policies ensuring Ontario’s power consumers, including families, farmers and employers, have affordable and reliable electricity.”

I support this petition and am pleased to give it to page Carina to take to the table.

Hospital parking fees

Miss Monique Taylor: I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly.

“Whereas all individuals should have equal access to health care services regardless of their ability to pay; and

“Whereas patients requiring health care services often have to drive to a hospital to receive these services; and

“Whereas hospitals are increasingly using parking charges as an avenue for revenue generation thereby impacting some patients’ access based on their ability to pay; and

“Whereas the Liberal Party promised during the 2014 election campaign to cap hospital parking fees;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to demand that the government of Ontario follow through on the commitment to cap parking fees at Ontario’s hospitals at a level that ensures equitable access to health care.”

I couldn’t agree with this more, Mr. Speaker. I’m going to sign my name to it and give it to Ishika to bring to the Clerks’ table.

Water fluoridation

Mr. Bob Delaney: I have a petition addressed to the Ontario Legislative Assembly entitled “Fluoridate All Ontario Drinking Water,” and it reads as follows:

“Whereas fluoride is a mineral that exists naturally in virtually all water supplies, even the ocean; and

“Whereas scientific studies conducted during the past 70 years have consistently shown that the fluoridation of community water supplies is a safe and effective means of preventing dental decay, and is a public health measure endorsed by more than 90 national and international health organizations; and

“Whereas dental decay is the second most frequent condition suffered by children, and is one of the leading causes of absences from school; and

“Whereas Health Canada has determined that the optimal concentration of fluoride in municipal drinking water for dental health is 0.7 mg/L, a concentration providing optimal dental health benefits, and well below the maximum acceptable concentration to protect against adverse health effects; and

“Whereas the decision to add fluoride to municipal drinking water is a patchwork of individual choices across Ontario, with municipal councils often vulnerable to the influence of misinformation, and studies of questionable or no scientific merit;

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

“That the ministries of the government of Ontario amend all applicable legislation and regulations to make the fluoridation of municipal drinking water mandatory in all municipal water systems across the province of Ontario.”

Speaker, I’m pleased to sign and to support this petition and to send it down with page Joshua.

Off-road vehicles

Mr. Monte McNaughton: I have a petition addressed to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

“Whereas it has been over a decade since regulation 316/03 of the Highway Traffic Act has been updated to recognize new classes of off-road vehicles and a motion to do so passed on November 7, 2013, with unanimous support of the provincial Legislature;

“Whereas owners of two-up ATVs and side-by-side UTVs deserve clarity in knowing which roadways and trails are legal for use of these off-road vehicles; and

“Whereas owners should be able to legally use their vehicles to access woodlots, trails and hunting and fishing destinations;

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

“That private member’s Bill 58, which seeks to update the Highway Traffic Act to include new classes of all-terrain and utility task vehicles, receive swift passage through the Legislature.”

I’m proud to affix my name to this.

French-language education

Mr. Arthur Potts: I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

“Whereas

section 23 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees access to publicly funded French-language education; and

“Whereas there are more than 1,000 children attending French elementary schools in east Toronto ... and those numbers continue to grow; and

“Whereas there is no French secondary school ... yet in east Toronto, requiring students wishing to continue their studies in French school boards to travel two hours every day to attend the closest French secondary school ...; and

“Whereas the Ontario government acknowledged in February 2007 that there is an important shortage of French-language schools in all of Toronto and even provided funds to open some secondary schools, and yet, not a single French secondary school has opened in east Toronto;...

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

“That the Minister of Education assist one or both French school boards in locating a suitable underutilized school building in east Toronto that may be sold or shared for the purpose of opening a French secondary school ... in the community ... so that French students have a secondary school close to where they live.”

I agree with this petition. I sign my name to it and leave it with page Mira.

Hydro rates

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

“Whereas the Green Energy Act has driven up the cost of electricity in Ontario due to unrealistic subsidies for certain energy sources, including the world’s highest subsidies for solar power; and

“Whereas this cost is passed on to ratepayers through the global adjustment, which can account for almost half of a ratepayer’s hydro bill; and

“Whereas the high cost of energy is severely impacting the quality of life of Ontario’s residents, especially fixed-income seniors; and

“Whereas it is imperative to remedy Liberal mismanagement in the energy sector by implementing immediate reforms detailed in the Ontario PC white paper Paths to Prosperity—Affordable Energy;

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

“To immediately repeal the Green Energy Act, 2009, and all other statutes that artificially inflate the cost of electricity with the aim of bringing down electricity rates and abolishing expensive surcharges such as the global adjustment and debt retirement charges.”

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

Credit unions

Mrs. Cristina Martins: I am proud to stand today and read this petition here that’s addressed to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas Credit Unions of Ontario support our 1.3 million members across Ontario through loans to small businesses to start up, grow and create jobs, help families to buy homes and assist their communities with charitable investments and volunteering; and

“Whereas Credit Unions of Ontario want a level playing field so they can provide the same service to our members as other financial institutions and promote economic growth without relying on taxpayers’ resources;

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

“Support the strength and growth of credit unions to support the strength and growth of Ontario’s economy and create jobs in three ways:

“—maintain current credit union provincial tax rates;

“—show confidence in Ontario credit unions by increasing credit union-funded deposit insurance limits to a minimum of $250,000;

“—allow credit unions to diversify by allowing Ontario credit unions to own 100% of subsidiaries.”

I couldn’t agree more with this petition. I am proud to affix my name to it and send it down to the table with our page Jae Min.

Winter road maintenance

Mr. Norm Miller: I’ve received hundreds more petitions with regard to improved winter roads maintenance. This reads:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the area maintenance contract system has failed Ontario drivers the past two winters;

“Whereas unsafe conditions led to the maintenance contractor being fined in the winter of 2013-14, as well as leading to a special investigation by the provincial Auditor General;

“Whereas the managed outsourcing system for winter roads maintenance, where the private contractor is responsible for maintenance, but MTO patrols the region and directs the contractor on the deployment of vehicles, sand and salt, has a proven track record for removing snow and ensuring that Ontario’s highways are safe for travellers;

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

“That the Ontario Ministry of Transportation take immediate action to improve the maintenance of winter roads based on the positive benefits of the previous delivery model, where MTO plays more of a role in directing the private contractor.”

I support this petition, have signed it, and will give it to page Ryan.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): The time for petitions has now expired.

Orders of the Day

Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment Act, 2015 / Loi de 2015 modifiant la

Loi sur la Société de protection des animaux de l’Ontario

Resuming the debate adjourned on April 2, 2015, on the motion for second reading of the following bill:

Bill 80,

An Act to amend the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Animals for Research Act with respect to the possession and breeding of orcas and administrative requirements for animal care / Projet de loi 80, Loi modifiant la

Loi sur la Société de protection des animaux de l’Ontario et la

Loi sur les animaux destinés à la recherche en ce qui concerne la possession et l’élevage d’épaulards ainsi que les exigences administratives relatives aux soins dispensés aux animaux.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): When we last debated this bill at second reading, we heard from the member for Scarborough Southwest and the member for Ottawa South. I’ll now ask for questions and comments on their presentation to the Legislature. Questions and comments?

The Attorney General.

Hon. Madeleine Meilleur: Nobody’s speaking? Okay. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to speak on Bill 80.

Marine mammals are complex, diverse and magnificent creatures with unique needs that require the right standards of care.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): I’d just remind the Attorney General that we’re doing questions and comments. It’s a two-minute questions and comments.

Hon. Madeleine Meilleur: Yes.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): I apologize for interrupting you.

Hon. Madeleine Meilleur: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

That is why we recently introduced the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment Act, Bill 80. If passed, Bill 80 would prohibit the breeding and acquisition of orca whales in Ontario.

Why orca whales—the prohibition? First of all, let me say thank you to Dr. David Rosen, a respected marine biologist at the University of British Columbia who led the team of experts to prepare a report.

The reason why this provision is in the bill is because orcas are very unique animals. Orcas are the largest of the marine mammals in captivity in Ontario and anywhere else. They are over twice the length and four times the mass of the beluga, the next-largest marine mammal in captivity. They are very social animals and normally live in pods of five to 30 whales in the wild. Some pods combine to form a group of 100 whales or more.

Orcas typically dive 500 feet or more and can swim up to 100 miles per day. So the unique features and the extraordinary magnitude of orcas leads us to determine that their well-being in captivity would be especially difficult to ensure, and so we would end the practice of keeping captive orcas in Ontario.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): Questions and comments?

Miss Monique Taylor: I’m going to have my time to do 20 minutes on this bill, but I just wanted to respond to the Attorney General.

This is something that has been long coming. We know that the member from—Ms. DiNovo is from?

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): Parkdale–High Park.

Miss Monique Taylor: Parkdale–High Park; thank you, Speaker. The cold has got the cloud going on in the head today.

The member from Parkdale–High Park was ringing bells about this. She was talking about how trainers were being victimized by talking about the abuse and the things that were happening in Marineland. We all knew right then how important it was that we do something about this, about the orcas that are living in captivity. I’m happy to see this come forward.

As a child, I skipped and danced as I went to Marineland, as I’m sure most of us did, just to have the opportunity to see the whales and the dolphins and the wonderful, brilliant creatures that they are. Then, as an adult, I realized that they’re beautiful and wonderful and it’s sad that I’m looking at them in this tank. So I’m happy to see this come forward. I know that there are a lot of other things that I would have liked to have seen in this bill. When we’re talking about lions and tigers and bears, oh my—that should be in the bill.

We need a licence for a dog, but we don’t, in some areas, need a licence to have a lion or a tiger. So that brings up the question of how well they’re being taken care of. There just needs to be more strength in legislation to make sure that all animals, regardless of size, whether they’re a toad, a fish or a whale, are taken care of to the best possible being as long as they’re in captivity.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): Questions and comments?

Hon. Kevin Daniel Flynn: It’s a pleasure to join the debate. We’re seeing that people are increasingly interested in the welfare of the other species that we share the planet with, and from time to time we take steps forward in that regard. That’s how I describe Bill 80. I think it’s a good step forward for this province. It’s a good step forward for all of us in the House.

There was a report commissioned out at the University of British Columbia—a very respected marine biologist, Dr. David Rosen. He put together a team of experts and, I think, offered a lot of good advice that guided this bill, that provided the sort of information that this bill really needed to make it a bill of some substance and one that is going to make a difference in the lives of marine mammals in the way that they’re held in captivity, the types of conditions they live under, the physical environment they live in and the psychological environment they live in.

We need to ensure that, if we’re going to have marine mammals in these types of environments, they’re not harmed, that contact with the general public doesn’t cause any harm to them.

We need to look at things like the size of the pools that they’re housed in. I understand that around the world there are differing opinions, rules and regulations in other jurisdictions. This bill proposes to do something, I think, that meets the highest standards.

When you look at things like water bacteria, the amount of bacteria that’s in the water they’re in, the noise and the lighting, regulations for the feeding, for the care, for the handlings, how they’re displayed, these are all things—I think there’s a real interest in zoos and the interaction that we’ve been able to have with animals. What this bill is proposing to do is to make sure that that environment is one we can be proud of.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): Questions and comments?

We can now return to one of the members who spoke, the member for Scarborough–Southwest, to respond.

Mr. Lorenzo Berardinetti: I listened to the comments made by the Attorney General, the member from Hamilton Mountain and the Minister of Labour on this bill. We all know it’s an important bill. We have heard the NDP speak on this earlier. It was debated before. We know that they stand with us in favour of this legislation, and I hope that the PCs will do the same; I didn’t hear anything when they spoke on this bill regarding supporting this bill.

I think we’ve realized that animals are much more sophisticated than we previously thought they were, and orca whales are one of the groups of animals that are very sophisticated. They communicate with each other. We’ve found that they use sophisticated techniques when they go out hunting in the wild. They go hunting as a group. They seem to communicate with each other when they’re doing their hunt. In raising their children, there’s a very close bond between the mother and the child—I don’t have the exact word coming off my lips right now—

Ms. Ann Hoggarth: Calves.

Mr. Lorenzo Berardinetti: The calf; that’s right. Thank you very much.

I hope this goes to committee. I hope it has a good debate at committee and that the bill will move forward. It’s important to get this in place. When Bill 80 was introduced, there was a realization by the minister that this kind of legislation was needed. We see it in other countries. Again, once this bill goes to committee, hopefully it will come back here for third reading and be implemented into law.

As I said before, it’s important to get this bill through this House to become law. Hopefully, Ontario will become one of the jurisdictions where animal welfare is kept to the hig