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November 4, 2013

40th Parliament, 2nd Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcripts 2013-Nov-04 (PDF)

L081 - Mon 4 Nov 2013 / Lun 4 nov 2013

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Monday 4 November 2013 Lundi 4 novembre 2013

INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS

ORAL QUESTIONS

GOVERNMENT’S RECORD

GOVERNMENT’S RECORD

PENSION PLANS

AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE

CANCER TREATMENT

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE

CO-OPERATIVE HOUSING

AGRI-FOOD INDUSTRY

PAN AM GAMES

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

ACCESS TO INFORMATION

HORSE RACING INDUSTRY

AGRI-FOOD INDUSTRY

ELGIN-MIDDLESEX

DETENTION CENTRE

ELGIN-MIDDLESEX

DETENTION CENTRE

DEFERRED VOTES

SUPPORTING SMALL

BUSINESSES ACT, 2013 /

LOI DE 2013 VISANT À SOUTENIR

LES PETITES ENTREPRISES

VISITORS

INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS

MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

LUNG HEALTH

CITY OF TORONTO

DIWALI

HAYTER GROUP

ANNIVERSARY OF SIKH MASSACRE

CHILDREN AT RISK

MURRAY CARDIFF

RENÉ LALONDE

SNOWCREST RIDERS

SNOWMOBILE CLUB

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

FISCAL TRANSPARENCY

AND ACCOUNTABILITY

AMENDMENT ACT

(PRE-ELECTION REPORTS), 2013 /

LOI DE 2013 MODIFIANT

LA

LOI SUR LA TRANSPARENCE

ET LA RESPONSABILITÉ FINANCIÈRES

(RAPPORTS PRÉÉLECTORAUX)

HUMAN RIGHTS CODE

AMENDMENT ACT (GENETIC

CHARACTERISTICS), 2013 /

LOI DE 2013 MODIFIANT LE CODE

DES DROITS DE LA PERSONNE

(CARACTÉRISTIQUES GÉNÉTIQUES)

PETITIONS

ONTARIO COLLEGE OF TRADES

ORDERS OF THE DAY

LOCAL FOOD ACT, 2013 /

LOI DE 2013 SUR

LES ALIMENTS LOCAUX

ORDER OF BUSINESS

MEMBERS’ ACCOMMODATION

ALLOWANCES ACT, 2013 /

LOI DE 2013 SUR LES ALLOCATIONS

DE LOGEMENT DES DÉPUTÉS

MEMBERS’ ACCOMMODATION

ALLOWANCES ACT, 2013 /

LOI DE 2013 SUR LES ALLOCATIONS

DE LOGEMENT DES DÉPUTÉS

WASTE REDUCTION ACT, 2013 /

LOI DE 2013 SUR LA RÉDUCTION

DES DÉCHETS

The House met at 1030.

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

Prayers.

INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS

Mr. John Yakabuski: I would like to introduce today as guests, in the members’ gallery, Arijana Tomicic and Dave Jones of Family and Children’s Services of Renfrew County, who are having a day with MPPs here at Queen’s Park today.

Mr. Rick Bartolucci: I too wanted to welcome very, very special people today. Colette Prévost is the executive director of the Children’s Aid Society of the Districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin, and she is joined by two board members, René Quesnelle and Vincent Lacroix. We’d like to welcome them and thank them for everything that they do.

Mr. Monte McNaughton: I’m proud to welcome my wife, Kate Bartz, to the Legislature, and our 12-year-old—12-week-old baby, Annie-Grace Bartz McNaughton.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The jokes write themselves, so I’ll leave it alone.

Mr. Peter Tabuns: Today we have the family of page captain Tristan Winfield-Hicks. We have Andrea Hicks, mother; Claudia Winfield-Hicks, sister; Natalie Winfield-Hicks, sister; Françoise Bélanger; Christian Roux; and Edythe Winfield. Welcome.

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: I want to welcome the executive director of the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa, present in Queen’s Park today, Barbara MacKinnon. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Mr. Bill Walker: I’d like to welcome Mary Ballantyne, executive director of the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies; Marilyn Dumaresq, the board president; and local representatives: Phyllis Lovell, the executive director; David Wyles, board member; and Gary Harron, chairperson, from the great riding of Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound.

Hon. Michael Gravelle: Joining us in the members’ gallery is Mr. Robert Richardson, the hard-working and dedicated executive director of the Children’s Aid Society of the District of Thunder Bay. Welcome, Rob.

Mr. Jeff Yurek: I’d like to introduce two special guests to me. My wife, Jenn, and my daughter Maggie are here for a visit.

Mr. Percy Hatfield: I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce my new legislative assistant, who I’ve hired from Thunder Bay. Denny Timm is joining me, my first staff person at Queen’s Park. Welcome.

Hon. Michael Coteau: Mr. Speaker, being of Grenadian heritage, it gives me extreme pleasure to welcome the Consul General of the beautiful country of Grenada; Mrs. Jenny Gumbs is here today at the Legislature.

Also, from the beautiful riding of Don Valley East, I’d like to welcome the students of Cassandra Public School, the first school, I believe, in the city of Toronto to reach its platinum ecoschool status.

Ms. Laurie Scott: I’d like to introduce in the west members’ gallery Jennifer Wilson, the executive director of Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society—thank you for standing—and Lisa Major-Gage, supervisor at Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society. Thank you very much for coming and welcome to Queen’s Park.

Hon. John Gerretsen: Speaker, would you please help me welcome Mary-Stewart Ross, who’s the chair of the Family and Children’s Services of Frontenac, Lennox and Addington, a county in my area, as well as Steve Woodman, the executive director.

Mr. Garfield Dunlop: I’d like to welcome Simcoe county children’s aid society executive director Susan Carmichael; a board member and foster parent, Dave MacPherson; and Jessica Morgan to the Legislature today.

Hon. Madeleine Meilleur: I would like to introduce the executive director of the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians, Mr. Ron Southwell, and Rory Demetrioff. With them are Jody Carrick, Elise Wickett, Stacey Huneke, Brenda Duff, Kerri Vivian and Sandra Lean-Leighton. I invite everyone to join them for a reception tonight in the dining room from 5:30 on.

Mr. Frank Klees: I want to welcome representatives of the York Region Children’s Aid Society this morning: Mr. Patrick Lake, executive director; Jennifer Grant, director of communication; and board member Darryl Wolk.

Mr. Michael Prue: I would like to welcome the children and teachers of Parkside public school, who, if they’re not here yet, will be here soon.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I want to introduce Dylan Atack. He’s here with his mother, Kerry Atack, and his aunt Kathy MacDonald. Dylan recently won the first ever Michael V. Young “What Ya Gotta Do” Award from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The award is given to someone within the regional football community who inspires others with their actions and their attitude. Thank you, Dylan, for all your hard work, and welcome to Queen’s Park.

Mr. Toby Barrett: Speaker, we have a South Cayuga family in the members’ gallery: May Lynne and Brian Ricker; their children Silken and Theo. They’re all related to our page, Owen Ricker. Owen’s the third page in his family, preceded by Gemma and Bethany.

Hon. Teresa Piruzza: Speaker, as you’ve heard through some individual introductions, today we’re joined by a number of representatives from across the province from CASs. I’d like to welcome everyone to the House, and I’d like to thank them for the important work that they do every day, and to invite everyone to join us at the reception directly after question period.

Mr. Jim McDonell: I’d like to welcome Abram Benedict from the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne from my riding. Welcome to the Legislature.

Hon. Deborah Matthews: From the Children’s Aid Society of London and Middlesex, I’d like to welcome Jane Fitzgerald and Walter LeGrow. Welcome.

Mr. Todd Smith: I’d like to welcome the chair of the Highland Shores Children’s Aid society, Mark Kartusch, and the chair, Darcey French, joining us as well.

Hon. Eric Hoskins: I’d like to welcome to the Legislature today Stephen Adler, who’s the associate director, Ontario government relations, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs. And from the Jewish Family and Child service, we have Richard Cummings, the executive director; the chair of the board, Alan Levine; Talyah Breslin, the director of client services; and we also have Sarina Rehal, assistant director, community relations and outreach of CIJA. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Mr. Frank Klees: I want to extend a special welcome to grade 5 students from St. Nicholas Catholic Elementary School in Newmarket. They are visiting the House today and are accompanied by their teacher, Catherine Barrett.

Mr. Ted Arnott: I, too, would like to welcome representatives from Family and Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington County who are here today: Erin Harvey and Jan Lord.

Mr. Victor Fedeli: I, too, would like to welcome our local children’s aid society—Gisele Hebert and Rick Vanderlee—to the gallery.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): On behalf of the member from Essex, visiting Benjamin Diab is his mother, Nancy Diab, who is here in the public gallery as well.

We welcome all of our guests.

Just before we get started, I wanted to point out that although we have five minutes set aside for introductions, usually on special days there are a lot of people who we need to introduce. I’ve made it my commitment to try to have everyone introduce all of their guests, as long as everyone stays to the script of doing the introduction and avoids long dissertations. I appreciate your co-operation on that. We will get everyone introduced because it’s a special moment for everyone to visit.

It is now time for question period.

ORAL QUESTIONS

GOVERNMENT’S RECORD

Mr. Victor Fedeli: Good morning, Premier. My question is for you. Don Drummond outlined some big-ticket reforms that he said will be “an important turning point in the province’s history.” Don Drummond called for a “sharp degree of fiscal restraint.” He said you must act “swiftly and boldly.” To balance the budget will require “tough decisions.” He said the treatment will be “difficult” and “most of the burden … must fall on spending.” He called for “a wrenching reduction from the path that spending is now on.”

Premier, does any of this sound even remotely familiar? Can you name even one bold, sweeping move that you’ve made to balance the budget by 2017-18?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I know the member opposite knows that we have implemented over 60% of what Don Drummond recommended, and that has meant that our annual rate of less than 1% on average in program spending has been in place. So we have in fact taken very serious measures to make sure that we constrain spending.

I would suggest that if he was looking for dramatic improvement, he had only to look at the compensation discussions that we had last year with the broader public service to see that there was dramatic action taken, which is why we are overachieving on all of those deficit reduction targets.

What we will not do is cancel full-day kindergarten and fire 10,000 education workers, fire hospital workers. That’s not what we’re going to do.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Victor Fedeli: Premier, I’ll let the 40 nurses in North Bay who you just fired hear your comment.

There are two parts to any formula to get us out of this massive deficit hole that you’ve dug: increased revenues and reduced spending. The Bank of Canada told us that this year and next year will not see the growth that you’ve forecasted. So unless you’re planning another secret tax hike, that side of the formula is not moving. That leaves us to reducing spending.

I’ll give you another Drummond quote. He said, “The government must take daring fiscal action early.” Premier, that was 20 months ago. We’ve not seen one of Drummond’s bold, daring, big, sweeping moves that he has asked for. So I’ll ask you again: Can you name even one single bold spending reduction that you’ve made to balance the budget by 2017-18?

Interjections.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Mr. Speaker, it’s very interesting. My colleagues are calling out the changes that we have made, whether it’s physiotherapy, whether it’s transforming the health care system.

The reality the member opposite doesn’t understand is that when you do transform a system, there are changes that are painful. So taking services out of hospitals and putting them into the community—that creates a challenge for some people.

He’s going to have to pick a lane. He’s going to have to decide whether transformation is what they support or whether the status quo is actually what they support, because when he talks about not creating any turmoil, not creating any real change, which is what transformation does, then he does not understand that if we don’t do that, we cannot have a sustainable health care system, a sustainable government over the long term.

We have taken those actions. We’ve implemented over 60% of what Don Drummond recommended, but we’re not going to fire 10,000 education workers, which is what he’s advocating.

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

Mr. Victor Fedeli: Premier, with your government’s fall economic statement due out this week, your record is already shaky. You’ve already told us you’re going to miss your economic growth forecast. That means you’re going to miss your revenue targets, too.

Now, we’ve seen this Liberal movie before. In 2011, revenues were down $500 million, so you drew from the contingency fund by nearly the same amount so the deficit would not appear to increase.

Premier, I have a simple question for you. Will you be drawing from the contingency fund again this year to make up for your missed revenue targets?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Mr. Speaker, spending was down for the first time last year since 1996. We have constrained spending and we have done that at least in part by implementing the recommendations of the Drummond report. My expectation would have been that they would have been supportive of that, that the opposition would have thought that that was a very good idea.

We did that while maintaining services, and that is the crux; that’s the crux of the difference between our approach and their approach. They are not advocating maintaining services; they’re advocating cutting services. That is how they have behaved in the past; that is what the PCs would do in the future. They would cut services; they would cut people from those services; they would cut people who deliver those services. We’re not going to do that.

We believe that maintaining those services and making sure that our education system and our health care system are excellent is exactly what the people of Ontario need while we constrain spending. That’s what we’ve been doing.

GOVERNMENT’S RECORD

Mr. Victor Fedeli: Again, I will remind those 40 nurses in North Bay whom you cut of your statement.

Premier, last week you announced a new bond issue to add to our debt. You’ve already added $20 billion to our debt this year alone. When your government took office, our debt in Ontario was $139 billion. It took 137 years to get there. In the last 10 years, you’ve doubled it to $273 billion.

Interjection.

Mr. Victor Fedeli: Yes, they did overachieve.

So instead of eliminating scandalous and wasteful spending, you’ve simply answered, “More debt.”

My question this time will be a very simple one. Premier, just how much debt are you planning to add with this new bond issue?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Be seated, please. Thank you.

Premier?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: There is a stark difference between the way the party opposite approaches the delivery of service and governing in this province and what we believe, Mr. Speaker. That is just the reality. We have said that we believe that the people of Ontario need to have the services that are delivered by our education system, by our health care system, the social services that lift people up and allow them to get into the workforce, the infrastructure that is necessary for communities to be able to draw business to their regions so that they can thrive.

We believe that those investments in people, those investments in infrastructure and the support of a dynamic business environment is what the people of Ontario expect from us. They do not expect across-the-board cuts that are going to reduce those services to people in North Bay and across the province. They do not expect that’s what their government will undertake, and that’s not what we’re going to do. We’ll constrain spending and we’ll deliver services.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Victor Fedeli: Premier, these non-answers are not exactly breeding confidence among the investment community. You haven’t been able to answer even the simplest question here today. Your forecast shows revenue up, yet the Bank of Canada says revenue will not be growing where you hoped. Your lack of a jobs plan can be blamed on that. Your forecast shows spending flattening, yet you’ve increased wages in eight out of 10 contracts that you’ve negotiated.

Premier, none of this is adding up. I ask you, please, one time, please tell us: How are you going to balance the budget when you’ve failed miserably on both sides of the formula? It’s a simple question, Premier.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Our deficit has continually come down. This is the fourth year in a row that we are achieving above our target, that we are outstripping our target, so I’m not exactly sure what the member opposite is referring to when says that we’re not on target; we are. We’re ahead of our target, and we are going to continue to behave in that prudent and constrained way.

At the same time, we believe that in order for the economy to thrive, we have to deal with the investments that are needed in order to support people, including, for example, the youth employment strategy that I think already has more than 2,400 young people who have been placed in positions. That’s the kind of investment and support that people need in order to be able to thrive.

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Member from Renfrew, come to order.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: We will continue to make those investments. The member opposite is part of a party that doesn’t believe in investment, including investment in infrastructure and transit. They would cut that.

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

Mr. Victor Fedeli: I’m very disturbed at the lack of answers today, particularly when this party has added $20 billion to our debt this year alone. We’re seeing more spin and absolutely no answers.

So, Speaker, let’s review: You can’t tell the markets how much debt you plan to issue this year. Revenues will not meet your forecast this year. You haven’t implemented the “fundamental spending reforms” that Don Drummond has called for.

How can anyone take this party seriously? How can anyone have any confidence in your plan or your numbers? So let’s try for the sixth time. Tell us, how do you plan on balancing the budget by 2017-18, or are you going to make that up, too?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I know that the member opposite is looking forward to the fall economic statement on Thursday, and we look forward to sharing that information with him.

Let’s review, as he has said: We have an economic plan to drive jobs and growth. Our deficit has continually come down. This is the fourth year in a row that we’re projecting to be ahead of the target. We’re ahead of the targets that we set. We’re the only government in Canada to achieve this. Last year, we had an improvement of $5 billion over our target. We’re taking a balanced approach—

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Member from Renfrew will come to order: second time.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: —and we have implemented 60% of what Don Drummond put in place, what he recommended to us, which is why our spending has been constrained, which is why we have been able to overachieve on our targets.

We will continue in that manner. We will be prudent and we will continue to make those investments that are necessary in order for this economy to thrive.

PENSION PLANS

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My question is for the Premier. As the Premier knows, a lot of Ontarians don’t know how they’ll make ends meet when it comes to the time to retire. This is a challenge that has been building for some time. Three years ago, I put a motion before the House calling on the government to get moving on a plan, and every single Liberal MPP in the House voted against it.

Can the Premier explain what the government plans to do now that they didn’t manage to do over the last decade in office?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Three years ago, on this side of the House, we were advocating for an enhancement to the CPP. Our Minister of Finance was leading that charge across the country. We continue to do that.

We’re not going to take lessons from the NDP on how to put that argument forward. We have been putting that argument forward. We continue to do that. I have said that in the absence of that progress, in the absence of a consensus across the country, we will develop a plan and know the ramifications of having an Ontario plan.

But our first choice is to have the federal government step up to its responsibility and work with the provinces and enhance the CPP so that people in this country will know what their retirement will be and they will have some security in that.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: I think people may be looking pretty cynically at the government’s latest promises, since they consist of a lot of talk, while people have been waiting years for some action. Over the last week, the government, in one way or another, has said they’re ready to get behind a private sector solution, a federal government solution or an Ontario solution. But every time, the details are sketchy.

Can the Premier give us any insights into how much she thinks people should be putting aside, what an adequate retirement income would look like and whether she prefers expanded public or private plans?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: First of all, I want to give credit to the finance ministers from across the country who met, under the leadership of Charles Sousa, our finance minister, to come to some agreement that we do need to make this argument to the federal government. I’m very pleased that the leader of the NDP, who has not mentioned this issue for a very long time—certainly, in none of the meetings that I had with her did she raise this as an issue. This has been a concern of mine from the time I came into this office. I raised it at the Council of the Federation.

It’s something that I think is extremely important, and we have been advocating for enhancement of the CPP for years. We will continue to do that. Our Minister of Finance is having some success across the country with the ministers of finance. We look forward to the leader of the NDP’s support on this file.

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

Ms. Andrea Horwath: People are getting more and more cynical about a government that’s scrambling to hold onto power with a lot of promises, a lot of panels and a lot of conversation while the problems they’ve ignored for 10 years still are not getting resolved. They don’t need endless conversations and empty Liberal promises. We know the Premier knows how to strike a panel, but when will things actually change for people?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I’m not sure exactly how the leader of the third party would suggest we get consensus on enhancement of the CPP across the country unless we talk about it with the other provinces, and that’s exactly what’s happening. We are having that discussion, and there is some traction that has been achieved. The ministers of finance met last week, and I believe that there is more consensus than there was before.

So that’s a very good thing. We’ve been advocating for this. This is our first choice: that the federal government work with the provinces and that we have an enhanced CPP across the country. I look forward to the leader of the third party working with us and working with her federal counterpart to make sure the opposition in Ottawa is singing from the same song book as she is.

AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My next question is also for the Premier. For people facing real challenges, the Liberal government offers a lot of talk but very little by way of results. A growing number of drivers are concerned that the Liberals are backtracking on commitments to bring down auto insurance rates.

Ellie from Windsor wrote, “[I] just got my insurance renewal. It went up $20. Note on first page about a new 2% charge for people on a payment plan.” If the government is saying rates are coming down, why are people still seeing increases and new charges on their bills?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: We’re not backing off on our commitment. We’ve been very clear that we are moving ahead. We’re working with the industry and we are making changes that in fact are bearing results. We know that the fraud within the system—the recommendations of the fraud task force need to be implemented. That’s what we’re doing.

As I have said to the leader of the third party many times, this is not a change that happens overnight. We have set a target of an 8% reduction in the first year, and we are working towards that. But it would be very helpful if the leader of the third party could make sure that she understands that it is across the province that this has to happen and it is the industry that has to take part. We are working with them, and we will see that change.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Families across Ontario are wondering if Liberal talk will actually apply to them and they’re wondering if they will actually see the savings that they were promised.

Robert from London wrote, “In September of this year (2013) they raised my car insurance by about 16% to 17%.... If there is a 15% reduction in car insurance rates anytime soon then it will be a [moot] point because they already raised it to cover the extra expenses.”

People are wondering if the Liberal government will keep its word. Can the Premier tell us whether rates for drivers like Robert will start coming down?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Again, I know that the leader of the third party understands that this is an across-the-board initiative. It means that, across the board, a 15% average deduction is what we are targeting. So I think it would be very helpful if the leader of the third party helped the people who call her to understand that and to understand exactly how it works, because I think oversimplifying the issue does not help individuals.

We have set a target of an 8% reduction in the first year. Already, FSCO reports that there has been a 0.7% reduction in the third quarter of 2013. The rates, on average, are going in the right direction. But as I say, oversimplifying the time that it takes to make a change like this and what the implications are for individual drivers is not helpful. We are on it; we are working; we will make that reduction across the board.

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

Ms. Andrea Horwath: I could tell the Premier that endlessly talking about a problem and never solving it just doesn’t cut it with the people either.

Peter in Mississauga says this: “[W]hen I got my auto insurance quote in August this year, I was really astonished when I saw my premium was increased almost 15%, not decreased! Up to date I haven’t got any ticket[s] or any car accidents for years.”

People like Peter and Robert and Ellie are watching their bills go up instead of going down. We’ve heard a lot of excuses from the Liberal government. When are people actually going to start seeing some results?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: As I have said, according to FSCO, auto insurance rates decreased by 0.7% in the third quarter of 2013. Overall, the direction is the right one. The anti-fraud task force is creating new licences for clinics and exploring further options. That rooting out of the fraud and making the changes that are going to bring those rates down takes time. It’s very important that we do it in such a way that we actually get the causes for the increases out of the system. That’s why we have set an 8% target for reduction in the first year.

I look forward to working with the leader of the third party. We both know this is an important issue. People need to see those reductions but they will be average reductions, so that means they will be reductions across the whole system.

CANCER TREATMENT

Mr. Ted Chudleigh: My question is to the Minister of Health. Minister, five days ago you joined this assembly in a standing ovation for Kimm Fletcher, a mother of two with brain cancer. Later, in a private meeting, you promised to review her file to investigate why she’s being denied OHIP coverage for the drug Avastin, a drug she so desperately needs.

Minister, it is now five days since you made that promise to Kimm. To put things in perspective, five days comes out to about 10% of her medically predicted life expectancy. On Kimm’s behalf, I ask if the minister has in fact reviewed the file.

Hon. Deborah Matthews: I can confirm that the Committee to Evaluate Drugs has twice done a formal and thorough review. In addition, in 2013, in response to another application, they did look again. They did determine that there is no new evidence.

I think it’s very important that everyone in this House acknowledges that we do have a protocol in place, a protocol that removes political interference from decisions around what drugs are funded and for whom.

Interjections.

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

Hon. Deborah Matthews: I’m sure the member opposite actually wants to hear the answer to this.

I would note that Health Canada—

Interjections.

Hon. Deborah Matthews: The heckling is unfortunate, I must say, Speaker. This is a very serious case.

It should be noted that Avastin for GBM currently has only a conditional notice of compliance from Health Canada because there are no data demonstrating an improvement in disease-related symptoms or increased survival with Avastin in the treatment of GBM.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Ted Chudleigh: Minister, Ontario is the only province in Canada with that system in place. This drug is in British Columbia, it’s in Alberta, it’s in Manitoba for this purpose.

Kimm doesn’t have the luxury of time. Time is slipping away from her. Her husband and her two children stand by helplessly, frustrated that a government which intervenes with over $1 billion for gas plants when it is politically expedient for its own survival refuses to intervene to assist Kimm in her survival.

Minister, I’ll be speaking with Kimm later today to give her an update on her file. Please tell me what I can tell her with respect to your efforts as Minister of Health for this province and what you can do on her behalf.

Hon. Deborah Matthews: As I have said, we have taken the politics out of determining what drugs are covered for what condition. I cannot interfere in a decision made by a panel of experts, both at the Health Canada level and at the Ontario Committee to Evaluate Drugs. It’s a transparent process. People can go online and determine where in the process the approval is at the Committee to Evaluate Drugs, and when a decision is made, it is online, publicly available—the rationale behind what decisions are made.

I would invite the member opposite to review the data on this, to review the research. I know that that is not what the member opposite wants to hear but we must, as stewards of the system, rely on experts to make determinations about what drugs will benefit what patients.

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE

Mr. Percy Hatfield: My question today is to the Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation. Good morning, Minister.

Last Friday, you announced you’d heard enough and were ordering the deficient girders removed from the Herb Gray Parkway. First let me say, on behalf of the residents in that area, thank you. It was the right thing to do.

However, there are other issues that need to be addressed. Mistakes were made; standards were not met; rules were ignored. As the member from Essex has already pointed out, this was a complete failure of oversight and quality control by this government.

Can the minister assure the public today that cost overruns will not have the people of Ontario footing the bill because of this unmitigated fiasco?

Hon. Glen R. Murray: Good morning to the member from Windsor–Tecumseh. I thank him for the civility that he’s bringing to this House.

Mr. Speaker, this wasn’t a disaster at all. Let’s just review the important facts of this.

One, all of the girders are coming out, as a result of independent testing. That is going to cost the taxpayers absolutely nothing—zero.

I know that members opposite—

Interjection.

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

Laughter.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Well, it may be funny, but you’ll be laughing somewhere else.

Hon. Glen R. Murray: The way the government designed the contract assigned all risk allocation.

The Premier has asked me and other ministers to get on top of files. If we’re cancelling projects, it should be done early. If we’re making adjustments, we should be the aggressive watchdogs of capital projects. This is a government that learns from its mistakes, and this is an example of that learning.

Minor delays—as a matter of fact, we will be advancing the local road projects to reconnect communities even ahead of schedule. It will come in on budget. It will be entirely safe and meet engineering standards, and the risk and costs go to Project Co, not the people of Ontario.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Percy Hatfield: The minister can talk about aggressive watchdogs. The facts are that we learned of this massive screw-up because of a whistle-blower. The government was forced to take action because of the public outcry.

There are a number of other P3 projects under way in this province, and the frightening thing is, the system of oversight is the same on those projects as on the Herb Gray Parkway, meaning there is none.

Will the minister—will this government—admit that contracting out billion-dollar privatized projects to foreign construction firms without oversight just doesn’t work, and saying that taxpayers won’t be on the hook for these overruns won’t work without government oversight either?

Hon. Glen R. Murray: There was, sadly, when this was going on, no public outcry; that was the point. It was actually my colleague the member from Windsor West, the Minister of Children and Youth Services, who approached me early on after I was appointed and advised me that there were concerns she was hearing about, and I held meetings with key people in the Windsor area.

What is surprising, Mr. Speaker, is that even his party and the opposition never raised this issue in the last 18 months. If this was a known problem, then how could a party with so many seats in that area not be raising those questions?

I’ve given credit to the member from Windsor–Tecumseh because it was only since he was elected—and my colleague from Windsor West actually raised this issue. As soon as we became aware of it, we acted aggressively to resolve it, to resolve the safety standards, to ensure that this project—and we have successfully advocated for the bridge to be built, which will now be attached. This is one of the best things to happen in Windsor in many years.

CO-OPERATIVE HOUSING

Mrs. Laura Albanese: My question is for the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The first co-operative housing building in the city of Toronto was established in my riding of York South–Weston, a residence called Beech Hall. It was a real innovative model at that time, and the residents of what is known today as the Beech Hall Housing Co-operative successfully fought off a city bid to turn the residence into a high-rise. There’s even a great documentary that can be watched on this. It’s called The Battle of Beech Hall, and it depicts the struggle of the residents.

Since then, many more co-op homes have been built in my riding and across the province. These homes play an important role in affordable housing, and there are certain ridings, such as mine, where they are important to a great number of people. But for years co-ops were treated differently from rental housing, forcing co-ops to go through a complex and expensive dispute resolution process.

Mr. Speaker, through you to the minister: Our government has reduced the cost of this process across the province. Could the minister explain what changes have taken place?

Hon. Linda Jeffrey: I want to thank my colleague for this timely question and for her continued advocacy, obviously, for the people of Beech Hall and the residents of co-operative housing in general.

As we all know, co-op housing plays an important and very necessary role in providing affordable housing to Ontarians. That’s why our government worked recently with our co-operative housing partners to come up with a streamlined, less costly, less time-consuming process for dispute resolution.

As you’ll recall, our changes to Bill 14 helped co-operatives across the province, from Beech Hall in York South–Weston to Falls Place, a co-op in Niagara Falls, which no longer have to go through a six-month process that can cost upwards of $5,000, preventing co-ops from investing in necessary maintenance or upgrades such as playgrounds. It also ensures that co-ops and their members are able to access the same protections and benefits that have been available to landlords and tenants, such as mediation.

Our government will continue to invest in safe and affordable housing for all Ontarians so that they can put their skills to work and continue to build in the growth of our economy.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mrs. Laura Albanese: Thank you to the minister for that answer. However, Beech Hall and other co-ops today are experiencing a crisis, in Beech Hall’s case, a crisis they haven’t seen the likes of since the 1970s, when the Toronto borough of York decided to phase out this complex in favour of a new development.

The federal government has provided assistance to co-ops and other housing providers through programs started in the 1970s and the 1980s. Unfortunately, these agreements are expiring and we are quickly approaching the day when most of these contracts will end. And though our government has committed $3 billion in affordable housing funding, communities across Ontario need predictable funding for affordable housing from all three levels of government.

Mr. Speaker, through you to the minister: Could she please explain to the House what our government is doing to ensure that we have a strong long-term partner in the federal government so that Ontario’s co-ops can have the predictable funding that they need?

Hon. Linda Jeffrey: Thank you to the member for the question. Investing in affordable housing, such as co-ops, we all know pays dividends long down the road in creating jobs for Ontarians while continuing to provide housing for Ontario’s most vulnerable for decades to come.

But protecting our societal responsibility for the vulnerable takes all three levels of government to make it work. We need to work co-operatively. A few months ago I listened very intently to what the federal government said in their throne speech to hear about their future plans for affordable housing across Canada. The federal government announced its intention to work on a renewed homeless partnering strategy. That’s good news and I was pleased to hear that, but I remain worried in their commitment over the long term. It looks like their commitment to affordable housing will evaporate over the next 20 years.

That’s why I urge our federal partners to come back to the table to ensure that Ontario and all provinces across Canada have long-term, sustainable funding so that we can make the necessary investments that Canadians and Ontarians expect.

AGRI-FOOD INDUSTRY

Mr. Ernie Hardeman: My question is to the Minister of Agriculture and Food. Premier, because your government has spent Ontario into a fiscal mess, you said you needed to put a cap on our Risk Management Program, the insurance program that our farmers depend on. This year farmers in need are seeing the negative impact. How do you explain to these farmers that there’s no more money to help them, but you were able to find enough money to increase salaries and benefits at OMAFRA by more than 4%?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I have worked very closely with representatives from the agriculture industry, with individual farmers, and we have really made huge advancements in terms of the risk management programs that are in place. I would look at the corn-fed-beef ledger that my predecessor worked on with the sector. Producers are very, very pleased with the opportunity to have that kind of security in the system.

They’re also very pleased—and I know that the member opposite is aware of the Open for Business table that we’ve got in place. They’re very pleased at the movement on regulations and the changes that we’ve put in place to allow the agri-food business to flourish. So I think we’re seeing a lot of successes, both in the stability of the risk management programs and in the opening up of the regulatory process so that businesses can thrive.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Ernie Hardeman: Premier, we need to get Ontario’s finances back on track so that we can afford to provide the services Ontarians rely on, like health care, education and, for our farmers, insurance programs.

The Minister of Finance said, “We can’t manage the deficit without addressing what is the single biggest line in our budget—public sector compensation.” You claim you have a wage freeze, but the ministry under your direct control is increasing wages and benefits by more than $3.6 million. To me, a wage freeze doesn’t mean a 4% increase in salaries.

Premier, on November 7, will you commit to tabling a real plan to address Ontario’s financing, including a real wage freeze, or do you think it’s okay for farmers to continue to suffer because of your government’s fiscal mismanagement?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Mr. Speaker, I’m not sure exactly whether the member opposite is really concerned about the well-being of farmers in the province or whether he’s just taking a political shot. The fact is, we have worked with the sector. Ontario and Quebec are the only provinces to establish a provincial program to supplement what is available to farmers through the federal Business Risk Management Program. We have worked to put in place programs in this province that supplement what they get from the federal government, and in fact we’ve done that in collaboration with the sector. So I hope that the member opposite will sit down with us.

If he’d like a review of all of the programs that we’ve put in place, that we have negotiated and collaborated with the sector on, I’m happy to give him that.

On February 20, I met with some of the community leaders. I heard from them the overwhelming support for the process that we put in place to put these programs in place. So I look forward to working—

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

PAN AM GAMES

Mr. Paul Miller: My question is to the minister responsible for the 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games. The scope and responsibility for security for the Pan/Parapan American Games has been less than clear. The minister has refused to answer even the most basic questions, either demonstrating an enormous lack of knowledge or a frightening focus on secrecy.

Speaker, will the minister agree to provide MPPs with all records and set out the security structure and costs, as well as the plan by which offices and officials will decide how security is carried out before, during and after the TO2015 Pan/Parapan American Games?

Hon. Michael Chan: I’m pleased to answer the question from the member opposite. Speaker, the Pan and Parapan American Games is a huge undertaking by the province, and, come 2015, 41 countries and their competitors will be in Ontario. The Pan Am Games has also a large footprint involving 14 municipalities.

Of course, we’re committed to making sure that people visiting this country will be safe and, domestically, our people are also safe. The safety of athletes, coaches, officials, visitors and the general public is a critical element in the planning of the 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games. We are prepared to take any measures necessary to ensure the safety of our citizens. We will not take risks with people’s safety.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Paul Miller: I’m not quite sure I got an answer there.

As MPPs in Ontario, we want to assure our constituents that the problems that occurred during the G20 don’t happen again. We need to know the law enforcement organizations involved, who is leading the process and how any security problems will be handled, so that there is proper treatment of citizens, Pan Am participants and law enforcement personnel.

Speaker, will this minister share the basic security information so that transparency is preserved and problems are prevented?

Hon. Michael Chan: Thank you again for the question. Security planning for the Pan and Parapan American Games began in October 2010. It is crucial to the success of the games.

The process is being led by the integrated security unit under the management of the Ontario Provincial Police. The ISU is comprised of a team of law enforcement and security experts from each municipality hosting a games venue.

The ISU is working in coordination with federal security departments to promote the safety and security of these games. The ISU and Toronto 2015 continue to work together on games delivery plans with a view to managing security costs and risk.

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

Ms. Helena Jaczek: My question is for the Minister of Research and Innovation. Ontario is recognized for its well-regarded academic and research institutions and their ability to collaborate with industry. Fostering collaboration is important to our competitive advantage in the global economy. We need to continue to create the right conditions that will lead to innovative breakthroughs that attract investment and create jobs for Ontarians.

To help translate Ontario’s research strengths into strong innovation and commercialization activity, businesses must be able to access the valuable knowledge and expertise available in Ontario’s research institutions.

Mr. Speaker, through you to the Minister of Research and Innovation, what steps has the government taken to facilitate knowledge mobilization between industry and academic institutions?

Hon. Reza Moridi: I would like to thank the member from Oak Ridges–Markham for that very important question. Our government recognizes the importance of strong relationships between our academic and research institutions and industry. That’s why our government has created the Collaboration Voucher program. This program provides redeemable credits to small and medium-sized enterprises for services and resources from universities, colleges and research hospitals.

Just last week, I announced the latest initiative between the Ontario Centres of Excellence, which runs the voucher program, and the Quebec Consortium for Drug Discovery. The $3-million interprovincial research and development challenge will provide an opportunity for Ontario organizations to work with industry organizations in Quebec to promote research and innovation in new methods and discoveries.

We are proud of our government’s initiative for fostering research and innovation, collaboration and also mobilization of knowledge in Ontario.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Helena Jaczek: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Minister. I’m happy to hear of the initiatives our government is undertaking to create stronger collaboration between innovative businesses, industry and academic institutions.

In York region, regional innovation centres like ventureLAB have played a vital role in providing services that connect and mentor entrepreneurs who want to start or grow their global enterprises. International research collaboration is a core component of research activity, as collaboration provides opportunities to move further and faster by working with other leading people in their field.

Although Ontario’s research community is the strongest in Canada and one of the largest in North America, it faces fierce competition from developing economies that are ramping up their research investments.

Mr. Speaker, through you to the Minister of Research and Innovation, can you please let us know what international partnerships and collaborations our government has undertaken to promote research?

Hon. Reza Moridi: I want to thank, again, the member from Oak Ridges–Markham for that question. Our government understands the importance of international collaboration to build bridges with our international partners in order for Ontario to remain competitive on the world stage. Ontario has several active memoranda of understanding that focus on promoting research and innovation and collaboration with other jurisdictions.

We have a strong working relationship with many developed and developing countries around the world, including India, China, Israel and Singapore, among many others. International agreements will help our research institutions to collaborate with scientists and researchers in other countries in order to benefit our researchers in Ontario as well and help us to grow our economy. Our government is strengthening its relationships with international partners to create innovative research solutions to common research interests and concerns.

ACCESS TO INFORMATION

Mr. Monte McNaughton: My question this morning is to the Premier. Premier, last week I spoke to you about passing Bill 69, prompt payment legislation, an important bill. This morning, I’d like to speak with you about another important reform in the labour file and something that the majority of Ontario residents are asking for: transparency and accountability.

Last week, through Quebec’s Charbonneau Commission, we learned of union dues being used to rebuild a biker strip club, false expense claims totalling more than $4,000 for a single union executive member and, of course, plenty of connections between union bosses and organized crime.

Premier, what are you doing to ensure Ontario union dues are being used in a transparent and accountable manner and not being misspent and misappropriated?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Minister of Labour.

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: I appreciate the member opposite asking the question. He’s obviously talking about facts that are being discussed in Quebec and in other provinces. There is no such evidence of any such activity in our province.

But I think what’s hidden behind the question that the member opposite has proposed going forward is their constant attack on organized trade unions in our province, their ongoing effort to bring everybody in Ontario down to make sure that the wages of hard-working Ontarians get lower and lower as opposed to making sure that we’re all reaching for the top and ensuring that everybody’s working together and our workplaces have health and safety for every single worker, unionized and non-unionized.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Monte McNaughton: Back to the Premier: Here in Ontario, we have seen our share of interesting union causes as well. We have seen public sector unions using hard-earned dues to pay for anti-bottled-water campaigns, to fund student protests in Quebec, to support anti-Israel campaigns and to fund G20 protestors here in Toronto. This explains why public sector union bosses have fought so hard against any disclosure law that their own membership supports in droves.

In a recent survey done by Leger Marketing, 83% of Canadians agreed that unions should be required to disclose detailed financial information on a regular basis.

Premier, we know that you take your counsel from one union boss in the province of Ontario: That’s Pat Dillon and the Working Families coalition. Are you willing to side with ordinary Ontario residents and move forward by requiring public sector unions to be open and transparent as to where and how they’re spending their own members’ dues?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Be seated, please. Thank you.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): No. Stop. I didn’t ask you to be seated to get quiet only to start heckling again. Stop, please.

Minister.

Hon. Yasir Naqvi: I’m really having a hard time believing that in 2013 we’re getting a question like that from the opposition party, Speaker.

On this side of the House, we absolutely reject any notion about right to work for less. I know this is unfortunately the position of the official opposition. We believe that unions have an important role to play in our economy. They work hard towards ensuring that the wages of all workers go up.

We have seen the result of right-to-work-for-less types of policies in the United States. They create huge inequalities when it comes to lowering wages and benefits for both unionized and non-unionized workers. On top of this, the kind of policy the member opposite is proposing is going to result in more economic uncertainty in our province, and less investors will be interested in investing in the economy. We reject that.

HORSE RACING INDUSTRY

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My question is for the Premier. This past weekend, the Premier’s spokesperson not only insisted that the Fort Erie Race Track didn’t have a future, but also tried to rewrite its past. “For the vast majority of the Fort Erie Race Track’s existence, it ran as a festival meet,” he said.

Now, this government’s attitude is a slap in the face to all those horsemen and women, like the families who joined me here last week, who for decades have made that track what it is today.

Why is this government destroying the horse racing industry in Fort Erie while favouring the interests of big, for-profit racetracks at Woodbine?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I guess I would ask the leader of the third party why she’s advancing a notion of bad public policy that was unaccountable, was not transparent and was not working, in terms of good expenditure of public dollars. I would ask her what her plan would be to put in place a transparent, accountable plan.

We have one, Mr. Speaker. We worked with Elmer Buchanan and with John Snobelen and with John Wilkinson. They put recommendations forward. We’re investing $400 million over five years to put a sustainable horse racing industry in place, and that can include Fort Erie. Fort Erie will need to work with the Ontario Racing Commission to determine what its future will be.

My hope is that the leader of the third party, and all of her members who are so concerned about this, will be giving advice to the folks at Fort Erie that they would work with the Ontario Racing Commission. That’s certainly what we’re saying to the folks at Fort Erie.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: What we don’t understand over here is why the Liberal government would throw out the baby with the bathwater and favour private sector solutions, throwing tens of thousands of people in rural Ontario out of work in their closing of the Slots at Racetracks Program.

The Premier talks about there being a future for Fort Erie, but then she turns around and undermines that very future—what the entire community has worked for in terms of a future—while at the same time rolling out the red carpet for private casinos in communities that don’t even want them and, at the same time, sending Fort Erie’s race days over to Woodbine, a for-profit track.

The government has already admitted that the OLG privatization was a mistake. Why is the Premier favouring for-profit racetracks at the expense of an entire horse racing industry in Fort Erie?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Again, I will say that I understand the politics of what the leader of the third party is doing. I understand the politics that overlay her questions about Fort Erie, but what we have done is we have taken advice from knowledgeable people who worked across the system, across the province. We talked to thousands of people in the horse racing industry. We’re putting a plan in place.

The politics notwithstanding, we believe that having good policy in place is important. That includes Fort Erie. It includes the opportunity for Fort Erie to work with the Ontario Racing Commission and put in place a plan that will make it sustainable into the future.

What our plan does is link the future of horse racing to a renewed focus on the customers, not total dependence on the slots. I’ve said, at the same time, that integrating horse racing with gaming across the province is the way to sustainability.

That’s what we’re doing. Politics notwithstanding, Fort Erie can work with the Ontario Racing Commission, and my hope is that they will have a future.

AGRI-FOOD INDUSTRY

Mr. John Fraser: Through you, Mr. Speaker, to the Premier in her role as the Minister of Agriculture and Food: I know that in the past Open for Business has been a forum for food businesses to discuss such regulations as meat regulations with government. Across Ottawa and eastern Ontario, we have businesses that have been affected by the government’s rules around meat handling, and I know that this issue is important to the sector.

I understand that it has been brought to the table for discussion at previous Open for Business meetings and that you had another meeting just last week. Can the minister update the House on the progress made on this issue at your most recent Open for Business meeting?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I want to thank the member from Ottawa South for his question. I was really pleased at last week’s Open for Business meeting to be able to hear from the sector how positive they are about the changes that are being made, particularly to the meat inspection regulations. The changes we’ve made will create a more flexible and outcome-based approach to compliance. They’ll clarify regulatory requirements and promote competitiveness and innovation for the industry, without compromising food safety or cutting regulation arbitrarily.

That’s really important, that people understand that this isn’t just about making a political decision to cut regulation. This is about looking at what is really going to work to allow the industry to function and to keep food safety in place. These changes come into effect on January 1.

Another area we’ve discussed at the table is regulations for biodigesters. This has come up. We are going to work to make changes to improve the economics of operating anaerobic digestive systems. Those are the kinds of partnerships that we want to support going forward.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. John Fraser: It’s great to hear that progress is being made by working together with the agri-food sector.

As a follow-up to the Minister of Agriculture and Food: My constituents consistently tell me that access to locally produced and processed food is a priority for them. In fact, like many urban MPPs, many of the Ottawa caucus’s constituents work in the agri-food sector, like in the food processing, retail and wholesale sectors, and I know it is important for them that the industry continues to grow and thrive.

Could the minister please tell this House: How does the Open for Business forum benefit the agri-food sector?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I want to just say that recently I challenged the agri-food industry to double its growth rate and to create more than 120,000 new jobs by 2020. The only way that can happen is if government and the industry work in partnership.

If I go back to the previous question, about the comments I was making on anaerobic digesters, for example, the kinds of regulations that increase approval time and costs are the kinds of things we need to look at, because if the industry is going to be able to expand, we need to make sure that we are being as efficient as possible while, as I say, keeping food safety processes in place.

That’s the kind of partnership that the Open for Business table has created. We are making progress; people were very positive. We’ve brought together the whole sector, food processors and producers, which means that we’re getting all sides of the story as we make these decisions. It’s a very good process, and I want to continue to work in partnership with the industry.

ELGIN-MIDDLESEX

DETENTION CENTRE

Mr. Jeff Yurek: My question is for the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services. Minister, on Friday morning the correctional officers at the Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre found an inmate dead in the showers. The 29-year-old from Sarnia was beaten beyond recognition. He was only there to serve 163 days for a non-violent crime. The latest death is one more indication of the problems at EMDC. These problems are systemic and I’ve been warning you to take action for two years now. Minister, in light of this recent death, what are you doing to ensure the safety of inmates, correctional officers and other front-line workers at EMDC?

Hon. Madeleine Meilleur: First of all, I want to send my condolences to the family and friends of the individual. The incident of course is under investigation by the police, the coroner’s office and also my ministry.

The health and safety of the inmates in our correctional facilities is my number one priority. That’s why we introduced a 12-point plan last year to address the concerns at EMDC. I’m committed to continue to work with the management and the union at EMDC to improve the situation.

Let me tell you of the substantive progress we have made since. We have installed 350 security cameras, we have a new control model, we have six metal detectors and we have an X-ray machine for baggage. In the supplementary, I will continue to tell you what we have done.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary.

Mr. Jeff Yurek: Minister, if your solutions had worked, that inmate would still be alive today. You should also include in your number one priority the correctional officers and also the front-line workers working at that jail.

Minister, since you’ve taken over this file, you’ve let the conditions at EMDC get progressively worse. Your inaction threatens the safety of correctional officers, inmates and front-line workers. I know the ministers across the floor enjoy the part of their job where they get to be nice and have great photo ops. However, the true test of leadership, Minister, is how you deal with and manage problems.

The problems at EMDC are systemic and I have drawn attention to them time and time again in this chamber. Following the last inquest, into a death that occurred in 2009, the ministry didn’t act until I was elected and put pressure on you to do so. It makes me think your ministry does not act unless I tell you to do so. Minister, do I constantly have to hold your hand in order for you to do your job?

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Be seated, please. Be seated, please. Thank you. Minister?

Hon. Madeleine Meilleur: What we have done also: We have hired 11 additional full-time correctional officers, we have three new sergeants, we have one additional mental health nurse and we now have 24-hour nursing.

Mr. Speaker, I’m not going to take advice from that party that made a mess of the correctional services when they were in power. They closed jails like you wouldn’t believe. We have now no room for programs, and rehabilitation was not their number one priority. We know that their cousins at the federal level are the same: “We put more people in jail longer. We leave them there longer and no rehabilitation.” It’s not what we’re going to do. I’m going to transform that sector of my responsibility. Thank you very much.

ELGIN-MIDDLESEX

DETENTION CENTRE

Ms. Peggy Sattler: My question is also to the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services. I’m going to try this again: Adam Harvey Kargus is the fourth inmate to die in four years at Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre, a facility that has been plagued with design flaws, overcrowding and understaffing. Can the minister assure us that there were enough correctional officers on duty the night of this tragic fatality?

Hon. Madeleine Meilleur: Mr. Speaker, as I said, the safety of our inmates and our correctional officers is my number one priority. I’ve been working with management and with the union to make sure that we will improve this situation. The day of the incident, the EMDC capacity was 410, and there were 389 inmates in the facility.

As I said, our responsibilities are safety and security. I’m going to repeat what we have done: We have hired more staff. We now have 24-hour nursing there and we have one mental health nurse who was not there before. We have 11 additional full-time correctional officers.

I’ll continue to work with both the union and management to make sure that we have a safe correctional facility in London-Middlesex.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Peggy Sattler: It has been months since we’ve been raising these issues, and the situation really has yet to improve. Inquests have called for increased staffing levels, yet the ministry has done nothing. The ministry committed to set up an EMDC advisory board last year, and we’re still waiting for that to happen. The upgrades that have been made to EMDC do not take into account the structural layout of the facility and the need for more direct supervision of inmates. What will it take for the ministry to do its duty and improve the standards at EMDC?

Hon. Madeleine Meilleur: I’m going to repeat again: We now have 350 security cameras that were installed. We have a new control module. We have six metal detectors. We have a baggage X-ray machine. We have more correctional officers. We will continue to improve the situation in the Elgin-Middlesex correctional facility, and this will be done.

Despite the best efforts, violence is a reality for correctional facilities everywhere, but with all of these improvements we hope that the situation will continue to improve.

DEFERRED VOTES

SUPPORTING SMALL

BUSINESSES ACT, 2013 /

LOI DE 2013 VISANT À SOUTENIR

LES PETITES ENTREPRISES

Deferred vote on the motion for second reading of the following bill:

Bill 105,

An Act to amend the Employer Health Tax Act / Projet de loi 105, Loi modifiant la

Loi sur l’impôt-santé des employeurs.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Call in the members. This will be a five-minute bell.

The division bells rang from 1142 to 1147.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): On October 2, 2013, Mr. Leal moved second reading of Bill 105.

All those in favour, please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

Ayes

Albanese, Laura

Armstrong, Teresa J.

Arnott, Ted

Bailey, Robert

Barrett, Toby

Bartolucci, Rick

Bradley, James J.

Cansfield, Donna H.

Chan, Michael

Chiarelli, Bob

Chudleigh, Ted

Colle, Mike

Coteau, Michael

Crack, Grant

Damerla, Dipika

Delaney, Bob

Dhillon, Vic

Duguid, Brad

Dunlop, Garfield

Elliott, Christine

Fedeli, Victor

Fife, Catherine

Forster, Cindy

Fraser, John

Gerretsen, John

Gélinas, France

Gravelle, Michael

Hardeman, Ernie

Harris, Michael

Hatfield, Percy

Holyday, Douglas C.

Horwath, Andrea

Hoskins, Eric

Hunter, Mitzie

Jackson, Rod

Jaczek, Helena

Jeffrey, Linda

Jones, Sylvia

Klees, Frank

Kwinter, Monte

Leal, Jeff

MacCharles, Tracy

MacLaren, Jack

MacLeod, Lisa

Mangat, Amrit

Mantha, Michael

Marchese, Rosario

Matthews, Deborah

McDonell, Jim

McMeekin, Ted

McNaughton, Monte

McNeely, Phil

Meilleur, Madeleine

Miller, Norm

Miller, Paul

Milligan, Rob E.

Milloy, John

Moridi, Reza

Munro, Julia

Murray, Glen R.

Naqvi, Yasir

Natyshak, Taras

Nicholls, Rick

O’Toole, John

Orazietti, David

Piruzza, Teresa

Prue, Michael

Sandals, Liz

Sattler, Peggy

Schein, Jonah

Scott, Laurie

Sergio, Mario

Shurman, Peter

Singh, Jagmeet

Smith, Todd

Tabuns, Peter

Taylor, Monique

Thompson, Lisa M.

Vanthof, John

Walker, Bill

Wilson, Jim

Wong, Soo

Wynne, Kathleen O.

Yakabuski, John

Yurek, Jeff

Zimmer, David

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): All those opposed, please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

The Clerk of the Assembly (Ms. Deborah Deller): The ayes are 86; the nays are 0.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): I declare the motion carried.

Second reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Shall the bill be ordered for third reading?

Hon. John Milloy: Mr. Speaker, I would ask that the bill be referred to the Standing Committee on General Government.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): So ordered.

VISITORS

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Durham on a point of order.

Mr. John O’Toole: I’d like to introduce two guests to the members of the Legislature: David Smith and Bob Simpson. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Kitchener–Waterloo on a point of order.

Ms. Catherine Fife: Mr. Speaker, I’d like to welcome my good friend Kim Beggs to the House today.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): There are no further deferred votes. This House stands adjourned until 1 p.m.

The House recessed from 1151 to 1300.

INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS

Mrs. Christine Elliott: I’d like to introduce members of the Ontario Lung Association, who are joining us in the gallery today: Andrea Stevens Lavigne, Peter Glazier, Sherry Zarins, Lindsey Robins, Kait Wallace, Alexandra Jackson and John Chenery. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Welcome.

Mr. John O’Toole: I’d also like to recognize members of the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies, specifically from the Durham branch: Wanda Secord and Lisa Sarsfield. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

LUNG HEALTH

Mrs. Christine Elliott: The month of November marks lung health month.

The Ontario Lung Association is a leader in the prevention and control of chronic lung disease and asthma, and promotes tobacco cessation and prevention, as well as air quality and its overall effect on lung health. The association also works to educate and support people with lung disease in Ontario.

Through generous donations, the Ontario Lung Association has been able to invest over $27 million into lung health research.

It’s estimated that 2.4 million Ontarians currently live with a serious lung disease, and studies show that that number will rise to 3.6 million people in the next 30 years.

The association has put forward a series of initiatives that create a comprehensive Ontario lung health action plan. The ideas include:

—issues around smoking cessation;

—a comprehensive primary care model which will involve managing asthma and COPD with care and education;

—accurate diagnosis through spirometry for early screening for COPD; and

—pulmonary rehabilitation, improving quality of life after a COPD diagnosis.

The Lung Association has asked the government for $112 million to write a lung health action plan as well as $21 million to implement their plan.

These are all very sensible solutions, Mr. Speaker. I would urge the government to work to enact such a plan, which is going to help prevent lung disease, improve patient outcomes and make effective use of our health care dollars.

Thank you to the members of the association for being here today.

CITY OF TORONTO

Mr. Jonah Schein: Over recent days, I’ve heard from many constituents in Davenport about their profound disappointment and frustration with the news coming from Toronto city hall. Recent events at city hall threaten to divide our city. They distract us from the real challenges that we face. They obscure the values that we share in common and our potential to face these challenges when we work together.

We’re lucky, in Davenport, to have real city builders like Alejandra Bravo and Dave Meslin, who are dedicated to deepening civic engagement in our community and across the city. For years, these two have worked to support Torontonians from diverse backgrounds to get involved in politics, to vote, to work on campaigns, to run for political office and to meet the challenge of building a great city.

Recently, Alejandra has championed the I Vote Toronto campaign to give permanent residents the vote in municipal elections. This campaign enfranchises newcomers to Canada and encourages them to get involved in our local communities and to have a say in our city. This reform would increase voter participation and strengthen our democracy.

Dave continues to champion the ranked-ballot initiative. It’s a campaign for Toronto that would allow our city to use a ranked ballot for municipal elections. Dave argues that a ranked ballot would discourage negative campaigning, would encourage more candidates to come forward and get involved, would provide more choices for voters and ensure majority support for elected councillors and mayors.

Both of these initiatives speak to more positive and inclusive politics that encourages more people to get involved in building our city together.

I want to celebrate these two residents of Davenport and thank them for their leadership.

I encourage everyone in Toronto to keep the faith, to support these important campaigns and recommit to making this a better city.

DIWALI

Mrs. Amrit Mangat: This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend many Diwali celebrations; in particular, two with our Premier, the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, hosted by the Canadian Museum of Hindu Civilization and by the Malton gurdwara, and in my riding of Mississauga–Brampton South, at the Dixie gurdwara and the Ram Mandir.

Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time to express our gratitude for what we have achieved in the past year and to rekindle the spirit of hope—hope for a better and brighter future.

Diwali is celebrated all over the world by different communities for different reasons. Diwali personifies friendship, future prosperity and hope.

Mr. Speaker, Diwali is also a reminder of how fortunate we are with so much diversity in our province. It not only enriches us socially, culturally and economically; it also connects us globally. Diversity, indeed, is a source of great strength and pride, in which our government firmly believes.

HAYTER GROUP

Mr. Monte McNaughton: It’s a pleasure to rise today to recognize the Hayter Group on recently being awarded the Better Business Bureau of Western Ontario’s Integrity Award. For 16 years, these awards have recognized businesses throughout southwestern Ontario that have received significant praise by customers, employees and within the community.

Founded in Alvinston in 1952, and now with branches in Chatham and Cambridge, the Hayter Group is a family business that has offered reliable plumbing, heating, geothermal and solar panel service to rural markets in our communities. The Hayter Group was one of the first geothermal installers in Ontario and has now installed over 1,500 kilometres of geothermal piping across our region.

I would like to offer congratulations to the Hayter Group for their great service to our community and on being awarded the Integrity Award from the Better Business Bureau of Western Ontario. Thank you to them for all they do in giving back to our communities, and, once again, congratulations.

ANNIVERSARY OF SIKH MASSACRE

Mr. Jagmeet Singh: I rise to extend my sympathies on the 29th anniversary of the November 1984 Sikh genocide that targeted Sikh men, women and children across India—and many other parts of the capital city and the region.

What makes the November 1984 Sikh genocide so fundamentally heinous was that, under the guise of a communal Hindu-Sikh conflict, it was actually democratically elected officials from the Congress Party of India who facilitated these attacks.

These attempts to create disharmony are simply unacceptable. That is why we must remember and thank members of the Hindu, Muslim, Christian and other communities who, at grave risk to themselves, provided protection and refuge to their Sikh brothers and sisters.

The former Chief Justice of the Indian Supreme Court and author of the Nanavati Commission report stated that the killings of Sikhs were planned and organized. Human rights organizations have also reported that voter lists were used to identify and target Sikh businesses and homes, and that children were found beheaded in the aftermath of those horrendous days.

As we reflect on and remember these atrocities, let us categorically denounce a world where democratic tools are so severely undermined that voter lists become tools for genocide.

On the path to reconciliation, we must continue to pursue truth and justice. And we must prioritize the victims as they heal from these traumatic events. These are the obligations of a democratic state—to stand for the universal human rights of all people. Lest we forget.

CHILDREN AT RISK

Mr. Phil McNeely: October was Autism Awareness Month. I’m pleased to rise again in recognition of the Ottawa organization Children at Risk and their efforts to raise funds and awareness for autistic children.

The October 26 weekend marked another successful Annual Celebrity Carved Pumpkin Auction fundraiser. Each year, over 100 pumpkins are transformed into jack-o’-lanterns and are presented throughout the city of Ottawa at local malls. For this contest, various news, radio, TV, athletic, business and political personalities participate in crafting a pumpkin and donating a prize to be bid on.

To date, the event has raised over $93,000. This year’s total was an impressive $11,270.

I was pleased to participate with my own submission, made by my crafty assistant, Nathalie Montpetit. I want to also congratulate other MPPs who took

part in the “carving for the cause”: the Honourable Yasir Naqvi, the Honourable Bob Chiarelli and Nepean–Carleton MPP Lisa MacLeod.

All proceeds go to community-based projects such as summer camps, family support groups, information seminars and educational workshops.

Without organizations like Children at Risk, many autistic children would not receive the special care they need to reach their full potential. For 34 years, Children at Risk has been helping autistic children and their families in the Ottawa region, and I applaud their ongoing work.

Congratulations to president Paul Lacroix and his team for another successfully run carved pumpkin contest.

MURRAY CARDIFF

Ms. Lisa M. Thompson: Today, I’d like to follow up on the announcement I shared with the assembly on Thursday afternoon regarding the passing of Murray Cardiff, a farmer, a gentleman, a guy who was proud to call Brussels in the riding of Huron–Bruce home, as well as a respected former federal member of the PC Party of Canada.

Mr. Cardiff was a family friend and a mentor, and I’m honoured to stand here on behalf of the PC Party to honour his memory today.

Murray Cardiff passed away on Thursday, October 31 at Listowel Memorial Hospital in his 80th year.

Murray was born on June 10, 1934, on his family farm in Grey township. Mr. Cardiff was a farmer by chosen career and, as such, he understood the concerns of his Huron–Bruce constituents very well.

Murray was the beloved husband of Betty for 55 years, and he was the loving father of Jeff and Cathy, Joan, Scott and Kendra and the proud grandpa of Emily, Matthew, Blake and Tanner.

Murray Cardiff was first elected to the House of Commons in 1980, and he served his riding so amazingly well from 1980 to 1993. He was a tireless advocate for Ontario’s agri-food sector.

On behalf of the PC Party, I want to offer my sincere condolences. We will miss Murray, his sage advice, his keen sense of conservative fiscal responsibility and his ability to rally the troops. I take comfort in believing, and I hope his family does as well, that Murray has been warmly welcomed by his colleagues and members of the affiliated Huron–Bruce provincial riding association, which can be found beyond the sunset. All is well.

RENÉ LALONDE

M. John Fraser: C’est un honneur et un privilège d’avoir la chance de prendre la parole aujourd’hui et de dire quelques mots au sujet de mon très bon ami, René Lalonde.

René Lalonde was born in Curran, Ontario, on September 11, 1923, and was one of 14 children. In February 1943, he enlisted in the army and became a tank driver. On Friday, October 13, 1944, while serving in Rimini, Italy, he stepped on a mine and lost his leg.

René and his wife, Marrianne, were married in 1951 and had three children: Micheline, Louis Philippe and Isabelle. René and Marrianne celebrate their 62nd anniversary this year. René has been a businessman, a high school teacher and a school board trustee. As a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, he also played an important role in the naming of Highway 416 as Veterans Memorial Highway.

Most importantly, René has been a very good friend to many. I met René on a campaign almost 25 years ago, and he has taught me many things. I have never heard him utter an unkind word or complain about anything. He is the embodiment of the meaning of hard work and fortitude.

René, I would like to thank you for everything you have done for your friends and family, for our cause and for your service to Canada. René, j’aimerais te remercier pour tout ce que tu as fait pour ta famille et tes amis, pour notre cause, et pour ton service pour le Canada.

SNOWCREST RIDERS

SNOWMOBILE CLUB

Mr. Norm Miller: I’m pleased to rise in the House today to recognize the accomplishments of a truly remarkable organization in my riding of Parry Sound–Muskoka. Based in Gravenhurst, the Snowcrest Riders Snowmobile Club has made 2013 a year to remember by being the recipient of three major awards, including the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations’ club of the year, the International Snowmobile Club of the Year and being inducted into the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame. Last year, in 2012, they were the OFSC club of the year.

Recently, I was able to attend an event to recognize their awards with Bob Clarke, the current president of the Snowcrest Riders.

This organization has been particularly proactive in increasing snowmobile opportunities in the Muskoka area, with their efforts leading to completed projects such as snowmobile bridges over Highway 11 and Beaver Creek.

They also support the non-profit Prostate Extreme Team, whose efforts help to raise funds and awareness on prostate-related ailments. I look forward to attending their event at the Marriot Residence Inn, which will take place over this winter’s Family Day long weekend, at Muskoka Bay in Gravenhurst.

I would also like to recognize and thank the countless volunteers, landowners and sponsors who provide the community support that has all helped make the Snowcrest Riders Snowmobile Club so successful throughout the years. I would also like to sincerely congratulate the riders, and wish them the best on what I’m sure will be another excellent winter riding season.

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

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

FISCAL TRANSPARENCY

AND ACCOUNTABILITY

AMENDMENT ACT

(PRE-ELECTION REPORTS), 2013 /

LOI DE 2013 MODIFIANT

LA

LOI SUR LA TRANSPARENCE

ET LA RESPONSABILITÉ FINANCIÈRES

(RAPPORTS PRÉÉLECTORAUX)

Ms. Scott moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 126,

An Act to amend the Fiscal Transparency and Accountability Act, 2004 / Projet de loi 126, Loi modifiant la Loi de 2004 sur la transparence et la responsabilité financières.

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. Laurie Scott: Currently, the Fiscal Transparency and Accountability Act, 2004, requires the Minister of Finance to release a pre-election report about Ontario’s finances in such circumstances and by such deadline as provided for in the regulations. Unfortunately, there is no regulation for the next fixed election date in 2015 and nothing to address an election if it happens prior to the fixed election date in 2015.

This bill brings into legislation or law that the Minister of Finance, in a year there is a fixed date for a general election, is required to release a pre-election report no later than 30 days after the minister moves the budget motion, and requires the Auditor General to promptly review and release a statement describing the results of the review.

A new subsection applies to a pre-election report that is released in connection with a non-fixed-date general election. It requires the Auditor General to promptly review the report and to release a statement describing the results of the review, either before the election, if possible, or within a reasonable time after the election.

HUMAN RIGHTS CODE

AMENDMENT ACT (GENETIC

CHARACTERISTICS), 2013 /

LOI DE 2013 MODIFIANT LE CODE

DES DROITS DE LA PERSONNE

(CARACTÉRISTIQUES GÉNÉTIQUES)

Mr. Colle moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 127,

An Act to amend the Human Rights Code with respect to genetic characteristics / Projet de loi 127, Loi modifiant le Code des droits de la personne en ce qui a trait aux caractéristiques génétiques.

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.

Mr. Mike Colle: If passed, this bill would amend Ontario’s Human Rights Code to include genetic characteristics as a prohibited ground of discrimination. Every person would have a right to equal treatment without discrimination because of genetic characteristics. This includes the right to equal treatment if a person refuses to undergo or disclose the results of a genetic test.

In essence, this bill would prevent employers and insurance companies from discriminating against Ontarians on the basis of genetic testing.

PETITIONS

ONTARIO COLLEGE OF TRADES

Ms. Laurie Scott: “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Ontario College of Trades introduced new membership fees on April 1, 2013, which hit hard-working tradespeople to the tune of about $84 million a year;

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

“That the Liberal government stop this job-killing trades tax and shut down the Ontario College of Trades immediately.”

It’s signed by many people within my riding.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

LOCAL FOOD ACT, 2013 /

LOI DE 2013 SUR

LES ALIMENTS LOCAUX

Mr. McMeekin, on behalf of Ms. Wynne, moved third reading of the following bill:

Bill 36,

An Act to enact the Local Food Act, 2013 and to amend the Taxation Act, 2007 to provide for a tax credit to farmers for donating certain agricultural products that they have produced / Projet de loi 36, Loi édictant la Loi de 2013 sur les aliments locaux et modifiant la Loi de 2007 sur les impôts pour prévoir un crédit d’impôt pour les agriculteurs qui font don de certains produits agricoles qu’ils ont produits.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Further debate?

Mr. Ernie Hardeman: I’m pleased to rise today to speak to Bill 36—kind of in an unorthodox order. I want to start by thanking the many local food organizations, agriculture groups and individuals who worked to make this act better.

As you know, when the government first introduced this bill just over a year ago, I was disappointed, as were many stakeholders. We were hoping for a real food act, one that would have an impact on Ontario’s food system.

Just a few days after it was introduced, Dalton McGuinty prorogued the Legislature, and the Local Food Act died on the order paper.

During the leadership campaign, Premier Wynne promised a strengthened Local Food Act, but when it was reintroduced it was virtually the same bill. In fact, during hearings, Darcy Higgins, from Food Forward, reminded the committee of the Premier’s commitment and said, “The language of the act, we believe, should improve to meet this commitment.”

I want to recognize a member of this Legislature who made one of the biggest contributions to improving the Local Food Act: Bob Bailey, the member from Sarnia–Lambton. In 2012, he introduced a bill to create a tax credit for farmers who donate agricultural products to an Ontario food bank. Bob is here this afternoon to be part of the debate.

Every year, 25 million pounds of fresh food are plowed under in Ontario fields, often because it isn’t chosen for sale because of appearance. The tax credit will assist farmers with the cost of harvesting and transporting that food to the local food bank.

The bill died on the order paper when the Legislature was prorogued, but in May 2013 the member from Sarnia–Lambton reintroduced it. I want to commend him for his commitment and for putting it forward as an amendment to the Local Food Act.

In our amendment, we expand the tax credit to include not just traditional food banks but registered charities that are providing food free of charge, such as school nutrition programs, homeless shelters and seniors’ programs.

The PC caucus has worked hard to try to make the Local Food Act something that would actually benefit our local food system and our farmers. The PC caucus believes that we need a food act—in fact, we proposed an Ontario food act in our white paper—but we think it needs to be more than a bill with just a great name. That’s why we held local food round tables in Woodstock, Stratford, Cobourg, London, Windsor, Kingston and Ottawa to talk about ways to strengthen this bill.

We brought together local food groups, restaurants, farmers, economic development officers and food processors to talk about the opportunities and challenges. In all of the round tables, the number one issue that emerged was the need for more food education.

That’s why we put forward an amendment that would require food education in the curriculum in every grade. Of course, I was disappointed that the government members on the committee chose to block that amendment.

In a letter to the Premier, the Ontario Home Economics Association wrote:

“Despite the Ontario Foodland banner promoting the abundant high-quality fresh fruits and vegetables produced in this province, the CCHS of 2007 revealed that Ontarians are in the bottom percentiles of fruit and vegetable consumption.

“The Ontario Ministry of Health published this sad fact by Ontario region, and in turn identified school nutrition programs as a strong determinant of a healthy diet.”

Requiring food education in the curriculum in every grade would have been a concrete step to actually increase food literacy for students.

As a member of the association wrote, “How terribly disappointing that our government does not value mandatory food preparation and nutrition education in Ontario, despite increased rates of many nutrition-related health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and heart disease.”

One of the other things we heard repeatedly during our round tables and hearings was the need to establish real targets. We put forward an amendment that would require targets to be set within 12 months and that they would be real targets, not just aspirational ones. While the government members voted our amendment down, at least a 12-month time frame has now been included in the bill.

I’m also very pleased to report that we saved Ontario Agriculture Week. Through a PC amendment, we created Local Food Week, beginning the first Monday in June. This will kick off the summer local food season and, because it is during the school year, it will support more food education. It will also ensure that we have a separate week to celebrate all the contributions of our farmers.

I also want to mention that at the request of a number of groups, we put forward an amendment that expanded the definition of local foods. As Ontario Nature said in their thank-you email, “The inclusion of forest and freshwater foods in the definition of local foods made the act much more representative of northern food sources.”

As members of the opposition, we have done what we can to make this a real food act, but there are many problems facing our food system and our farmers that still need to be addressed. It’s clear that this government does not have a clear plan for how to increase local food or strengthen agriculture and agri-food in Ontario.

Last year, we released a white paper that put forward a number of ideas that would strengthen the agriculture sectors, from our small market gardens to our larger producers. One of the challenges to increasing local food procurement is the need to aggregate supply. In our white paper, we recommend creating a second food terminal. It would be a regional food terminal and would increase access to local food, reduce our carbon footprint and create jobs.

We also outlined the need to cut red tape. Farmers are currently spending the equivalent of almost four 40-hour workweeks just dealing with government red tape. The government likes to boast about their red tape program, but in our survey over 77% of farmers said that red tape is actually increasing.

As we consulted on the Local Food Act, we heard about the red tape problems in letters, round tables and at the hearings. In fact, a study of the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation released just a few weeks ago found that red tape is still a major barrier to farmers trying to grow their farms. It cited too many layers of regulations and inconsistencies in how regulations were interpreted. In our white paper, we proposed cutting regulations by one third.

We also pointed out the need to address the spiralling cost of hydro. In our survey, 97% of farmers said they had been impacted by increasing hydro rates, and over 60% of farmers said that the increase had been significant.

On Friday, the Bruce County Federation of Agriculture president tweeted: “The cost to produce food on Ont farms went up $32mil today thanks to the increase on our hydro bills.”

In the report released by the association of Ontario food processors, they have identified “steep increases in utility costs” as one of the challenges they are facing.

We can’t have local food without our farmers, but this government’s policies are making it more and more difficult for them to operate.

In my question this morning, I asked the Premier why she would put money into salaries and benefits instead of investing into the insurance programs that our farmers need.

Ontario agriculture needs real leadership. The Premier has now been the Minister of Agriculture and Food for about eight months. There are those who would argue that this is an opportunity for our agriculture industry, but, like the Local Food Act, it is one that can easily be missed.

So far, the Premier has not created a legacy. She has not taken bold action to improve the agriculture industry or the agri-food sector. The fact that the Local Food Act is stronger than the one she introduced is not her legacy; it’s the legacy and the hard work of people like Bob Bailey, Darcy Higgins from Food Forward and Carolyn Young of Sustain Ontario. It was through the hard work of the Canadian Environmental Law Association, the Ontario Home Economics Association, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario, Ontario Nature and many other organizations.

It was through the hard work of those people who took the time to meet with us at the round tables, or call or email with their suggestions. I want to thank them all for making this act better and for the work they’ve done to strengthen Ontario’s food system.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): Further debate?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I am very, very pleased to be able to speak to third reading of Bill 36, the Local Food Act. I will just say, in response to my critic: Thank you very much for your comments. I want to say thank you very much to the member for Sarnia–Lambton as well, that he was able to work with us. As the member opposite, the member for Oxford, said, we have been able to improve the Local Food Act by listening to all of the people who gave us feedback.

That’s how I believe the Legislature is meant to work: When a government brings in a bill and is then able to work with opposition and work with all of those folks in the field, so to speak, who understand the issues, we are then able to improve legislation. I think it is precisely that kind of collaboration that is the legacy of this particular process.

I’m pleased to speak to third reading of the Local Food Act. This legislation will help us celebrate and promote all of the good things that are grown, harvested and made right here in Ontario. That is extremely important.

In fact, it’s one of the first things that I heard when I was first elected to this Legislature. My colleague John Wilkinson, who was the member for Perth–Wellington, and I started a process called “Ag 101.” We would bring urban MPPs to farms on a regular basis each year. We would have a full day where urban MPPs would go into rural communities, into the agricultural community—and vice versa; we did the reverse as well. We brought farmers and folks from rural communities into the city as well.

One of the first things that I heard on that first trip, which must have been in 2004, was farmers saying to me and saying to us that they wanted the government to promote what they grew. They wanted the government to promote local food and the consumption of local food and food that was processed here. So we have been doing that, and this Local Food Act really accelerates and enhances that process.

When we choose local food, we keep the agri-food industry—which is one of the province’s largest economic engines—running strong. That’s really what this is about; it’s about healthy eating and it’s about great food, but it’s also about our economy. We feed local economies, we support great jobs and we help our communities to grow and thrive. There’s a virtuous circle there.

If passed, this bill will also complement our broader local food strategy—not everything in our strategy is in the bill itself—and that will, all together, encourage market growth and development for Ontario foods. That strategy includes up to $30 million in investment over the next three years towards supporting innovative local food projects—projects like the ones that FoodShare Toronto runs, for example, which gets sustainable, healthy local food from the farm to the fork and, quite frankly, into our schools as well.

Over the last few years, we’ve worked with them to get more local food into student nutrition programs here in Toronto. I know that anyone who has spent time in schools understands how important it is that we have those nutrition programs for students, because if kids don’t have enough to eat, it’s very hard for them to learn and to study. Working with FoodShare Toronto and organizations like it across the province—we want to have more of those programs. I want to see more initiatives like that one in every part of Ontario.

That’s what our strategy is really all about: It’s about supporting projects that market and promote local food, to get even more of the good things that grow in Ontario on people’s plates—and the good things that are made in Ontario, because the food processing aspect of this is extremely important.

I want to help our partners to strengthen the local food networks by sharing ideas and being able to learn from each other’s success, because there are good things happening in pockets in the province, and we want to connect those and make sure that everyone knows what the possibilities are.

Today, we have the opportunity, I believe, to move the yardstick farther. If the bill is passed, Ontario will be the first province in Canada to have such legislation in place. We have the opportunity, in this Legislature, to make history. By increasing awareness of food grown, made and harvested in Ontario, the Local Food Act will increase sales of Ontario food, and that is our objective.

This legislation will also allow us to set local food goals and targets in partnership with stakeholders. One of the concerns that we heard when this act was first introduced was that there was a concern about the prescriptive nature of the setting of targets. What we have said is, let’s work with our partners to make sure that the targets that are set are realistic. We want that creative tension, we want to be able to push each other, but we don’t want to be so prescriptive that it becomes burdensome for our partners—municipalities, for example. But I do believe that we need to, as I say, push each other to do the best that we can do.

It would also enable us to work with public sector organizations towards those goals, the setting of targets, and then to share information on their progress and results. I’m a great believer in shining a light on a subject, shining a light on an issue, beginning to measure something, and that by virtue of doing that, we see improvement. I think that’s a very important part of this legislation.

The act also includes a requirement for government to produce a local food report on the activities it has undertaken to support this initiative. So we’re forcing ourselves to practise what we preach and make sure that as we talk about local food, we are actually taking those actions within government to make sure that we’re increasing our consumption and our procurement of local foods.

The feedback that we’ve received on the bill from the public, from agri-food stakeholders, and from all three parties has been invaluable, as I’ve said, and I want to again commend everyone who has engaged with us. Thank you very much for doing that, because, as I say, that’s the way we strengthen legislation. We welcomed your comments because we want to ensure that this legislation is the best it can possibly be for the people of Ontario.

From that collaborative process, we have proposed a number of amendments to the bill. One of these amendments would require the minister to set goals and targets in several critical areas identified by stakeholders as being key to supporting and strengthening local food. These include improving people’s understanding of local food, encouraging increased use of local food by public sector organizations and increasing access to local food within one year after the requirement to do so has come into force.

We’ve also supported changes proposed by our opposition colleagues to strengthen the bill. This is where the member for Sarnia–Lambton has put forward an idea. He and I talked about it in Sarnia months ago, and I said that I thought that it was something that we should look at. We have done that. In fact, through an amendment to the Taxation Act, the bill would now provide a non-refundable 25% tax credit for farmers who donate their agricultural products to eligible community food programs such as food banks and soup kitchens.

We amended the definition of local—

Applause.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: It’s a very good thing; that’s right. Oui, c’est très bien.

We amended the definition of local food to include food produced or harvested anywhere in Ontario, including forest or freshwater food, and we would celebrate Local Food Week beginning the first Monday in June of each year. The minister would also be required to prepare an annual local food report.

So each of these amendments has been put in place to strengthen the bill and to help recognize and support the tremendous work of Ontario farmers, food processors, retailers and restaurant and foodservice operators.

I’ve always believed in the enormous potential of our agri-food sector—je crois que nous avons un bon avenir—and that’s why I took on the role of Minister of Agriculture and Food earlier this year. I’ve travelled across the province to meet with farmers, with producers, with food processors and retailers to better understand the challenges and the opportunities ahead.

Last July, I had the chance to visit the Ontario Food Terminal in Etobicoke. It is an amazing place. It’s the largest wholesale fruit and produce distribution centre in Canada and the third-largest in all of North America, after centres in Los Angeles and Chicago. It distributes products to every corner of Ontario and along our trade corridors that connect us to neighbouring provinces and into the United States.

The hard work of the people who bring their produce into the food terminal is quite remarkable. There are people driving along the highway to get into the food terminal, leaving at 2 or 3 in the morning in order to get to the food terminal; throughout the season, it’s a very, very demanding lifestyle.

So it’s important that we recognize that it’s not just the growing of the food; it’s also the transporting it, the getting it to market, that’s so important.

That terminal is a critical asset for our agri-food sector and the economy, and it really helped me to appreciate how important it is to have those strong connections between regions and industries in the province.

I’ve been reminded of this many times since I became minister, meeting with people about local food in communities across the province—in Bradford, Elmira, New Dundee, Halton and Ottawa—or at community gardens, like the one Megan O’Neil, founder of the One Tomato Project, grew in Sarnia. I really want to know how my tomato plant is going, I say to the member. I need an update on that, how my tomato plant did, because I got to plant one. It was great to see so many children excited about planting in the garden.

Interjection.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I heard it was doing very well, I say to the member for Huron–Bruce, so I am looking forward to that.

It was great to see kids so engaged in planting the garden. I know that all of the members in the House who have community gardens where schools are involved, with community, in planting—it’s a wonderful way for kids to learn about where their food comes from.

I had the opportunity of opening the Royal Winter Fair just last week. One of the displays that is at the Royal Winter Fair is designed to help young kids understand that food doesn’t just come from the grocery store, that there’s a time before that, that it comes from the farm. When kids grow up in an urban centre, they don’t necessarily have that information.

I have the greatest of respect for the young kids who are growing up on farms, the kids who are involved in the 4-H club—they have a deep understanding of responsibility, not just to the land but to animals and their responsibility in all of that. I think that where young kids are involved and engaged in planting and understanding where food comes from, particularly local food, it’s a terrific thing. I think that, as an education system and as a government, we can learn from some of those programs that have already been in place for many years in the agricultural community.

It’s really inspiring to see communities working toward that goal of enhancing local food, making sure that it’s available to everyone and showcasing their local food. After meeting with so many hard-working farmers, food processors and retailers, I think differently about the food that we produce and process across the province. As much as possible, I want to ensure that the food on our table was harvested or produced in Ontario.

We all come from different backgrounds. Some of us live in cities; others outside of cities, in our suburbs and in our rural communities. Even across the agri-food value chain, we have many different players, from the farmer all the way to the grocer. Supporting local food supports every single one of us along that chain. It’s part of our economic plan to invest in people, invest in infrastructure and create that dynamic business environment that will allow businesses to thrive and continue to succeed.

It’s why I have challenged the agri-food sector to increase its output and create 120,000 more jobs by 2020, because I believe that they can. I believe that, working together, we can do that, and we can grow this sector. It’s already a $34-billion contributor to the GDP, but I believe that there’s more that we can do. There’s so much potential.

Local food is good for families, it’s good for communities and it’s good for the economy. I believe that we all have a role to play in supporting that success. I encourage the people of Ontario to choose local food, and I’m going to continue to support our farmers, our food processors and other agri-food businesses in the hard work that they do each day to get that fresh and delicious food on our plates.

As I said, this is about the industry. It’s about the farmers and the food processors, but, quite frankly, it’s about all of us, as a province, making sure that we do the very best we can in terms of that healthy food but also in terms of the economic growth that is possible. We have great potential in Ontario, and I want to thank everyone for working with us on this.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): Further debate?

Mr. Robert Bailey: It’s a privilege and an honour to speak here today in support of Bill 36, also known as

An Act to enact the Local Food Act, 2013 and to amend the Taxation Act, 2007 to provide for a tax credit to farmers for donating certain agricultural products that they have produced.

I will focus my comments on one particular area of the bill, Mr. Speaker. Last week, thanks to the work of the Standing Committee on Social Policy, Bill 36 was amended to include an initiative that’s very important to me and the people of Sarnia–Lambton. That initiative was first outlined in this Legislature on May 19, 2010, when I introduced the Food Bank Donation Tax Credit for Farmers, 2010, also known as the Fighting Hunger with Local Food Act. That bill, like the amendment to the Local Food Act that was adopted last week, created a non-refundable tax credit worth 25% of the current market value of agricultural products donated by farmers to food banks and soup kitchens.

This idea to try to increase donations to food banks was born after I volunteered to serve hot meals at the Inn of the Good Shepherd in Sarnia. Myles Vanni, who is the director of the Good Shepherd’s Lodge, invited me down, and I saw with my own eyes the need in my community for food banks, soup kitchens and the like. Myles was a real inspiration to me, and as we talked about what we could do, the idea of a tax credit for farmers came up.

That’s why, back in 2010 and during the two subsequent sessions of Parliament, I introduced and reintroduced the Fighting Hunger with Local Food Act. In each instance, the bill and its main intent—increasing donations to food banks through a tax credit to farmers who donate unused agricultural products—received support at all times from all parties in the House.

The Fighting Hunger with Local Food Act was even highlighted in the 2012 Environmental Commissioner’s report, as an idea to address the glaring need for food for the hungry in Ontario and the horrendous waste of food in our modern society and its disposal in landfills.

Unfortunately, the previous two attempts to move this initiative through the legislative process were cut short; one because of an election in 2011 and the other when Queen’s Park was prorogued by former Premier McGuinty.

However, on Tuesday, with the support of the members of this House, we will finally have an opportunity to cast a final vote in favour of the initiative originally laid out by the Fighting Hunger with Local Food Act, now adopted as an amendment to the Local Food Act, 2013.

The PC amendment to the Local Food Act creates a simple change to the tax system that will go a long way to relieve hunger and eliminate waste in our province. Inspired by similar programs in 10 US states, the Local Food Act will now create a non-refundable tax credit for farmers—worth 25% of the current market value of the donated agricultural product—who donate to a community food program or a food bank. In order to be eligible, the program must be run by a registered charity and must provide that food to the community free of charge. While it will not solve the entire problem of hunger in our province, Mr.

Speaker, I think it’s a common-sense solution to a clear need in my community and many other communities across Ontario.

The Ontario Association of Food Banks reports that food bank usage in Ontario increased by 10% between 2008 and 2012.

Last year alone, more than 413,000 people in Ontario, and in that number, 160,000 of them children, turned to food banks each month. This is an all-time high for the province, and it is straining these food banks and these volunteer organizations to their limit.

Even well-stocked food banks struggle to provide fresh, healthy food. In fact, the Ontario Association of Food Banks believes that over 70% of Ontarians who use food banks do not have access to the recommended servings of fruit and vegetables every week.

As we all know, proper nutrition is essential to our well-being, but more importantly, it is essential to the good health of these young people and children who are our responsibility at the end of the day.

Mr. Speaker, for many food banks, significant need occurs from June to August, but rarely do we ever think of our local food banks during the summer and autumn harvests. Ironically, while food banks struggle to provide for those in need, Ontario farmers must dispose of or plow back into their fields more than 25 million pounds of fresh, nutritious food every harvest. That’s an amazing number, and I could hardly believe it when I first started researching this. So 25 million pounds of food which is perfectly good is surplus to their production quotas—or it could be what we would call seconds.

The stores won’t take it, but there’s nothing wrong with it. People eat it. Why is this? In many instances, the food left behind is considered seconds. While perfectly healthy, tasty and fresh, the produce is not chosen for sale in the market because of cosmetic reasons, such as size, shape or colour.

You may wonder, then: Why don’t farmers just donate this food? Many do, but in many cases, farmers often cannot afford the cost to harvest, process and deliver their unsold produce and foodstuffs to the local food banks despite a clear and overwhelming desire in the industry to do so. Simply put: We have the food; we just can’t get it to those in need.

I might add that I talked to one farmer who produces tomatoes, and he said, “I can’t even plow these surplus tomatoes back into the ground because they make my soil too acidic.” He has to pay to harvest them to take them to be disposed of in a landfill. So this would certainly go a long way to help that individual.

This proposed tax credit will reduce the producers’ tax burden, provide a strong incentive to make a donation and provide a high return on investment for the Ontario government. It will cost the province very little in lost revenue, forgoing approximately $750,000 for an increase of over five million pounds of food. These figures suggest that this simple tax credit could provide a rate of return of almost $7 for every $1 that is donated.

I believe that this amendment presents a concrete solution which will not only assist local food banks and community food programs but also local farmers and struggling Ontarians. It will fight two problems: hunger and waste.

I encourage all members of this Legislature to support the Local Food Act in order to pass this important initiative and amendment into law. It is the right thing to do.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who have been involved in getting this important idea to this stage: thousands of people who signed petitions in support of the Local Food Act. Countless letters of support, newspaper columns, magazine articles and online posts have been written in favour of this important initiative to support Ontario’s hungry. In addition, many stakeholders representing agricultural groups, food bank and community food programs as well as social agencies from across the province have come to Queen’s Park to show their support. To all those people, I want to say thank you.

I’d also like to thank the PC critic for agriculture, Ernie Hardeman, and his executive assistant, Tara Barry, for their efforts to see this amendment to the Local Food Act through its final stages of development before being presented to committee last week.

I’d also like to say a special thank you to my staff, Anthony Rizzetto and David Donovan. Between the two of them, they were involved from start to finish with this initiative and key contributors to the effort to increase the availability of good, nutritious food for the people of Ontario.

I’d also like to think Bill Laidlaw of the Ontario Association of Food Banks and Myles Vanni of the Inn of the Good Shepherd in Sarnia. Mr. Laidlaw and his organization have always been available to support this initiative and provide answers for many of the technical questions that have come up over the years. Myles Vanni probably deserves the most credit. He invited me and my staff to help serve meals at the Inn of the Good Shepherd way back in 2010.

He used that opportunity to present to me the idea that would eventually become the Fighting Hunger with Local Food Act and then the PC amendment to the Local Food Act. Mr. Vanni goes above and beyond in his efforts to support those in need in Sarnia–Lambton.

By supporting the Local Food Act, 2013, the members of this House can do their part to support Mr. Vanni and the countless individuals across this province who have done similar work.

I’d also like to thank the Premier, in her role as the Minister of Agriculture, for considering this amendment. I think it makes her bill, Bill 36, that much better. At the end of the day, that’s what we’re all about: making this province a better place.

I look forward to the rest of the debate and tomorrow’s final vote.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): Further debate?

Mr. John Vanthof: It truly is an honour, as a farmer, to be able to participate in the third reading debate of Bill 36,

An Act to enact the Local Food Act, 2013 and to amend the Taxation Act, 2007 to provide for a tax credit to farmers for donating certain agricultural products that they have produced.

The title got a lot longer since we debated this last time, and that’s a good thing—because I’d like to commend Mr. Bailey for all his work on this. It’s a good addition to this bill. I’d like to spend a few minutes on that part and then revert back to the Local Food Act proper.

The one thing that’s missing in the tax credit bill is a provision for processors. I think we could look at this further in the future. I know that processors can get tax credits already, but there is a place, specifically when you have—I’ll give the example of the Dairy Farmers of Ontario. Dairy Farmers have had this program for years—I believe the pork producers have the equivalent and there might be other programs like that, and they’re good programs. Just briefly: The dairy farmer signs a contract to supply so much milk a month to the food banks, and the processor donates the processing. It’s a partnership agreement. The same thing would work with other agric