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March 27, 2006

38th Parliament, 2nd Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcripts 2006-Mar-27 (PDF)

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L'ONTARIO

Monday 27 March 2006 Lundi 27 mars 2006

ESTIMATES

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE FUNDING

PEEL REGIONAL POLICE

AGRICULTURE FUNDING

GEORGE ASSALY

ONTARIO BUDGET

ONTARIO BUDGET

LEGISLATIVE PAGES

VISITOR

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

SUPPLY ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE CRÉDITS DE 2006

MOTIONS

PRIVATE MEMBERS' PUBLIC BUSINESS

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY AND RESPONSES

INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM FUNDING

DEMOCRATIC RENEWAL /

RENOUVEAU DÉMOCRATIQUE

INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM FUNDING

DEMOCRATIC RENEWAL

FINANCEMENT DU PROGRAMME

DES INFRASTRUCTURES /

INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM FUNDING

DEMOCRATIC RENEWAL

VISITORS

ORAL QUESTIONS

GOVERNMENT SPENDING

NATIONAL CHILD BENEFIT SUPPLEMENT

CHILD CARE

ONTARIO BUDGET

AGRICULTURE FUNDING

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

TORONTO WATERFRONT

ONTARIO BUDGET

AGRICULTURE FUNDING

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

PETITIONS

ORGAN DONATION

HEALTH CARE

ORGAN DONATION

IDENTITY THEFT

LONG-TERM CARE

SPECIAL CARE HOMES

CANCER TREATMENT

ORGAN DONATION

COMMUNITY MEDIATION

MACULAR DEGENERATION

PUBLIC EDUCATION

ORGAN DONATION

ORDERS OF THE DAY

2006 ONTARIO BUDGET

CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES

STATUTE LAW AMENDMENT ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006 MODIFIANT DES LOIS

EN CE QUI CONCERNE LES SERVICES

À L'ENFANCE ET À LA FAMILLE

The House met at 1330.

Prayers.

ESTIMATES

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Finance, Chair of the Management Board of Cabinet): Mr. Speaker, I have a message from His Honour the Lieutenant

Governor, signed by his own hand.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): The Lieutenant Governor transmits supplementary estimates of certain sums required for the services of the

province for the year ending March 31, 2006, and recommends them to the Legislative Assembly.

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE FUNDING

Mr. Cameron Jackson (Burlington): One hundred and fifty thousand full-time and 350,000 part-time college students will be returning to class in

the next two days, three weeks after their teachers went on strike, having been without a contract since last summer. During that time, the McGuinty government chose to sit on their hands, and its

first response was to raise tuition fees on the second day of the strike.

The Premier told the Ottawa Citizen on March 10, "Don't count on the government to intervene in this matter." For 10 days, while half a million students sat

waiting to go back to school, the Premier and his minister did nothing. On March 15, the Toronto Star told the minister to take PC leader John Tory's advice to call both sides together and resume

bargaining talks.

Last year, McGuinty was buying labour peace and education with a blank cheque; this year's strategy was to get tough with labour, and the college students are

the ones paying for the Premier's new makeover.

What's worse, college students are asking, "Where is the promised post-secondary education funding, and why does the McGuinty government continue to widen the

funding gap between colleges and universities?" For every operating dollar that Ontario colleges receive, universities get about $2.73, creating a growing gap of more than $1.5 billion. This gap

has widened by 45% since the McGuinty government took office.

Despite what this government says, the facts are very clear. The Liberal strategy continues to impoverish colleges over universities, since Ontario colleges are

still dead last in per capita funding behind each and every province in Canada.

PEEL REGIONAL POLICE

Mr. Peter Fonseca (Mississauga East): I rise in the House today with great pride to acknowledge what I believe to be one of the greatest police

services in the province, the Peel Regional Police. As a resident and member representing the riding of Mississauga East, I know the level of hard work and dedication with which the Peel Regional

Police serve the community.

Having participated in a ride-along with the police last fall, I've experienced first hand their professionalism and commitment to the communities they serve.

However, you don't have to take my word for it. I stand before the House today because the Peel Regional Police has been recognized as a flagship organization by the Commission on Accreditation for

Law Enforcement Agencies. The commission is an international organization that evaluates police services. Their flagship program acknowledges the achievement and expertise of the most successful

commission-accredited public safety agencies.

Peel Regional Police is one of only 10 flagship police organizations worldwide. Peel Regional Police became this province's first commission-accredited police

service in 1994. Peel was reaccredited by the commission in 1999, 2002 and again in 2005, joining the ranks of just under 1,000 accredited police services around the world.

I think it is not only important to acknowledge the Peel police for their outstanding achievement, but also to take a moment to thank the men and women who serve

on police forces all across our great province.

AGRICULTURE FUNDING

Mr. Toby Barrett (Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant): Dalton McGuinty promised to make agriculture a lead ministry, but his Minister of Finance just cut

the agriculture budget by 21%. That works out to $224 million less than last year, which was $167 million less than the year before. This budget tells the rest of the province that Mr. McGuinty

doesn't need rural Ontario. Apart from cutting agriculture spending by 21%, I repeat, there was nothing in the budget for the 650,000 jobs dependent on agribusiness.

For weeks Stephen Webster, a dairy heifer exporter, has been camping out in front of Queen's Park. Last week, as we know, farmers descended on Queen's Park for

the budget. All we get is the blame game. We're told to go to Ottawa.

The protests consist of the usual signs: "Farmers Feed Cities," "Equity with US Farmers," "Study, Stall, Study."

The Minister of Finance will be in Whitby tomorrow for the by-election. He'll be met with the farmers he insulted and neglected on Thursday. At 11 o'clock, at

the Whitby Curling Club -- that's at 815 Brock Street North -- there will be another sign. The word "farm" has taken on a new meaning for this McGuinty government: F-A-R-M. Tomorrow those letters

will stand for "Forget About Re-election McGuinty."

GEORGE ASSALY

Mr. Jean-Marc Lalonde (Glengarry-Prescott-Russell): Today the community of Cornwall and many others along the St. Lawrence River will pay their

final respects to George Assaly, a dedicated businessman, tireless community advocate and true gentleman.

Born in 1925, George had the distinction of serving in all three branches of service during the Second World War, an early indication of his lifelong habit of

getting involved in every capacity he could, in any project he believed in. His efforts saw him decorated with the Citizen of the Year Award for his home community of Cornwall, the Businessman

Achievement Award, the Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Shoe Council of Canada, the Helen Keller Award and many others.

Even when diagnosed with terminal cancer, George would not give up his community involvement, giving 110% every day to the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, of

which he was chair, and to the community he loved so dearly.

His daughter, Jo Ann Langstaff, called him "friend"; his fellow businessman and Lions Club member Paul Lefebvre called him "a fantastic person"; our colleague

Jim Brownell considered him a mentor. As a visionary, he worked hard as an advocate for the Cornwall Heart of the City project. To all those whose lives he touched, he will be remembered as truly

being the heart of the city of Cornwall.

Repose en paix, George. Tu l'as bien mérité.

ONTARIO BUDGET

Mr. John O'Toole (Durham): I am very pleased to rise on behalf of the citizens of Durham and put on the record, as was stated in the Toronto

Star, "Durham Wonders Why it Was Excluded" from last Thursday's budget.

I say to the Premier as well as to the Minister of Finance today that there are three critical areas that should have been addressed and were not addressed in

this budget. One of them would be agriculture, which the member for Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant has alluded to in referring to the dismal effort in recognition of the hard, patient and respectful

protests that were here at Queen's Park. You simply refused to listen. You have no plan for agriculture; that's clear.

Another one was the hospital strategy. You know that Lakeridge Health is one of the few hospitals serving a growing population. There wasn't one cent in this

budget to recognize the growth pressures not just in Durham but in the GTA. You know that the funding per capita is the lowest in this province. You have no plan for health in Durham region.

Another issue that I think is going to be discussed this afternoon, and it's a shame, is the transit debate. The transit issue in Durham, as Roger Anderson said

-- "Durham region is one of the fastest-growing regions within the GTA and yet there was no mention at all for transportation issues to be dealt with" in this budget.

Minister, I say to you, and to the Minister of Transportation as well, Durham has a plan. We're a fast-growing region, and certainly this government here has no

plan.

I say to the people of Durham, and specifically to the Whitby-Ajax riding, they can send a message this Thursday by looking at Christine Elliott --

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Order. Members' statements.

M. Gilles Bisson (Timmins-Baie James): Ce qui commence d'être de plus en plus clair, avec des années de ce gouvernement McGuinty, est

que la communauté francophone se trouve de plus en plus laissée en arrière quand ça vient aux services pour la communauté francophone. Moi, je vois, comme critique en

matière des Affaires francophones pour le parti néo-démocratique, des agences à travers la province qui me disent qu'elles ont des problèmes, et quand elles apportent leurs

problèmes aux ministères pour les faire régler, ils disent qu'il n'y a rien à faire; quand elles appellent la ministre, M me Meilleur, ou d'autres ministres pour

régler leurs problèmes de financement ou des problèmes en outre, ceux-ci sont dans la même situation, qu'il n'y a rien qu'on puisse faire.

Deuxièmement, ce qu'on voit avec le délestage des services de la province aux municipalités est que de plus en plus d'agences qui ont reçu

Timmins-Baie James, où on est dans la majorité, il y a certaines occasions où on se trouve, avec des agences qui ont reçu des services délestés, sans services en

Je dis à ce gouvernement que vous avez une responsabilité, et non seulement sous la Loi 8 mais aussi envers vos engagements de la dernière

la province mais aussi ceux qui ont été délestés par le gouvernement provincial aux municipalités ou autres. Ce qu'on trouve est complètement le contraire : un

gouvernement qui oublie ses engagements.

ONTARIO BUDGET

Mr. Bob Delaney (Mississauga West): Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion likes Ontario's 2006-07 budget. Madam Mayor's thoughts bear repeating: "I

think it was a very positive budget -- extremely positive. Today was a good day for Ontario, in my opinion. It's a step in the right direction. As I've often said to the Premier, you can't turn

things around overnight, but if you can see progress to try to offset the costs that have been downloaded to municipalities, I think it's a great step forward."

Mississauga needs to move without choking on our volume of cars and their exhaust. Through $65 million of funding in Move Ontario, the government of Ontario will

assist Mississauga with its bus rapid transit, enabling people to not only park the car in Mississauga but skip the traffic en route to work. That's a great step forward.

GO Transit has scheduled the start of the new Lisgar GO train station to begin this year, and an additional $25 million for this and other projects are in GO's

budget. That's a great step forward.

Credit Valley Hospital, Trillium Health Centre and the University of Toronto at Mississauga are working together to train the new doctors our community needs so

much. That's a great step forward.

This 2006-07 Ontario budget accomplishes this and so much more, and it does it without any new taxes or any increase in existing taxes. That's a great step

forward.

Ms. Deborah Matthews (London North Centre): I'm proud to stand today to show my support for the 2006 budget. This budget clearly builds on the

priorities of this government: to improve the Ontario advantage by investing in infrastructure, health and education while staying on track to eliminate the fiscal deficit we inherited.

One of the cornerstones of the 2006 budget is the $1.2-billion Move Ontario plan. My community of London gets more than $14.3 million to repair and build roads

and bridges: $14.3 million towards safer roads for London drivers. It also, of course, means more jobs.

Public transportation in London will continue to improve with the existing gas tax investment. In 2004-05, gas tax funding for London was $4.5 million. This year

it increased to $6.8 million, and it's expected to increase again next year. This funding is critically important for my community because it means a public transit system that moves quickly,

safely and efficiently.

We're also investing in cities through the Ontario municipal partnership fund. Over the last two years, London has received over $26 million. Previous to that,

it was zero.

This budget shows a commitment to responsible spending and improving the lives of all Ontarians in every part of Ontario. Every community, including London, will

benefit from this budget. I'm proud to be part of a government that has delivered a budget that speaks to all Ontarians.

Ms. Judy Marsales (Hamilton West): I am proud to rise in this House today to recognize the positive support that we have received from the mayor

of Hamilton with our 2006-07 Ontario budget. To quote the front page of the Hamilton Spectator, Mayor Di Ianni said, "We have a lot to be thankful for." In a political arena generally charged by

negative commentary, our mayor demonstrated true leadership in recognizing the sincere efforts the McGuinty government has made to address some of the challenges currently being faced by one of

Ontario's most historic and dynamic cities.

The Ontario government has committed more than $42 million to Hamilton. The budget answered Hamilton's request for special funding that will address the social

service costs as well as acknowledge the infrastructure needs of a mature city with crumbling roads and bridges. Funds are also being forwarded to Hamilton that will assist with their transit,

health, and education needs. All this will contribute to the city of Hamilton's bottom line.

Mayor Di Ianni has been quoted as saying that this is a community budget that is needed and that our community has been well treated by the Ontario

government.

The Hamilton that my colleagues and I envision will be self-sustaining, innovative, creative, diverse and, above all, a healthy and successful community. The

McGuinty government is giving us the support to achieve our dream, and we say thank you.

Mr. Tim Peterson (Mississauga South): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: I rise today to tell you and the members of the House about a great

accomplishment by a very special member of this House.

On March 9, the member for London North Centre successfully defended her doctoral thesis in social demography at the University of Western Ontario. Deb returned

to the University of Western Ontario as a mature student --

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Order. I am certain that a member's statement will take care of that on a future date.

LEGISLATIVE PAGES

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): I would ask the indulgence of the House to allow the pages to assemble for their introduction.

From Hamilton East we have Elyse Airth; from Essex, Justin Barrette; from Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, Charlotte Curley; from Timmins-James Bay, Zacharie Fogal;

Glengarry-Prescott-Russell, Shelby Heinbuch; London North Centre, Ben Hyland; from Don Valley East, Sharmarke Ismail; from Thornhill, Cameron Jesudasan; Kitchener-Waterloo, McKenzie Kibler;

Timiskaming-Cochrane, Raelene Knight; from St. Paul's, Olga Krakovna; Mercedes Mabee is from Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey; from Sudbury, Mark Mancini; from Pickering-Ajax-Uxbridge, Meghan Rourke;

Ottawa West-Nepean, Trevor Sadler; Halton, Andrew Sturrock; from Stoney Creek, Maura Wasilewski; from Parkdale-High Park, Leah Watson; from Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, Jenna Zwambag; and from

Etobicoke-Lakeshore, Roman Zyla.

Let us congratulate our pages.

Applause.

VISITOR

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): I would like to acknowledge in the members' west gallery a former member of this House who served in the

28th, 29th, 30th and 31st Parliaments: Ian Deans from Wentworth.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

SUPPLY ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE CRÉDITS DE 2006

Mr. Duncan moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 82,

An Act to authorize the expenditure of certain amounts for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2006 / Projet de loi 82, Loi autorisant l'utilisation

de certaines sommes pour l'exercice se terminant le 31 mars 2006.

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

Does the minister have a statement?

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Finance, Chair of the Management Board of Cabinet): No.

MOTIONS

PRIVATE MEMBERS' PUBLIC BUSINESS

Hon. James J. Bradley (Minister of Tourism, minister responsible for seniors, Government House Leader): I seek unanimous consent to put

forward a motion without notice regarding private members' public business.

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

Hon. Mr. Bradley: I move that, notwithstanding standing order 96(d), the following change be made to the ballot list of private members'

public business: Mr. Orazietti and Mr. Wilkinson exchange places in order of precedence such that Mr. Orazietti assumes ballot item 37 and Mr. Wilkinson assumes ballot item 51.

The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

Hon. James J. Bradley (Minister of Tourism, minister responsible for seniors, Government House Leader): I seek unanimous consent to put

forward a motion without notice regarding the membership of certain committees.

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

Hon. Mr. Bradley: I move that the following substitutions be made to the membership of certain committees:

On the standing committee on estimates, Mr. Wilkinson replaces Mr. Kular, and Mr. Zimmer replaces Mr. Milloy; on the standing committee on finance and economic

affairs, Mrs. Sandals replaces Mr. Wilkinson; on the standing committee on general government, Mr. Brownell replaces Mr. Dhillon, and Mr. Flynn replaces Ms. Matthews; on the standing committee on

government agencies, Mr. Milloy replaces Mr. Berardinetti, and Mr. Wilkinson replaces Mr. Orazietti; on the standing committee on justice policy, Mr. Balkissoon replaces Mr. Brownell, Mr.

Berardinetti replaces Mr. Delaney, Mr. Dhillon replaces Mr. Flynn, Mr. McMeekin replaces Ms. Mossop, Mr. Orazietti replaces Mr. Qaadri, and Mrs. Van Bommel replaces Mr. Racco; on the standing

committee on the Legislative Assembly, Ms. Mossop replaces Mr. Balkissoon; on the standing committee on public accounts, Ms. Matthews replaces Mr. Balkissoon; on the standing committee on

regulations and private bills, Mr. Levac replaces Mr. Kular, and Mr. Sergio replaces Mrs. Van Bommel; on the standing committee on social policy, Mr. Kular replaces Mr. Craitor, and Mr. Qaadri

replaces Mr. Racco; on the standing committee on public accounts, Ms. Matthews replaces Mrs. Sandals.

The Speaker: Mr. Bradley has moved that the following substitutions be made to the membership of certain committees --

Interjection: Dispense.

The Speaker: Dispense? Dispense.

Shall the motion carry? Carried.

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY AND RESPONSES

INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM FUNDING

Hon. David Caplan (Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal, Deputy Government House Leader): I rise to share news about a landmark event

with all members of the House. Earlier today, I participated with our colleague from Toronto Centre-Rosedale, Minister Smitherman, in the launch of work on an historic groundbreaking on the west

Don lands, one of the most important urban revitalization projects in the province of Ontario.

Toronto's west Don lands is a waterfront precinct as big as London's Canary Wharf, or as large as New York city's Battery Park. I am confident that it will

become one of the most dynamic neighbourhoods in the city of Toronto. Where derelict buildings stand today, people will be living, working and shopping. Where there are barren lots, children will

play in parks and pools and have access to daycare centres. This affordable, accessible community will attract families from diverse economic backgrounds. It will be Toronto's first major

sustainable community in years, and it's being built on land owned by the people of Ontario.

The 80-acre west Don lands is Ontario's top waterfront revitalization priority, the centrepiece of a 2,000-acre waterfront project. This government has shown

strong leadership and support for the revitalization of the west Don lands and for Toronto's waterfront.

Last September, I was honoured to sign the west Don lands memorandum of understanding, making the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corp. the master developer

and setting out an important collaborative role for our land agency, the Ontario Realty Corp., in supporting those revitalization efforts. Ontario is the first jurisdiction to put together such an

agreement with the waterfront corporation.

This government will also be introducing legislation, as outlined by the finance minister in the budget presentation on Thursday, to enable tax increment

financing to assist, finally, with brownfield redevelopment and public infrastructure investment. This new municipal fiscal tool would be introduced on a pilot basis, allowing for its prudent

review. If the legislation passes, one of the pilots would be the west Don lands. The west Don lands is an example of how our government believes modern communities should grow, as outlined in the

growth plan for the greater Golden Horseshoe, to be released later this spring. It follows the important principles of growth planning, from affordable housing to brownfield revitalization and

transit-oriented development. The west Don lands project symbolizes our commitment to the restoration of Ontario's public infrastructure.

The McGuinty government inherited an enormous infrastructure deficit, and we delivered and developed a comprehensive $30-billion ReNew Ontario investment plan

to address how we will pay down that deficit. Now, today, we have begun to implement this plan. Just as work begins at the west Don lands, so too are shovels going into the ground in over 2,000

infrastructure renewal projects across this province. This makes me incredibly proud, both as Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal and as a resident of the city of Toronto.

Speaker, thank you very much.

Hon. Harinder S. Takhar (Minister of Transportation): I rise in the House today to talk about something vital to everyone in Ontario: the

state of our roads and bridges. As my colleague Mr. Duncan pointed out in tabling his budget last week, quick, reliable and safe transportation is vital to our economic success and quality of

life.

Our government has made the safety and reliability of Ontario's transportation infrastructure a priority. We have created Move Ontario, a new one-time

$1.2-billion investment in Ontario's public transit system and municipal roads and bridges.

I was pleased to be in Mississauga last Friday with the Premier to announce $65 million for the Mississauga Transitway. This is on top of the $25 million that

GO Transit is contributing to this project.

We want to help move people and goods faster, create jobs and build a stronger economy. Move Ontario means $670 million to extend the TTC subway to York

region, $95 million for the Brampton AcceleRide program, and $400 million for municipalities primarily outside of the GTA.

We have listened to municipal leaders in communities across the province who have asked for more money to help repair and upgrade roads and bridges. This is a

one-time $400-million investment that municipalities may use for these kinds of projects, communities such as Hastings county, which will receive more than $1.6 million; London, which will receive

more than $14.3 million; Hamilton, nearly $21 million; Sault Ste. Marie, nearly $4.7 million; Kitchener, more than $4 million; and Ottawa, nearly $33 million. Our investment is spread across the

province, with an emphasis on rural and northern communities.

I know that municipal leaders in Durham region will be happy to hear that the region will receive more than $10.7 million.

These communities will determine their own priorities, including how and when to spend the funding. It will be provided immediately so that high-priority

projects can be accommodated as soon as possible.

Move Ontario is in addition to other major programs that support municipal infrastructure, programs such as the $900-million Canada-Ontario municipal rural

infrastructure fund and the Ontario Strategic Infrastructure Financing Authority.

Move Ontario projects are in addition to our five-year, $30-billion ReNew Ontario infrastructure plan.

Let me also remind the honourable members that ours is the first Ontario government to offer municipalities a reliable and stable of source of transit funding.

The provincial gas tax program is a huge success and is now into its second year. As of October 1, 2005, we increased funding from one cent to one and a half cents for every litre of gasoline sold

in Ontario. This year, 83 transit systems, serving 110 municipalities, will share $232 million in gas tax funding. That is up from the $156 million we gave in the first year of the program.

I'm proud that Ontario has the safest roads in North America. Our government is committed to maintaining and improving upon that record.

We are doing what needs to be done to help communities across the province ensure that Ontario's roads, bridges and transit infrastructure are among the best

in the world.

Here is what people are saying about Move Ontario. The president of the Canadian Urban Transit Association, Michael Roschlau, says, "These transit projects

will help ease congestion and air quality and improve the economic vitality of Ontario's communities."

The president of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Len Crispino, says, "Border, urban and northern communities will all benefit from this government's focus on

improving infrastructure."

The president of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Roger Anderson, says, "Funding for municipal roads, bridges and public transit is welcome

news."

Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion calls our budget a "very progressive budget."

The chair of the Toronto Transit Commission, Howard Moscoe, says, "It's great news, terrific for transit, and what we are seeing is the government honour its

promises, and that is great."

A news release from the CAA says, "This budget shows that motorists matter."

I am sure that all members also will support Move Ontario and agree that quick, reliable and safe transportation is vital to our economic success and quality

of life. It's vital to ensuring that the $1.2 trillion worth of goods carried on Ontario highways every year get to market on time. It's vital to ensuring that we spend more time with our families,

doing the things that really matter to all of us.

DEMOCRATIC RENEWAL /

RENOUVEAU DÉMOCRATIQUE

Hon. Marie Bountrogianni (Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, minister responsible for democratic renewal): I rise today to tell this House

of an important step in advancing the most ambitious democratic renewal agenda in Ontario's history. In order for Ontario to be strong, our democracy has to be strong. Our government is taking the

necessary steps to renew Ontario's democracy and make it stronger.

This morning, I launched the next step in our ambitious democratic renewal agenda. I announced the process for the Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform and

introduced the chair.

L'Assemblée des citoyens donnera aux Ontariens et Ontariennes, pour la première fois dans l'histoire de l'Ontario, la possibilité de participer

à un débat ouvert et complet sur notre système électoral.

That was my first time in French.

At the end of the process, the assembly will make a recommendation on which electoral system they think would best serve our province. If the assembly

recommends a change to our current first-past-the-post electoral system, then we'll put that recommendation to a province-wide referendum.

The assembly will be comprised of 103 Ontarians chosen at random from the permanent register of electors by Elections Ontario. It will be made up of 52 women

and 51 men -- one person from each of Ontario's ridings. At least one member of the assembly will be of aboriginal ancestry. All members will contribute their unique perspectives, their creativity,

their talent and their range of experience to the work of the assembly.

The assembly will be a citizen-led process of learning, listening and deliberating. Beginning in September, the members of the assembly will gather at Osgoode

Hall Law School's state-of-the-art moot court facility at York University two weekends a month. Together they will learn about our system and others. They will consult with a broad cross-section of

Ontarians and they will determine whether they want to recommend that Ontario keep its current electoral system or exchange it for another. They will issue that recommendation on or before May 15,

With today's announcement, our government is clearly communicating its belief that the shape of Ontario's democracy is a matter for Ontarians to decide and

that the role of the government is to ensure that the public's voice is heard loud and clear and that the will of the people is implemented. An undertaking of this magnitude requires tremendous

skill to bring it to fruition, so I was very pleased this morning to announce that when the assembly meets this fall it will be under the skilled guidance of Mr. George Thomson, who was appointed

chair of the citizens' assembly by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

George Thomson brings a lifetime of public service, a commitment to social justice and a strong reputation as a leader in education and public policy to his

work with the assembly. Throughout his distinguished professional life as a lawyer, a teacher, a judge and a deputy minister with the provincial and federal governments, George has built a

reputation for fairness, integrity and inclusiveness. In his role as chair he will oversee and facilitate the work of the assembly. He will also lead the independent citizens' assembly secretariat,

which will support the operation of the assembly process. In the months ahead, under Mr. Thomson's leadership, all Ontarians will be invited to participate in this unprecedented examination of our

democracy.

Cet examen, j'en suis sûre, nous permettra de mieux comprendre la démocratie et son impact sur notre société.

That is an exciting day for Ontario. It marks that this launch of a historic process will empower citizens as never before and determine the shape of our

democracy going forward. Thank you. Merci.

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

INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM FUNDING

Mr. John O'Toole (Durham): Briefly, the minister of infrastructure renewal was talking today about the west Don lands improvement. I would

support that. I think that every one of us here would like to see a more beautiful waterfront, but what they really say here is another promise, and when the Liberals promise something you've got

to be very suspicious.

What they don't want to talk about is the by-election in Toronto-Danforth. In Toronto-Danforth they're fighting the issue of the port lands, and I think this

is a bit of a deflection announcement today to take the attention off. It's well evidenced that Ben Chin is taking a beating, and technically I think the only clear choice is Georgina Blanas in

that riding.

What I'd like to say on the Minister of Transportation's announcement: It's yet another promise. He mentioned in his remarks several times that it's $1.2

billion of one-time funding. The money's there, but there's no delivery. It was an old saying, an axiom, that if something is true you can observe it, and in this case, all the Liberal promises --

you can never envision, you can't even see, any of the actualization of that infrastructure on the ground. The plan is too cute by half. In fact, one of the reports in the media was cited: "The

subway expansion is a mirage." That pretty well sums it up. Most of the promises are post-dated cheques beyond the next election.

Getting down to the real commitments, what I hear on my commute every day is more gridlock. He promised that the routes would be quicker. Well, they're slower.

I've seen rising transit fares right across the board -- on GO Transit, TTC. My constituents in Durham are outraged. There's the leaked budget information on the transportation announcement, which

I'm sure will be debated in this House, and there's the suggestion of interference on the Windsor border file as well by certain members of cabinet.

The GTTA, the Greater Toronto Transportation Authority, is perhaps a good idea, but with a questionable composition, a questionable mandate and questionable

funding. We'll certainly hear more about that in the future.

If I even look at the comment on the $400 million committed to rural Ontario, in fact, one of the reeves said, "By the time you divvy" up the fund, "there

isn't enough to do anything." So it's one-time funding, we won't see any of it happen in our lifetime, and it's clearly a disappointment.

Once again, if you look at the Whitby-Ajax riding, what's being said in that riding, quite clearly -- Christine Elliott wants to send you a message. Roger

Anderson was quoted in the

article I cited earlier from the Toronto Star. It says, "Durham Wonders Why it Was Excluded." In fact, you'd have to say that Durham region was left wondering; that's

what Roger Anderson said. In fact, Richard Gauder, president of the Whitby Chamber of Commerce, said, "Durham region is one of the fastest-growing regions within the GTA," but there was no mention

of any issues to be dealt with in this area.

I'm disappointed by the actions, not just by the minister's commitments here today but by the evidence in the budget. If you can actually believe anything the

Liberals say, it'll be a new day.

DEMOCRATIC RENEWAL

Mr. Norman W. Sterling (Lanark-Carleton): I'd like to respond to the minister's statement with regard to the setting up of a committee on

electoral reform.

I am continually amazed by this government's arrogance with regard to this issue. There was not a call from the minister with regard to whom they were going to

pick to head up this particular committee. I have no trouble with the Honourable George Thomson; he's a very able representative. But I would have thought that when we're going forward with reform

in this Legislature, all parties would be involved in some aspects of reform.

We have objections to the question that's being asked of the citizens' committee. We do not have objection to having a citizens' committee, but we think that a

very narrow question as to how MPPs are elected here will not solve our democratic deficit. We believe much more strongly that reform is necessary in our institution of Parliament, and that the

confidence of the public will only be gained if elected officials start to behave in a more appropriate fashion when they in fact get elected to this place. In this current climate of public

distrust, something this McGuinty government has only aggravated by breaking election promise after election promise, this will not solve the problem.

FINANCEMENT DU PROGRAMME

DES INFRASTRUCTURES /

INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM FUNDING

M. Gilles Bisson (Timmins-Baie James): Le gouvernement annonce justement dans le budget de cette année un programme de transports

appelé Transports-Action Ontario. Quelle action? Un programme qui va donner seulement une année d'argent dont on a vraiment besoin pour les transports en commun dans toutes les

municipalités de la province.

Écoute. Ce dont les municipalités ont besoin, c'est de l'argent qui va continuer année après année, pour s'assurer que non seulement

la ville de Mississauga ou de Toronto a de l'argent pour l'infrastructure des transports en commun, mais d'autres communautés hors de la ville de Toronto telles que Timmins, Thunder Bay et

autres.

C'est une des critiques qu'on a, que le programme est seulement d'une année, et deuxièmement, qu'il vise vraiment le sud de la province, où la

majorité de l'argent va être dépensée.

The other thing that is really ironical about this particular announcement is that not only does it fall on the heels, but just afterwards, there's going to be

a fare increase for riders of the Toronto transit system. Imagine those people who take the TTC every day, especially the people from Toronto-Danforth, who are going to be in a by-election on

Thursday: If they were voting on Sunday, they'd be mad as heck. Why? TTC rates are going up.

This government is doing nothing to deal with the ongoing costs that are associated with running a subway or bus system in the city of Toronto. There used to

be a time when those programs were cost-shared between the province and the municipal government and fares were much lower. What we have now is a government that's saying, "We'll give you money for

only one year, and you guys can go and do what you want outside of a by-election."

This is nothing more than an election ploy. Don't buy Dalton McGuinty's line. He has lied to you before. He will do so again.

Sorry; I take that back. I withdraw.

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

Member for Beaches-East York.

Mr. Michael Prue (Beaches-East York): First, to the Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal: We would gladly welcome the development down on

the Don lands. We think that any time there is development on brownfield sites anywhere in this province, it is a good thing, and we support the development of a new waterfront park that all

Torontonians and all Ontarians can enjoy. But I would like to quote what the Acting Premier said three years ago, because I think the same thing is true today: "He's been sitting on this money.

He's been waiting for a politically opportune time to announce it. While he has done that, people across this province have suffered. That's the kind of cynicism you get from that government and

that's why they need to go" -- George Smitherman in this Legislative Assembly, December 12, 2002.

The same thing is absolutely true here. The people in Toronto, particularly in the east end of Toronto, are suffering because this government is forging ahead

in the port lands. They are going ahead with a project that the community does not want, that the mayor does not want, that the council does not want, that the waterfront czar has spoken to the

Premier about, saying that he does not want it. As a matter of fact, there isn't a single, solitary institution or individual or professional in this city that has come out in favour of what you're

doing.

Now you're trying to cloud the whole issue by saying, "Here is a waterfront park. We're going to put in some things. We're going to make it beautiful." How can

you do that with a mega gas-fired plant across the waterway from them? How can you do that with the pollution that is going to be caused? How can you do this when your own medical officer of health

has told you that this is going to increase pollution in Toronto enormously? I fail to understand it. I believe it's cynical, and I believe it has nothing to do with anything except with the

by-election that is taking place on Thursday.

DEMOCRATIC RENEWAL

Mr. Michael Prue (Beaches-East York): To the minister of democratic renewal, I would gladly be persuaded, and I think the citizens who are

going to come forward would gladly be persuaded, but you have an obligation first to tell them, when they go through all of those months and those agonies of the days of trying to find a better

system, if there is, in fact, a better system -- and then it's going to go to a referendum. But you will not tell, and you have not to date told, the people of the province or the people who are

about to be chosen the percentage that is going to have to take place in the referendum.

We saw what happened in British Columbia. Those people worked for over a year to have their recommendation put before the people of British Columbia, only to

have it completely go for nothing because the level was set artificially high. It was set at 60% plus two thirds of the ridings. You have to state that in advance.

I was not at the press conference this morning, but I was told that was requested of you and you were asked, and it was not there. The people cannot be

expected to put in all of that work for something that is impossible.

The committee -- boldly, I think -- said that it should be 50% plus one, and we expect that from you. We also expect that the list should be updated in advance

so that new Canadians and younger people who were not on the list 11 years ago, when it was last updated, have an opportunity --

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

VISITORS

Mr. Khalil Ramal (London-Fanshawe): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: I would like you to join me in welcoming the members of the Human Rights

Advisory Council from Morocco: Dr. Mohamed Berdouzi, Dr. Badiaa Mellouk and Dr. Salah El Ouadie, accompanied by the head of the Moroccan community in Toronto.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Thank you, and welcome. That, of course, is not a point of order.

ORAL QUESTIONS

GOVERNMENT SPENDING

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): My question is to the Minister of Finance. Could you please tell us how much money will be spent on

the York subway expansion in the 2005-06 fiscal year? That's this year. How much money will be spent on that project in this year?

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Finance, Chair of the Management Board of Cabinet): The entire amount we spoke about is being set into trust.

It has had the full scrutiny of the Provincial Auditor. Though he can't do an opinion on it yet, he's been part of the loop all the way along. So the entire amount is now set aside and committed to

public transit for the greater Toronto area.

I should say that is an appropriate investment, one that we're proud of. We're proud to partner with Toronto, we're proud to partner with York region, and we

look forward. The ball is now in their court to make sure that this happens as quickly as possible. Their provincial government is in support of them, and we're going to work with them to ensure

the best possible public transit in the greater Toronto area.

Mr. Tory: First of all, the truth of the matter is that the auditor doesn't have any details of your trust at all yet. The other truth of the

matter is that the government will actually be spending very little money this year on the project itself. It won't crack ground, as you know, for several years to come.

You and your spendaholic government are so intent on creating a deficit this year, you're so opposed to balancing the budget, you are so addicted to buying

votes that you are going to be booking money that is not even going to be spent. You should have made the commitment to support the transit project, paid for it as it was actually built, and used

the windfall that you have to balance the budget this year, right now.

My question is this: Can you tell us what the annual net interest charges will be to fund the money that you are putting into this trust fund, while it sits

there and the subway is not yet being built? What is the annual interest charge on that?

Hon. Mr. Duncan: The annual interest charge will be a lot less than the charges associated with them cutting taxes while the budget was in

deficit; a lot less than that.

Let me tell you about another deficit; it's the infrastructure deficit. We're proud of our investment: $1.4 billion in Move Ontario. What I am most proud of is

that we are eliminating that deficit. We're confident that the economic benefit to the greater Toronto region and the economic benefit to the entire province of Ontario will be so great, over time,

that that economic deficit that economists have talked about -- you yourself said, "I don't give a hoot who paid for the subway as long as we get it built," Toronto Sun, November 6, 2004.

The Leader of the Opposition wants to have it both ways. The Leader of the Opposition says, "Balance the budget. Give more money to the farmers." The Leader of

the Opposition wants to cut taxes --

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Thank you. Stop the clock.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Order. I need order. Final supplementary.

Mr. Tory: I hope the Minister of Finance is equally proud of the fact that the bogus accounting, and his desperate desire to make sure that we

don't have a balanced budget this year and that we do have a deficit, will cost the taxpayers $50 million; $50 million so that you can play political games. That's enough money to provide a lot

more help for farmers or to hire 480 nurses. That's $50 million so that you can set up this gimmick trust and pretend you're spending the money now, when you're not. There are no shovels going into

the ground. There is no money being spent. It is irresponsible, and it is playing politics.

I ask you to stand in your place now and say, "Yes, we will build the subway, but we will expense the money when it is needed and we will not put the taxpayers

through an expenditure of $50 million a year of their hard-earned money," to support your political gimmicks.

Hon. Mr. Duncan: For the leader of a party that said it had a balanced budget and left a $5.5-billion deficit, it takes a lot of chutzpah to

talk that way.

Let me tell you, we're proud of that investment, and we're proud of the trust we've set up. What we need now is for the federal government to come to the table

with their share. Do you know what? If the federal government comes to the table with their share, that construction can start right away. That's all we're waiting for.

I say to the Leader of the Opposition, I met with Mr. Flaherty. I've spoken to Mr. Flaherty. The Premier has spoken to Mr. Flaherty. We are glad that you've

offered to make the phone call. The sooner that call happens, the sooner the federal government money flows, the sooner it will be built.

I hope they're at the table in their budget. I hope construction gets going. In the interim, we've set aside that money for public transit to improve the

economic efficiency and economy not only of the GTA --

The Speaker: Thank you. New question.

Mr. Tory: My question is also to the Minister of Finance. I could ask you, why, when you had a multi-billion dollar revenue windfall, you

didn't balance the budget or even come as close as you can, but it's actually worse than that, and it's really an offshoot of the same thing we were just discussing.

Why did you, exactly as the budget leak speculated, do everything you could not to balance the budget and in fact create a deficit which will have the result

of costing the taxpayers of Ontario tens and tens and tens of millions of dollars in additional debt charges? Why did you try as hard as you could not to balance the budget? Why did you do

that?

Hon. Mr. Duncan: The Leader of the Opposition wants to have it both ways. He says to balance the budget. So I say to the Leader of the

Opposition, what would you not have done? Would you not have given $125 million to the grain and oilseed farmers? Would you not have provided $114 million to keep Stelco active? Would you not have

provided support for the forestry sector industry? Why wouldn't you support applying that money to public transit in the greater Toronto area?

The Minister of Health just reminds me of the cost of gridlock to this great metropolis and to the surrounding areas: more than $2 billion per year. We made a

strategic and prudent choice to invest in public transit.

We have eliminated 75% of the $5.5-billion deficit that that leader and his party left this province. We're proud of those investments and they're right for

the people --

The Speaker: Thank you. Supplementary.

Mr. Tory: The creation of this phony deficit and the creation of this gimmicky trust fund is not going to get one train on the tracks any

sooner and it is not going to get one car moving any faster. It is simply going to cost the taxpayers of Ontario $50 million of their hard-earned money per year to finance your political

chicanery.

Another thing you could have done to balance the budget is to look for more savings and efficiencies. Last year your predecessor said he had so far found $407

million out of a total target of $750 million -- a weak-kneed target of $750 million -- in savings over the term of the government.

This year, in your budget address, I say to the Minister of Finance, the number still stands at $407 million, meaning that in a whole year you didn't find one

additional cent of waste and inefficiency. In your mad dash to shovel money out the door, have you given up on finding any efficiencies or eliminating any waste in your fat, bloated government?

Hon. Mr. Duncan: The only thing that's fat and bloated is the rhetoric of the Leader of the Opposition. We have achieved $407 million in

efficiencies in two and a half years. That's on top of a budget that had a $5.5-billion deficit, in spite of the fact that they said it was balanced. So unlike the Leader of the Opposition, we're

investing in public transit and we're proud of it: $400 million to roads and bridges, to municipalities throughout the province, and the money started flowing this week.

Unlike the Leader of the Opposition, we've provided $800 million to our farmers to provide assistance to the family farm. He says we shouldn't have done that.

We're proud we did it and we wish we could have done more.

This budget has eliminated 75% of the deficit we inherited. It invests in public transit. It invests in health care and education. We're undoing the deficits

that he and his party left saddled to the province of Ontario just two and a half short years ago.

Mr. Tory: The minister obviously has nothing to say on the subject of trying to find efficiencies and find waste in the government, and

therefore I think your answer also confirms that in one year, from last year to this year, you found not one cent in additional savings, in additional efficiencies in the government.

Interjections.

Mr. Tory: Well, then, explain why it's at $407 million two years in a row.

And I would ask you, are you prepared to table the list of the $407 million? It's not $408 million, it's not $406 million, it's $407 million. Table the list of

the $407 million in the House and tell us what you found this past year, because the number is exactly the same. It's pathetic that you couldn't find one dollar in additional waste in this

government. Will you table the $407-million list in this House today? Will you table it?

Hon. Mr. Duncan: What we're proud of is investing in public transit. What we're proud of is eliminating the health care deficit that we found

when we came here. What we're proud of is 4,300 new teachers in schools across the province; 600 special education teachers teaching gym and art and music. Imagine that: gym and art and music back

in our schools, with $1 million for new textbooks.

We're slowly but surely removing the health deficit, the education deficit, the infrastructure and indeed the financial deficit that was left by Mr. Tory and

his party. In two and a half short years, the achievements we have made are just the beginning. This government remains committed to public health care, public education, better infrastructure, and

prudent and responsible fiscal management, something that was absent when your party was in office for eight long, painful years.

NATIONAL CHILD BENEFIT SUPPLEMENT

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): My question is for the Minister of Children and Youth Services. Can you tell the people of Ontario

why the McGuinty government is still clawing back the national child benefit supplement from the poorest children in Ontario?

Hon. Mary Anne V. Chambers (Minister of Children and Youth Services): I'm happy to take this question. I will perhaps refer any

supplementaries to the Minister of Community and Social Services.

Let me tell you how disappointed I am that after calling for the support of the leader of the NDP and his caucus in securing the $1.9-billion agreement for

provide to them, in terms of high-quality child care spaces and income subsidies, so that they can have the opportunity to go out, study, go out, work, improve their opportunities to be able to

support their families better. I know there are some members of the Tory --

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

Interjection.

The Speaker: Be seated, Minister. Supplementary.

Mr. Hampton: Minister, this is the McGuinty government's election platform: Before the election, you said it was wrong to take money from the

poorest children in Ontario. In fact, I can quote the Premier. He said, "The clawback is wrong and we will end it." Four hundred and forty-three thousand children live in poverty in Ontario -- one

in six children -- under the McGuinty government. We see that last year your government had a $3-billion revenue windfall. You could easily have afforded the $220 million to end the clawback, to

stop taking money away from the poorest kids in Ontario. Can you tell those children and their parents why, when the McGuinty government had a $3-billion revenue surplus windfall, you continue to

take $1,500 a year away from the poorest kids in Ontario?

Hon. Mrs. Chambers: The doublespeak on behalf of the leader of the provincial NDP is really quite disappointing. If he really cared about

supporting. That's $1.4 billion that he wants us to leave on the table rather than standing by even his federal colleagues, who are on the same page that we are on, supporting children and families

in Ontario.

Mr. Hampton: Minister, maybe you need a briefing from your officials, because it is the federal government that established the national child

care benefit. It is the federal government which sends $1,500 a year to very poor children and their families, and over $2,000 a year where there are two children in the family. But it's the

McGuinty government that takes that money away from those children. It's got nothing to do with the federal government giving this money and taking it back; they've given it. It's the McGuinty

government that's taking it back from the poorest kids, despite the specific promise of Dalton McGuinty that he was going to end it because it was "wrong." You had a $3-billion revenue surplus last

year -- a $3-billion revenue windfall. You could easily have afforded it. Tell those poor kids and those families why, under those circumstances, you continue to take $1,500 away from those poorest

children in Ontario every year.

The Speaker: The question has been asked. Minister?

Hon. Mrs. Chambers: We know that families in Ontario are a lot better off than when we took over this government in 2003. I know that my

colleague the Minister of Community and Social Services is really eager to add to this debate.

Interjection.

The Speaker: No, you --

Hon. Mrs. Chambers: All right, Mr. Speaker, let me tell the leader of the NDP. A single parent with two children in this province is now more

than $1,600 per year better off than they were when we were elected to lead this government in 2003 -- a 15.6% increase over 2003-04. Now, is there more to be done? Yes, there is more to be done,

and we look forward to doing more for these families, as we have been doing in the first two and a half years of our government.

CHILD CARE

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): To the Minister of Children and Youth Services, you may say you're putting in $1,600. What they see

is that you're taking $1,500 a year out of their pockets -- families that can barely afford to pay the rent and put food on the table.

But I want to ask you about your budget cut to child care. Your own budget document shows that in this coming fiscal year, 2006-07, you're going to cut $186

million from child care. There has been $3 billion in surplus revenue this past year, but in the coming year you're going to take $186 million out of child care -- a 22% cut.

Tell me, with so many families waiting for child care, with those surplus revenues you had last year, and even larger surplus revenues headed into this year,

how do you justify cutting $186 million from child care?

Hon. Mary Anne V. Chambers (Minister of Children and Youth Services): The leader of the NDP again continues to mislead people. You know --

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): You need to reword --

Hon. Mrs. Chambers: I withdraw that. I'd like to suggest that what the leader of the NDP has just said is grossly inaccurate.

Of the first three years of the five-year agreement, our target was to extend the capacity of child care facilities in this province by 25,000 new spaces, new

spaces that clearly reflect the demand for this kind of facility. As indicated by the progress we have made to date, by September 2006, more than 14,000 -- in fact, 14,783 -- new spaces will have

been provided. I look forward to responding to supplementary questions.

Mr. Hampton: What I think people have a hard time swallowing is that, once again, this is the Dalton McGuinty election document, where you

promised you were going to put in $300 million a year of new provincial funding for child care. Now, what we see is that you had $3 billion of surplus revenues last year, you're going to have even

more revenues in the fiscal year that we're going into, and yet the McGuinty government isn't going to put in $300 million of new provincial funding for child care; you're actually going to chop

$186 million of money that was already there. Tell me, when you make these promises in your election document, when you clearly had surplus revenues coming in last year and even more coming in this

next fiscal year, how do you justify cutting $186 million from child care?

Hon. Mrs. Chambers: Again, the leader of the NDP is not being accurate in his statements. Let me give you a sense of what we're doing.

We are ensuring that the additional capacity in the child care system here in Ontario will be sustained, that we will be able to support the 14,783 spaces that

will be added by September 2006, while we continue to fight on behalf of families in Ontario who have said they need this kind of support. We are very pleased that our government was able to secure

standing beside us, in support of the federal government honouring that agreement.

Mr. Hampton: I support my federal leader, Jack Layton, in the fight for a national child care strategy, but this is about your budget. This is

about your election promise, where you said that you were going to put $300 million of new provincial money into child care. Yet here we see that in fact there's no $300 million of new provincial

funding -- not last year, not this year. With surplus revenues last year, you didn't put $300 million into child care. With even bigger revenues going ahead in the next fiscal year, which begins on

April 1, you're not putting $300 million into child care; you're cutting $186 million, 22% of the child care budget. I simply think that all those hard-working parents who are waiting in line for

child care deserve an explanation from the McGuinty government. Why are you cutting child care by $186 million --

The Speaker: Thank you.

Hon. Mrs. Chambers: The Minister of Finance would actually like to address this.

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Finance, Chair of the Management Board of Cabinet): I would refer members to page 95 of the document. This

looks at the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. I will point out to the member opposite that since this government took office, not only have we exceeded $300 million, we're over $900

million. Now, I could be disingenuous like the leader of the third party -- that has a lot more to do with things other than child care -- but I'm not going to be disingenuous like that. That's not

the right way to have this debate. It's true; the amount of money available for child care has gone down because we lost $1.4 billion from the federal government.

I was just reminded that they scrapped 6,000 daycare subsidies when they were in office. Here's what Kerry McCuaig had to say. "The NDP government killed

provincial child care."

This budget saves provincial child care. It invests the money that we have to keep 14,000 of 25,000 spaces --

The Speaker: Thank you. New question.

ONTARIO BUDGET

Mr. Jim Wilson (Simcoe-Grey): My question is for the Minister of Finance, and the Acting Premier. At an $800-a-ticket Liberal fundraiser in

early March, the former Minister of Finance, Mr. Sorbara, reportedly tipped off at least one guest to the fact that you'd be announcing the York subway expansion in last Thursday's budget. Of

course, we all know that tip was absolutely correct. You know the financial implications of this kind of leak, and it's your responsibility to ensure the integrity of the budget process. So I ask

you again, can you confirm for this House that you've referred this important matter to the OPP for investigation?

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Finance, Chair of the Management Board of Cabinet): We are proud of the Move Ontario plan that we tabled in

this House last Thursday. We're proud to be responding to the first priority of the Toronto Transit Commission; we're proud to respond to York region's first priority. We're proud that a subway

expansion that was fully documented and an environmental assessment are moving ahead. We're proud to say that we're going further than that: We're going to the Vaughan Corporate Centre, and we're

very proud of that. We're also proud of the fact that this government keeps its commitments on public transit and invests properly.

The budget process is out in public. The speculation that was there before was all a matter of public record prior to the budget. This investment's going

forward; that subway is going to be built. They can try all they want to stop it, but we're moving forward. It's the right thing to do.

Mr. Wilson: I would just say to the minister and to everyone here that there seems to be a pattern developing around swanky Liberal

fundraisers, the former Minister of Finance and land north of Toronto. Last year, it was a multi-million dollar exemption from the greenbelt that was handed out following a $10,000-a-plate

fundraiser at the Sorbara mansion. Now, at an $800-a-plate Liberal fundraiser with Mr. Sorbara, highly sensitive and potentially lucrative information about the budget is leaked weeks in

advance.

In Ottawa, the federal Liberal Party is under investigation by the RCMP for potentially leaking lucrative financial information a few days in advance of an

announcement. The subway leak took place weeks in advance, giving those who may have known about it ample time to take advantage of it. So I ask you again, why haven't you done the right thing and

called in the OPP to investigate this matter?

Hon. Mr. Duncan: Journalists will do a good job to try to get public information as quickly as they can, and there's always speculation on

budgets. In fact, let's have a look. The 2003 Magna budget: We all remember that budget, don't we? I remember that. That was out at Magna. We decided not to do ours there, even though Belinda is

with us now. But let me tell you, it was a budget full of tax cuts, and that was published weeks before the budget. Did you call an OPP investigation? No.

Headline: "Tax Cuts to be Jewel of Ontario's Non-budget," Globe and Mail, March 27, 2003. Did you have an OPP investigation? No.

Headline: "Putting Eves's Defence to a Reality Check," Toronto Star, March 26, 2003. Did you put that to an OPP security check? No.

By the way, just so we don't forget, it happened in 2002, 2000, 1999 -- oh, and in 1991 in the NDP budget: "Corporate Tax Plan on Hold, Official Hints." Was

there an OPP investigation? No. That was a tax leak. In the 1992 budget, headline, Globe and Mail, April 23: "Ontario" --

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

Mr. Michael Prue (Beaches-East York): My question is to the Acting Premier. Perhaps we can get a better answer than we just got from the

Minister of Finance.

On March 8, Vaughan Mayor Michael Di Biase told reporters that, weeks before the budget was unveiled, former Finance Minister Greg Sorbara informed him that a

subway expansion into Vaughan would be included. Days later, Mr. Sorbara, a member of your caucus, denied that the conversation ever took place and insisted he knew nothing about the budget at all.

My question to you, Mr. Acting Premier: How do you explain the discrepancy?

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): I'm very proud as a Torontonian who has been around the subject of an

expansion of that subway line north to York University and beyond for at least two decades. In fact, I had the privilege of serving, in a prior life in politics, as chief of staff to Barbara Hall,

the mayor of Toronto, who at the time was a member of Metro council before the amalgamation of the city of Toronto. At the time, the NDP government was in office. I believe that the proposal in

discussion at that time was for a five-fold expansion of subway lines in the city of Toronto. Most certainly at that time, the conversation with respect to the expansion to York University and York

region beyond was front and centre. My colleague was the chair of the Toronto Transit Commission during the same time period. This discussion was ongoing then. Accordingly, I think it's just about

time that the honourable member in the back row over there figured out what most of us had figured out a good decade or two ago.

Mr. Prue: Perhaps the Acting Premier has forgotten that I was a mayor then too, and I was part of the same discussions with his boss. But my

question is about the discrepancy. I'm going to say it again: My question is about the discrepancy. The former finance minister says he knew nothing about the budget items, but the mayor of Vaughan

has clearly stated that Mr. Sorbara did know the details and shared them with him. Then on budget day, the Globe and Mail reports that Mr. Sorbara's family stands to pocket a substantial amount of

change once the budget goes through.

It doesn't look good for this Legislature; it doesn't look good for your government; it doesn't look good for the process of the budget. Mr. Acting Premier,

are you going to take any steps to clear the air, investigate the matter and reassure the public that everything here has been done properly?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: I would strenuously assert that what doesn't look good is that the honourable member, part of a party that used to have a

commitment to public transit, instead has demonstrated very little more than a commitment to mudslinging. To draw into the conversation land holdings that people may or may not have had over a

period of decades is, I think, the best example yet that there are some of those out there who want to manufacture circumstances that are really quite unconnected.

The reality is very, very clear. Anyone connected to the reality of the greater Toronto area, of its growth and of the challenges associated with moving people

in it, knows well that the issue at hand is not a matter of just the last week or two weeks, but rather a matter that has challenged our region for a couple of decades. Accordingly, I'm --

The Speaker: Thank you. New question.

AGRICULTURE FUNDING

Mrs. Carol Mitchell (Huron-Bruce): My question is for the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Canada's farmers are in a dire

position. Environmental concerns and economic factors have left them in a tough spot. I was very pleased to see our government's show of support in the form of the $125-million package targeting

the hardest-hit sectors. Ontario is the only province in this country to show that kind of support to its farmers. I know our government has held the position that a multi-year risk management

program, in partnership with the federal government, is the direction that needs to be taken. This government continues to do what it can, but it simply cannot compete with countries like our

southern neighbour. The federal government has to come to the table. Minister, you have been tireless in pressing this point to your federal counterparts. Can you tell us if you have received any

commitment from the federal government yet?

Hon. Leona Dombrowsky (Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs): I appreciate the strong advocacy of the member from Huron-Bruce for

the agriculture community. She raises a very important point. Our government has been meeting with farm groups, certainly since we've come to government, and I have since I've come to this

portfolio. Last fall, we had a plan that we wanted to bring to the federal government. We've been listening to farmers and they say that they want a multi-year strategy. They want to stop the

one-offs that governments have provided to them up until now. They want a multi-year strategy that includes the provincial government and the federal government.

I've had the opportunity to bring this to the attention of the federal minister. There is a commitment out there, a campaign commitment from the federal

government, that they are prepared to spend $500 million. I have not had any resounding response that they are ready to do this. I called the federal minister just this morning to again press to

meet with him because this is --

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Thank you. There may be a supplementary. Supplementary?

Mrs. Mitchell: I would encourage all members here, and especially the members over there, to press their federal counterparts to live up to

their obligation to our farmers. While many of the factors that affect farmers are addressed on the federal level, we can and we must continue to do all we can for our farmers and our rural way of

life in Ontario. The tradition is integral to the identity of this province and of this country. The recent budget addressed this need. Can you tell us this government's commitment to our farmers?

It shall continue, Minister.

Hon. Mrs. Dombrowsky: I believe that the budget document in many ways demonstrates our government's commitment to farmers and to rural

Ontario. Again, the budget of agriculture, food and rural affairs has increased. But I think what's most important in this document is that it is clearly stated that our government is committed to

a multi-year strategy with the federal government. It's time they came to the table with the money. Our Premier has made it very clear that we are at the table. We are ready, with our sleeves

rolled up, to work toward a plan that will stop the one-offs and will bring the sustainability to this industry that it's been asking for and that it deserves.

It's time folks on that side of the House pick up the phone, call their federal members and tell Mr. Harper this has to be a priority. Agriculture needs to be

added to the five priorities at the federal level. We need action now for farmers in Ontario.

The Speaker: New question. The Leader of the Opposition.

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): My question is for the Minister of Finance, following up on both that very interesting

self-congratulatory question and also the minister's answer, where she indicates -- I think in fact what we have, and I asked the Minister of Finance about this, is 244 million ways in which this

government has demonstrated its lack of commitment to the farmers of Ontario, and that's the cutback of $244 million you've got in your budget for the farmers of Ontario. So I want to know, in the

midst of all this largesse, that you can afford to be putting hundreds of millions of dollars in phony trust funds for stuff that isn't even needed this year in terms of the actual spending -- the

spending is not needed. The spending will not happen this year --

Interjections.

The Speaker: Stop the clock. Order. I'm having difficulty hearing the Leader of the Opposition.

Mr. Tory: The spending is not needed this year. On top of that, we've established that it's going to cost $50 million in interest charges for

you to set up this phony trust fund for money that won't be spent this year, won't be spent next year, does not need to be booked now. So my question is this: When you had this mountain of

additional revenue, why did you choose to put money into the phony trust fund and cost taxpayers millions in interest and leave the farmers faced with a $244-million spending cutback on the part of

your government?

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Finance, Chair of the Management Board of Cabinet): I would refer the Leader of the Opposition to page 95 of

the budget. For this year, which we are still in, 2005-06, the leader of the opposition will be aware that three weeks ago we announced $125 million. That is included in this year's line.

Next year we're going to be looking at all these issues, as we have every year. We've put $800 million into our farm communities through income supports in

three years. But let me point out one other number to the leader of the third party. That's the last full year you were in office, when you spent less than $650 million on agriculture. We're up to

over a billion dollars this year, including $800 million for income support.

When there's a problem on the family farm, we all have a problem. We're standing behind our farmers, and I say to the Leader of the Opposition, please help us

with the federal government --

The Speaker: Thank you. Final supplementary.

Mr. Tory: The Minister of Finance is so much wanting to refer to page 95, and in fact, it does show, for 2005-06, total spending of $1.14

billion. Here it is right here -- tell me which part of the math is wrong: total spending for 2006-07 at $896 million, a reduction of $244 million to the farmers of Ontario.

We phoned the Agricorp toll-free number today. They said that, out of all this money that you've committed in the current fiscal year, not one red cent of the

new money recently announced has flowed. You play this blame game, you and your colleague, with the federal government. Their money is actually flowing to farmers today. The money that's not

flowing is only because you haven't supplied them with the crop data they need to know which farmers should get so much. So why are you dragging your feet, why are you cutting back $244 million,

why are you delaying sending them the crop data, and why aren't you getting any cheques out the door, as your own toll-free hotline confirmed this afternoon? It's because you've turned your backs

on the farmers in Ontario. It's a disgrace.

The Speaker: The question's been asked.

Hon. Mr. Duncan: Year over year, expenditures have gone up both on the operating basis and on the contingency basis.

Interestingly enough, when our farming community was having problems in 1997-98, was there any one-time extraordinary money? No. In 1998-99: No. In 2000-01,

there was a bit; still not even close to what we've put in. In 2001-02, nothing. In 2002-03, nothing. And by the way, that $125 million we've booked this year, which we gave three weeks ago -- you

said we shouldn't have done it. You said we should have balanced the budget. You're trying to have it every which way. You tell the farmers one thing; you tell the financial community another

thing.

This government stands behind its farming community. When there's a problem on the family farm, we all have a problem. Now it's time for the federal government

to came to the table --

The Speaker: Thank you.

Mr. Ted Arnott (Waterloo-Wellington): On a point of order, Mr Speaker: I heard the Minister of Labour utter a completely unparliamentary

remark, and I would ask you to ask him to withdraw it.

The Speaker: I didn't hear it, but if he did, he has the opportunity to withdraw.

New question.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Ms. Andrea Horwath (Hamilton East): My question is for the Minister of Community and Social Services. Inquests across the province have

repeatedly asked your government to restore counselling services, tighten restraining orders and, in the case of the Gillian Hadley inquest, change bail provisions. Yet you've failed to act. Two

weeks ago, Fallon Mason, a 23-year-old Brantford woman, was reportedly murdered by an ex-boyfriend. Brantford police believe that her death could have been prevented. Minister, how many more women

must die before your government takes the necessary measures to fight and prevent violence against women?

Hon. Sandra Pupatello (Minister of Community and Social Services, minister responsible for women's issues): The member opposite will know how

proud this government is of the domestic violence action plan that we tabled in this House months and months ago. Encompassed in that plan are four significant areas for change and improvement. The

member opposite should also tell us which of those she disagrees with, because they are significant.

In the first area, training, for the first time we are funding training of front-line people, professionals involved in domestic violence. For the first time

ever, the Ontario government is involved. In a significant area, for the first time, the Ontario government is involved in public education to actually change attitudes around the area of domestic

violence. A significant part of our plan is enhancements to community supports, and this member opposite should appreciate that with the number in her own riding that have benefited. Fourth, and

very important, is the justice sector and the significant amount of work that is being done to improve the --

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

Ms. Horwath: The minister must know that she promised $68 million for your domestic violence action plan, yet only $26 million has actually

flowed, most of it in pilot projects. According to the Ontario Women's Justice Network, your program direction itself is vague, despite the detailed recommendations you have had from coroners, from

inquests, from stakeholders and even from your own advisers. Minister, you're nowhere near keeping even half of your promises to women. In your budget you had the chance to truly protect women. Why

didn't you?

Hon. Ms. Pupatello: Let me say this: The information that this member opposite is suggesting is absolute nonsense. Let me tell you that our

plan is a $68-million commitment over these four years of implementation, and a significant amount has gone out the door already. She should know this, because she was busy calling my office for

the details all last week. And we gave them all of the information that they needed to present accurate information in this House.

Let me talk about these incidents in Brantford over these last couple of weeks, because this is a tragedy that Ontarians face on a regular basis. We need this

to stop. We need this to change. Last week, I met once again with the new federal minister responsible so that we could discuss issues like the changes to the Criminal Code, which is a federal

responsibility and which may be the only place where we actually have common ground with this new national government, and that is the discussion of reverse onus on bail. It is a significant issue

that I would appreciate help --

The Speaker: Thank you. New question.

TORONTO WATERFRONT

Ms. Kathleen O. Wynne (Don Valley West): My question today is for the Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal. Earlier today, Minister

Caplan made an announcement regarding a groundbreaking for a new community to be built in the west Don lands on the Toronto waterfront. This news was a long time coming, for many reasons, but

largely because previous provincial governments dragged their heels and did not act. Toronto residents really want a waterfront that's vital and thriving. Could you explain, Minister, how this plan

came to fruition, and what role this provincial government had in making it happen?

Hon. David Caplan (Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal, Deputy Government House Leader): It is a delight to be able to answer this

question because it was my great honour this morning to, at long last, set in motion real, tangible action to deliver on a vision of a waterfront revitalized here in the city of Toronto. After

decades of unfulfilled expectations, today marks a historic turning point. Waterfront renewal has truly moved from planning to implementation, with the beginning of the first major sustainable

community. The reason for that? What made the difference? In a word, leadership: the leadership exemplified by Premier McGuinty and our government when we signed in September 2005 an MOU with the

waterfront corporation and our own Ontario Realty Corp. We led the way to unlock the jurisdictional gridlock that has held up waterfront renewal for generations.

I want to acknowledge the determined support of our colleague the Honourable George Smitherman for his stewardship in the initiative of Toronto Centre-Rosedale

and the many residents and advisory groups who have never given up on their mission of building a better community. I also want to recognize the city of Toronto and --

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

Ms. Wynne: I think it's important that we do recognize the federal government and the city of Toronto in moving this plan forward. I'm sure

that every member from Toronto in this House and in fact every member will support the ideal of a strong and vital waterfront in Toronto because if Toronto's waterfront is to be an integral part of

the city, if it's to draw residents and tourists and business to the city, we must do what you've begun today. We know that this is vital to the city, Minister, but could you outline why this is so

important to the whole province of Ontario?

Hon. Mr. Caplan: It's important as a showcase for the many priorities of the McGuinty government. The west Don lands will be an exemplar of

how modern communities should grow. As we outlined in our proposed growth strategy for the greater Golden Horseshoe, the west Don lands will be shaped by the broader principles of brownfield

redevelopment, affordable housing, environmentally sustainable and transit-oriented development, and open park space. The west Don lands will include 6,000 new residential units -- 1,500 affordable

units -- for over 10,000 new residents; 25% of the community will be parks and open space, including an eight-hectare Don River Park; a new light rail transit line within a five-minute walk of all

of the new homes; two child care centres; a community centre and pool; and a new elementary school. The west Don lands initiative is Ontario's highest Toronto waterfront revitalization priority,

and I am proud to stand before you today and tell you that it has become a reality.

ONTARIO BUDGET

Mr. John O'Toole (Durham): My question is to the Minister of Finance. Essentially your budget ignores one of the fastest-growing regions not

just in Canada but certainly here in Ontario in the areas of transportation, agriculture and health care. For example, you extended funding for the York region subway at $670 million; $95 million

to the city of Brampton for transit; $65 million for Mississauga. Conspicuously absent from the eastern GTA is the Durham region. I quote Roger Anderson, who is the chair, and he says he's left

wondering why they're excluded: "Durham ... is one of the fastest-growing regions within the GTA and yet there was no mention at all for transportation."

Minister, I'm quite familiar with the issues myself as I talk to my constituents each day and I listen to the people. I've read the Toronto Star

article on

this. Why have you ignored Durham region in your most recent budget?

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Finance, Chair of the Management Board of Cabinet): I had the chance to talk to Judi Longfield about this just

last night. Let me tell you what I told Judi Longfield. We have redeveloped the Ajax and Pickering hospital to increase emergency room capacity by 60,000 visits and expand lab and mental health

services -- something you didn't do in eight long, painful years. We invested $5 million in 2006 to support public transit in Durham. What did you do for public transit? You cut all money out of

public transit. One hundred and ninety new teachers hired at local public and Catholic high schools; 190 new teachers to teach kids in Durham region. Some $93 million invested in 18 Whitby-Ajax

long-term-care homes; $4 million to support violence against women agencies in Durham region; $18.8 million for Durham affordable, high-quality child care spaces. That's an enviable record --

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

Mr. O'Toole: Minister, what I'm actually hearing is that you're paying more and getting less. It could be no more evident than just driving

around Durham region. In fact, the chair once again said a lot of money is going to the west of Yonge Street, very little east of Yonge Street.

In fact, in the agricultural sector, Ron Bonnett, the president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, said, "The province keeps talking about the need to

have a vibrant economy, but does not reflect this with action" in agriculture. The Ministry of Agriculture, as has been stated by our leader, John Tory, was slashed by $244 million.

You mentioned health care. You know, if I listen and look at health care, what's actually the evidence there is that cancer surgery waiting lists are up 67%,

angioplasty is up 213%, hip replacements are up 59%, and the list goes on.

The main issue for me and the people of Ontario is that there's a chance to show this government something this Thursday, to look at Christine Elliott, to send

a message to the Minister of Finance.

Interjection: Who closed Whitby General Hospital?

Hon. Mr. Duncan: Yes, who closed Whitby General Hospital? The Tories did. That's who closed Whitby General Hospital.

Let's see:

-- $2.3 million for 140 housing units under the affordable housing program, something you slashed completely;

-- 50 additional police officers in Durham region and 31 crown prosecutors to fight crime; and

-- the greenbelt: 1.8 million acres of protected land in Durham. You were against that.

In the budget, $22.5 million in road and bridge funding is going to Durham region this week. Why? Because unlike them, we're not suggesting these decisions

should be political. What we're saying is that we responded to Toronto's top priority. We responded to York region's top priority. Durham region would be well served by Judi Longfield speaking up

in a manner that he knows nothing about in terms of being a strong voice for --

The Speaker: Thank you. New question.

AGRICULTURE FUNDING

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): My question is for the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Minister, there are thousands

of hard-working farmers across Ontario who are in danger of losing their livelihood and their farms. They have met with your government time and time again to tell you that they have not recovered

from the BSE crisis, to tell you that the American subsidies to grains and oilseeds are putting more and more Ontario farmers out of business. They asked you for a risk management strategy. They

asked you for some help for farmers who are still struggling with the aftermath of the BSE crisis. Yet, when they looked at your budget, there was nothing. In fact, there was a cut. Can you tell

those farmers, farmers like Stephen Webster, who continues to live in his car here at Queen's Park to protest your inaction, why you've turned your back on hard-working Ontario farmers?

Hon. Leona Dombrowsky (Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs): I think it is very important that I take this opportunity to set the

record straight and remind the people of Ontario that this government has increased the budget at agriculture, food and rural affairs. A cut to agriculture would be what happened under your

government, when, over your term, you cut the budget at Ag and Food by over 25%. We increased the budget.

I have been meeting with farm leaders since I've come to this file, and this is what they're asking for: They're asking for a multi-year partnership program

with the federal government. Our government did provide them with short-term help to the tune of $125 million: $80 million for grains and oilseeds, $35 million for fruit and vegetable growers, and

$10 million that will support the livestock and poultry industry in this province. Our government has a record of supporting the agriculture industry when --

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

Mr. Hampton: It seems the new answer for the McGuinty government on every issue is to now blame the federal government. Minister, if I look to

Quebec, Quebec has established a risk management strategy for their grain and oilseed farmers. If I look to Alberta, they have established a risk management strategy for their grain and oilseed

farmers. Yet when I look at the Ontario budget: nothing. Not only that, but when I look at communities across rural and northern Ontario, when they look to see what was in the budget to address

their needs: nothing. Pickle Lake, for example, told your government that the downloading of policing is literally bankrupting the community. Was there anything to address that? Nothing. The

community of Sioux Lookout told you the same thing, that the downloading of Ontario provincial policing was essentially bankrupting the community. Was there anything for them? Nothing.

Tell me again, Minister: When so many communities are in need and when the McGuinty government had $3 billion in surplus revenue, why did you turn your back on

northern and rural Ontario?

Hon. Mrs. Dombrowsky: First of all, I want to correct the honourable member. We're not blaming the federal government; we're looking to the

federal government to come to the table and work with us. I know that's a novel concept, but that's exactly what farmers have asked of us and that is exactly what we are committed to do.

In the short term, until we get a multi-year partnership strategy with the federal government, we have invested $125 million to support farmers. Those cheques

will be out within weeks.

That's the kind of support our government has shown for the agriculture community. We have been there, and we will continue to be their advocate with the

federal government for the kind of deal they have been asking for.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Mr. Dave Levac (Brant): My question is for the Minister of Community and Social Services. My community recently has been rocked by two

high-profile tragedies: the death of a small boy and the death of a young woman as a result of domestic violence.

Eight-year-old Jared Osidacz was stabbed to death last Saturday by his father, Andrew. He died while protecting two women who were under attack by his father.

They were able to escape because of his heroic sacrifice.

Fallon Mason, a 23-year-old mother of two young children, died a few days earlier in, regrettably, the city's first murder of 2006. She was also a victim of

senseless domestic violence at the hands of her ex-boyfriend.

Contrary to what has been said, a review of the protocols in place indicated that no fault should be placed on our local system.

Minister, what actions has our government taken to combat domestic violence across the province?

Hon. Sandra Pupatello (Minister of Community and Social Services, minister responsible for women's issues): I think it's apparent to all in

this House that every one of us takes these issues extremely seriously and personally because they affect every one of us. To the entire Brantford community, we extend our greatest sympathies in

what they are facing today, led of course by our own MPP from Brantford, who himself has been a huge supporter of Nova Vita house in the Brantford area and has often brought that campaign here to

the House for full provincial support.

We have worked diligently in this area since we became the government in 2003. We are moving forward with additional changes, enhancements and supports. We

need everyone on side to implement our domestic violence action plan, and we intend to do just that.

Mr. Levac: It is clear that all of us here are on the right track. The organizations in my community are grateful for the funding that

previous governments and this government have provided, but much more needs to be done.

Many of these organizations and others have said that men need to be better educated about domestic violence. We need to teach our sons that it's not okay to

raise your hand to your sister or to your mother. Men need to know that it's not acceptable to strike their partner. Cultures, no matter where, cannot accept the disgrace of hitting their partner.

Our daughters must not accept physical or verbal abuse from their boyfriends. A change in culture is needed by men, for men.

Minister, what have we done to support programs and organizations that are working to change the culture of violence?

I every challenge every man in this place to do one more thing to eradicate domestic violence.

Hon. Ms. Pupatello: I think that this member points to the very, very important work that is currently being done on two fronts in this

domestic violence action plan. A very significant

part is public education, where for the first time we really are leading the charge to bring organizations together and fund them to provide public

education opportunities to actually change attitudes. That's what the member from Brantford is speaking about: We need to bring forward programs so that young girls understand that they are equal

in gender, and that they grow up to be strong young women and strong women, so that their relationships are, in fact, equal, because every case is about a power struggle in domestic violence, and

young women need to know that they will enter into relationships that are, in fact, equal. That's only going to happen when we change attitudes in Ontario.

We're prepared to take the lead. We have said from the beginning that we need everyone on board to be doing this: friends, families, neighbours, agencies, the

provincial government, the federal government, municipalities, all members of this House. We intend to make a difference, even in this first term of our government.

PETITIONS

ORGAN DONATION

Mr. John Yakabuski (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke): I have a petition here on behalf of my colleague Frank Klees to the Legislative Assembly of

Ontario. Interestingly enough, there are many people from my riding who have signed this petition for Mr. Klees.

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas 1,920 Ontarians are currently on a waiting list for an organ transplant; and

"Whereas the number of Ontarians waiting for an organ transplant has virtually doubled since 1994; and

"Whereas hundreds die every year waiting for an organ transplant; and

"Whereas greater public education and awareness will increase the number of people who sign their organ donor cards and increase the availability of organ

transplants for Ontarians; and

"Whereas the private member's bill proposed by Oak Ridges MPP Frank Klees will require every resident 16 years of age and older to complete an organ donation

question when applying for or renewing a driver's licence or provincial health card, thereby increasing public awareness of the importance of organ donation while respecting the right of every

person to make a personal decision regarding the important issue of organ donation;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to pass Bill 67, the Organ and Tissue Donation Mandatory Declaration Act, 2006."

I support this petition and so I affix my name to it.

HEALTH CARE

Mr. Kim Craitor (Niagara Falls): I'm pleased to introduce this petition to the House. I just want to quickly mention the name of Marg Walkden,

who in less than two weeks put together over 2,500 signatures on these petitions; 174 pages. So thank you, Marg.

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas the people of the city of Niagara Falls deserve and have the right to quality health care; and

"Whereas the people petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and" -- in particular -- "the Niagara Health System

to cease the closing of 11 hospital beds scheduled for the Greater Niagara General site; and

"Whereas the people of Niagara Falls feel that further cutbacks at the Greater Niagara General site will have a ... negative impact on the delivery of patient

care;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, the Ministry of Health ... and" -- in particular -- "the Niagara Health System to cease all

cutbacks and provide the citizens of Niagara Falls with ... health care that was once present in the city of Niagara Falls."

I'm pleased to submit this petition and sign my signature to it.

ORGAN DONATION

Mr. Ernie Hardeman (Oxford): I have a petition signed by a great number of people from Oxford county and from ridings around the province. It

is a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas 1,920 Ontarians are currently on a waiting list for an organ transplant; and

"Whereas the number of Ontarians waiting for an organ transplant has virtually doubled since 1994; and

"Whereas hundreds die every year waiting for an organ transplant; and

"Whereas greater public education and awareness will increase the number of people who sign their organ donor cards and increase the availability of organ

transplants for Ontarians; and

"Whereas the private member's bill proposed by Oak Ridges MPP Frank Klees will require every resident 16 years of age and older to complete an organ donation

question when applying for or renewing a driver's licence or provincial health card, thereby increasing public awareness of the importance of organ donation while respecting the right of every

person to make a personal decision regarding the important issue of organ donation;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to pass Bill 67, the Organ and Tissue Donation Mandatory Declaration Act, 2006."

I affix my signature as I agree with the petition.

IDENTITY THEFT

Mr. Tony Ruprecht (Davenport): I have a petition addressed to the Parliament of Ontario and the Minister of Government Services.

"Whereas identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in North America;

"Whereas confidential and private information is being stolen on a regular basis....

"Whereas the cost of this crime exceeds billions of dollars;

"Whereas countless hours are wasted to restore one's good credit rating;

"Therefore we, the undersigned, demand that Bill 38, which passed the second reading unanimously in the Ontario Legislature on December 8, 2005, be brought

before committee and that the following issues be included for consideration and debate:

"

(1) All consumer reports should be provided in a truncated ... form, protecting our vital private information, such as SIN and loan account numbers.

"

(2) Should a consumer reporting agency discover that there has been an unlawful disclosure of consumer information, the agency should immediately inform the

affected consumer.

"

(3) The consumer reporting agency shall only report credit-inquiry records resulting from actual applications for credit or increase of credit, except in a

report given to the consumer.

"

(4) The consumer reporting agency shall investigate disputed information within 30 days and correct, supplement or automatically delete any information found

unconfirmed, incomplete or inaccurate."

I submit this and I'm glad to sign it.

LONG-TERM CARE

Mr. John O'Toole (Durham): I have a petition on behalf of Tamara Wilcox and others from the riding of Durham. It reads as follows:

"We, the undersigned, who are members of family councils, residents' councils and/or supporters of long-term care in Ontario, petition the Legislative Assembly

of Ontario to increase ... funding to long-term-care homes by $306.6 million, which will allow the hiring of more staff to provide an additional 20 minutes of care per resident per day over the

next two years (2006 and 2007)."

I'm pleased to sign this in support of long-term care in my riding of Durham.

Mr. Jeff Leal (Peterborough): I'm actually introducing this on behalf of the folks of Etobicoke Centre today. It's a petition to the

Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

"We, the undersigned, who are members of family councils, residents' councils and/or supporters of long-term care in Ontario, petition the Legislative Assembly

of Ontario to increase operating funding to long-term-care homes by $306.6 million, which will allow the hiring of more staff to provide an additional 20 minutes of care per resident per day over

the next two years (2006 and 2007)."

SPECIAL CARE HOMES

Mrs. Julia Munro (York North): "To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas hundreds of vulnerable adults live in homes for special care that provide them a warm and secure, stable and friendly environment which allows them to

lead fulfilling lives; and

"Whereas the alternative for many of these individuals is a life of homelessness on the street; and

"Whereas special care homes have had only a single 3% increase since 1999, which in no way matches the rising costs they face; and

"Whereas the Liberal government promised Ontario in the election they would `significantly increase supportive housing options for those suffering from mental

illness';

"Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the government to bring in an immediate increase in funding to homes for special care."

I've affixed my signature to this.

CANCER TREATMENT

Mr. Peter Fonseca (Mississauga East): I'm happy to bring this petition forward on behalf of Tony and Mario Codispoti from my riding of

Mississauga East.

"Whereas Ontario has an inconsistent policy for access to new cancer treatments while these drugs are under review for funding; and

"Whereas cancer patients taking oral chemotherapy may apply for a

section 8 exception under the Ontario drug benefit plan, with no such exception policy in

place for intravenous cancer drugs administered in hospital; and

"Whereas this is an inequitable, inconsistent and unfair policy, creating two classes of cancer patients, with further inequities on the basis of personal

wealth and the willingness of hospitals to risk budgetary deficits to provide new intravenous chemotherapy treatments; and

"Whereas cancer patients have the right to the most effective care recommended by their doctors;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Parliament of Ontario to provide immediate access to Erbitux, Avastin, Velcade and other intravenous chemotherapy while

these new cancer drugs are under review and provide a consistent policy for access to new cancer treatments that enables oncologists to apply for exceptions to meet the needs of patients."

ORGAN DONATION

Mr. Bill Murdoch (Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound): I have a petition that Dave and Heather Dunlop of Owen Sound did a lot of work to gather the names

for. It's to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

"Whereas 1,920 Ontarians are currently on a waiting list for an organ transplant; and

"Whereas the number of Ontarians waiting for an organ transplant has virtually doubled since 1994; and

"Whereas hundreds die every year waiting for an organ transplant; and

"Whereas greater public education and awareness will increase the number of people who sign their organ donor cards and increase the availability of organ

transplants for Ontarians; and

"Whereas the private member's bill proposed by Oak Ridges MPP Frank Klees will require every resident 16 years of age and older to complete an organ donation

question when applying for or renewing a driver's licence or a provincial health card, thereby increasing public awareness of the importance of organ donation while respecting the right of every

person to make a personal decision regarding the important issue of organ donation.

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to pass Bill 67, the Organ and Tissue Donation Mandatory Declaration Act, 2006."

I have signed this.

COMMUNITY MEDIATION

Mr. Bob Delaney (Mississauga West): I have a petition to the Ontario Legislative Assembly, and I'd like to thank Vijay Kumar, Czarina Tang and

Sanjiv Soni for gathering some signatures for me on it. It reads as follows:

"Whereas many types of civil disputes may be resolved through community mediation delivered by trained mediators, who are volunteers who work with the parties

in the dispute; and

"Whereas Inter-Cultural Neighbourhood Social Services established the Peel Community Mediation Service in 1999 with support from the government of Ontario

through the Trillium Foundation, the Rotary Club of Mississauga West, and the United Way of Peel, and has proven the viability and success of community mediation; and

"Whereas the city of Mississauga and the town of Caledon have endorsed the Peel Community Mediation Service, and law enforcement bodies refer many cases to the

Peel Community Mediation Service as an alternative to a court dispute; and

"Whereas court facilities and court time are both scarce and expensive, the cost of community mediation is very small and the extra expense incurred for lack

of community mediation in Peel region would be much greater than the small annual cost of funding community mediation;

"Be it therefore resolved that the government of Ontario, through the Ministry of the Attorney General, support and fund the ongoing service delivery of the

Peel Community Mediation Service through Inter-Cultural Neighbourhood Social Services."

I'm pleased to support and sign this petition and to have page Leah carry it for me.

MACULAR DEGENERATION

Mr. Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North): I have a petition here on macular degeneration. I'd like to thank Dr. Timothy Hillson, from Orillia, who

has helped put this together.

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas age-related macular degeneration ... is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly and is present in some form in 25% to 33% of seniors over the

age of 75. AMD has two forms: the more common `dry' type and the `wet' type. Although the wet type occurs in only 15% of AMD patients, these patients account for 90% of the legal blindness that

occurs with AMD. The wet type is further subdivided into classic and occult subtypes, based on the appearance of the AMD on special testing. Photodynamic therapy, a treatment where abnormal blood

vessels are closed with a laser-activated chemical, has been shown to slow the progression of vision loss in both subtypes of wet AMD;

"Whereas OHIP has not extended coverage for photodynamic therapy to the occult subtype of wet AMD, despite there being substantial clinical evidence

demonstrating the effectiveness of this treatment in patients with either form of wet AMD. Untreated, these patients can expect a progression in their visual loss, with central blindness as the end

result;

"Whereas affected patients are in a position where a proven treatment is available to help preserve their vision, but this treatment can only be accessed at

their own personal expense. Treatment costs are between $12,500 and $18,000 over an 18-month period. Many patients resign themselves to a continued worsening of their vision, as for them the

treatment is financially unattainable. The resultant blindness in these patients manifests itself as costs to society in other forms, such as an increased need for home care, missed time from work

for family members providing care, and an increased rate of injuries such as hip fractures that can be directly attributable to their poor vision.

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to fund the treatment of the occult sub-type of macular degeneration with photodynamic

therapy for all patients awaiting this service."

I'm pleased to sign this, and to pass it on to Mercedes to pass on to you.

PUBLIC EDUCATION

Mr. Kim Craitor (Niagara Falls): I'm pleased to introduce this petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario on behalf of my riding of

Niagara Falls. The petition reads as follows:

"Whereas the people of Ontario demand a quality public education system that will give our children the tools to compete with the world; and

"Whereas Premier McGuinty and the Liberal caucus are fighting for our future by implementing a positive plan to improve our public schools, including smaller

class sizes;

"Whereas the Conservative Party and John Tory want to take millions from the public education to literally pay people to withdraw their children from the

public system and send them to elite private schools;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to support Premier McGuinty in his commitment to giving our children a ladder to success

through excellent public education and not spend taxpayer dollars to benefit the few who can afford private school tuitions."

I'm pleased to sign my signature to this petition in support of it.

ORGAN DONATION

Mr. Norm Miller (Parry Sound-Muskoka): I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. It reads,

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas 1,920 Ontarians are currently on a waiting list for an organ transplant; and

"Whereas the number of Ontarians waiting for an organ transplant has virtually doubled since 1994;

"Whereas hundreds die every year waiting for an organ transplant;

"Whereas greater public education and awareness will increase the number of people who sign their organ donor cards and increase the availability of organ

transplants for Ontarians; and

"Whereas the private member's bill proposed by Oak Ridges MPP Frank Klees will require every resident 16 years of age and older to complete an organ donation

question when applying for or renewing a driver's licence or provincial health card, thereby increasing public awareness of the importance of organ donation while respecting the right of every

person to make a personal decision regarding the important issue of organ donation;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to pass Bill 67, the Organ and Tissue Donation Mandatory Declaration Act, 2006."

I support this petition.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

2006 ONTARIO BUDGET

Resuming the debate adjourned on March 23, 2006, on the motion that this House approves in general the budgetary policy of the government.

The Deputy Speaker (Mr. Bruce Crozier): The leader of the official opposition.

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): I'd like to begin by explaining to the people at home and to the members of the Legislature this tie

that I'm wearing today. It's a Montreal Canadiens tie. In view of the very disappointing performance of my Toronto Maple Leafs in the last two outings, Mr. Murdoch has required that I should wear

this tie here because he, very honourably, wore a Toronto Maple Leafs tie when, long ago, the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Montreal Canadiens. So it's not a happy occasion for me, but I believe

very strongly in keeping my word on these matters so I'm wearing the tie today.

I should say I believe very strongly in keeping my word on these and all other matters, as well. I say that for the benefit of my friends opposite.

I think it is --

Interjections.

Mr. Tory: They react so defensively to that.

I think it's important, when you speak, as I'm going to do for the next hour or so about the budget, to start with some good news. There are always some things

you can find, if you look hard enough, even in this budget, that are worthy of commendation. I want to start by saying what good news it is that the government of Ontario, under the leadership of

the Minister of Finance and the member for Thunder Bay-Superior North, has decided to fund insulin pumps and other such equipment for the people who are suffering from that disease. It's going to

make a big difference, especially for a lot of kids, and I commend the government on making a decision which, as the minister indicated at the time of his budget speech, was one that was shared by

all members of the House.

I would like to find one more -- not just one more, but one more. I also want to say that I support and applaud the decision by the minister and the government

to bring in some additional support for the digital interactive business. I've had an opportunity, as I'm sure the minister and other members have, to go to one of the movie production facilities

downtown. When you walk in those places, you can hardly believe what you see. There are literally 300 people sitting at computer terminals, doing animation work that creates huge numbers of

well-paying jobs for graduates of places like Sheridan and other colleges. It puts us at the forefront of a lot of this movie production which otherwise would not be happening in Ontario, quite

frankly.

May I say at the same time that I welcome the decision by the minister to extend the tax credits that apply to other kinds of productions -- I'll call them

non-digital or more traditional film productions -- for another year. I hope that is followed by an extension for another year after that, but I realize you have to watch the marketplace and see

what's going on there. I think we've seen, from the time when I was urging the government to do just that a year or so ago, the difference it can make in terms of the number of productions that are

here in the province of Ontario, creating jobs and maintaining an industry that is very important to us in many different respects.

That's it for the compliments, I think.

Now let's talk about what this budget is really all about, because what it's really all about in the final analysis is like so much of what this government

stands for. It stands for broken promises, in particular by Mr. McGuinty, who went around -- it's very clear now -- signing just about any letter anybody would put in front of him, promising to do

all kinds of things, whether it was help for autistic children who had a written promise that he would help them -- nothing delivered so far, three years into the government; nothing in this

budget. It's an absolute disgrace that he would sign a letter like that and that there would be nothing in this budget to even acknowledge that he made that promise, a solemn promise, in

writing.

Let's move on from there. We have other promises that have been made that have not been kept. We have "pay more, get less." "Pay more, get less" is such a good

encapsulation of what this budget is really all about, because we have people right across the province who are disappointed at the fact they are paying historically high levels of taxes. They are

paying the biggest tax increase in history, imposed by the very same Premier who said he would not raise taxes at all, and they're seeing that they are getting less for their money.

In fact, the amount of revenue that is being taken in by this government, by the Liberals, just for comparative purposes, is $6,600 per capita, for every

person in this province. That compares to $5,700 being taken in under the Progressive Conservative government and $4,900 under the New Democratic Party government. So we have a situation where

they're taking in a record amount, way higher than the two preceding governments, at $6,600 a person, and yet we are still in deficit and we still have no results.

I think it was summed up very well -- I'm going to quote people from all kinds of publications and places, but I'll start with a quote from John Downing,

writing in the Toronto Sun:

"The McGuinty government's budget last week impressed few people other than desperate Toronto councillors. It was another example of why politicians are once

again at the bottom of the credibility ratings for professions and trades.

"Why should we take any budget seriously when all the figures wilt under examination like a field of lettuce in the summer sun? We have just had another

example where the Fiberals collected more money than they predicted they would, spent less on debt than they estimated, and are hiding the $3-billion surplus so they can do a better job of bribing

us next year when there's an election."

Let's talk about the farmers for a minute. We have, and I'll quote, an

article written by Matt Shurrie from the Woodstock Sentinel-Review. I'm sure the member

for Oxford, who has been fighting so hard for the farmers, will know why he wrote this:

"It was a similar situation for the province's farmers, as they were all but forgotten in the budget. They barely received a mention, unless you count the slap

in the face that actually indicated prospects for the sector overall are positive. Perhaps they've missed the four-day protest that gathered steam just outside of the provincial Legislature, or the

numerous protests along the province's 400-series of highways. For whatever reason, Duncan simply chose to reannounce the province's commitment over the last three years. `Shameful' does not go far

enough to address how this government has all but ignored the plight of the farmers."

Boy, do they have that one right, because not only did they not do anything; they cut back the funding that's indicated on page 95. The famous page 95 of their

own document shows a planned reduction in spending over this year. The numbers speak for themselves: $1.1-some-odd billion for farmers in the current year that will end this Friday, and next year,

$800-and-some-odd million. Last time I checked, that's minus $244 million for a sector that is struggling worse than ever.

Pay more, get less: Let's talk about health care. There's an area where everybody knows they're paying more, because they're all paying hundreds of dollars

more in the health tax that the McGuinty Liberals imposed, this being the same government of Dalton McGuinty tha