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May 30, 2006

38th Parliament, 2nd Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcripts 2006-May-30 (PDF)

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L'ONTARIO

Tuesday 30 May 2006 Mardi 30 mai 2006

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

UNITED WAY

KYOTO PROTOCOL

WALK FOR HUMAN VALUES

RIDE FOR DAD

PINE GROVE PUBLIC SCHOOL

BORDER SECURITY

RURAL ONTARIO

HEATHER CROWE AWARD

SMOKE-FREE ONTARIO

LEGISLATIVE PAGES

REPORTS BY COMMITTEES

STANDING COMMITTEE

ON GENERAL GOVERNMENT

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

ARTS EDUCATION WEEK ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006 SUR LA SEMAINE DE L'ÉDUCATION ARTISTIQUE

TALPIOT COLLEGE ACT, 2006

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY AND RESPONSES

POLICE SERVICES

NATIONAL ACCESS

AWARENESS WEEK /

SEMAINE NATIONALE

POUR L'INTÉGRATION

DES PERSONNES HANDICAPÉES

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS /

ÉTUDIANTS AU SECONDAIRE

POLICE SERVICES

NATIONAL ACCESS

AWARENESS WEEK

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

NATIONAL ACCESS

AWARENESS WEEK

VISITORS

ORAL QUESTIONS

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

TTC LABOUR DISPUTE

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

KYOTO PROTOCOL

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

BUILDING CODE

DRUG LEGISLATION

EMERGENCY SERVICES

ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

IMMIGRANTS' SKILLS

SCHOOL BOARDS

COURT REPORTERS

EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS

DRUG LEGISLATION

VISITORS

PETITIONS

EDUCATION FUNDING

TRADE DEVELOPMENT

DRUG LEGISLATION

TRADE DEVELOPMENT

LONG-TERM CARE

TRADE DEVELOPMENT

EDUCATION FUNDING

IMMIGRANTS' SKILLS

CAFETERIA FOOD GUIDELINES

LONG-TERM CARE

ORDERS OF THE DAY

BORDER SECURITY

HUMAN RIGHTS CODE

AMENDMENT ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006 MODIFIANT LE CODE

DES DROITS DE LA PERSONNE

The House met at 1330.

Prayers.

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

UNITED WAY

Mrs. Julia Munro (York North): Yesterday I was pleased to attend the 24th annual building industry luncheon, generously supported by Metrus

Development Inc.

This event raised more than $420,000 for the United Way of York region. In its history, these luncheons have raised more than $3 million for service programs in

York region. Congratulations to Fred De Gasperis and all the organizers of the event for the contribution to our quality of life in York region. I would also like to thank the United Way campaign

cabinet led by David Barnes of Amex Canada; Rahul Bhardwaj, CEO of the United Way; and all of the staff, volunteers and donors of the York region United Way.

The money they raised benefits over 100 critical programs, funding 37 agencies throughout York region. Thousands of York region residents benefit from this

assistance. To quote David Barnes, the campaign chair, "Quality of life doesn't just happen. We all have to make a concerted effort to do our part. Every act of kindness, every act of generosity

created a powerful force for positive change."

Congratulations to all those who made yesterday such a great day.

KYOTO PROTOCOL

Mr. Peter Tabuns (Toronto-Danforth): In the wake of Stephen Harper making it clear he is going to scuttle any real action on Kyoto and climate

change, Quebec and Manitoba, Ontario's neighbours, have made it clear they are going to go forward with their commitment to meet Kyoto targets; from Dalton McGuinty, though, simply silence.

Silence is a losing policy. Ontario will be hit hard by climate change. For example, climate change will decrease levels in our lakes, in our Great Lakes,

reducing the amount of fresh water that's available, reducing our ability to make hydroelectricity. Higher temperatures will accelerate the chemical processes in our atmosphere that cause smog, so

even if we are able to cut the amount of pollution we put into the air, we will see more smog days.

It's critical that Ontario go forward, setting its own climate plan, setting real commitments, setting the resources aside and moving forward to take action on

climate change. Given that the province has jurisdiction over many areas that the federal government doesn't have -- for instance, setting building codes, and the fact that the province runs the

electrical system and can afford to and would benefit from investing in efficiency and conservation -- Ontario can do a lot.

We need action in this province. Ontario will be hurt by climate change. Ontarians will pay more for food. They will face more violent weather conditions and

watch as huge volumes of our northern forests go up in smoke. We can't stand idly by while Stephen Harper drops the ball on Kyoto. Ontario has to quickly set its own plan to meet the Kyoto targets,

it has to appropriate the resources to meet those plans, it has to proceed, and it has to start this year.

WALK FOR HUMAN VALUES

Mr. Bas Balkissoon (Scarborough-Rouge River): On Sunday, May 28, the fourth annual Walk for Human Values organized by the Sathya Sai School of

Toronto took place in the Malvern community of my riding of Scarborough-Rouge River. Minister Harinder Takhar and myself joined over 3,000 participants from across the GTA to walk in the name of

peace, non-violence, truth and love.

One participant in the crowd, Ms. Megan Bennet, travelled all the way from Foothill Ranch, California, with the goal of implementing a similar walk in her

community in 2007.

This walk has now become a trailblazer for cities across Canada, 12 of which held their own Walk for Values on the same day. The cities of Edmonton, Regina and

Saskatoon proclaimed May 28 as Human Values Day in their cities.

This walk was not about raising funds or provoked by anger; instead, it was focused on character-building and encouraging role models in the community. Walking

together as kindred spirits, participants raised awareness of the need to practise the values of tolerance, understanding and respect, values that are gradually being eroded by negative forces. The

walkers conveyed their messages of human values through songs and decorated floats. The participants' demonstrations of understanding, peace and commitment to positive change show us all the

importance of recognizing our values.

I would like to congratulate the Sathya Sai School of Toronto in their efforts in making a difference in our community, our province and in Canada through their

Walk for Human Values.

RIDE FOR DAD

Mr. Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North): On Saturday, May 27, I was pleased to take

part in the opening ceremonies and parade for the second annual

Huronia Ride for Dad. Colin Wackett of the local prostate cancer awareness group drove me in the parade in a 2006 Mustang convertible supplied by Thor Motors of Orillia. Five hundred thirty-six

motorcycles left the OPP general headquarters and toured around North Simcoe throughout the afternoon.

Ride for Dad raises funds for prostate cancer research and public education. All of the funds remain in the local area. This year there are eight cities in

Ontario hosting the Ride for Dad. All rides are sponsored by the local police associations. In Huronia, the Ontario Provincial Police Association and the Barrie Police Association took

part in this

wonderful event. Motorcycles from the Blue Knights, Southern Cruisers and several other clubs raised $66,340 in pledges. Along with corporate donations, the Huronia Ride for Dad's grand total

should top around the $100,000 mark.

My sincere thanks to OPP Commissioner Gwen Boniface for allowing the general headquarters to be used as the home base for the Huronia Ride for Dad, and a sincere

thanks to all the volunteers and participants who have made Ride for Dad a resounding success, both financially and in prostate cancer awareness.

PINE GROVE PUBLIC SCHOOL

Mr. Kevin Daniel Flynn (Oakville): It gives me great pride to rise in the House today to recognize and congratulate Oakville's Pine Grove Public

School, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Pine Grove has 785 students enrolled in a French immersion program. Pine Grove is a centre of educational excellence, instructing in both of

Canada's official languages.

To celebrate the anniversary this year, parents and staff came together with three purposes: to create a memorable experience for the students; to develop

activities to enhance the community spirit and bond between students, parents and their school; to support the greater community by helping Halton's Transitions for Youth, a local organization that

helps children at risk.

Pine Grove students and their families, staff and the wider community attempted to break the Guinness world record for the most jugglers juggling three objects

for 10 seconds. Over 1,500 people came together at Oakville Place and broke the North American record.

I was pleased to be there to see so many celebrating Pine Grove and raising funds and awareness for Transitions for Youth in Halton. It was a fun event and

showcased the innovative community spirit of the school and the students.

Pine Grove is a wonderful school. It's an example of excellence in public education in Ontario. It proves that if you invest in our young people, you get schools

like Pine Grove.

BORDER SECURITY

Mr. Ted Arnott (Waterloo-Wellington): This afternoon, members of the House will likely have a chance to give unanimous support for a motion

aimed at helping to resolve the Canada-US passport issue. This is a rare opportunity that will enable us to speak with one voice before the Premier of Ontario attends the Western Premiers'

Conference in Gimli, Manitoba, in the coming days.

Success is critical, because without decisive action soon, travellers crossing the Canada-US border will be required to carry a passport or its equivalent, to be

phased in starting in just seven months. If the motion this afternoon passes, the views of MPPs and the best interests of our tourism and hospitality sector will be represented at the conference. I

want to thank the leader of the official opposition for travelling to Washington last Wednesday, where he had 10 meetings in just one day, for bringing forward this motion and for taking

constructive steps to show leadership on this issue.

Last week, our party's leader communicated directly with the Premier and the leader of the third party in a way that effectively demonstrates the scope of the

passport issue and the enormity of the potential negative impacts on the economies on both sides of the border. All members surely understand that passing the motion will arm the Premier with our

full support and demonstrate the depth and breadth of our understanding. It's a gesture that shows we care about tourism, about people visiting our province and about jobs.

I hope that we, as legislators, will put aside any partisan considerations, allow this discussion to take place and send a strong signal that we are working

together across Canada to resolve this issue.

RURAL ONTARIO

Mr. John Wilkinson (Perth-Middlesex): Hallelujah that there is light on all sides of the House on that issue about the border. Glad to have you

on side.

In our increasingly urban-suburban province, care must be taken to ensure that our rural way of life is cherished. Everything comes from the land and returns to

the land. That's why I was pleased to attend on Saturday, May 27, the grand opening of the McCully Centre for Rural Learning outside St. Marys in my riding.

Two wonderful Ontario Trillium Foundation announcements were made. First, the Thames Talbot Land Trust received $56,500 over 24 months to build their capacity.

The land trust allows people, especially rural farmers and landowners, to donate their land to this charity to preserve it for future generations. I also formally announced $85,300 over 15 months

to the McCully Centre for Rural Learning so they can implement their amazing business plan.

The family farm is an integral part of Ontario's rural way of life. Just as important is educating people, especially young people, on the benefits of

agriculture to all Ontarians.

With Saturday's funding, the McCully centre will further work to increase the sustainability of rural Ontario by providing a learning environment where all age

groups can learn about and experience the relationship between food, farms, the environment and rural communities in the context of a working family farm. This follows and builds on a family

tradition that dates back to the 1920s, when Norm McCully, now in the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame for his educational activities, began courses at the farm and went on to engage and host

various rural youth groups.

I commend the centre and the board of directors for their very hard work.

HEATHER CROWE AWARD

Mr. Phil McNeely (Ottawa-Orléans): I rise in the House today to congratulate the five worthy recipients of the Heather Crowe Award from my

riding of Ottawa-Orléans. The recipients were honoured in an awards ceremony in Orléans this past Wednesday. Minister Watson joined us for this occasion and shared in the tribute to the

late Heather Crowe.

Heather Crowe, as we all know, suffered from inoperable lung cancer caused by 40 years of exposure to second-hand smoke in her workplace. She lost the battle

with her illness and passed away last Monday, just over a week before she would see this province become completely smoke-free in all enclosed areas.

Mrs. Crowe's message will live on. She fought to educate and spread awareness to others who work in the service industry, teaching the harmful effects of

second-hand smoke.

The Heather Crowe Award was created to recognize other Ontarians who have joined in her campaign. In my riding we recognized four individuals and one group that

have committed themselves to the realization of a smoke-free Ontario. We awarded this distinction award to Catherine Laska, who led the exposé smoke-free youth program for l'École

secondaire catholique Béatrice-Desloges; Ken Kyle, the director of public issues for the Canadian Cancer Society; Camille Juzwik, who organized a postcard campaign to gauge support within her

school community for a smoke-free Ontario; Dierdre Freiheit, a member of the Canadian Lung Association; and Roberte Vincent, Karen Chalmers and Holly Massie, a group of teachers from Sir Wilfrid

Laurier Secondary School who were directly involved in the city of Ottawa's exposé project.

I'd like to congratulate each of these recipients of the Heather Crowe Award. It is through their efforts that the smoke-free Ontario legislation will become a

reality within 12 hours.

SMOKE-FREE ONTARIO

Mr. David Orazietti (Sault Ste. Marie): I rise in the House today to recognize the significant step our government is taking in protecting the

health of the residents of my riding of Sault Ste. Marie as well as the health of all Ontarians through the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, which will come into effect this Thursday.

Tobacco use is the number one preventable cause of disease in Ontario, and our government is committed to reducing its consumption by 20% from 2003 levels. Our

legislation will help us meet this target by protecting people from second-hand smoke, preventing more young people from picking up the deadly habit and helping smokers to quit.

People in my community will be breathing a little easier on June 1, when smoking is prohibited in all restaurants, bars and workplaces, so that non-smoking

individuals, like the courageous Heather Crowe, will not have to suffer needlessly because of someone else's choice.

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act also hinders the ability of children to start smoking in the first place. Tougher penalties will be assessed on both those who sell

cigarettes to minors and those who purchase cigarettes for them. It will be illegal for stores to put cigarettes in colourful behind-the-counter display cases. Our government is funding 100% of the

cost to enforce this legislation through Ontario's 36 public health units, which recently received $5.5 million, bringing the total annual investment to $60 million, a six-fold increase since our

government took office. Locally in Sault Ste. Marie, it has meant an additional $500,000 for the public health unit.

I think all members of this Legislature realize that second-hand smoke and tobacco addiction pose serious health problems, and this legislation and the

investment for a smoke-free Ontario will help reduce tobacco consumption, something we can all be proud of.

LEGISLATIVE PAGES

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

From Nipissing we have Amanda Barrios; from Scarborough East we have Meagan Blandizzi; from Oxford, Gregory Borris; from Ottawa-Vanier, Juliet Caragianis; from

York North, Evan Dailey; from Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant, Madeleine Ghesquiere; from Kitchener Centre, Luke Johnson; from Brampton West-Mississauga, Harjot Kaur; from Kingston and the Islands, Meghan

Kerr; from Nickel Belt, Tyler Lalonde; from Kitchener-Waterloo, Anni Li; from Durham, Katie McRae; from Whitby-Ajax, Tommy Meikle; from Erie-Lincoln, Mitchell Minor; from Beaches-East York, Shazia

Moledina; from Parkdale-High Park, Daniel Mount; from Barrie-Simcoe-Bradford, Hartford Murdoch; from Halton, Clarence Pong; from Bramalea-Gore-Malton-Springdale, Pardeep Sanghera; and from

Cambridge, Nolan Wilson.

Assist me in welcoming our pages.

Applause.

REPORTS BY COMMITTEES

STANDING COMMITTEE

ON GENERAL GOVERNMENT

Mr. Jim Brownell (Stormont-Dundas-Charlottenburgh): I beg leave to present a report from the standing committee on general government and move

its adoption.

The Clerk-at-the-Table (Ms. Lisa Freedman): Your committee begs to report the following bill, as amended:

Bill 53,

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

private Acts relating to the City of Toronto / Projet de loi 53, Loi révisant les lois de 1997 N os 1 et 2 sur la cité de Toronto, modifiant certaines lois

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

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Shall the report be received and adopted? Agreed.

The bill is therefore ordered for third reading.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

ARTS EDUCATION WEEK ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006 SUR LA SEMAINE DE L'ÉDUCATION ARTISTIQUE

Ms. Mossop moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 118,

An Act to make the fourth week in October Arts Education Week / Projet de loi 118, Loi désignant la quatrième semaine d'octobre Semaine

de l'éducation artistique.

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

The member may wish to make a brief statement.

Ms. Jennifer F. Mossop (Stoney Creek): We know the importance of arts education intuitively, anecdotally and empirically. There are dozens of

research studies that tell us about the importance of arts ed. for better test scores, self-esteem, self confidence, staying in school and better adult outcomes. What we have here, by setting aside

the fourth week in October every year as Arts Education Week, is an opportunity to celebrate, to honour and to manifest arts education throughout the province of Ontario.

TALPIOT COLLEGE ACT, 2006

Mr. Zimmer moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr26,

An Act respecting Talpiot College.

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

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

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY AND RESPONSES

POLICE SERVICES

Hon. Monte Kwinter (Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services): It's my great pleasure today to recognize a group of dedicated

individuals who work diligently to make policing better in Ontario. I'm talking about the Ontario Association of Police Services Boards, or OAPSB. This is their second annual Queen's Park day, and

they have met not only with me but also with various members of this Legislature. Many members of the OAPSB are in the gallery today, and we welcome you all. In particular, let me congratulate your

new president, Bernie Morelli, of Hamilton. I look forward to the same forthright relationship I had with the outgoing president, Curly Everitt, of Blind River -- just in time; they've just come

in. Fortunately for the OAPSB and the government, Curly will still be around as past president to offer his sage advice and wisdom.

Queen's Park days are a chance to engage in constructive dialogue and to better understand one another. It's through days like this that we continue to build

on a partnership that has proven to be strong and productive over many years.

The OAPSB is concerned about crime and safety, and so is the McGuinty government. We have listened to the OAPSB, and we have been able to resolve many of their

issues. Let me mention just a few.

The association told us there were too many vacancies on police services boards across the province. I'm proud to say that we are addressing this, and today

the number of vacancies is down from 48 to 27 -- a reduction of about 44% -- and candidates are in the process of being appointed for 16 of those remaining vacancies. What's more, at the request of

the association, we've lengthened the term of provincial appointments from two years to three, while the maximum term of office remains at six years.

Another issue that concerned the OAPSB was the Ontario municipal employees retirement system, or OMERS. As you know, our government is keeping its commitment

to bring much-needed reform to the OMERS system. We addressed these concerns through Bill 206, and we are providing for the creation of a new supplemental benefit plan for police, firefighters and

paramedics, as well as the ability to bargain locally for enhanced pension benefits.

We also know that the association and its members are concerned about the cost of delivering police services, including the cost of recruiting, training and

equipping their personnel. We recognize that police services boards bear the enormous responsibility of keeping Ontarians safe, and the McGuinty government is giving them the tools they need to

meet this challenge. For example, we are providing more than $68 million in perpetuity to help fund a total of 2,000 officers who soon will be policing the streets of small towns and big cities

throughout Ontario. In particular, under our Safer Communities-1,000 Officers Partnership, we are providing an additional $14 million in funding in 2006-07 to speed up the hiring and training of

the remaining officers. If police services want to hire their allocations this year, they will be able to do so.

But that's not our only investment in policing. Through various grants and funding for special projects, my ministry provides police services with more than

$112 million annually, and the McGuinty government's Ontario municipal partnership fund also provides money for policing.

Other investments that should help local police services include the $51-million package the Premier announced in January to help prosecutors and police get

criminals with guns off our streets; the $230,000 we provided to construct the replica clandestine drug lab at the Ontario Police College; and the deployment of specialized anti-gun and gang crown

prosecutors to every region of the province, announced last week by my colleague the Attorney General. All these tools and all this funding help support our police services and police services

boards across the province.

I believe it is a sign of a healthy relationship when individuals and organizations can talk frankly to one another, can agree and disagree and remain

committed to their ideals. I'm proud to say that we have that kind of relationship with the OAPSB, and I look forward to more days like today, when we can listen to one another, exchange points of

view and move forward together to ensure the safety of the people of Ontario.

NATIONAL ACCESS

AWARENESS WEEK /

SEMAINE NATIONALE

POUR L'INTÉGRATION

DES PERSONNES HANDICAPÉES

L'hon. Madeleine Meilleur (ministre des Services sociaux et communautaires, ministre déléguée aux Affaires francophones): La

semaine nationale pour l'intégration des personnes handicapées a débuté dimanche au pays. La semaine nationale pour l'intégration des personnes handicapées a

été instaurée il y a 20 ans pour que la population du Canada se remémore comment un jeune Canadien a inspiré toute une nation.

That young Canadian was Rick Hansen. In March 1985, he embarked on one of the most ambitious physical feats of all time, travelling 40,000 kilometres around

the world in his wheelchair.

Hansen did it to raise awareness and money for spinal cord injury research and rehabilitation. The trip took him just over two years, and when he reached his

hometown of Vancouver, British Columbia, in late May 1987, he had raised more than $26 million for spinal cord research and had inspired a generation of Canadians. He changed the way the nation

thought about what people with disabilities were capable of.

Today, approximately 1.5 million people in Ontario live with a disability. That is more than 13% of Ontario's population. As our baby boomer generation grows

older, the number of people living with some form of disability relating to old age also grows. In fact, at some point in our lives every single person in this room can expect to have to deal with

some kind of disability -- every single person. Yet, as we're getting older and our physical limitations are increasing, the world around us is not adapting quickly enough. That needs to

change.

But tough legislation can only address part of the problem. The bigger issue that we have to tackle is the social barriers. We need to convince the public that

people with disabilities are not a small group, that accommodating them is not more trouble than it's worth, and that the rest of society is missing out by continuing to support a world where they

cannot fully participate.

Unless we can dispel these antiquated ideas once and for all, Ontario has no hope of meeting its full potential on the world stage, because Ontario cannot

possibly meet its full potential until all of our citizens are given the chance to meet theirs.

With that in mind, we are working with community and corporate partners. One of the programs I am particularly proud of is the Enabling Change partnership

program. This program works with partners who have the expertise to be catalysts for change in the community and marketplace -- organizations that want to play a leadership role in improving access

for people with disabilities.

One of the Enabling Change partnerships that began last year was done with the Canadian Standards Association and was called Building Champions. Through this

program, the CSA worked with seven partners to develop a voluntary customer service standard for serving customers with disabilities. This morning I had the pleasure of visiting the Shaw Festival,

one of the seven "champion" organizations, to see the work they are doing to make their facility more accessible to their patrons with disabilities.

In addition, my colleague the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities announced yesterday our government's investment of new funding to make Ontario's

post-secondary system more accessible to students with disabilities.

not going to be able to get there alone. If we want to be able to say that we live in a province where all citizens can fully participate, we are all going to have to make that a reality.

Today, at the beginning of National Access Awareness Week, I am thrilled to recognize David Onley and Tracy MacCharles, the chair and vice-chair of the

J'encourage tous les membres de l'Assemblée à se rendre dans les collectivités de leur circonscription cette semaine pour souligner les

réalisations des personnes et des organisations qui abolissent les obstacles, qui sont les champions du changement.

Rick Hansen a dit que si on caresse un rêve et qu'on a le courage de tenter de le réaliser, de grandes choses peuvent être accomplies.

Chaque personne ici présente est consciente de l'importance d'une participation à part entière et de l'égalité pour tous les Ontariens

et Ontariennes ayant un handicap.

We all want Ontario to be a leader in building a world of true inclusion. We all want to leave our children a society where everyone is able to make the most

of their own potential. It's an ambitious dream, but I think that Ontarians have the courage it takes. We know this is the right thing to do, and together we can accomplish great things.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS /

ÉTUDIANTS AU SECONDAIRE

Hon. Sandra Pupatello (Minister of Education, minister responsible for women's issues): I rise in the House today to announce another key

initiative in the McGuinty government's strategy to help all students succeed in high school. A new strategic high school transition plan is being implemented for struggling grade 8 and 9 students

that includes more teachers, intensive professional development and improved tracking of students on their progress.

The reason for action is clear: There are too many students facing an uphill battle towards graduation even before their first day of high school. In

September, there will be 20,000 grade 8 students entering high school who are already at risk of dropping out before graduation.

Nous savons qu'environ 27 % des élèves de neuvième année de l'année dernière n'ont pas pu obtenir tous leurs crédits de

première année.

Notre plan de transition entre la huitième et la neuvième année accordera au personnel enseignant les outils et les ressources dont il a besoin

pour recevoir ces élèves dans des écoles secondaires accueillantes qui leur permettront de relever leurs défis personnels.

This plan is part of the McGuinty government's $1.3-billion, multi-year student success strategy. It allows all students to customize their education based on

their individual goals, skills and interests.

Over the coming months we're going to work with every school board to make sure programs are in place to help students who have been identified as dropping

out. These will include a process for sharing student information between elementary and secondary schools; defined transition plans that include orientation activities, strategies and

interventions; designated caring adults who will act as advocates; a first semester timetable that reflects students' interests and strengths; and a monitoring program with an intensive focus on

the first two months of school.

In addition, we've delivered regional professional development sessions about successful high school transitions to superintendents and student success leaders

from all of Ontario's district school boards.

Through a $1.2-million government investment, board-directed training sessions are now providing intensive instruction on best practices and instructional

strategies to 12,000 student success teachers, principals and other grade 8 and 9 educators.

This year the government provided $89 million for an additional 1,300 high school teachers, including 800 new or designated student success teachers, to help

struggling students. That investment has been boosted to $110 million in 2006-07 to add 300 more high school teachers. We're confident that a grade 8 and 9 transition plan, as part of this overall

student success strategy, will help Ontario graduate 85% of all of our students by 2010. That's up from just 68% when the McGuinty government took office -- 71% in 2004-05, so we are already doing

better. We're proud that the first phase of the student success strategy in 2003 has already helped graduate an additional 6,000 students last year alone. Ontario will prosper tomorrow because we

are investing in our youth today.

I want to pay special tribute to the principal, teachers, educators and especially the students of Lord Dufferin school, where I spent some time this morning

with Chair Sheila Ward from the Toronto District School Board, where we made a tremendous announcement and I met a number of the students in the grade 8 class who are very much looking forward to

their move to high school next year.

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

POLICE SERVICES

Mr. Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North): I'm pleased today to respond to the remarks made by the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional

Services on the OAPSB annual Queen's Park lobby day. On behalf of our leader, John Tory, and the members of our caucus, I want to welcome all the members that are here joining us today. I want you

to know that we are on your side.

I heard over and over again -- I had a meeting this morning, and listening to the minister's comments, you'd actually think he had made some progress. However,

there are a number of issues that are outstanding, and I'm not hearing any leadership coming from the minister and from that government, the same as we're not seeing any leadership at

Caledonia.

Bill 103, for an example, the Independent Police Review Act: The Ontario Association of Police Services Boards requests that the ministry consider their

concerns as part of its review before Bill 103 proceeds to second reading. We haven't heard of Bill 103 or where it's come from ever since it was introduced by the Attorney General a while

back.

There's a lot around police recruitment and training and also on provincial responsibility for mental health patients. The OAPSB recommends that the government

of Ontario should provide progress updates on its mental health strategy to address concerns raised by OAPSB and other policy stakeholders regarding responsibility for mental health patients. There

has been no movement in that area.

The base-rate increase for the victims' crisis and referral service, the VCARS program: OAPSB believes that all VCARS should receive an immediate base-rate

increase.

We hear this each day in our ridings, and we're looking for leadership from the minister and from this government on a number of issues that have been

addressed here today by this board. I look forward to hearing other comments, and I look forward to this government actually taking action on these issues.

NATIONAL ACCESS

AWARENESS WEEK

Mr. Gerry Martiniuk (Cambridge): I'd like to respond to the remarks of the Minister of Community and Social Services. On behalf of John Tory

Ontarians who go out of their way daily to make life more accessible for disabled persons.

little more enjoyable. I congratulate employers who make the workplace a more welcoming environment for employees who have a difficult time possibly getting around the office or performing certain

tasks. It is not that they are not capable of the job; we just have to remove the barriers so they can do their job. It is great to see Ontarians taking a lead role making life more accessible for

the disabled.

It is, however, a shame that Premier McGuinty has again broken a promise that affects the disabled. The government should be seriously looking again at Bill

Alliance's human rights reform representative, who says that this bill betrays the McGuinty government's important understanding with the Ontario disability community. "Dalton McGuinty promised

effective enforcement in his new disability act." I hope that Premier McGuinty listens to the AODA Alliance and takes their concerns seriously.

In closing, I would again, on behalf of the Progressive Conservative caucus, applaud all Ontarians who every day make life a little more accessible for

disabled persons.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Mr. Frank Klees (Oak Ridges): In response to the Minister of Education, she is following in the footsteps of her predecessor. As Cathy Dandy

from the Toronto Parent Network said, "The government hasn't done the one thing they should have done, and they railed on the Tories about this, and that was update the funding for teacher

salaries. Because that hasn't been done, because that was the number one recommendation that Radwanski made and it's been ignored, we remain in trouble and it is the Liberals' fault." She went on

to say, "The fundamental problem was that Gerard Kennedy was very good at public messaging but the reality was ... the Liberals cleverly promised only targeted investments ... but we expected them

to rebuild the system and that hasn't happened."

Today we have another announcement. There's no money with it. We have a $100-million deficit in Toronto school boards, and this minister --

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

Mr. Rosario Marchese (Trinity-Spadina): To the Minister of Education: I went to the press conference thinking we were going to have yet

another big announcement that would bring about revolutionary changes to our education system, and I didn't hear anything that was of any value, in my view.

She introduced this announcement today as a "key initiative." You look at the announcement and you ask, "What is key about this?" Here is what she says: "A

process for sharing student information between elementary and secondary schools." I thought we were doing this all the time. Aren't we doing this?

Ms. Kathleen O. Wynne (Don Valley West): No.

Mr. Marchese: Oh. And what is this process? Maybe the government and the member from Don Valley West will share their bright ideas on what

this process is that we don't know anything about. "Defined transition plans that include orientation activities, strategies and interventions" is vague language that means nothing. Maybe the

member from Don Valley West has some idea about what this key initiative is, but from reading this, I have no clue.

It talks about "designated caring adults to act as advocates." Who are these people? Are they in the system now? Is the minister hiring some new people? Do we

have the money for them? Are they teachers? Are they parents? Who are they? The language is so vague that it's literally meaningless.

"A first semester timetable that reflects students' interests and strengths." Okay, what does it mean? I have no clue. "A monitoring program with an intensive

focus on the first two months of school": I have no clue what this is, and this is offered as a key initiative?

Yet again, the minister drags me out to a press conference with the idea that maybe there's something important, and we get so little that I'm embarrassed to

keep going to these press conferences. There's nothing here that says, "I am creating a line that says we are going to hire more librarians and guidance counsellors, and this line will tell you how

many we're going to hire." There is no such line that indicates to me, and to those of us who care about having more librarians and guidance counsellors, that we're actually going to get more

librarians. There's nothing here that talks about a curriculum review that deals with some of the problems that students are having with a curriculum that actually forces some kids out of our

education system. There's nothing here that speaks about specialist teachers in grades 7 and 8 regarding the teaching of math and science.

This announcement wasn't that announcement. I'm surprised the minister gets up and says this is a key initiative. God bless this government.

NATIONAL ACCESS

AWARENESS WEEK

Mr. Rosario Marchese (Trinity-Spadina): The Minister of Community and Social Services says, "The bigger issue that we have to tackle is the

social barrier. We need to convince the public that people with disabilities are not a small group, that accommodating them is not more trouble than it's worth and that the rest of society is

missing out by continuing to support a world where they cannot fully participate."

She points out that we have 1.5 million people in Ontario who live with a disability, and she is quite right. Yet they passed a bill, which I attacked

viciously, that says we are going to give access for private and public institutions over a 20-year period. I said to the minister, "People with disabilities can't wait; they need it today." She

says, "Oh, but we've got to convince people." The people we have to convince are the Liberal Party and their members who have decided that we can't give access for 20 years. I said to the Liberal

government, to that minister and to the previous minister, we need to give access today, not in 20 years' time when people will be long dead and gone.

We have a bill here that talks about this small initiative and says, "We've got to do more." I say to the minister, it's your duty and obligation to do more.

We can't wait and they cannot wait for 20 years.

I urge you, Minister: Get down to do your job. Deal with a bill that leaves everything, from timelines to incentives to enforcement, at the discretion of the

minister. The bill that you passed a year ago ensures very little. If you're really truly, committed, do something about it.

VISITORS

Hon. Madeleine Meilleur (Minister of Community and Social Services, minister responsible for francophone affairs): On a point of order, Mr.

ORAL QUESTIONS

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): My question is for the Minister of Energy. Minister, your election platform, the McGuinty election

platform, said, "We will shut down Ontario's coal-burning power plants by 2007." Reflecting the expedient, slipshod nature of that original McGuinty promise, now broken, it was later amended to say

that coal generation will be shut down by 2007 -- all plants except Nanticoke, which would close in 2009. Is this still the case? Are you sticking to this broken, revised version of the McGuinty

promise? Yes or no would be a very simple answer as to whether it's all plants by the end of 2007, Nanticoke by 2009. Yes or no?

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Energy): The government remains committed to the replacement of coal-fired generation in Ontario. We remain

committed to that goal in spite of the obstacles, in spite of the opposition of people like the Leader of the Opposition, because we believe very strongly that we should move heaven and earth to

reduce the emissions associated with coal and do it in a responsible and timely fashion. Our goal has been and will continue to be the reduction of the emissions associated with coal, and, I say to

the Leader of the Opposition, most particularly CO 2 emissions, which no clean coal technology gets.

Unlike Conservatives in this province, we support Kyoto. We support those undertakings. We believe that we have to work to mitigate the effects of greenhouse

gases.

The answer is, we remain committed to that goal. There are enormous challenges associated with it, but we will do so, and we will achieve our goals: improving

air quality without sacrificing reliability of electricity or the supplies available to all Ontarians.

Mr. Tory: The minister talks a lot about everything he believes in except answering questions. The fact of the matter is that we didn't ask

you about the goal; we asked you about the timetable. In fact, the original McGuinty promise made in the election campaign, like so many of them, was very short and very clear, but it's also very

broken. It said all plants closed by the end of 2007. So when you broke the promise -- Mr. McGuinty broke it, and then you revised it and said all plants closed by the end of 2007, except Nanticoke

by 2009.

I understand your goal is to close the plants. We're talking today about the timetable that you're going to use to close those plants. The fact is you've

talked about moving heaven and earth. As the member for Erie-Lincoln said, the only thing you've moved is a bit of dirt so far in terms of putting any plants in place to replace that coal

power.

Let me ask you one more time -- it only requires a yes or no answer -- is the timetable still the same? All plants closed by the end of 2007, except Nanticoke

by 2009? That's the broken promise revised timetable. Is that still the one you're operating under? Yes or no?

Hon. Mr. Duncan: Let me say, first of all, that unlike the Leader of the Opposition we are committed to reducing those emissions. Let me just

relay to the Leader of the Opposition and his assistant from Fort Erie-Lincoln what has actually happened, according to the Independent Electricity System Operator. Since we took office, generation

from coal plants is down 18.7%. That is a lot more than a pile of dirt. SO 2 emissions are down 32.5%. That's a lot more than a pile of dirt. NO x : NO x tonnes are

down 33%. That's a lot more than a tonne of dirt. Mercury is down 28.6%. That is a lot more than a tonne of dirt, I say to the Leader of the Opposition. CO 2 is down 18%.

Will you please tell your federal friends to recommit to Kyoto and join us in moving a lot more than --

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

Interjections.

The Speaker: Order. Minister of Education.

Supplementary?

Mr. Tory: As usual, still no answer to the question.

You've had, for almost three years now, various experts from all corners telling you that this policy of closing these plants before you have any replacement

power in place was irresponsible and ill conceived. That's what we're interested in here, the fact that you are going to close down these plants on some timetable or other, but we're worried you're

actually going to do it in such a way as to imperil the power supply of this province.

Don't take it from me. Paul Bradley, undoubtedly a relative of the Minister of Tourism, is the vice-president of generation development at your own OPA, and he

said in today's Globe and Mail, Murray Campbell's article, that none of your replacement power will be online by the end of 2007. He says, "No way, not by the end of 2007." So this election promise

is just like the one where you said you wouldn't raise taxes and you brought in the biggest tax increase in the history of the province. You know you're going to break the promise, you know you're

even going to break the revised broken promise version of the promise, but you won't stand up and say so.

I'll ask you one more time. It is a simple yes or no answer. Is the timetable still that all coal plants will be closed by the end of 2007, with the exception

of Nanticoke by 2009? Is that the timetable? Yes or no? You owe it to the people to be clear and straight and to give an answer to that question.

Hon. Mr. Duncan: We owe the people of Ontario cleaner air and we're continuing to move towards that goal.

I ask the Leader of the Opposition, who has no platform, who has no point of view, why is it you said on April 25, "The elimination of coal-fired plants is a

good goal," and then the next day, on April 26, said that coal could not be ruled out, and then the next day, "I don't know how you could rule coal in or out"? You can't have it all ways. People

like the Leader of the Opposition don't want us to clean up the air. We're going to clean up the air. People like the Leader of the Opposition are trying to stop us in the interest of profit and in

the interest of increasing our dependence on foreign sources of energy. We will move toward cleaning up the atmosphere. We will protect the Kyoto accord. We will stand behind the Kyoto accord. Join

us in that. Stand up for Ontario and stand up for the airshed that stretches from Windsor to the Quebec border before it's too late.

TTC LABOUR DISPUTE

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): No answer from the man who was importing thousands of megawatts of power yesterday from the very

people who are shipping the pollution to Ontario.

My question is for the Acting Premier. Ontarians want to live in a province where the rule of law is upheld and where those who break the law are held

accountable for their actions. Yesterday millions of people in the GTA -- commuters, drivers -- awoke to find their transit system gone as a result of an ill-advised and illegal strike by the TTC

workers and their union leadership. We want to know from you exactly when your government first found out about this. We want to go back over this because you failed to take any action to notify

them and to do everything you could to head this off at the pass and stop this from happening. I want to know exactly what happened and when, on Sunday, so that the people know you had the time to

do more than you did. What did you do, and when?

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): I will, by way of supplementary, refer that to the Minister of Labour, who can

answer those details, as he did yesterday.

But I will take the first --

Mr. Tim Hudak (Erie-Lincoln): He's hiding under his desk again.

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: Oh, you again?

I will take the first opportunity to correct the record left by the honourable member, because he knows well that in the one minute, or the 40 seconds, he

dedicated to the issue of yesterday's illegal action, the honourable member misspoke on several points -- factual outcomes are not apparently very much a concern to the Leader of the

Opposition.

The reality is very, very clear, and the mayor of our city has expressed this very well. The circumstances that arose were ones we stand in opposition to, and

the Ontario Labour Relations Board made a ruling that was not appropriately considered. These events unfolded in a fashion that no one could have appropriately predicted, and for the honourable

member to suggest otherwise is just plain un-factual.

Mr. Tory: The fact of the matter is, we didn't ask you what you thought about it; we asked what you did about it. The fact is, millions of

people were affected by this and you did less than you should have to head this off and make sure this didn't happen. It happened, it was an illegal strike, it was ill-advised and everybody shares

that view. But they also share the view that you could have done more and should have done more. People were angry about that.

Can you assure this House, given the gravity of this kind of situation and the event that happened yesterday, that in the event a complaint is filed pursuant

to the Labour Relations Act, this will be moved to the top of the list, investigated aggressively and completely, which is the legal responsibility of the ministry, and a signal will be sent that

this kind of conduct, this kind of illegal strike, is not going to be tolerated in the province of Ontario?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: The Minister of Labour.

Hon. Steve Peters (Minister of Labour): It's obvious that the honourable leader didn't take my advice yesterday and lean over to his right and

speak to a former Minister of Labour. If the honourable leader knew what he was talking about, he would understand that the Ontario Labour Relations Board is an arm's-length agency of the

government and it would be totally inappropriate for the Minister of Labour to interfere. Obviously you need some lessons in labour relations. As well, I think it's important to point out that it

would be inappropriate for us to speculate on any actions that would be taken. Perhaps you should again ask the former Minister of Labour about her role when she stood in this place and the role

the Minister of Labour plays.

I'm very proud of our track record. We have restored fairness and balance to labour relations in this province. There were 76 work stoppages in 2005, hundreds

less than what happened when you were in government. We have brought fairness and balance back. We respect the Ontario Labour Relations Board --

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

Mr. Tory: The commuters and businesses of Ontario saw what a fine job you're doing yesterday. They certainly got a good taste of that. What I

suggested to you was entirely, properly the role of the Minister of Labour. All I asked you was -- and you refuse to answer it, as did the Acting Premier -- if a complaint is filed, will you move

it right to the top of the list and aggressively investigate it to make sure that the signal is sent that this kind of thing won't be tolerated?

There's a disturbing trend setting in in this province where people seem to think they can do things and get away with it. People walk off the job for a day,

and millions of people are adversely affected by this. Nothing happens. People want to punch and kick each other, and persons unknown destroy a power station. No consequences seem to flow from

that.

What assurances can you give this House, Acting Premier, that people in Ontario can be assured that the rule of law is going to be confirmed and upheld and

you're going to do everything you can to make sure that is the case in this province? What are you doing?

Hon. Mr. Peters: I'd refer that to the Acting Premier.

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: I'd say to the honourable member that it's always very convenient for the honourable member to drop in from time to time

for an hour, and whatever issue happens to be at the top of his platter is the issue that he chooses that day --

Interjections.

The Speaker: Order. I'm having great difficulty hearing the Acting Premier's response.

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: Mr. Speaker, the honourable member seeks by his questioning to create a circumstance where he would have us condoning the

actions that were taken yesterday. We do no such thing. We, like everybody else, expressed the frustration on behalf of the people of Ontario.

For the honourable member, himself a learned lawyer, pretending in this Legislature, as he tends to do in question period every day, that the circumstances

were somehow preventable when there was no highlight, no expectation that this would occur, except right at the time that people chose to walk off the job -- we will abide by the rule of law, and

we will seek out, on behalf of the people of Ontario, to ensure that it is appropriately taken up --

The Speaker: Thank you.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): My question is for the Minister of Energy. Today, Canadian Press reports that the Minister of Energy,

when asked by the media, was physically unable to "repeat his promise to close the coal-fired plants by 2009."

Minister, I am sending you a copy of a McGuinty government press release from just a year ago, dated June 15, 2005, entitled, "McGuinty Government Unveils Bold

Plan to Clean Up Ontario's Air." Can you please read the highlighted sections of your own press release that lay out your coal promise, and can you tell the people of Ontario if you're going to

keep your promise to close Lambton coal-fired station by 2007 and Nanticoke coal-fired station by 2009?

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Energy): We remain committed to reducing the emissions associated with coal-fired generation --

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Order. Minister of Energy.

Hon. Mr. Duncan: Let me remind the leader of the third party of some things he said in the last couple of years. "We will close or convert

Ontario's coal-fired generating stations by 2007." That's the NDP platform in 2003. "We will continue to live the effects of the coal mistakes for decades to come. Some of us will die before our

time, victims of coal-generated air pollution." Public Power, page 109.

There is no doubt that the challenge associated with closing coal plants, with getting coal out of our energy mix, is challenging. We have reduced emissions in

the first two and a half years of our agenda. We remain committed to reducing those emissions quickly, and ensuring the reliability of energy supply in Ontario.

Mr. Hampton: Gee, Speaker, I even underlined them for him.

I'll repeat it. Maybe he can find it now: "Lambton generating station ... will be replaced by the end of 2007.... Nanticoke generating station ... will have

units closed through 2008, with the last to close in early 2009." I underlined it. I put it in colour for you.

Minister, it's so smoggy today, you can't even see the CN tower from here. But there is one thing that's crystal clear: Dalton McGuinty's promise to shut down

Ontario's coal-fired plants is another McGuinty Liberal broken promise.

You know, Nike makes running shoes; Pepsi makes cola; and Dalton McGuinty just breaks his promises. That's where we're at.

But my question is this, Minister: After all the rhetoric, after all the holier-than-thou pronouncements from the McGuinty government, why should the people of

Ontario believe or trust any promise from the McGuinty --

The Speaker: The question has been asked. Minister.

Hon. Mr. Duncan: What they can believe is that coal-fired generation is down 18.7% in two and a half years. That is more than the hot air that

you're full of. What they can believe is that SO 2 emissions are down 32.5% -- that is about cleaning up the air. NO x emissions are down 33% -- that's about cleaner air.

CO 2 emissions, which is about Kyoto and meeting our undertakings, are down 18%. Mercury is down 28.6%. Yet the leader of the third party writes to the Premier and tells us to keep

coal-fired plants open as long as we can.

There's no doubt that this is a challenging goal. Cleaning up the air, cleaning up the mess we see today, is a challenge; there is no doubt. In fact, when they

built Niagara Falls, they wanted to replace coal with so-called white coal.

We remain committed. We remain committed to cleaning up the airshed to ensure that we don't all look back --

The Speaker: Thank you. Final supplementary.

Mr. Hampton: I wanted to help the minister; that's why I underlined it and put it in colour.

I want to read your promise again: "Lambton generating station will be replaced by the end of 2007. Nanticoke coal-fired generating station will have units

closed through 2008, with the last unit to close in early 2009." This is another McGuinty broken promise, but this one is a huge letdown for the people of Ontario, because people are worried about

dirty air. But, you know, it is another example of Dalton McGuinty saying anything in order to win votes, with no inkling, no idea, no plan of how to get the job done.

My question again, Minister: Why should good people across Ontario believe or trust anything Dalton McGuinty says from here on?

Hon. Mr. Duncan: If the leader of the third party is so concerned about the quality of the air, why did he write to the leader of Ontario, the

Premier, and ask him to keep these coal-fired plants running for 20 years? Why would you do that?

We have been moving quickly to close the plants. We have been moving to get the emissions down. We're going to continue in that track. We're going to continue

in spite of the opposition from members opposite, like Mr. Hampton. We will continue to see improvement in the quality of air resulting from our energy mix supply. We believe that keeping our focus

on those emissions, ensuring that we bring down all of the emissions associated with coal, including the CO 2 , remains and ought to be a key goal of any government in this province to

deal with the quality-of-air challenge we have. We are continuing to aggressively pursue that policy.

KYOTO PROTOCOL

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): When the McGuinty government can't keep a promise, they just make it up as they go along.

Acting Premier, Ontario's working families are worried about climate change. They are worried about global warming, about pollution heating up the planet,

about wild weather like floods, tornadoes, droughts, and hot and smoggy days like we have across southern Ontario today. We know that Stephen Harper has cut and run on the Kyoto accord. But we want

to know, does Dalton McGuinty remain committed to meeting Ontario's Kyoto emission targets, and if so, will the McGuinty government table your Kyoto plan here today?

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): Minister of the Environment.

Hon. Laurel C. Broten (Minister of the Environment): Let me be absolutely clear to the leader of the third party that this government supports

the steps taken in this country to move forward with respect to the Kyoto protocol. The Minister of Energy at the time, Minister Cansfield, and I were privileged to attend the UN climate change

conference in Montreal in December of last year. At that time, I signed, on behalf of this government, a declaration to continue Ontario's efforts to fight climate change. We are signing documents,

and our actions are louder than those words.

As we move forward in this province to have a future without coal, we will see a reduction of 30 megatons of greenhouse gases -- the single largest action

being taken by any government in this country to move forward. That is a significant indication of how firm our commitment is to tackle the most pressing issue of our time, which is climate

change.

Mr. Hampton: Obviously the Minister of the Environment isn't speaking to the Minister of Energy. The Minister of Energy can't bring himself to

repeat the phrase that the coal plants are going to close. So far, Dalton McGuinty's response on Kyoto has been either breaking a promise or, otherwise, disappointing silence.

Other provinces are showing leadership. Manitoba is going to go it alone. They've got a plan; they're going to implement it. Quebec is going to go it

alone.

Just three years ago, Dalton McGuinty said he supported Kyoto. During the election, he said he was committed to meeting our Kyoto targets. I ask again, where

is the McGuinty government's commitment now? Where is the McGuinty government's plan to meet our Kyoto targets? Table it today.

Hon. Ms. Broten: I guess the leader of the third party perhaps does not examine some of the steps that our government is taking, which are

real and positive steps, to tackle this critical issue. For example, requiring 5% ethanol in gasoline by 2007 will achieve the GHG reductions equivalent to taking 200,000 cars and light trucks off

the road each and every year. If you paid attention to what happened in Saskatchewan last week, it's a clear indication that our government is ahead of where the federal government is. We will meet

a 5% ethanol content by 2007, and we will meet double that by 2010, when the rest of the provinces are going to catch up with Ontario. Each and every day we take steps to ensure that we have a

future in this province where we tackle the issue of climate change, and ethanol is but one more example where we are doing that.

Mr. Hampton: I've asked twice: Where is the McGuinty government's Kyoto plan? I know why I'm not getting an answer. This is from David Suzuki.

David Suzuki is the one you invite whenever you want to hold a photo op but you don't want any questions asked. This is what he said in his report last year: "Ontario does not have a climate change

plan." That's what David Suzuki says.

We know that Stephen Harper is backing away from Canada's Kyoto commitments. That makes it even more important that individual provinces like Ontario step up

and implement the Kyoto emission targets. Manitoba has a plan to meet the Kyoto targets by 2012. Quebec has a plan. But, as David Suzuki says, the McGuinty government has no plan to meet these

targets. It's nowhere in sight.

Tomorrow is the Premiers' conference in Gimli, Manitoba. Will you commit that Dalton McGuinty will stand up tomorrow and announce that Ontario is joining

Manitoba and Quebec --

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

Hon. Ms. Broten: I say to the leader of the third party, David Suzuki joins us when we make announcements because he knows we are the North

American leader in clean air in this province. Let me tell you what he has also said in his document, on page 21: "The Ontario government is implementing a fairly ambitious agenda that will tackle

both air pollution and climate change."

Here are a few of things that we're doing: reducing vehicle traffic on our roads by investing $838 million in public transit in the GTA; creating a

1.8-million-acre greenbelt to limit urban sprawl; doubling the retail sales tax rebate on hybrid vehicles from $1,000 to $2,000; encouraging Ontarians to conserve electricity; toughening by 23% our

emissions-testing standards for cars and light trucks; introducing the toughest emissions-testing standards on heavy duty vehicles in North America; and refocusing roadside testing for those

vehicles that pollute the most. That's our --

The Speaker: Thank you. New question.

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

Mr. Robert W. Runciman (Leeds-Grenville): A question to the Acting Premier: We learned today that Superior Court Justice David Marshall has

summoned the Attorney General of Ontario to court to answer why your government continues to ignore the court order to enforce the law in the Caledonia situation. This extraordinary action was

taken by the judge, in his words, "to ensure that peace in the community is maintained under the rule of law." In non-legal terms, it would seem that His Lordship would like to know why your

government is incapable or unwilling to enforce the law. Can the minister tell this House the answer to that question before the Attorney General is hauled before the court to do so?

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): The minister responsible for aboriginal affairs.

Hon. David Ramsay (Minister of Natural Resources, minister responsible for aboriginal affairs): I know my colleague across the way knows that

when you have an action before the court, it's inappropriate for the government to comment on that. The only comment I can make is that the Ontario government will be present in that court on

Thursday.

Mr. Runciman: If you won't answer the question in this House, hopefully you'll answer it before the judge. I describe this as extraordinary;

"extraordinary" is probably an understatement. This is the first time in memory that an Attorney General has been called on the carpet for not discharging his constitutional responsibilities. This

is ultimately the Attorney General's responsibility, and I ask you, why is he, as the chief law officer, not enforcing his responsibility? Why is that occurring?

Hon. David Ramsay: I think it's fair for the member to tell the House that, of course, the judge is calling all parties to the previous court

hearing to come before him, including the Attorney General of Ontario. As I said to the member, Ontario will be there at court and will represent our position there.

BUILDING CODE

Mr. Peter Tabuns (Toronto-Danforth): My question is to the Acting Premier. Today, two of your ministers have talked about their commitment to

Kyoto and about how much this government is doing to meet the climate change challenge in this country. The building efficiency standards proposed in your amendments to the Ontario building code

are being described by environmentalists and by efficiency experts as weak. Proposed efficiency standards for homes fall drastically short of what is economically and technically feasible. Even

your own conservation officer agrees. He's on the record as saying that the proposed standards are "barely a step forward when they should be a leap." My question is, will your government bring in

home efficiency standards that are real, effective and will meet Kyoto standards?

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): To the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Hon. John Gerretsen (Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing): Thank you for the question, because it is a very important issue. I can tell

you that we are currently looking at the building code standards to see what should be implemented in the future. There has been ongoing dialogue with all of the interested parties in this

particular issue, whether they're builders, whether they're in the environmental community, however they're involved in the building industry.

I can tell you that in the end we will be coming up with the highest possible standards. We're looking at it right now. No final decisions have been made. I

invite the member to stay tuned for the actual building code that will be introduced in the near future.

Mr. Tabuns: Acting Premier, even your own conservation officer is criticizing what the government is proposing. We've just heard that speaking

will continue and continue and continue. Your own conservation officer said that this will be a lost opportunity for significant energy conservation efficiency if standards for homes are not set at

a much higher level than one that has come forward in discussion papers put out by your document. You've been talking for the last three years about being a leader in North America. So when will

the talking end, and when will you actually bring forward a plan that will show leadership?

Hon. Mr. Gerretsen: I can tell you that an awful lot of consultation has taken place on this particular issue. We've set up advisory panels

that are reporting back to us at this point in time, and we know that the amendments will include issues such as increased energy efficiency requirements for houses, including detached,

semi-detached and row housing; increased energy efficiency requirements for commercial buildings and large-scale residential buildings; and energy-efficient labelling for houses; as well as changes

to enable the use of green technologies.

We are the leaders in this, and we're going to be the leaders in this after we get through with these changes. We're doing a broad sector of consultations, and

we look forward to hearing the member's views on this as well, as we progress in this matter.

DRUG LEGISLATION

Mr. Jeff Leal (Peterborough): I have a question today for the Minister of Long-Term Care, on behalf of hard-working pharmacists in the

province of Ontario.

Interjections.

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

Interjections.

The Speaker: Order. I can wait. Order.

The member for Peterborough.

Mr. Leal: I am asking a question on behalf of the hard-working pharmacists in Ontario, whom I offered to meet with last Saturday morning in

Peterborough, and they said they were too busy to meet me. And in fact --

Interjections.

The Speaker: Order. I'm having great difficulty hearing the member from Peterborough.

Mr. Leal: I've been following the consultations on our proposed drug legislation closely and I'm seeing a lot of positive feedback from

patient groups, generic companies and seniors about proposed improvements to our drug system. I know as well that our government is listening to pharmacists. I understand that amendments are

already being made to our proposed legislation to address the concerns that they have. Minister, can you tell me more about how we're amending the legislation to address concerns of

pharmacists?

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): First off, I think it would be very appropriate to acknowledge the excellent

question from the member for Peterborough. This is the member in the community of Peterborough who's delivering a new $250-million hospital and a family health team spread across the breadth of

Peterborough and the county, which is going to dramatically enhance the quality of care. We're working very --

Mr. Tim Hudak (Erie-Lincoln): Who wrote this question?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: Oh, you should try for another question, Mr. Hudak.

I think the honourable member has touched on the issue of pharmacists in the context of Bill 102. We've been working, through the Ontario Pharmacists'

Association, making improvements in our package of reforms designed to get the best drugs to Ontarians at the best possible price.

Already yesterday we indicated that we're going to move back on our position with respect to the cap. That is a $13-million benefit to pharmacy, and true

committee work in anticipation of the work done on clause-by-clause. We would anticipate bringing amendments in a variety of areas designed to enhance the quality of the bill overall.

Mr. Leal: Thank you for clarifying what a good working relationship we have with the Ontario association of pharmacists. I know that

pharmacists will be very pleased with --

Interjections.

The Acting Speaker: The member for Peterborough.

Mr. Leal: I know that our government has a great deal of regard for the expertise of pharmacists and the larger role they can play in the

health care system. I know that we're making pharmacists key members of our family health teams, and that our government in this legislation wants for the first time to recognize pharmacists for

the front-line role they play in patient care.

I also want to know, when we move to utilize the expertise of pharmacists and the new pharmacy council -- Minister, can you tell me more about this

council?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: For something like 17 years, the Ontario Pharmacists' Association has been asking the government of Ontario for an

opportunity to participate in more of a partnership model. One of the ideas that has come forward, as the opposition critic just mentioned, is the idea that the pharmacy council, which we proposed

as the mechanism by which the government and pharmacists would work together in shaping pharmacy for the future, be included in the legislation.

Interjection.

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: We're very open-minded to that. The honourable member is derisive about these points, but at each and every opportunity

Ms. Shelley Martel (Nickel Belt): That's because it should have been in there from the start.

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: Oh, yeah.

At each and every opportunity, we've been taking advantage of the chance to work in a consultative fashion, to take opportunities, through amendment, to

address challenges that might occur. This will of course be the case in this circumstance, and I look forward as Bill 102 reports back to this House to see that it will enjoy strong support at

third reading.

EMERGENCY SERVICES

Mr. Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North): My question today is for the Minister of Finance. I'm sure all members of the House are delighted to see

such a large representation here today from the police services boards across Ontario, and I appreciate the fact that the OAPSB has arranged this lobby day here at Queen's Park.

I've had the opportunity to meet with them, and I'm especially concerned by the information we have received about emergency service labour costs. I note that

since 2000, wages have increased by an average of 5% annually, outstripping the other sectors, which are averaging around 2% to 3%. Minister, can you tell the House what you, as Minister of

Finance, are prepared to do to assist the police services boards and municipalities to control these costs?

Hon. Greg Sorbara (Minister of Finance, Chair of the Management Board of Cabinet): When I hear the information provided by my friend, I think

of the work done by my colleague the Minister of Government Services in negotiating contracts for the collective agreements for which we're directly responsible. I should tell him that the Ontario

municipal partnership fund provides specific support for these kinds of services, and indeed the policing costs under the partnership fund take special care to speak to the additional burdens of

policing, particularly in the northern and rural communities. In that fund, over the course of the past two years, sir, we have increased our commitment to municipalities by about $200 million.

It may not be enough in the view of the member opposite, but I think we're going a very long way to help municipal police boards across the province meet their

requirements.

Mr. Dunlop: You've talked around the issue, but as you know, the OAPSB has made specific requests to your ministry, which have included issues

such as the Ontario health premium, your health tax; retention pay; and court security costs, which in a lot of cases are running rampant in some areas. Minister, are you prepared to meet with the

OAPSB and discuss how the province will assist the boards? If so, when will that occur and when can you expect to report back to the House on the answer to those questions?

Hon. Mr. Sorbara: I have obviously had a number of requests to meet from a variety of organizations across the province where there are

pressures relating to cost. I simply repeat to my friend that what we have achieved and the equity we have achieved through the Ontario municipal partnership fund has gone a very long way toward

meeting the requirements of municipalities. Let us remember, sir, that police service boards operate under the umbrella of municipal councils, and there is an ongoing dialogue and relationship

between AMO, individual municipalities, representatives in my ministry and indeed with my colleague the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

I think the dialogue is at a very high level, but if there's other information we need to be informed of, certainly I would be interested in hearing that

information.

ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

Mr. Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): A question to the Acting Premier: Sir, more and more community groups and organizations are expressing

concern and opposition to your government's so-called human rights reform. They explain that you've consulted with lawyers but you haven't talked to the people who use the human rights commission

on a daily basis and the organizations they represent. They've got serious concerns about your proposed legislation, which takes away significant rights that are now entrenched in the Human Rights

Code. Will your government delay proceeding with second reading of this bill and simply agree to work with the people most affected by these so-called reforms so that we can create real improvement

in the enforcement of human rights in Ontario?

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): As a long-serving member of the Ontario Legislature, this member knows very

well that this is an issue that has been around for a long time. His characterization that meetings or consultations occurred only with lawyers is of course not borne out in the truth. In reality,

he may be a lawyer but Joel Richler's role as chair of the Canadian Jewish Congress led him to say this: "CJC applauds the government for the proposed creation of an anti-racism secretariat and a

disability-rights secretariat within the commission." Buzz Hargrove -- I don't know him to be a lawyer: "We share the view of many that the current system of guaranteeing and enforcing human rights

standards in Ontario needs reform.... The introduction of Bill 107 should be used as an opportunity to create a leading edge and accessible system to address the equality issues of

Ontarians...."

I think the point taken is that over a long period of time -- a couple of decades, I believe -- people have been working on this issue. The consultations were

broad. We're always listening as we move forward, but the time for reform is upon us, and the initiatives undertaken are ones the government continues to support.

Mr. Kormos: Sir, today leaders from the Urban Alliance on Race Relations, the Canadian Arab Federation and Asian Community AIDS Services

joined what have been literally thousands of others in asking this government to stop forging ahead with Bill 107. They say that taking away their legal right to an investigation -- because that's

what the commission does, investigations and provide legal support -- isn't going to make their cases move any faster. In fact, your proposals are going to strip the most liminalized people in this

province of their ability to fight for their human rights and force them to pay out of pocket to fight discrimination.

Will you delay second reading of the bill and agree to work with these people -- the people most affected by the so-called reforms -- so we can create real

improvements rather than your artificial ones?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: Obviously, through the legislative process, we're always using the opportunity, in committee as an example, to examine

legislation and hear from a wide variety of Ontarians.

But I don't think it's appropriate for the honourable member to pretend his way through this as if there's a consensus that formed around the views he has

spoken of, that he is the voice, or is using the voice, of all those affected.

Hugh Tye, executive director of the Hamilton Mountain Legal and Community Services said, "This (human rights reform) is something numerous community groups

have asked for, for too long. We all recognize the problems -- let's get on with fixing them." That's a voice of people working right at the community level.

Similarly, Robert Sexsmith, secretary of the board of directors of the Advocacy Centre for Tenants of Ontario, said, "We want to applaud the undertaking ... to

establish a new human rights legal support centre that would provide legal assistance to claimants at each stage of the new process, regardless of level of income."

These are demonstrations that the new system we seek to bring forward is one that is designed, in a timely way, to affect the views that people --

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

IMMIGRANTS' SKILLS

Mr. Richard Patten (Ottawa Centre): My question is for the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. As you're aware, Ottawa is the second most

popular destination for newcomers, after the GTA. For those of you who don't know, that means Greater Toronto Area -- I have a sense of humour. On average, over 6,000 newcomers come to Ottawa each

year, making the national capital a true immigration gateway.

Last week, when you were at Algonquin College in Ottawa, you made what I thought was a very important announcement: a bold step and one that's been lacking for

many, many decades in helping internationally trained health professionals to work in their particular field a lot sooner. Would you elaborate today on what this means for them, as well as for

others in that situation in Ontario?

Hon. Mike Colle (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration): I'd like to thank the member from Ottawa Centre for his question. He's so right:

Next to the GTA, Ottawa is the next major gateway for newcomers and immigrants. Ottawa is one of the designated immigrant gateways where we will encourage immigrants to go, because there are many

opportunities there in the high-tech centre, the medical centre.

The new programs we announced in Ottawa will allow for seven new opportunities and bridge training for our foreign-trained professionals. That's a total of

$3.8 million in areas like respiratory therapy, anesthesiology assistant and cardiac diagnostics. All these areas are in great demand. The foreign-trained professionals, working in partnership with

Algonquin College, will give these highly skilled people an opportunity to serve the people in Ottawa.

Mr. Patten: I know that the foreign-trained or internationally trained students who were there were really excited about this opportunity. I

can see that it will be a lot smoother for them to accomplish being practitioners. I want to thank you for that.

But I consistently hear that there are more things that need to be done to encourage employers, in particular, to consider the benefits of hiring

internationally trained individuals who bring a wealth of global experience and expertise to cities like Ottawa. What is our government doing in the Ottawa area to encourage businesses to hire

newcomers and give them the opportunity to contribute fully as well?

Hon. Mr. Colle: In fact, one of the graduates of Algonquin in September will start a residency program at Mount Sinai Hospital. That's what

Algonquin did for that young man and his family.

In terms of employment partnerships, for the first time the provincial government is establishing an immigrant employment network in Ottawa. That's done in

partnership with the United Way of Ottawa and also with the Ottawa Board of Trade. Those are two partners that are bringing on 45 major employers in Ottawa, which are essentially going to give

opportunities to newcomers in internships and mentorship. What this really means is that we have to give newcomers an opportunity at a job. We can talk about diversity and inclusion, but we are

encouraging employers to give them a chance to show the qualifications they have and what they contribute to the company and the economy. Ottawa is now leading the way with this new

partnership.

SCHOOL BOARDS

Mr. Frank Klees (Oak Ridges): To the Minister of Education: I'm asking this question on behalf of school boards across the province.

Announcements regarding grants for school boards have always come in the month of April. It is now almost June and school boards in this province still don't know what those grants will be. When

will you be announcing the grants for school boards so they can do their appropriate planning? They've been asking you. The answer that you keep giving and that the former minister gave is, "Soon."

What does "soon" mean to you?

Hon. Sandra Pupatello (Minister of Education, minister responsible for women's issues): For about the last three years the grants have always

been released in terms of information at the end of May. The regulations that are attached to the grants have been delivered some time around the middle of July. I'm hoping to stay right around

that timeframe. As a new minister, I can tell you that I have taken some extra time. As you know, your formula, which you created, allowed boards tremendous difficulties because there were a number

of flaws in this formula. I hope boards will be pleased to see that we're taking our time with the release of these grants.

Mr. Klees: That was the very point of my question, Minister. The fact is that those grants, under the former government, used to be announced

in April. Under your government, it continues to slip. You have missed the May announcement. It's very difficult for boards across this province to meet their obligations if your ministry isn't

doing its job in telling them how much money they have to work with. When can you give us a date when those grants will be announced by you to the school boards?

Hon. Ms. Pupatello: I think it's fair to compare our government to your government when it comes to education. You may well have had your

grants released in a different month, and what that allowed boards was perhaps an extra month or so to figure out where they had to cut their spending, because that's what you were about.

What we have done, year after year, is targeted increases for these boards to improve the school system. We have focused on lowering the drop-out rate,

increasing the test results in literacy and numeracy, and bringing down primary class size. When we come forward with grants, the school boards actually say, "This is good news." But they didn't

say that with your government. So if they would allow me a couple of more weeks to fix what you so seriously broke, I think it's reasonable, because I believe that the boards, from the day we

became the government, have been very pleased with our delivery of education, far superior than yours, my friend.

COURT REPORTERS

Mr. Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): To the Acting Premier: Sir, across Ontario, trials are being jeopardized because overworked and

under-resourced court employees are forced to use outdated recording equipment. Mr. Justice Ron Thomas has called it a "serious cancer" in the justice system, and compared the equipment your

government provides these court workers to something out of the Flintstones. When is your government going to take action in this regard?

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): Obviously the Ministry of the Attorney General takes the issue of transcripts

very seriously. They're working on a pilot at this point that was initiated on advanced digital recording systems. In addition to ongoing training programs, the ministry has undertaken a major

refresher training initiative for all 2,000 court staff. I believe that these initiatives, in addition to ones the Attorney General would like to personally tell you about -- if you want to repose

that question at a time soon -- would indicate to all that we recognize that the appropriate function of our courts is an essential element and that the technology associated with that is essential

as well. That's why we've taken these steps. We'll look forward to the opportunity to engage in further dialogue by way of supplementary.

Mr. Kormos: Before his election as a member of government, the Attorney General was oh, so eloquent about the impact of funding cuts to our

justice system, especially around court reporting.

Hon. David Ramsay (Minister of Natural Resources, minister responsible for aboriginal affairs): Why don't you ask him directly?

Mr. Kormos: If the Attorney General were here, Mr. Ramsay, I would ask him.

Mr. Bryant said, "Surely the administration of justice cannot be compromised in the name of financial incentives," yet on your government's watch, the problems

have been getting worse and worse: outdated equipment, tape; tape recording equipment that doesn't work; understaffing, which means there aren't adequate numbers of people who are monitoring the

taping to provide the transcripts; and charges being dismissed as a result of that, including the prospect of very serious criminal charges and convictions being overturned under your government's

watch, using equipment referred to as Flintstonian.

How many cases are going to have to be dismissed, how many charges and convictions thrown out, before you make the investment that's needed in our criminal

justice system?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: Like I said before, we all recognize the necessity of the appropriate function of our court system and the technologies

associated with it. The ministry will be moving forward this summer with an RFP related to a pilot project. And this fall, training for all 2,000 individuals -- court staff, including court

reporters -- will be initiated. It's our suggestion that these opportunities will provide us with a good chance to move forward and to address the concerns the honourable member has raised. Of

course, there would be further opportunity on the part of the Attorney General to expand on these initiatives so as to further demonstrate the commitment that our government has for the appropriate

function of our courts.

EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS

Mr. Jim Brownell (Stormont-Dundas-Charlottenburgh): My question is to the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. Minister, the

community of Chesterville in my riding of Stormont-Dundas-Charlottenburgh was shocked when it recently learned that its Nestlé plant was closing. This plant in Chesterville was an institution

and had been a major community employer for as long as anyone can remember. When this closure was first announced, there was great concern about how the community would adjust to such a dramatic

change.

I'm pleased to inform this Legislature that the people of Chesterville are adjusting and displaying their trademark tenacity to make their community better.

While some of the former Nestlé employees have found new work and others have chosen early retirement, there are still more than 200 souls transitioning into their new reality. As was done in

Cornwall for the Domtar employees, this government is providing funding for an action centre to assist these individuals. Minister, could you tell us how this action centre will assist the former

Nestlé employees?

Hon. Christopher Bentley (Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities): I'd like to thank the member for the question. I know he's been

working very hard on behalf of his constituents, the workers in that particular facility.

What happens initially is that the adjustment advisory program kicks in. As a result of the advocacy by the honourable member some time ago, as soon as we hear

about a layoff or a closure or a labour adjustment, we contact the company, the union and the community the same day. That's as a result of his advocacy. That's the new approach. That was done in

this case on the same day. The action centre was set up just weeks later, with the co-operation of all. It's jointly funded by the province, the federal government and the company. That centre

provides job assistance information, information on how to obtain training, information on counselling and links with other programs in the community, such as the Job Connect program in Cornwall,

which just received $2 million to provide funding for over 2,600 individuals. It's that type of linkage, the immediate on-the-ground assistance, that will really provide real assistance to the

workers --

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

Mr. Brownell: Thank you, Minister. It's always my pleasure to advocate on behalf of the constituents of my riding. I'm grateful there is a

committed, forward-thinking government there for me to work with in regard to delivering for the good people of my riding of Stormont-Dundas-Charlottenburgh.

Minister, as you are aware, there are challenging times in some sectors in eastern Ontario. The town of Chesterville is currently in the midst of a transition.

I know that this government is responding to the needs of the people of eastern Ontario through this transition period with support and assistance. Could you describe for us some of our

government's initiatives in assisting the businesses and people of eastern Ontario?

Hon. Mr. Bentley: I'd refer this to the Minister of Economic Development and Trade.

Hon. Joseph Cordiano (Minister of Economic Development and Trade): Indeed, this member has been a tireless champion on behalf of his

community.

I want to point out that our ministry also provides business advisory services for eastern Ontario. There are three offices, staffed by six senior business

advisers and led by a regional manager. They work with small and medium-sized firms that are growth-oriented. There has been much success in that regard.

In addition to that, there is something called the Ontario East Economic Development Commission. That was created in 1988, under a previous Liberal government

headed by Premier Peterson. It was formed with the purpose of doing joint marketing. As well, recently it has been exploring opportunities to attract new investment in the auto parts sector, and

we're having some success with that. That's as a result of the great work that we've done with respect to the auto strategy in this province, and it is moving forward.

DRUG LEGISLATION

Mr. John O'Toole (Durham): My question is to the Minister of Health. As you might know, the hearings on Bill 102 are in process in the

committee as we speak. I'm hearing one recurring theme, from the pharmacists as well as patient groups as well as the manufacturers of pharmaceuticals that are used in Ontario, and that theme is

that there's much in this bill that is not actually in the bill that we're discussing. It's clear that it's going to be in regulation and policy changes. As a matter of fact, a couple of the

presenters have led me to assume that you've got some secret deals going on outside of the committee process, and this is completely unfair. Minister, I'm putting to you that --

Interjections.

Mr. O'Toole: You've time-allocated this bill. I'm asking you today to release the policies and the regulations for debate so that the

committee can do the work that they're charged with in this Legislature, as opposed to conducting these hearings outside of the committee with your --

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

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): Sometimes you consult and they say you shouldn't, and sometimes you consult

and they say that you should. The reality is that we are in a frame of mind towards constant consultation. What that has meant, in the six weeks since we presented our bill and our package overall

-- which is legislative and includes regulation and, of course, policy changes -- is that we continue to be in dialogue with lots and lots of groups. Accordingly, the Legislature will have the

opportunity, at third reading, to consider whether they wish to support a bill that will have the opportunity for amendment at committee next week.

I can assure the honourable member that in a variety of areas, like all bills that I've had the privilege of having stand in my name, we will bring to

committee a variety of amendments, opposition parties will as well, and the final package will be voted on as third reading of Bill 102. I can assure the honourable member that I will continue to

meet with many groups, between now and then and after, with a view to enhancing the quality of the drug system in the province of Ontario.

VISITORS

Ms. Andrea Horwath (Hamilton East): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: I just wanted to make note that we have some distinguished guests from

Hamilton today in the gallery: the chair of our police services board, Bernie Morelli, who is now also the chair of the Ontario Association of Police Services Boards, and our chief of police, Brian

Mullan.

Mr. John O'Toole (Durham): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: also a distinguished guest, Doug Moffatt, who is the chair of the police services

board and a former member of the Ontario Legislature some years ago. Welcome, Doug Moffatt.

PETITIONS

EDUCATION FUNDING

Mr. Ernie Hardeman (Oxford): I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly:

"Whereas the Ontario government already fully funds 93% of faith-based schools in Ontario, but the remaining 7% receive no funding, solely because they are not

Catholic;

"Whereas the United Nations Human Rights Committee ruled in 1999 and again in 2005 that this arrangement is discriminatory and violates basic international

human rights law that Ontario formally agreed to uphold;

"Whereas all three parties represented in the Legislature support Catholic separate school funding, as guaranteed by the Constitution of Canada, so that the

only fair and viable solution to the discrimination is to extend funding to the small religious minorities that are currently excluded;

"Whereas the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that Ontario has the constitutional power to provide funding to non-Catholic faith-based schools;

"Whereas Ontario is the only western democracy that fully funds faith-based schools of one religion to the total exclusion of all other religions, while all

other provinces except the Atlantic provinces fund faith-based schools and have thriving public school systems;

"Whereas the cultural survival of the affected minority groups is at stake;

"Whereas faith-based schools produce responsible and productive citizens; and

"Whereas the Multi-Faith Coalition for Equal Funding of Religious Schools in December 2004 submitted to the Minister of Education a detailed proposal for the

funding of non-Catholic faith-based schools in a manner that is fair and accountable and protects and enhances the public interest;

"We call on the Ontario Legislature to pass legislation to provide equitable funding in respect of all faith-based schools in Ontario without religious

discrimination and without any reduction in funding for public education, with accountability requirements and standards in place to ensure that the public interest is safeguarded."

I affix my signature as I agree with the petition.

TRADE DEVELOPMENT

Mr. Kevin Daniel Flynn (Oakville): "Whereas more than 260,000 Ontarians make their living and support their families through their careers in

the auto industry in Ontario, which has become the pre-eminent manufacturer of motor vehicles in North America; and

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

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

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

components;

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

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

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

I agree with this petition and will sign it.

DRUG LEGISLATION

Mr. Gerry Martiniuk (Cambridge): I have a petition signed by hundreds of Cambridge residents, provided to me by Preston Medical Pharmacy and

Medic Pharmacy. It's directed to the Parliament of Ontario.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As I agree with this petition, I sign my name thereto.

TRADE DEVELOPMENT

Mr. Dave Levac (Brant): This was dropped off to me by members of the CAW with concerns about fair auto trade with South Korea:

"Petition to the Ontario Legislative Assembly:

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

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

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

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

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

components;

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

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

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

I sign my name to this petition and hand it over to Clarence, our page.

LONG-TERM CARE

Mrs. Christine Elliott (Whitby-Ajax): I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from Sunnycrest Nursing Homes, Ltd.

"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)."

I'm pleased to affix my signature in support thereof.

TRADE DEVELOPMENT

Mr. Jeff Leal (Peterborough): I have a petition today from a group of hard-working citizens involved in the CAW union regarding fair auto

trade with South Korea.

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

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

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

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

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

components;

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

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

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

I agree with this petition and will put my signature on it.

EDUCATION FUNDING

Mr. Frank Klees (Oak Ridges): I have a petition to the Ontario Legislature to end discrimination. I'm going to put my reading glasses on so

that I can read it.

"Whereas the Ontario government already fully funds 93% of faith-based schools in Ontario, but the remaining 7% receive no funding, solely because they are not

Catholic;

"Whereas the United Nations Human Rights Committee ruled in 1999 and again in 2005 that this arrangement is discriminatory and violates basic international

human rights law that Ontario formally agreed to uphold;

"Whereas all three parties represented in the Legislature support Catholic separate school funding, as guaranteed by the Constitution of Canada, so that the

only fair and viable solution to the discrimination is to extend funding to the small religious minorities that are currently excluded;

"Whereas the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that Ontario has the constitutional power to provide funding to non-Catholic faith-based schools;

"Whereas Ontario is the only western democracy that fully funds faith-based schools of one religion to the total exclusion of all other religions, while all

other provinces except the Atlantic provinces fund faith-based schools and have thriving public school systems;

"Whereas the cultural survival of the affected minority groups is at stake;

"Whereas faith-based schools produce responsible and productive citizens; and

"Whereas the Multi-Faith Coalition for Equal Funding of Religious Schools in December 2004 submitted to the Minister of Education a detailed proposal for the

funding of non-Catholic faith-based schools in a manner that is fair and accountable and protects and enhances the public interest;

"We call on the Ontario Legislature to pass legislation to provide equitable funding in respect of all faith-based schools in Ontario without religious

discrimination and without any reduction in funding for public education, with accountability requirements and standards in place to ensure that the public interest is safeguarded."

I will add my signature, because I fully support the request, and hand it to page Clarence.

IMMIGRANTS' SKILLS

Mr. Tony Ruprecht (Davenport): This petition is about internationally trained professionals. It's addressed to the Parliament of Ontario and

reads as follows:

"Whereas the Ontario government recognizes the need to match internationally trained persons with professional work experience in their related fields; and

"Whereas the Ontario government is dedicated to making sure new Ontarians achieve long-term success in developing and sustaining their career goals; and

"Whereas the creation of 24 new bridge programs, bringing the total amount to 60 over the next three years, will help to make these goals a reality; and

"Whereas this funding of $14 million over the next three years will assist more than 3,000 internationally trained persons to increase their language skills,

training and exam preparation;

"We, the undersigned, respectfully petition the Parliament of Ontario as follows:

"That all members of the House support the new funding for further bridge training programs in order to create a more inclusive and successful environment for

newcomers to the province.

Since I agree, I am delighted to sign this petition.

CAFETERIA FOOD GUIDELINES

Mr. Norm Miller (Parry Sound-Muskoka): I have a petition from students and teachers of Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School to the

Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

"Whereas childhood obesity rates have tripled over the past two decades in Canada; and

"Whereas the annual amount of money the health care system uses to mend preventable obesity-related illnesses is $1.6 billion; and

"Whereas the Ontario food premises regulation only provides safety policies that must be followed by the Ontario school boards' cafeterias, but no defined

regulations regarding the nutrition standard of the food being served at the cafeterias; and

"Whereas there is a need to encourage nutritious standards in high school cafeterias that support Canada's Guidelines for Healthy Eating; and

"Whereas the private member's bill proposed by Nupur Dogra under Making the Grade and her fellow students at Iroquois Ridge High School will require all

Ontario school boards' cafeterias to adopt and abide [by] healthier eating standards (similar to Canada's Guidelines for Healthy Eating) that will govern the food choices;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to pass the private member's bill that will amend the Ontario school boards' cafeteria food

guidelines to follow healthier food standards in all Ontario high school cafeterias."

I support this petition and give it to page Mitchell.

LONG-TERM CARE

Mr. Jim Brownell (Stormont-Dundas-Charlottenburgh): I have a petition from Parisien Manor in the city of Cornwall.

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas long-term-care funding levels are too low to enable homes to provide the care and services our aging seniors and parents who are residents of

long-term-care homes need, with the respect and dignity that they deserve; and

"Whereas, even with recent funding increases and a dedicated staff who do more than their best, there is still not enough time available to provide the care

residents need. For example, 10 minutes, and sometimes less, is simply not enough time to assist a resident to get up, dressed, to the bathroom and then to the dining room for breakfast; and

"Whereas those unacceptable care and service levels are now at risk and declining;

"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)."

I send this with Hartford.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

BORDER SECURITY

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

motion without notice respecting the proposed US passport requirement and for each party to be allowed to speak to the motion for up to five minutes, following which the Speaker shall put every

question necessary to dispose of the motion without further debate or amendment; and

Further, to stipulate that today's debate on Bill 107 be considered one full sessional day.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): Mr. Bradley seeks unanimous consent of the House to move a motion without notice respecting the proposed

US passport requirement and for each party to be allowed to speak to the motion for up to five minutes, following which the Speaker shall put every question necessary to dispose of the motion

without further debate or amendment and, further, to stipulate that today's debate on Bill 107 be considered to be one full sessional day.

Is there consent in the House for the government House leader to move that motion? Agreed.

I recognize the government House leader.

Hon. Mr. Bradley: I presume you want me to read the motion first, Mr. Speaker, and I will do that. The motion is as follows:

That the Legislative Assembly of Ontario recognizes that more secure documentation is desirable on the Canada-United States border.

That the Legislative Assembly of Ontario recognizes that the proposed requirement that all Canadian and US citizens show a passport or other single-purpose

travel document to be allowed to enter or re-enter the United States would cause significant and unnecessary damage to tourism and trade in both countries.

That the Legislative Assembly of Ontario supports the position taken by the government of Ontario on October 27, 2005, in its submission to the US Department

of Homeland Security commenting on the passport issue.

That the Legislative Assembly of Ontario specifically endorses the approach advocated in that October 27, 2005, document, including:

-- the establishment of a binational working group to identify and develop proposals for alternative forms of secure documentation, such as a new, more secure

driver's licence or other form of documentation;

-- travellers aged 16 or under who are accompanied by a properly documented adult should be permitted to enter and re-enter the United States using proof of

citizenship;

-- any proposals for new ID requirements for entering or re-entering the United States be piloted on a trial basis before being fully implemented; and

-- the implementation of any changes in border-crossing documentation be delayed to provide sufficient phase-in time to minimize disruptions.

That the Legislative Assembly of Ontario supports tourism and commerce in Ontario, and supports the province of Ontario working with other North American

jurisdictions at the Gimli meeting of provincial Premiers and state Governors to find border-crossing alternatives that would not needlessly harm economic prosperity in Canada or the United

States.

The Acting Speaker: Mr. Bradley has moved: "That the Legislative Assembly of Ontario recognizes that more secure documentation is desirable on

the Canada-United States border.

"That the Legislative Assembly of Ontario recognizes that the proposed requirement that all Canadian and US citizens show a passport" --

Mr. Dave Levac (Brant): Dispense .

The Acting Speaker: Dispense?

Mr. Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): No.

The Acting Speaker: I'll continue to read.

-- "or other single-purpose travel document to be allowed to enter or re-enter the United States would cause significant and unnecessary damage to tourism and

trade in both countries.

"That the Legislative Assembly of Ontario supports the position taken by the government of Ontario on October 27, 2005, in its submission to the US Department

of Homeland Security commenting on the passport issue.

"That the Legislative Assembly of Ontario specifically endorses the approach advocated in that October 27, 2005, document, including:

" -- the establishment of a binational working group to identify and develop proposals for alternative forms of secure documentation, such as a new, more

secure driver's licence or other form of documentation;

" -- travellers aged 16 or under who are accompanied by a properly documented adult should be permitted to enter and re-enter the United States using proof of

citizenship;

" -- any proposals for new ID requirements for entering or re-entering the United States be piloted on a trial basis before being fully implemented; and

" -- the implementation of any changes in border-crossing documentation be delayed to provide sufficient phase-in time to minimize disruptions.

"That the Legislative Assembly of Ontario supports tourism and commerce in Ontario, and supports the province of Ontario working with other North American

jurisdictions at the Gimli meeting of provincial Premiers and state Governors to find border-crossing alternatives that would not needlessly harm economic prosperity in Canada or the United

States."

I recognize the government House leader and Minister of Tourism to lead off.

Hon. Mr. Bradley: Thank you very much for the opportunity to speak to this motion of the House, which is taking place before the meeting at

Gimli, Manitoba, and which deals with what I consider to be, and I think many people consider to be, the paramount issue, related to tourism and, to a large extent, trade between Canada and the

United States.

In order for us to protect Ontario's tourism and trade from the proposal to require a passport to enter or re-enter the United States, we have to work with our

natural allies in the United States Congress and with state governors. That is what the province of Ontario has been doing up to this point in time. We need to alert them to our own economic

well-being and their economic well-being, and encourage them to press for mutually beneficial changes to the passport proposal. That is why the Gimli meeting represents an important opportunity,

and the Premier will be raising this issue and discussing this issue at Gimli.

The presence of the United States Governors gives us a chance to share information, develop strategies and continue to encourage American voices in favour of

change.

Our position is as follows in Ontario, and we have stated this position in an official submission to the Department of Homeland Security:

"The establishment of a bi-national working group to identify and develop proposals for alternative forms of secure documentation, such as a new, more secure

driver licence or other form of documentation.

"Travellers aged 16 or under who are accompanied by a properly documented adult should be permitted to enter and re-enter the United States using proof of

citizenship alone.

"Any proposals for ID requirements for entering or re-entering the United States be piloted on a trial basis before being fully implemented.

"The implementation of any changes in border crossing documentation be delayed to provide sufficient phase-in time to minimize disruptions."

One of the things we are concerned about, as this debate proceeds, is not to fall into the trap of settling for any single-purpose travel document. Call it a

passport, a pass card or a Nexus card, it all means the same thing. That requirement would cost millions of informal visitors coming across our borders.

I'd like to put this in context. The Ontario government put forward its position last October 27 in a submission to the Department of Homeland Security when

the period for public comment on the passport was still on. Thirteen months ago, the Premier discussed this matter with Homeland Security Chief Michael Chertoff and with several US governors.

On behalf of the government, I have written several opinion pieces on the passport issue, the first of which was published in a half-dozen papers in Canada and

in the US, where it sought to sound the alarm about the unnecessary economic damage a passport requirement would cause. The second, also published in a half-dozen North American newspapers, sought

to dispel the pessimism expressed by some who believed the battle had already been lost. I pointed out that Ontario had many powerful and like-minded al