role="main" class="main-container container js-quickedit-main-content" id="main-content">

June 4, 2012

40th Parliament, 1st Session

< Previous sitting day

Next sitting day >

Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcripts 2012-Jun-04 (PDF)

L060 - Mon 4 Jun 2012 / Lun 4 jun 2012

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Monday 4 June 2012 Lundi 4 juin 2012

INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS

SHOOTING AT TORONTO EATON CENTRE

ORAL QUESTIONS

MANUFACTURING JOBS

AIR AMBULANCE SERVICE

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

AIR AMBULANCE SERVICE

POWER PLANT

PUBLIC SAFETY

AIR AMBULANCE SERVICE

MANUFACTURING JOBS

PHOTO IDENTIFICATION

AIR AMBULANCE SERVICE

SCHOOL CLOSURES

HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION

AIR AMBULANCE SERVICE

TUITION

CORRECTION OF RECORD

DEFERRED VOTES

STRONG ACTION FOR ONTARIO ACT

(BUDGET MEASURES), 2012 /

LOI DE 2012 SUR UNE ACTION

ÉNERGIQUE POUR L’ONTARIO

(MESURES BUDGÉTAIRES)

RESIDENTIAL TENANCIES

AMENDMENT ACT (RENT

INCREASE GUIDELINE), 2012 /

LOI DE 2012 MODIFIANT

LA

LOI SUR LA LOCATION

À USAGE D’HABITATION

(TAUX LÉGAL D’AUGMENTATION

DES LOYERS)

INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS

MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

NUCLEAR ENERGY

ANNIVERSARY OF ATTACK ON THE DARBAR SAHIB

ITALIAN REPUBLIC DAY

POWER PLANT

ONTARIO NORTHLAND

TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

FLOODING

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

JAN DE VRIES

ABILITIES CENTRE

ANNUAL REPORT, INFORMATION

AND PRIVACY COMMISSIONER

REPORTS BY COMMITTEES

STANDING COMMITTEE ON

JUSTICE POLICY

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

BICYCLE MONTH ACT, 2012 /

LOI DE 2012 SUR LE MOIS

DE LA BICYCLETTE

ROYAL CONSERVATORY

OF MUSIC ACT, 2012

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY

AND RESPONSES

PORTUGUESE CANADIAN COMMUNITY

PETITIONS

WATER QUALITY

CYCLING

WATER QUALITY

INDOOR TANNING EQUIPMENT

AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE

RADIATION SAFETY

ANTI-BULLYING INITIATIVES

INDOOR TANNING EQUIPMENT

MARKDALE HOSPITAL

DOG OWNERSHIP

HORSE RACING INDUSTRY

SCHOOL CLOSURE

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ACCEPTING SCHOOLS ACT, 2012 /

LOI DE 2012 POUR

DES ÉCOLES TOLÉRANTES

ORDER OF BUSINESS

The House met at 1030.

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

Prayers.

INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS

Mr. Tim Hudak: I want to say how proud I am that my nephew, Andrew Hutton, is one of the legislative pages joining us today. In fact, today he is captain of the legislative pages—got the big C on his chest. We’re joined in the gallery by his proud family: parents Sharon and James Hutton, sister Meredith Hutton, brother Ben Hutton, and proud grandparents Andy and Doris Weishar. It’s good to see you out today.

Miss Monique Taylor: Today I’d like to welcome to the House my family members: my partner’s mother, Mary Louise Bozzo; his aunt and uncle Cathy and Charlie Bozzo; and his cousins Jennifer and Alessandro Bozzo.

Mr. Kim Craitor: I’m really pleased to honour some special friends who have come all the way from Fort Erie to be with us today, the Demizio family. I’m pleased to introduce Dean Demizio, who also is the president of the Fort Erie Chamber of Commerce; his wife, Peggy; his son Gabriel; and his daughter Cloey. It’s a pleasure to have them here. I’ve explained to them how professional we are in the House and how quiet we’ll be during question period. They’re really excited to listen to it.

Mrs. Julia Munro: I ask all members to help me welcome the students from Holy Trinity High School in Bradford, who are currently on the grand staircase waiting for me to come there. Please help me welcome them to the chamber.

Mr. Michael Mantha: In the Legislature today I have students from Central Manitoulin Public School who will be touring and will be joining us shortly. Please welcome them.

Mr. Kevin Daniel Flynn: It’s a pleasure to rise today to welcome the McColeman family from Oakville. We have Scott, Linda, their children Meghan and Marie, and they’ve joined us in the east gallery, Speaker.

Mr. Ernie Hardeman: I’m pleased to welcome the Ontario Greenhouse Alliance to Queen’s Park. In the gallery today is Rejean Picard, chair of TOGA; Don Taylor, chair of the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers; Gerard Schouwenaar, chair of Flowers Canada; and Jan VanderHout. I’d like to also invite all the members of the Legislature to attend their lunch reception after question period in room 230.

Ms. Cheri DiNovo: I’m delighted to welcome to the House today Randy Colbert and Sheila Brazel. They are the parents of our wonderful page Kyra Colbert. Welcome.

Hon. John Gerretsen: Speaker, would you please help welcome J’Neene Coghlan and Dan Coghlan, who were Rotary Club auction winners for a good cause to have lunch with their MPP. They’re both from Kingston, Speaker.

Ms. Lisa M. Thompson: I’m very pleased to welcome to the chamber today Mrs. Sandy MacGuire from Port Elgin. She’s sitting in the east gallery today.

Hon. John Milloy: I’d like to welcome Heidi and Jim Julien from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and their daughter. I’ve had the pleasure of their daughter working for me for a number of years here at Queen’s Park.

Mr. Victor Fedeli: I’d like to recognize Michael Cochla and his granddaughter Megan Cochla here today.

Mr. Monte Kwinter: I’d like to welcome Jill Birch, vice-president of development and alumni at OCAD University, and Carole Beaulieu, associate vice-president, university relations, of OCAD University.

Hon. Ted McMeekin: I also want to welcome TOGA today. I understand that they brought us some fresh veggies and some other goodies. So welcome very much.

Mr. Shafiq Qaadri: I take this opportunity to invite all members of the Legislature to help me welcome a very special guest who is en route. That is the Honourable Lord Nazir Ahmed, who is the first Pakistani-British individual to serve in the House of Lords in the British Parliament.

Mr. Kevin Daniel Flynn: I’d like to introduce friends and family of page Mateo who are joining us today at Queen’s Park. We have his mother, Liz, his father, Vince, his brother and sister Tomas and Allessia, grandparents Maria and Camillo, cousins Rachel and Barb, and, finally, his friend Dante.

SHOOTING AT TORONTO EATON CENTRE

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): I believe the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities is standing on a point of order.

Hon. Glen R. Murray: Yes, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent so that the House may observe a moment of silence in recognition of the tragic shooting at the Eaton Centre this Saturday.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities has requested unanimous consent for a moment’s silence in this House for the tragic events that happened at the Eaton Centre. Is it agreed? Agreed. Please join me.

The House observed a moment’s silence.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): It is now time for oral questions.

ORAL QUESTIONS

MANUFACTURING JOBS

Mr. Tim Hudak: First let me say thank you for the moment of silence. The thoughts and prayers of the PC caucus are with all those impacted by the tragedy at the Eaton Centre on Saturday evening, and our thanks to our police and first responders for their quick response in addressing this issue, Speaker.

Premier, my question is to you concerning some other very bad news that transpired a few days ago, and that’s the 2,000 layoffs at the GM line in Oshawa. That GM line was making the Equinox and the Impala. As auto sales are improving in the States, the Impala will continue to be produced; it’s just being produced in Detroit instead of the province of Ontario. And the Equinox will continue to be produced; it’s just going to be put in a reopened plant in Tennessee while they close down the line in Oshawa.

Premier, isn’t this a clarion call for action? Can you tell us why they’re moving production out of Ontario to the States and what you’re going to do to increase the competitive nature of our province to keep jobs in the province of Ontario?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: I appreciate the question from my honourable colleague. But if I may, Speaker, on behalf of the government and on behalf of, if I may say as well, 13 million Ontarians, I want to express our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those who were affected by the tragedy that unfolded in the Eaton Centre this weekend. I also want to take the opportunity to thank the police as they pursue their investigation with rigour and persistence, and all those involved as first responders who dealt with this terrible issue.

I say to my honourable colleague with respect to the issue that he has raised that this did not come as a surprise to our government, but it certainly is a major disappointment nonetheless. There are families and jobs at stake here, and I can say at the outset that we will do everything that we possibly can to continue to work with GM and all of our auto sector to ensure that there is a bright future for the sector in the province of Ontario.

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

Mr. Tim Hudak: Here’s my concern, Premier. I worry about the climate you’ve created in our province that has made us less attractive for business investment. You’ve chosen to increase taxes. You’ve driven energy rates through the roof. You bind up businesses with more and more red tape almost on a daily basis.

Premier, not only are the Impala and Equinox moving across the border to the States, but this is the third GM plant to see this: a truck line in Oshawa similarly gone since 2009; Windsor has closed down a plant since 2009. Post-bailout, while auto sales have improved, my concern is that production is shifting into the United States of America while we want to see it right here in the province of Ontario—the latest 2,000 good, middle-class jobs that helped build Oshawa, Durham and the province of Ontario.

Premier, surely this is a call for a change of direction to lower taxes and affordable energy before more and more good jobs head south of the border.

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: Speaker, I’m proud to report, notwithstanding the bad news connected with GM just recently, that overall the auto sector has invested over $1 billion since the recession. I think in large part we can take some measure of credit for that, because when GM and others were up against it in the context of that terrible recession, working with the federal government, we offered some financial support; we extended a hand of support. There were 485,000 jobs in total at risk there.

I’ll remind you, Speaker, of something that my honourable colleague said just recently. I quote from the Toronto Sun from Saturday, June 2: “Ontario’s auto bailout was a bad idea and the province should have stood aside and let Chrysler and General Motors go bankrupt, Progressive Conservative MPP Frank Klees said Friday.” We’re opposed to that approach. We think we need to continue to work hand in hand to strengthen the sector.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Final supplementary. The member from Oshawa.

Mr. Jerry J. Ouellette: Premier, when we were given the privilege and honour to govern in this province, the number one question in Oshawa at the time was, “Do I have to work another weekend?”

The 2,000 workers lost at General Motors are only a small part of the number of lost jobs as a result of Friday’s announcement. Layoff notices have already been given to thousands more people as a result. Ontario may be a major shareholder in General Motors, but it has done nothing or little to aid the dozens of feeder companies supplying that line that has been shut down.

Premier, what are you going to do to support those multiple thousands of workers and Ontario families?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: I do not question my honourable colleague’s sincerity with respect to the vigour of GM in his community. But I will say that we will continue to find ways to work with the auto sector and manufacturing in general, and we will not take the approach that has been historically advocated by the official opposition, where they’ve essentially said to businesses when they find themselves in trouble, “You’re on your own. If you can work it out, fine. If you can’t work it out, that’s fine as well.”

We did not take that approach. We came to the table, together with the Obama administration and the Harper administration in Ottawa, and we put billions on the table to provide support, because there were 485,000 jobs at stake. I’m pleased to report that the auto sector is turning around. We are the number one producer of cars in North America, and we intend to keep it that way.

AIR AMBULANCE SERVICE

Mr. Tim Hudak: Back to the Premier: The problem, Premier, is the auto sector’s turning around in Tennessee. It’s turning around in Michigan. It’s turning around in the States. We want to see it turn around here in the province of Ontario.

Premier, there was further unfortunate news on Friday. Not only did we lose 2,000 jobs at GM, but we saw further revelations that our air ambulance system, Ornge, is in further crisis. We saw in detail cases where CPR could not be performed on patients. There were cases of outrageous delays. There were cases of Ornge not even picking up the phone for an emergency, and, sadly, cases of people actually dying.

Your minister’s response to this revelation was to argue that this document never actually made it to cabinet. That’s not an excuse; that’s an indictment of the minister’s failed leadership when it comes to the Ornge file. If it didn’t go to cabinet, where did it go to?

Premier, this has got to be the last straw. Isn’t it time for this minister to go? Will you ask for her resignation?

Interjections.

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

I wasn’t sure if you could hear me or not. I am suffering through an infection in my throat and I’m hoping that I don’t have to use it that much.

Premier?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: Directly to my honourable colleague’s question, my answer is, of course, no. But I do want to take this opportunity, Speaker, to talk a little bit about the great work that is done by those who provide ambulance services around the province.

Through our municipal services, last year, 914,000 patients were transferred; through Ornge, 19,000 patients were transferred. I know that we talk from time to time about some shortcomings on the front lines. But I think we should extend a hand of thanks from time to time to all those men and women who work so hard every single day to transfer nearly one million Ontario patients every single year.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Tim Hudak: Speaker, of course we thank those working on the front lines of Ornge. It’s the leadership, the administration, that is letting them down on a regular basis—that looks the other way.

You know, Premier, I thought you’d be as shocked as I was that a document of this magnitude and significance detailing over and over again with incidents at Ornge, including deaths, had not found its way to cabinet. You wonder why it didn’t get to cabinet. Why did the minister not even forward it to your attention?

This is the not the first straw; it’s the last. We’ve seen now a minister who met personally with Chris Mazza, the executive director at Ornge, and gave him the green light for his scheme. The same Minister of Health was warned over and over again in this House, in the public about legitimate patient safety concerns at Ornge, and she looked the other way. Now we see, despite all the questions in the House and the media, the minister not even sharing this document of the detailed wreckage happening at Ornge today.

If this is not it, Premier, where do you set the bar? It is time for this minister to resign.

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: Speaker, I think it would be helpful for Ontarians to understand that from time to time, in keeping with legislative provision, the coroner has to take a look at some of the deaths when there is a patient who has expired in the course of transportation, before or after. I think it’s important to take a look at what the coroner has to offer in this regard.

He says, “We have investigated all of the ORNGE cases brought to our attention. Some of those investigations are still ongoing. Of our completed investigations, there have been no cases in which issues with air ambulance transportation materially affected the course of the patient’s illness or injury.”

Speaker, I think this bears repetition: “There have been no cases in which issues with air ambulance transportation materially affected the course of the patient’s illness or injury.”

I think we can rely on the Ontario coroner in these matters.

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

Mr. Tim Hudak: You know, Premier, you and I have stood in this place and we have debated many issues, from job losses to record deficits, a doubling of our debt, our recent credit downgrades. We’ve debated your further previous scandals at eHealth, the Lottery and Gaming Corp., LHINs, cricket clubs and such. But this has to do with life and death: page after page after page of scandalous revelations about the lack of ability to do CPR, potential deaths, phone calls that were never answered.

Your minister has either looked the other way or not done her work in getting to the bottom of this affair and putting it right. She green-lighted Mr. Mazza’s approach. She looked the other way when patient safety concerns were raised over and over again. And now this document of this magnitude isn’t even raised in cabinet.

Premier, I would set a very different bar, a much higher bar, I think the appropriate bar, if I were Premier. This minister would be forced to resign and we would clean up this mess—

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

Premier?

Interjection.

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

Premier?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: Speaker, again, I think it’s important to distinguish between partisan interest and the public interest. I think, again, we should listen to the statement put out by Dr. Andrew McCallum, chief coroner, province of Ontario. Again, he says in part, “There have been recent concerns expressed by members of the Legislature about the…investigation of deaths where Ornge aircraft and crew have been involved….

“We have investigated all of the Ornge cases brought to our attention” and “there have been no cases in which issues with air ambulance transportation materially affected the course of the patient’s illness or injury.”

I can understand my honourable colleague’s efforts and intentions in this regard, but I think we owe it to Ontarians to be perfectly transparent when it comes to an independent third party expert who has looked at this matter, Speaker. I think Ontarians are entitled very much to rely on his conclusions.

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Speaker, New Democrats would also like to join with Torontonians and Ontarians in expressing our horror at the events that occurred on Saturday at the Toronto Eaton Centre. Our thanks as well go out to the emergency workers who responded: police, fire, paramedics. They did a fantastic job in the midst of such chaos.

Speaker, my question is to the Premier. The Supreme Court of Canada found a scheme that legislated wages in British Columbia to be unconstitutional. Can the Premier name any Canadian jurisdiction that successfully legislated wages without ending up in a court case?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: Obviously, there were a number before that preceded that particular court case. My honourable colleague will know that we have raised the matter of that court case numerous times in response to the initiative put forward by the official opposition. I think there was a case there that was appealed. It went all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada. It involved 9,000 workers and there was a penalty of some $85 million awarded to those workers, so we are cautious of pursuing that approach.

That’s why I say to my honourable colleague that the approach that we’re bringing is decidedly different from the one that they brought originally in BC and the one advocated by the official opposition. We are, in fact, sitting down with all of our partners. We are at the negotiating table. We are bargaining hard; we’re bargaining fairly. That’s what we’re doing. If that fails, if at the end of the day we can’t get a result that’s in keeping with our plan, then we’ll have to explore other measures. But first, we owe it to our workers to sit down and work with them.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Speaker, maybe the Premier can tell us how many millions of dollars the people of Ontario are going to have to pay if the government ends up in such a court case and loses.

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: Speaker, the Supreme Court of Canada set out an approach. We are taking that approach, and we are going to do so in a way that is thoughtful and responsible, and one that would hopefully enlist the support of my honourable colleague the leader of the third party. We’re going to do it in a way that is respectful.

Now, if my honourable colleague has a different approach that she would advocate that would both be fair to workers in terms of respect for the process and be fair to taxpayers who want us to eliminate a significant deficit, then I would be only too pleased to receive that particular approach from her.

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

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Speaker, can the Premier tell us how many educational worker representatives are still at the government’s discussion table at this point in time?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: Speaker, I’m not sure I got the gist of the question, but sometimes it doesn’t matter, I guess—terrible honesty.

I say again to my honourable colleague, if there is an approach that satisfactorily marries up our responsibility to be respectful of the collective bargaining process with our responsibility to eliminate the deficit and protect the gains we’ve that made in our schools and our health care and put this economy on a stronger foundation for growth going forward, then I would only be too pleased to hear from her in this regard.

We’ve heard from the official opposition. We have both rejected that particular approach. If my honourable colleague has her own distinct approach, we would welcome that.

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Speaker, my next question is to the Premier. Most education worker representatives have, in fact, walked away in frustration. What steps has the Premier taken to get people back to the table and to keep talking?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: Speaker, the table is still open and active. My honourable colleague knows that what we have in place is a new construct, something that I’m proud to say that we created. It’s a provincial discussion table. There is no legal obligation on the part of federations, the people who work in our school system, to participate in this. The fact of the matter is, during the first two rounds back in 2003 and our government in 2008, we were able to find a way to find some accommodation through this new construct of a provincial discussion table.

So we would invite those who have left the table to return to the table. We know it’s only voluntary on their part, Speaker, but we are convinced that there is still some common ground on which we can build and find a way forward together.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Speaker, I asked the Premier in the last question what he’s actually doing to get people to come back to the discussion table. This is where it gets a little bit confusing, Speaker. The Premier says that legislated wage schemes are simplistic and doomed to fail, and that discussion and bargaining are the only way to reach our goals. But he’s not talking to a huge number of educators and he plans to impose the very simplistic solution that, in his own opinion, is doomed to fail. So can the Premier help us make a little bit more sense of this situation?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: Speaker, what we are pursuing is not easy. I think my honourable colleague recognizes that; I think we all recognize that. What we’re saying is, on behalf of all Ontarians, we’ve got to hit the pause button on wages for a couple of years, given our fiscal challenge and given the fact that we’re living through a period of slow economic growth.

We did receive some advice from the Drummond commission that said, with respect to education, that we should let about 20,000 people go, that we should allow class sizes to increase, that we should not proceed with the rollout of full-day kindergarten, that we should let go some 10,000 or 11,000 educational support workers. We’re not prepared to do that. That’s 20,000 jobs; that’s 20,000 families that are counting on those jobs. So instead, our preference is to hit the pause button on pay for a couple of years. We think that’s reasonable. We think that’s responsible.

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

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Well, Speaker, the people who teach our kids and keep our schools safe and clean understand that times are tough and money’s tight. In fact, many have already said they’re ready to take a wage freeze. But when they look to the Premier for a respectful discussion—funny that he uses those words—when they look to him for that respectful discussion, they hear simplistic schemes of the sort that the Premier used to denounce. If the Premier wants to have a respectful conversation, will he start today by dropping the schemes that he knows won’t work and getting people back to the table?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: I’m not sure what these schemes are that are referenced by my honourable colleague. I can say that there is hard bargaining to be done and that we are more than prepared to continue to engage in that.

AIR AMBULANCE SERVICE

Mr. Frank Klees: Speaker, this document to which the Premier referred and admitted he hadn’t seen is marked for cabinet purposes—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Is this to the Premier?

Mr. Frank Klees: To the Premier.

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

Mr. Frank Klees: It lists some 67 cases in which Ornge was not able to respond appropriately to a call. Forty of those incidents occurred since January of this year, in a number of those cases patients died, and the coroner has yet to investigate a number of those cases.

When the Premier stands in his place today and absolves Ornge and wants to calm us here in the House because the coroner has not pointed a direct finger at Ornge for some of the deaths that he has investigated gives us no solace at all. Is the Premier saying to us that it’s going to take a death before he steps in and fixes Ornge?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: To the Minister of Health.

Hon. Deborah Matthews: I think it’s very important that we take the advice of people who have the skills, people who have the expertise, people who are independent of this Legislature, to do their work and to respect the work that they do. I, Speaker, will take the word of the chief coroner of Ontario over the word of the member from Newmarket–Aurora any day.

The member opposite has completely misrepresented the information that he divulged—

Interjections.

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

Hon. Deborah Matthews: I withdraw.

Speaker, the member opposite has jumped to conclusions about information. The coroner, when he heard about this information, released a statement. I would like to share that with the member from Newmarket–Aurora. What he has done is entirely irresponsible.

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

Mr. Frank Klees: Speaker, here’s what’s irresponsible: This is a briefing that goes to cabinet every single week. It recounts some 70 cases where Ornge air ambulance has failed to respond appropriately.

Let me ask the minister, how do we appropriately interpret this? And I quote from her document: “Some unknown patient care issue in flight—delay in extricating patient from helicopter due to stretcher jamming issue. Patient declared in ER. Coroner will be notified.” How do you properly interpret that, Minister? I want to know this from this minister: Why does she insist on suggesting that we are somehow on the wrong side of the issue when patients are not being served well, when patients are dying? Who is she protecting?

Interjections.

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

Minister of Health.

Hon. Deborah Matthews: Speaker, let me read from the statement from the chief coroner, Dr. Andrew McCallum: “We have investigated all of the Ornge cases brought to our attention. Some of those investigations are still ongoing. Of our completed investigations, there have been no cases in which issues with air ambulance transportation materially affected the course of the patient’s illness or injury.”

Speaker, these are the words of an extremely competent, highly respected, independent coroner. As I said before, the words of the coroner are far more meaningful to me than the words of the member opposite.

POWER PLANT

Mr. Peter Tabuns: Speaker, to the Minister of Energy: Just days before the last election, this government cancelled a planned gas-fired power plant in Mississauga. Since that time, they’ve refused to share any information about the cost of this bungling with the people of Ontario. Can the minister confirm that the Ontario Power Authority has offered $82 million in compensation to an American hedge fund?

Hon. Christopher Bentley: We did make that commitment as a party shortly before the last election—a commitment, I might add, that was not only supported but endorsed almost immediately by both the opposition and the third party. They have never changed that endorsement. So we’re all on the same page. We made the commitment to make sure that we would relocate the plant from Mississauga. Those discussions are ongoing, and I look forward to reporting when there is something to report about the results of those discussions.

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Durham, come to order.

Supplementary?

Mr. Peter Tabuns: Well, the minister sure didn’t report to this House that he had made an $82-million offer. People had to find out by going to American court records. That’s just to settle one court case, one amongst many. It seems that the government has forgotten that it’s the people of Ontario who own the system, who pay for the system, not the Liberal Party. They deserve to know what this mess is going to cost.

Will the minister ask the Auditor General to come in and review and tell the people of Ontario what your bungling will cost us?

Hon. Christopher Bentley: As I’ve said, we committed to the people of Mississauga, to the western part of the GTA, that we would not build a plant on that site, that we would in fact relocate it. We’re involved on behalf of the people of the province—

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Hamilton East–Stoney Creek, come to order.

Hon. Christopher Bentley: —in some very confidential, sensitive negotiations and defence of lawsuits on both sides of the border. We’re there to defend the interests of the people of the province of Ontario, and as they come to a conclusion, as we have something further to report, I will be speaking further about that.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Mr. Mike Colle: To the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday a low-life coward opened fire in the Eaton Centre food court, resulting in several wounded and a shaken city of Toronto. One young man is dead, another young man is in critical condition., and an innocent 13-year-old boy visiting from Port Hope with his family, luckily, is in critical but stable condition and responding to treatment. Our prayers are with him and his family.

Four other bystanders were also injured. A pregnant woman was pushed to the ground, knocked down; thankfully she and her unborn child are in stable condition. I’m sure all our prayers and thoughts are with all those who were injured and victimized by this senseless and cowardly act. As Deputy Chief McGuire said, “one idiot with a gun.”

Speaker, through you to the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, all the people of Toronto and Ontario want to know, what are we doing and what can we do more to make sure that our public places like the Eaton Centre are safe from these criminals with guns?

Hon. Madeleine Meilleur: Merci beaucoup, monsieur le Président. This careless act of violence is very, very disturbing. My condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased, and I hope for a quick recovery for all of those who were injured.

Mr. Speaker, as a former nurse in the delivery room, I was very perturbed to hear that an expectant mother went into early labour, and I hope that she and her baby are doing well.

I also want to thank the Toronto police, the first responders, the doctors, the nurses, who saved lives and who are helping the wounded to recover.

The Toronto Police Service has reported that an arrest has been made. I cannot comment further on this case.

In general, Mr. Speaker, public safety is a top priority for our government. We have invested $100 million in the guns and gangs strategy, including over $35 million in TAVIS. We will continue to invest to make sure that Toronto and all Ontario people are very safe.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Mike Colle: Thank you, Minister. I know I’ve seen first-hand in my riding of Eglinton–Lawrence where the TAVIS emergency task force and the guns and gangs task force has done an outstanding job 24/7; in fact, I had a gangland slaying in my own riding about a month ago. Our government is working with the Toronto police, with that excellent organization we’ve created, TAVIS. But I guess the question, Minister, is, sure there are these idiots with guns, but what about the victims? In this case here, we’ve got all kinds of victims that are suffering because of this senseless act. What do we have in place to help the victims of these criminal cowardly acts?

Hon. Madeleine Meilleur: An excellent question from the member for Eglinton–Lawrence. The government increased the Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Services program annual budget by $1.8 million in 2007 to $9.4 million. This program, along with the companion Victim Quick Response program, provides financial assistance in the immediate aftermath of violent crime by helping to cover the costs of emergency expenses, funeral expenses, and counselling for eligible victims of crime and their families. The Ministry of the Attorney General has spent $855 million on vital services for victims of crime since 2003.

In 2011-12, we will spend an additional $118 million. We have introduced the Financial Assistance for Families of Homicide Victims program to meet the high level of needs of parents and spouses of homicide victims.

AIR AMBULANCE SERVICE

Mr. Frank Klees: Speaker, I want to share with members of this House the one sentence that the Minister of Health chose not to read from the coroner’s letter, and it says this: “Some of those investigations are still ongoing.” What is very interesting is that the minister’s attempt to represent the coroner’s statement is to say that all things are fine at Ornge. What I want to point out to the minister is that it’s not just about people who died; it’s about all of those other people who weren’t properly responded to and we don’t know.

By the way, what the coroner has said is not that he proved that people didn’t die; he said that, quite frankly, transportation did not materially affect—

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

Mr. Frank Klees: Speaker, what Ontarians expect is a service that responds—

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

Mr. Frank Klees: I want to know from the minister, why does she continue to—

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

Minister?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: Speaker, let me read the entire statement from the chief coroner, province of Ontario:

“There have been recent concerns expressed by members of the Legislature about the role of the Office of the Chief Coroner in the investigation of deaths where Ornge aircraft and crew have been involved with the care of the deceased person. I would like to clarify the role of my office in these investigations.

“We have investigated all of the Ornge cases brought to our attention. Some of those investigations are still ongoing. Of our completed investigations, there have been no cases in which issues with air ambulance transportation materially affected the course of the patient’s illness or injury.

“Should any one of the ongoing investigations meet the appropriate criteria under the Coroners Act, an inquest would be considered.

“In every case that is brought to our attention, the coroner investigates and will continue to do so to ensure public safety in Ontario.”

That is the complete statement.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Frank Klees: Now that she has clarified the fact that the coroner continues to investigate cases that were reported, I would like to know from the minister—the report that goes to cabinet or to her, which she may or may not be sharing with cabinet for whatever reason, lists some 70 cases that have been investigated, that continue to be investigated, where either there haven’t been enough pilots, have not been enough paramedics, hasn’t been appropriate accommodation of emergency calls.

I would like to know from the minister, what is she doing to ensure that the people of this province can rely on their air ambulance service? Because ever since she has taken the so-called decisive steps, the incidents of not being able to respond continue—

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

Mr. Frank Klees: In fact, there are more in the last few—

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

Again, I remind all members that when I say thank you, that is the end of your question. I’ve given you a wrap-up time when I say “question” or “answer.” A reminder to everyone: Please stay within that time frame.

Minister?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: Speaker, the member opposite is doing a terrible disservice to the family members of loved ones who have passed away. He is doing an enormous disservice to the front-line paramedics, the pilots, all of the crews, the people who provide Ornge air transport.

We have made significant improvements at Ornge. We have Bill 50 before the House. I would like the member opposite to commit to supporting Bill 50.

He might be interested to know that since 2007, 100,000 patients have been transported. They are grateful to Ornge for getting them to the care they need. Of the 100,000 patients transferred, 26 cases involving deaths were investigated—the coroner is notified—and of these 26 cases, the coroner has ordered an inquest into zero.

MANUFACTURING JOBS

Mr. Rosario Marchese: My question is to the Premier. GM has announced that it is shutting down its consolidated line in Oshawa, putting 2,000 workers out of a job. Several years ago, as you stated, the Ontario and Canadian governments provided billions of dollars in loans to prevent GM from folding altogether. In an earlier question, you said, “We will do what we can.” What exactly does that mean?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: To the Minister of Economic Development and Innovation.

Hon. Brad Duguid: I thank the member for the question. Again, as the Premier expressed, we’re always concerned when jobs are impacted in any sector, in particular our auto sector. But at the same time, the investments that we’ve made to keep the auto sector going in this province, to keep GM alive, have ensured that 485,000 Ontarians are working today. Those are investments that were extremely important to our economy.

When it comes to GM specifically—the Premier indicated this earlier—since the recession, GM has invested over $1 billion in this province. That is as part of their commitment—they made these investments as part of their commitment for the assistance provided in restructuring, a good investment that saved GM and 485,000 jobs in this province.

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

Mr. Rosario Marchese: The minister didn’t answer the question. I know you’re concerned, but Ontario, along with the federal government, is a 10% owner of General Motors. It’s a fact that we need to remember.

You had a chance in 2009 to save the 2,000 jobs when you negotiated the Canadian footprint language in the bailout package, and you still have a great opportunity to expand the Canadian footprint.

These layoffs represent a betrayal of the tremendous work and sacrifices that taxpayers and the CAW members made to keep General Motors afloat in 2009. The question I’m asking you is, what specific actions are you and the Premier taking today to save the 2,000 jobs that are going to be lost?

Hon. Brad Duguid: Mr. Speaker, first off, it’s not a foregone conclusion that those jobs are lost. Indeed, some of those workers may well be moving over to work on the flex line—investments that were made in partnership with our government, that your party probably didn’t support, and for sure the PCs didn’t. So it’s a little bit challenging for me to get questions from the member when his party has questioned the very investments we’ve made.

You just look at the investments that GM has made since 2009, many in partnership with this government, many that were quiet partnerships that your party didn’t support: $480 million in St. Catharines, 300 jobs; $96 million at the CAMI assembly plant in Ingersoll; a $185-million investment in Oshawa for that flex line, where a number of the workers who may be impacted may end up working after all.

I don’t share the pessimism of the member opposite. Some $2.3 billion has been invested in this sector since 2009 and we’re proud of that.

PHOTO IDENTIFICATION

Mr. Vic Dhillon: My question to the Minister of Government Services. Photo ID is something that many Ontarians take for granted. For those who either choose not to drive or are unable to due to medical conditions, getting a government-issued ID is not so simple. Many locations do not recognize health cards as a valid form of ID. Some people don’t have a passport, and for those who do, it’s difficult to carry it around everywhere they go.

Mr. Speaker, through you, could the Minister of Government Services tell us what the government is doing to address this problem and what the reaction has been?

Hon. Harinder S. Takhar: Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member from Brampton West for asking this question, and for his support on this file as well.

In July 2011, our government issued a new photo ID card in about 21 locations. Anyone who is over 16 years of age and does not have a valid driver’s licence is eligible to get a new photo ID card. Some 1.5 million Ontarians actually are eligible to get this card, and since July 2011, 40,000 people have already applied for the new photo ID card. We have strong support from various organizations, like the epilepsy organization, the CNIB and also CARP, for this great initiative, and the people—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Answer? Thank you. Supplementary?

Mr. Vic Dhillon: Thank you, Minister, for the answer. I know many seniors and citizens who do not drive are thrilled with this new initiative. Our government made the commitment to introduce this alternative form of ID, and my constituents tell me they’re thrilled about this new offering.

It’s my understanding that this card is currently only available in select locations and not on the entire ServiceOntario network. While I’m happy to hear about this exciting program, could the minister please let the House know when we can expect to see the photo ID card available in more ServiceOntario locations?

Hon. Harinder S. Takhar: Mr. Speaker, we are moving ahead with the new photo ID card in all locations this year. It’s already introduced, since July, in 21 locations. It’s now available in 85 locations, and I’m pleased to tell the member from Brampton West that the photo ID card will be available in all Brampton locations by October this year. We are moving in a very systematic manner to have this ID card available in all locations by the end of this year.

AIR AMBULANCE SERVICE

Mr. Toby Barrett: Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Health. On February 28, 2012, the certification and compliance branch of the Ministry of Health did a spot investigation of the Ornge flight base in London. This is right in the heart of your riding and Minister Bentley’s riding. Minister, there was a spot investigation of that base on that day conducted by your own ministry. Since you have now had the weekend to read the leaked cabinet document, can you inform this House and your colleagues as to what happened on that day?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: Speaker, what I can tell you is that the document that was released by the member from Newmarket–Aurora demonstrates how seriously we take every incident that is reported to us. It doesn’t matter who reports that incident. It might be a family member, it might be a paramedic, it might be a pilot, it might be a member of this Legislature, it might be a member of the media. No matter who reports an incident to us, we take that very, very seriously.

The document makes it clear that every incident is investigated. Where there are lessons to be learned, those changes are made. Where the coroner needs to be notified, the coroner is notified. It is up to the coroner to determine whether or not an investigation or an inquest indeed be conducted, Speaker.

We are committed to improving safety at Ornge. It’s a long-standing commitment, and I can tell you that we remain committed to patient safety.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Toby Barrett: Back to the Minister of Health and the member for London North Centre. Have you not been briefed, yet again? On February 28, February of this year, after your so-called decisive action, the spot inspection conducted by your own ministry officials found there were no paramedics on duty at all—this despite the fact that Ornge, under your new leadership, told the ministry in writing that there would be at least one critical care paramedic on duty. The London base covers Haldimand–Norfolk, Oxford, Middlesex, Chatham, southwestern Ontario, including London.

You have stood in your place repeatedly and told us of your sorry list of indecisive actions. Does this list now include allowing one of the Ornge regional helicopter bases, particularly the one in the minister’s own backyard, to go unstaffed?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: Speaker, we have got new leadership at Ornge. We have a new board of directors. We have a new senior management team at Ornge. They are very familiar with the issues that have been raised by the member opposite. In fact, I would say that a spot audit demonstrates that they are determined to monitor and improve upon any issues that might arise in those spot audits.

I can tell you that the 100,000 people who have been successfully transported by Ornge are grateful for the care they received. Their families are grateful for the care they received. Speaker, I think we owe it to those families, I think we owe it to the front-line staff, to have a constructive conversation that is free from the outrageous partisanship that is being demonstrated by the party opposite.

SCHOOL CLOSURES

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My question is for the Premier. These are difficult times for families in downtown Hamilton. Soon the doors are going to close for the last time on their schools, and students will be forced to take long bus rides to schools far from their own neighbourhoods. The ripple effect is definitely going to be felt by the community, Speaker.

My question for the Premier is this: Is the hollowing out of inner-city education part of the government’s Places to Grow plan?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: To the Minister of Education.

Hon. Laurel C. Broten: I’m pleased to have a chance to talk about the fact that the communities in Hamilton and the school boards are undertaking important conversations. Local decision-making, which is a process that we very much respect, is ongoing in those communities.

We know very well the challenges that Hamilton has with respect to declining enrolment. We currently sit with more than 3,000 empty high school spaces in Hamilton. But what I’m very proud about is the fact that, if we take a look at what has been invested in Hamilton, I think that the leader of the third party would be very interested to know and to share with her community that funding has increased by 48.6% in Hamilton between 2002 and now, and enrolment at the board has declined by 6.1%. The per pupil funding has increased by 58.4%.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Decisions made by this government have forced the hand of Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board. There’s no better way to stifle growth in a community than take away its schools, except maybe to take away its jobs. Hamilton’s downtown will suffer for a short-sighted decision to move the board’s education centre out of the downtown core. This government is sitting on the sidelines when it should be encouraging boards of education to be partners in city-building.

I ask again, is the hollowing out of inner-city education and the removal of hundreds of jobs part of the government’s Places to Grow plan?

Hon. Laurel C. Broten: The leader of the third party knows full well that these are local decisions, and I would encourage her to reflect upon what she is suggesting. We need to respect the elected local voice that makes decisions in communities right across the province. Our part, from the provincial government, is to provide funding. And let me tell you, Speaker, since we have formed office, 11 new schools are open, under construction or planned in the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, and 14 new schools are open or under construction or planned in the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board.

The total for two boards in new capital investments since we formed office is $360 million.

We support public education and Catholic education in Hamilton. We’re proud of the success in those schools, but we respect local decisions.

HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION

Mr. Joe Dickson: My shared question with MPP Leal is for the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

The Highway 407 east extension is one of the most important pieces of infrastructure ever to be built in Durham region, and I was pleased to see our contracts have reached the point to begin construction on phase one of the extension from Brock Road in Pickering to Harmony Road in Oshawa. Local suppliers and business people are telling me that the direct and indirect economic benefit to them from getting shovels in the ground on this project has the potential to be huge. However, other constituents I speak to are concerned that this is simply an extension of the 407 ETR, a private highway that many avoid for many number of reasons.

Through you, Mr. Speaker, can the minister clarify the difference for my constituents in Ajax–Pickering?

Hon. Bob Chiarelli: I want to thank the member for Ajax–Pickering for raising this issue, because it is an important one for Durham.

To be very clear, Highway 407 east from Pickering to Clarington will be a publicly owned highway, but we’re not surprised that the member’s constituents have concerns. The last time the PC Party sat in power, they sold off the original Highway 407 for pennies on the dollar in an attempt to plug a multi-billion dollar budget hole leading up to an election. That ironclad deal the Tories signed ensured that, for almost a century, the people of Ontario will have no influence over the tolls on the current 407 ETR and will not benefit from its revenues.

The new 407 east will remain publicly owned. We’re proud to see this project moving forward, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs in the local Durham economy.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary, the member from Peterborough.

Mr. Jeff Leal: I want to pick up where the outstanding member for Ajax–Pickering left off on the regional economic benefits to be realized from this highway extension, not just to Harmony Road but right through to Highway 35/115 just south of Orono.

Building this important link will directly connect communities in the GTA-Durham region with Peterborough and the beautiful Kawarthas, and will relieve a substantial amount of traffic congestion on the 401 between Toronto and Oshawa.

I spoke to business owners in—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Order.

Mr. Jeff Leal: —just last week who require frequent shipments by highway to and from the GTA. They tell me that in a just-in-time business world, depending solely on the 401 to facilitate that rapid link is an ongoing concern for them.

Mr. Speaker, through you, can the minister explain to businesses in Peterborough and East Durham why a two-stage approach is necessary to build the 407 east by 2020 and not just one?

Hon. Bob Chiarelli: First of all, I acknowledge the tireless efforts of the member for Peterborough in securing this highway for Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

The answer is straightforward. New highway projects of this magnitude typically stage construction. For example, the original 407, which the Tories sold off, was built in seven phases. Staging ensures more efficient integration with existing infrastructure and helps manage the province’s finances in a way that’s responsible to taxpayers. Our approach allows us to meet our 2020 objective of having Highway 35/115 connected to Pickering via the 407 east.

This is one of the most significant highway construction projects in the province’s history. Leveraging Infrastructure Ontario’s expertise, we’re going to get it done on time and get the best possible deal for Ontario taxpayers.

AIR AMBULANCE SERVICE

Mr. Michael Harris: My question is to the Minister of Health. Speaker, families throughout Ontario have been shocked and saddened to learn that the corruption and compromised patient safety at Ornge has extended into their communities and has taken the lives of their friends and neighbours.

Nowhere is this truer than in Waterloo region, where Ornge’s launch policy was responsible for a serious delay in its response to a helicopter crash. The Ministry of Health’s internal investigation is unmistakable in its assessment of Ornge’s fault and failure.

So I ask the minister, what does she have to say to the people of Waterloo region, who no longer have faith in her and this Liberal government to come to their aid in times of emergency?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: When it comes to issues that are so vitally important, such as patient safety, I rely on Ontario’s chief coroner to do his job. We had a rather astonishing event on Friday, Speaker, when the member from Newmarket–Aurora first accused the coroner of not doing his job. The member opposite accused the coroner of not doing his job. When he discovered that the coroner was in fact fully engaged, informed and doing investigations, he then decided that, well, he just doesn’t accept what the coroner has to say.

Speaker, we have a big responsibility in this House, a responsibility to tell the truth. The family members of these patients deserve to be treated with respect, not to have information batted around here in this place.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary.

Mr. Michael Harris: That’s not good enough, Minister. The people of Waterloo region expect better than that.

Speaker, the Minister of Health has overseen the continued scandal at Ornge. As a result, residents in the region of Waterloo are left without access to adequate air ambulance service. The minister is just as responsible for the 95 investigations and the 19 deaths that have occurred under her watch as are Dr. Mazza and his band of thieves at Ornge. Minister, your failure to address emergency dispatching problems led to a serious delay in Ornge’s response to a fatal helicopter crash in Waterloo region.

Speaker, I ask the minister, will she show respect for the families of Waterloo region and resign today?

Interjections.

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

Minister of Health.

Hon. Deborah Matthews: Speaker, as the rhetoric on the other side spins to ever higher heights, I remain focused on doing what’s right for patients. I stand by the front-line staff. I stand by those paramedics, those pilots, the others who deliver this service. I stand by the patients.

If the members opposite really wanted to be part of the solution, they would stop blocking Bill 50; they would let Bill 50 pass so we can get on with the transformation at Ornge.

TUITION

Ms. Teresa J. Armstrong: My question is to the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. The McGuinty government says its Ontario tuition grant is improving affordability and access to post-secondary education, but—there’s always a “but” with the McGuinty government—only one in three Ontario students currently qualify for the grant, and there is growing concern that even fewer students are actually getting the grant. When will the government finally make public the data indicating how many Ontario students actually receive the tuition grant?

Hon. Glen R. Murray: We are very, very proud on this side of the investments we’ve made in higher education and the unprecedented contribution to tuition assistance in the 30% tuition drop. When the program is fully fleshed out, which will be over the next 12 months, it will attain probably close to 300,000. The take-up we believe in the first place, because we rushed it forward to help students out right away in January, is in the area of about 60%. But Mr. Speaker, we’re very proud of the fact that of roughly 600,000 undergraduate students—I will say this very slowly—475,000 received student aid from this government, which I think is unprecedented in the history of this province.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Teresa J. Armstrong: Back to the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities: Earlier this year, the government said that over 300 students would benefit from the grant. I agree that that’s what you said. But last week, a government official was reported as stating that only 200 students had received it. That’s only one in five university—

Mr. Jonah Schein: Two hundred thousand.

Ms. Teresa J. Armstrong: Two hundred thousand; excuse me, I’m going to correct myself on that. But last week, a government official was reported as stating that only 200,000 students had received it. That’s only one in five university and college students in Ontario, or 100,000 students left out in the cold. Why won’t the government release data on the uptake of this grant? Ontarians deserve to know whether this grant is working or, as student groups and others believe, the grant is failing to provide relief from Canada’s highest tuition rates for the vast majority of students.

Hon. Glen R. Murray: The numbers of students that got it when we implemented this within two months, quite frankly, of getting elected, was extraordinary. We said very clearly at the time that it would take a year to roll this out. The take-up has been excellent, to hundreds of thousands of students now.

The other thing, Mr. Speaker, is one would expect a little humility from the party opposite, given that we have also, at the same time as improving affordability, added 210,000 seats, or added $6.2 billion to post-secondary education. Funding for universities and colleges declined when both parties opposite were in power and was frozen essentially for 20 years. We have seen most universities with a 60% or more increase in their funding. We’re proud of that.

CORRECTION OF RECORD

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The Minister of Government Services on a point of order.

Hon. Harinder S. Takhar: Point of order, Mr. Speaker: While responding to the member from Brampton West, I said that in Brampton the photo ID card will be available by the end of June. I should have said by the end of October, so I wanted to correct my record.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member is allowed to correct his record and that is a point of order.

DEFERRED VOTES

STRONG ACTION FOR ONTARIO ACT

(BUDGET MEASURES), 2012 /

LOI DE 2012 SUR UNE ACTION

ÉNERGIQUE POUR L’ONTARIO

(MESURES BUDGÉTAIRES)

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): We have a deferred vote on the motion for second reading of Bill 55. Call in the members. This will be a five-minute bell.

The division bells rang from 1139 to 1144.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The members take their seats, please. All members take your seats, please. I can’t use the booming voice today.

On May 1, Mr. Duguid moved second reading of Bill 55,

An Act to implement Budget measures and to enact and amend various Acts.

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

Ayes

Albanese, Laura

Balkissoon, Bas

Bartolucci, Rick

Bentley, Christopher

Berardinetti, Lorenzo

Best, Margarett

Bradley, James J.

Broten, Laurel C.

Cansfield, Donna H.

Chan, Michael

Chiarelli, Bob

Colle, Mike

Coteau, Michael

Crack, Grant

Craitor, Kim

Damerla, Dipika

Delaney, Bob

Dhillon, Vic

Dickson, Joe

Duguid, Brad

Duncan, Dwight

Flynn, Kevin Daniel

Gerretsen, John

Gravelle, Michael

Hoskins, Eric

Jaczek, Helena

Jeffrey, Linda

Kwinter, Monte

Leal, Jeff

MacCharles, Tracy

Mangat, Amrit

Matthews, Deborah

Mauro, Bill

McGuinty, Dalton

McMeekin, Ted

McNeely, Phil

Meilleur, Madeleine

Milloy, John

Moridi, Reza

Murray, Glen R.

Naqvi, Yasir

Orazietti, David

Piruzza, Teresa

Qaadri, Shafiq

Sandals, Liz

Sergio, Mario

Sorbara, Greg

Takhar, Harinder S.

Wong, Soo

Wynne, Kathleen O.

Zimmer, David

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

Nays

Arnott, Ted

Bailey, Robert

Barrett, Toby

Chudleigh, Ted

Clark, Steve

Dunlop, Garfield

Elliott, Christine

Fedeli, Victor

Hardeman, Ernie

Harris, Michael

Hillier, Randy

Hudak, Tim

Jackson, Rod

Jones, Sylvia

Klees, Frank

Leone, Rob

MacLaren, Jack

MacLeod, Lisa

McDonell, Jim

McKenna, Jane

McNaughton, Monte

Miller, Norm

Milligan, Rob E.

Munro, Julia

Nicholls, Rick

O’Toole, John

Ouellette, Jerry J.

Pettapiece, Randy

Scott, Laurie

Shurman, Peter

Smith, Todd

Thompson, Lisa M.

Walker, Bill

Wilson, Jim

Yakabuski, John

Yurek, Jeff

The Clerk of the Assembly (Ms. Deborah Deller): The ayes are 51; the nays are 36.

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

Second reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Pursuant to the order of the House on May 31, the bill is ordered referred to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs.

RESIDENTIAL TENANCIES

AMENDMENT ACT (RENT

INCREASE GUIDELINE), 2012 /

LOI DE 2012 MODIFIANT

LA

LOI SUR LA LOCATION

À USAGE D’HABITATION

(TAUX LÉGAL D’AUGMENTATION

DES LOYERS)

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

Bill 19,

An Act to amend the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 in respect of the rent increase guideline / Projet de loi 19, Loi modifiant la Loi de 2006 sur la location à usage d’habitation en ce qui concerne le taux légal d’augmentation des loyers.

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

The division bells rang from 1148 to 1149.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Members take their seats, please.

On March 27, Ms. Wynne moved second reading of Bill 19,

An Act to amend the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 in respect of the rent increase guideline.

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

Ayes

Albanese, Laura

Armstrong, Teresa J.

Balkissoon, Bas

Bartolucci, Rick

Bentley, Christopher

Berardinetti, Lorenzo

Best, Margarett

Bradley, James J.

Broten, Laurel C.

Campbell, Sarah

Cansfield, Donna H.

Chan, Michael

Chiarelli, Bob

Colle, Mike

Coteau, Michael

Crack, Grant

Craitor, Kim

Damerla, Dipika

Delaney, Bob

Dhillon, Vic

Dickson, Joe

DiNovo, Cheri

Duguid, Brad

Duncan, Dwight

Flynn, Kevin Daniel

Forster, Cindy

Gerretsen, John

Gélinas, France

Gravelle, Michael

Horwath, Andrea

Hoskins, Eric

Jaczek, Helena

Jeffrey, Linda

Kwinter, Monte

Leal, Jeff

MacCharles, Tracy

Mangat, Amrit

Mantha, Michael

Marchese, Rosario

Matthews, Deborah

Mauro, Bill

McGuinty, Dalton

McMeekin, Ted

McNeely, Phil

Meilleur, Madeleine

Miller, Paul

Milloy, John

Moridi, Reza

Murray, Glen R.

Naqvi, Yasir

Natyshak, Taras

Orazietti, David

Piruzza, Teresa

Prue, Michael

Qaadri, Shafiq

Sandals, Liz

Schein, Jonah

Sergio, Mario

Singh, Jagmeet

Sorbara, Greg

Tabuns, Peter

Takhar, Harinder S.

Taylor, Monique

Vanthof, John

Wong, Soo

Wynne, Kathleen O.

Zimmer, David

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

Nays

Arnott, Ted

Bailey, Robert

Barrett, Toby

Chudleigh, Ted

Clark, Steve

Dunlop, Garfield

Elliott, Christine

Fedeli, Victor

Hardeman, Ernie

Harris, Michael

Hillier, Randy

Hudak, Tim

Jackson, Rod

Jones, Sylvia

Klees, Frank

Leone, Rob

MacLaren, Jack

MacLeod, Lisa

McDonell, Jim

McKenna, Jane

McNaughton, Monte

Miller, Norm

Milligan, Rob E.

Munro, Julia

Nicholls, Rick

O’Toole, John

Ouellette, Jerry J.

Pettapiece, Randy

Scott, Laurie

Shurman, Peter

Smith, Todd

Thompson, Lisa M.

Walker, Bill

Wilson, Jim

Yakabuski, John

Yurek, Jeff

The Clerk of the Assembly (Ms. Deborah Deller): The ayes are 67; the nays are 36.

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

Second reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Pursuant to the order of the House on May 31, the bill is ordered referred to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy.

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

The House recessed from 1153 to 1300.

INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS

Mr. Ernie Hardeman: I’d like to introduce Shelley Ratelband, who is not yet in the gallery but she will be. She’s a lady who works in my office in Woodstock—just recently started there. She came to see how things work at Queen’s Park, and I’d like to welcome her to Queen’s Park.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): We definitely welcome our guests to Queen’s Park to see how things run.

MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

NUCLEAR ENERGY

Mr. John Yakabuski: Fifty years ago today, history was made when a switch was flipped and the nuclear power demonstration reactor—NPD—near Rolphton, Ontario, in my riding of Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke, sent power to the grid.

This was the first nuclear power that flowed into our electricity system. It began what has been a long history of success, not only for our Candu reactors and their technology but also for the prosperity of the province of Ontario. By proving that nuclear power could be produced reliably, safely and economically, it ensured that Ontario would have a sustainable supply of power as its biggest industrial growth period coincided with the nuclear era.

What was Canada’s first delivery of commercial nuclear power has grown into a system that provides over 50% of our power today. In fact, reactors at Pickering, Darlington and Bruce Power produced 57% of Ontario’s electricity in 2011.

The NPD is no longer in service. In 1987, after 25 years of success and far exceeding all of its original goals, it was retired. It had been used extensively as a training reactor for generations of Canadian and international staff on the safe operation of Candu power plants all over the world. Access to safe, reliable, affordable electricity is part of the foundation of a successful economy from which our standard of living evolves.

I am proud to say that it began right in my backyard, and I commend all of those whose faith and vision made history and changed our world for the better.

ANNIVERSARY OF ATTACK ON THE DARBAR SAHIB

Mr. Jagmeet Singh: Today marks the 28th anniversary of the invasion of the Darbar Sahib complex, also known as the Golden Temple, in Amritsar, India. On this day 28 years ago, the Darbar Sahib and close to 50 other Sikh places of worship were attacked in a systematic and organized manner. Specifically, the Indian state ordered a military attack to be carried out against the Golden Temple during one of the Sikh religion’s most revered days. Hundreds of thousands of men, women and children were inside the Golden Temple complex when the army began using heavy artillery.

Dr. Joyce J.M. Pettigrew, a leading academic, describes the purpose of the Indian state’s action in a very telling and moving quote in which she states that, “The army went into Darbar Sahib complex not to eliminate a political figure or a political movement but to suppress the culture of a people, to attack their hearts, and to strike a blow at their spirit and self-confidence.”

Ontario is home to one of the largest communities in the Sikh diaspora and, consequently, also home to many survivors and family members of the 1984 attack. I want to express my deepest sympathy to those who lost friends and family members in June 1984.

Beyond sympathy, it is also fitting that we continue to call for justice and accountability. When innocent lives are lost through the actions of the very government that is duty-bound to protect them, with no accountability or explanation, and when journalists and human rights groups are denied the ability to provide independent observations, we must ask for justice. We must ensure that this never happens again—not here, not against any people in the world. Lest we forget: June 1984.

ITALIAN REPUBLIC DAY

Mrs. Laura Albanese: This past Saturday marked the 66th annual la Festa della Repubblica, commemorating the birth of the Republic of Italy in 1946. Italians in Italy and around the world, including Canadians of Italian origin, celebrated this important occasion. I would like to note, Mr. Speaker, that the significance of this date is important also because Italian women were allowed to vote for the first time on that day.

This year’s festivities took on a sombre note to honour the victims of the recent devastating earthquake in the region of Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy.

Here at Queen’s Park, dozens of people gathered on the grounds of our Legislature for the traditional flag-raising, despite the wind and the unseasonably cold temperatures. The ceremony, which saw the presence of numerous members of our Legislature, members of Parliament, the diplomatic corps of other countries, community organizations and ordinary citizens, also kicked off the month-long festivities of Italian Heritage Month, proclaimed by the government of Ontario in 2010 to recognize the significant contributions Italian Canadians have made to the social, economic and cultural life of our province. I joined with pride in these celebrations.

It’s very important to share with younger generations the history, the heritage and the culture of different communities that are part of our mosaic, so that greater mutual respect and understanding can foster and flourish.

POWER PLANT

Mr. Victor Fedeli: Last month—a couple of weeks ago, actually—the Minister of Energy was given the opportunity before the Standing Committee on Estimates to be forthright with Ontarians about the cost related to the cancellation of the Mississauga power plant. Sadly, the minister refused to do so. The minister was asked to table documents before that committee related to the cancellation. He has yet to do that. He was asked again in the House this morning and avoided a direct answer.

But on Friday, we learned that the Ontario Power Authority, under the minister’s watch, offered $82 million to settle a $300-million lawsuit filed as a result of a political seat-saver program.

Now, the one thing the minister did disclose at the committee last month was that he learned of the cancellation of the Mississauga power plant by reading it in the newspaper that weekend. This was obviously not a cabinet decision—a cabinet he sat on at the time. We learned, sadly, that Ontario’s energy policy was written on a napkin by campaign workers early one Saturday morning.

I call on the minister to tell Ontarians whether he plans to recoup the $82 million from the taxpayers or from the ratepayers in the form of a hidden or a new fee on their hydro bills.

ONTARIO NORTHLAND

TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

Mr. Gilles Bisson: Northerners are truly a resilient lot. Two weekends ago, it was forest fires in Timmins and Kirkland Lake, and last weekend, it was braving the weather elements in order to attend a rally in Cochrane in regard to the privatization of Ontario Northland.

What’s clear is that this government is starting to set up, not by just the privatization but by a number of other things that they’ve done, a real sense in northern Ontario of alienation from Queen’s Park and alienation from this province.

I think it’s rather unfortunate, because where we could be working together in order to build a stronger Ontario, this government is doing initiatives such as the privatization of Ontario Northland, driving a wedge between north and south. I think, in the end, that doesn’t serve either northern or southern Ontario well.

People were clear: The Ontario Northland is part of an infrastructure that is important to northern Ontario. We applaud the government for providing subsidies to GO Transit to the tune of over $500 million a year. But people in northern Ontario wonder why the government can’t find $24 million a year to run a railway, a bus service, a telecommunications network and a marine service in northern Ontario in places like Moosonee down to North Bay.

So I say to the government: You still have a chance to think this through. We saw this morning that the government has agreed with New Democrats to pull back a little bit when it comes to the privatization they want to do across line ministries. Now you’ve got to go the full step and you’ve got to stop the privatization of ONR, because this is now no longer just about privatization; it’s also about the alienation of people in northern Ontario.

FLOODING

Mr. Bill Mauro: The work continues in Thunder Bay. The floodwaters have ended, but they left their mark on the city of Thunder Bay and surrounding region, as well as the result of the backup and failure of the sewage treatment plant in the city of Thunder Bay.

On Thursday, I had the opportunity to tour out in Conmee with Kevin Holland and to drive through Oliver Paipoonge and see the devastation that these floodwaters created.

As well, yesterday morning, I spent a significant amount of time out in Kaministiquia with their roads board chair Leila Hobbie and board chairperson April Maki in the Silver Falls Road area. I’m told, and I can convey to them, that apparently those floodwaters on the Upper Kam are not expected to rise any more.

I want to thank Rene Legrose and his wife Debbie from the Kam Community Centre as well for their work. I want to thank Rick Kieri, Ron Nelson and Ziggy Polkowski, three of my rural mayors, as well, who confirmed that everything is good out in their region and they’re not looking for provincial assistance at this point.

Speaker, so many volunteers to thank, but a special nod to the St.

Peter’s Church group in the east end, a place that holds a special spot in my heart and my family’s heart; the Thunder Bay fire department; all local fire departments; police; OPP; hydro; OPG; municipal employees; emergency operations; the district health unit; the Thunder Bay safe home program; MNR and MTO employees; the Red Cross, who have travelled from across the province to be in Thunder Bay and across the country; the Salvation Army; Clothing Assistance; Slovak Legion—so many to mention who have come together in typical northwestern Ontario fashion to try to lend support to all the people who have been affected by this flood.

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

Mr. Michael Harris: Last month, I asked the environment minister a very direct question about his plans to introduce a carbon pricing scheme here in Ontario under the Western Climate Initiative. Although the minister had confirmed to me in April that the Liberal government was in fact pushing ahead with this scheme, he publicly denied it during question period, saying it didn’t exist.

Well, Mr. Speaker, the Western Climate Initiative does exist, and the minister should be ashamed of himself for misleading this House and the public. Just because—

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

Mr. Michael Harris: Withdrawn.

Just because the Liberal government missed the January 1 deadline to begin implementing this agreement doesn’t mean it disappeared.

The Liberals already have the laws and regulations for the scheme on the books.

I’d like to remind the minister about the Liberal government’s amendment to the Environmental Protection Act in 2009, which authorizes the making of regulations relating to emissions trading. Guess what the Liberals did with this new authority? They created more red tape for Ontario businesses by establishing a regulation that requires certain industries to annually report their greenhouse gas emissions to the government.

Now, the next stage of their plan, according to the Western Climate Initiative, is for Ontario to join an inter-jurisdictional cap-and-trade market with the remaining members of this agreement.

Still the Liberal government continues to be silent on this matter.

Businesses want to know if they’re going to have to fork over millions of dollars to comply with Ontario’s planned carbon pricing scheme. So it’s time for the minister to be honest with Ontarians and disclose the Liberal government’s plans today.

JAN DE VRIES

Ms. Tracy MacCharles: I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Jan de Vries, a distinguished Canadian and decorated war veteran who passed away on Sunday, May 27.

Mr. de Vries was a gifted speaker and dedicated community volunteer. He delighted in teaching Canadians, especially our youth, about wartime contributions made by our proud military servicemen and women who, like himself, fought shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies in the face of tyranny in Europe.

As a member of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, in the early hours of June 6, 1944, Mr. de Vries valiantly parachuted into France in advance of the beach landings at just 20 years of age.

Wounded by a sniper in Normandy, he returned to the battalion, fighting in many key battles before parachuting over the Rhine river in Germany on March 24, 1945.

Mr. de Vries was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Highland Creek branch 258’s Living History Speakers Bureau; a guide and lecturer on battlefield tours in Normandy; and was an instrumental figure in establishing the Juno Beach Centre.

Amongst so many medals and awards, he was also appointed to the Order of Canada in 2007.

I know his beloved wife, Joanne, is watching us right now from her home today. I ask all members to please join me in recognizing Jan de Vries’s remarkable contributions to Canada.

ABILITIES CENTRE

Mrs. Christine Elliott: A dream was realized in Whitby last Saturday when the Abilities Centre finally opened its doors to the community.

After 10 years of hard work, a lot of hope and two years of construction, this amazing facility was completed.

The dream was to create a place where everyone is included and valued and all abilities are celebrated. To that end, over 80 user groups were consulted before construction began, and the building was designed with their needs in mind.

The result is spectacular: a 125,000-square-foot barrier-free sports, recreation and arts facility. It features a field house that contains a track that meets the needs of the International Association of Athletics Federations, three wheelchair basketball courts, plus an art room, a music room, a life skills room and a theatre.

While the physical structure is beautiful, it’s what’s going to go on inside that’s truly wonderful.

The Abilities Centre will be an inclusive and integrated environment that will work with partners like Participation House, the Royal Conservatory of Music, the Royal Ontario Museum, Station Gallery and the Geneva Centre for Autism to create programs that will meet the needs of all members of our community.

Together, we can change the social fabric of our society and make full inclusion a reality.

ANNUAL REPORT, INFORMATION

AND PRIVACY COMMISSIONER

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): I beg to inform the House that I have laid upon the table the 2011 annual report from the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario entitled Access and Privacy: Ever Vigilant.

REPORTS BY COMMITTEES

STANDING COMMITTEE ON

JUSTICE POLICY

Mrs. Laura Albanese: I beg leave to present a report from the Standing Committee on Justice Policy and move its adoption.

The Clerk of the Committee (Ms. Tonia Grannum): Your committee begs to report the following bill, as amended:

Bill 34,

An Act to repeal the Public Works Protection Act, amend the Police Services Act with respect to court security and enact the Security for Electricity Generating Facilities and Nuclear Facilities Act, 2012 / Projet de loi 34, Loi abrogeant la

Loi sur la protection des ouvrages publics, modifiant la

Loi sur les services policiers en ce qui concerne la sécurité des tribunaux et édictant la Loi de 2012 sur la sécurité des centrales électriques et des installations nucléaires.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Shall the report be received and adopted? Agreed? Agreed.

Report adopted.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The bill is therefore ordered for third reading.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

BICYCLE MONTH ACT, 2012 /

LOI DE 2012 SUR LE MOIS

DE LA BICYCLETTE

Mr. Schein moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 99,

An Act to proclaim the month of June Bicycle Month / Projet de loi 99, Loi proclamant le mois de juin Mois de la bicyclette.

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

First reading agreed to.

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

Mr. Jonah Schein: Thank you, Speaker. This bill recognizes that June is already Bicycle Month in many municipalities, but in municipalities from Toronto to Timmins, too many cyclists are afraid for their lives and for the lives and the safety of their friends and family. That’s why this bill proclaims that the month of June in each year is Bicycle Month in Ontario, so that we have a provincial lens on this important issue.

ROYAL CONSERVATORY

OF MUSIC ACT, 2012

Mr. Sorbara moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr7,

An Act respecting The Royal Conservatory of Music.

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

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Pursuant to standing order 86, this bill stands referred to the Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills.

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY

AND RESPONSES

PORTUGUESE CANADIAN COMMUNITY

Hon. Michael Chan: On behalf of the Honourable Charles Sousa, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, it’s my pleasure to rise today to make a statement. June is Portuguese History and Heritage Month. This annual observance was proclaimed by this House in 2001. It celebrates the extraordinary contributions of Portuguese Canadians to Ontario’s rich multicultural society.

The story of Portuguese Canadians goes back to the era of brave explorers at the end of the 15th century. The great wave of Portuguese immigration began after World War II. That’s when many people left Portugal for Canada to find freedom, hope and opportunity. They overcame challenges and thrived in Ontario. The Portuguese community, together with many other cultural groups, helped Ontario succeed.

I’m proud of Ontario’s diversity and the people who have enriched this province with history, culture, enterprising spirit and hard work.

Many Portuguese Canadians have risen to the top of their field, from broadcaster Frank Alvarez to Order of Canada recipient Ana Lopes to hockey star John Tavares and award-winning singer Nelly Furtado.

Ontario is strong, vibrant and prosperous because of the contributions of Portuguese Canadians. On June 10, Portuguese people around the world celebrate Portugal Day. This national day centres not on a battle or a political event but a poet, Luís de Camões. His epic 16th-century poems of exploration, discovery and adventure have kept Portuguese history and culture alive.

I would encourage all members of the House and all Ontarians to join in the festivities around the province. Come and experience the magic of Portuguese culture and celebrate the fabric of our diverse society.

Portuguese Canadians are proud to be Portuguese and Canadian, and we all count ourselves blessed to live in a place where all this is possible: Ontario.

Speaker, obrigado.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): Responses?

Mrs. Christine Elliott: On behalf of the Progressive Conservative caucus, I’d like to take this moment to recognize Portuguese history and Heritage Month.

Portuguese History and Heritage Month is a time to reflect on the tremendous contributions that Portuguese Canadians have made to our great province. For over 500 years, people of Portuguese heritage have settled across Canada, bringing with them a diverse slate of skills and contributing to our nation’s progress and economic development. Today, Ontario is home to over 250,000 Portuguese Canadians who have established themselves across the province and in areas like Toronto’s vibrant Portugal village. And I know that Little Portugal will be as vibrant as ever this summer as they support their team in the Euro 2012 soccer tournament.

This year the Portuguese community will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Portugal Week, a remarkable achievement for the Portuguese community and a testament to the hard work of the Alliance of Portuguese Clubs and Associations of Ontario. But Portuguese History and Heritage Month is a time for all Ontarians to reflect on the Portuguese community’s great social and cultural contributions, which have enriched our cultural heritage and strengthened our great province.

Ms. Teresa J. Armstrong: I am pleased to rise today in the House in response to the minister’s statement on Portuguese Heritage Month. As a Portuguese-Canadian woman, it is important for me and my family to see our culture not just be represented but celebrated.

I am proud to be a member of Canada’s Portuguese community, along with the nearly 300,000 individuals who claim a Portuguese ethnic origin. Despite our numbers, Canadians of Portuguese background, also referred to as Luso Canadians, have traditionally been underserved and under-represented in the social and political structures of our society. This is why I am so grateful to be one of the very few MPPs of Portuguese descent elected to the Ontario Legislature.

For many years, it has been clear that there was a need for a national organization which could represent our concerns to the various levels of government in Canada and Portugal. With this objective in mind, in March 1993, a group of 250 Luso-Canadian individuals and associations formed the Portuguese-Canadian National Congress and charged it with a mandate to act upon issues relating to the full participation of community members in Canadian society.

While much work has been done, we do have much more to accomplish. The major issues affecting the community include low numbers of Portuguese students entering post-secondary education and a high dropout rate. My community is working hard to address these challenges and to bring our youth to the forefront of our efforts.

When speaking of youth, we must reflect on the loss of our language and culture among our youth. With no national voice, and many youth losing the language of their heritage, we must ask ourselves: What image are we showing our children of strong and engaged Luso-Canadian role models?

In that regard, I am quite pleased to highlight the important work of the Portuguese Club of London. For the past 45 years, they have continued to offer first-class social, cultural and athletic programming to the community. This dynamic organization is also home to the Lira do Divino Espirito Santo, the Holy Spirit Marching Band.

I also want to take a moment to recognize the Portuguese Club of London’s president, Joe Teodoro. In taking on the role of president, Joe is following in the footsteps of his father, who held the position before him. I personally want to thank Joe most sincerely for his extraordinary passion and dedication to revitalizing the image and programming in the club and his efforts to engage and empower the voice of Portuguese youth in our community. Joe Teodoro and the Portuguese Club of London are truly gems in the city of London, and I am proud to be a Portuguese Canadian.

The Portuguese Club of London will host their annual Portugal Day celebration on June 8, 9 and 10. I urge everyone to come and dance to our marching band and eat some traditional sardines and chicken while you explore the exhibits featuring the paintings of Portugal artists.

I invite everyone to join us at our celebrations in London or to attend the Portugal celebration in your riding and learn more about our amazing culture and heritage celebrations. Obrigado.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): Thank you very much.

Petitions? The member for Durham.

PETITIONS

WATER QUALITY

Mr. John O’Toole: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to see you in the chair, first, but also to present a petition from my riding of Durham, which reads as follows:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas, under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, Ontario regulation 319/08, public health inspectors are required to undertake risk assessments of small drinking water systems;

“Whereas many of these small drinking water systems are located in homes operating bed and breakfasts in rural Ontario;

“Whereas private homes that are the sites of bed and breakfasts already have potable drinking water used by the homeowners and their families every day;

“Whereas many of these bed and breakfasts have established the quality of their drinking water through years of regular testing;

“Whereas these home-based businesses are facing high costs to comply with the new requirements of regulation 319/08;

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

“That the Ministry of Health amend Ontario regulation 319/08 to give the testing track record of a small drinking water system greater weight in the risk assessment process;

“Furthermore we, the undersigned, ask that bed and breakfasts operated within a private home with a drinking water” system that meets “all the requirements of a private home not be subject to regulation 319/08.”

I’m pleased to sign and support it and present it to Rumesa.

CYCLING

Mr. Jonah Schein: “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas 28% of Ontario adults regularly cycle and over 50% of children cycle either daily or weekly;

“Whereas a cycling fatality occurs every month in Ontario and thousands of cyclists are injured each month;

“Whereas Ontario is lagging behind provinces like British Columbia and Quebec that have invested $31 million and $200 million respectively in cycling infrastructure;

“Whereas investing in cycling infrastructure in Ontario will create jobs and benefit the economy, reduce traffic congestion and pollution, protect those sharing the road, encourage active transportation, and improve public health;

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

“That the province of Ontario release a comprehensive bicycling strategy for Ontario that facilitates the development of policy and legislation relating to bicycling in Ontario. This policy would include dedicated funding to match municipal investments in cycling infrastructure, education initiatives to raise awareness about the rights and responsibilities of all road users, and a review and update of provincial legislation, including the Highway Traffic Act and Planning Act, to ensure roadways are safe for all users;

“That the strategy set provincial targets and timelines for increasing the number of people who commute by bike and cycle recreationally.”

Speaker, I support this petition. I’ll affix my name to it and give it to page Andrew.

WATER QUALITY

Mr. Grant Crack: “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas we, the non-profit organizations (NPOs) of Cumberland village, which include St. Andrew’s United Church, St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Cumberland Lions Club, Cumberland Curling Club [and] Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Centre, request that the small drinking water systems testing requirements for non-profit organizations (NPOs), MOE regulation 413/09, be amended to allow NPOs to have water testing done at existing public laboratories at no cost. Provincially designated private laboratory costs are excessive and prohibitive to Ontario’s NPOs;

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

“Please amend regulation 413/09 as outlined above.”

I agree with this petition, and I will sign it and give it to page Alexander.

INDOOR TANNING EQUIPMENT

Mr. Frank Klees: I have a petition that was gathered by five students from my riding of Newmarket–Aurora in support of a private member’s bill proposed by the member for Nickel Belt for skin cancer. The students are Julia Heos, age 18, of Sacred Heart Catholic High School; Christina Heos, her twin sister; Vanessa Hart, age 18, of Denison high school; Rebecca Hart, age 16, also of Denison; and Catalina Oliveros, age 17, again of Sacred Heart high school in Newmarket. The petition reads as follows:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas there is a growing body of evidence linking tanning bed use to increased cancer risk, the World Health Organization considers tanning beds a group 1 carcinogen, and use of tanning beds before the age of 30 raises one’s risk of melanoma by 75%; and

“Whereas many groups, including the Canadian Cancer Society and the Ontario Medical Association, support a ban on the use of indoor tanning equipment by youths under the age of 18; and

“Whereas the provinces of British Columbia and Nova Scotia have passed legislation banning youths from using indoor tanning equipment, and governments around the world are considering similar legislation; and

“Whereas there is broad public support in Ontario for increased regulation of the tanning industry, with 83% supporting a ban on indoor tanning for those under 18;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to enact legislation banning youths under the age of 18 from using indoor tanning equipment except in the case of medical need.”

Mr. Speaker, there are some 518 signatures here, and I’m pleased to affix my signature in support of this petition as well.

AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE

Mr. Jagmeet Singh: Mr. Speaker, I’m presenting another set of petitions, bringing the grand total up to 4,700 signatures, in support of auto insurance reform. The petition reads as follows:

“Whereas auto insurance rates are too high in the province of Ontario and continue to increase;

“Whereas families across the greater Toronto area (GTA) are facing unfair insurance premiums that have more to do with where they live than their accident history or driving ability; and

“Whereas insurance premiums across the GTA differ by as much as 150% for drivers with the same driving record;

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

“That the Ontario Legislative Assembly undertake auto insurance reforms that protect consumers, ensuring that premiums are based on a fair assessment of a driver’s known ability and history, rather than unfairly targeting drivers on the basis of where they live.”

I agree with this petition and will sign it and hand it to page Alexander.

RADIATION SAFETY

Mr. Reza Moridi: I have petitions to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

“Whereas the Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act (1990) is in serious need of modernization;

“Whereas the Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act (1990) is not in harmony with all the following acts, regulations, guidelines and codes: the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Ontario, the radiation protection regulations of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, the safety codes of Health Canada and the radiation protection guidelines of the International Commission on Radiological Protection;

“Whereas dental hygienists need to be able to prescribe X-rays and to be designated as radiation protection officers in order to provide their clients with safe and convenient access to a medically necessary procedure, as is already the case in many comparable jurisdictions;

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

“To express support for the motion filed on April 17, 2012, by Reza Moridi, the member from Richmond Hill, that asks the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to establish a committee consisting of experts to review the Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act (1990) and its regulations, make recommendations on how to modernize this act, and bring it to 21st-century standards, so that it becomes responsive to the safety of patients and the public and to include all forms of radiation that are currently used in the health care sector for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.”

I fully agree with this petition. I sign it and pass it on to page Annaleise.

ANTI-BULLYING INITIATIVES

Mrs. Jane McKenna: It’s my pleasure to present a petition on behalf of Teresa Pierre. She’s the director of Parents as First Educators.

“Whereas, as an anti-bullying measure, Bill 13 is unnecessary because Ontarians already have Bill 157; and

“Whereas Bill 13 promotes radical revisions to school instruction on sex and gender that a majority of parents do not support; and

“Whereas legislation is not the way to implement equity education (this should rather be addressed by teacher training, after wider parental consultation, in a way which respects the views of people of faith)....”

I will sign my name to the bottom and give it to page Anthonie.

INDOOR TANNING EQUIPMENT

M me France Gélinas: I have hundreds and hundreds of petitions from No Tan is Worth Dying For. Ça me fait plaisir de présenter les pétitions “Se faire bronzer ne vaut le risque de mourir.” Hundreds of them come from Newmarket–Aurora, and hundreds more come from Nickel Belt. It reads as follows:

“Whereas there is a growing body of evidence linking tanning bed use to increased cancer risk, the World Health Organization considers tanning beds a group 1 carcinogen, and use of tanning beds before the age of 30 raises one’s risk of melanoma,” which is skin cancer, “by 75%; and

“Whereas many groups, including the Canadian Cancer Society and the Ontario Medical Association, support a ban on the use of indoor tanning equipment by youths under the age of 18; and

“Whereas the provinces of British Columbia and Nova Scotia have passed legislation banning youths from using indoor tanning equipment, and governments around the world are considering similar legislation”—the government of Quebec actually just passed a law;

“Whereas there is broad public support in Ontario for increased regulation of the tanning industry, with 83% supporting a ban on indoor tanning for those under 18;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to enact legislation banning youths under the age of 18 from using indoor tanning equipment except in the case of medical need.”

I fully support this petition, will affix my name to it and ask page Stavroula to bring it to the Clerk.

MARKDALE HOSPITAL

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

“Whereas Grey Bruce Health Services’ Markdale hospital is the only health care facility between Owen Sound and Orangeville on the Highway 10 corridor;

“Whereas the community of Markdale rallied to raise $13 million on the promise they would get a new state-of-the-art hospital in Markdale;

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

“That the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care announce as soon as possible its intended construction date for the new Markdale hospital and ensure that the care needs of the patients and families of our community are met in a timely manner.”

I support this petition, will affix my name and send it with page Tameem to the clerks’ desk. Thank you.

DOG OWNERSHIP

Ms. Cheri DiNovo: This is to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas currently the law takes the onus off of owners that raise violent dogs by making it appear that violence is a matter of genetics; and

“Whereas the Dog Owners’ Liability Act does not clearly define a pit bull, nor is it enforced equally across the province, as pit bulls are not an acknowledged breed;

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

“That the Legislative Assembly passes Bill 16, Public Safety Related to Dogs Statute Law Amendment Act, 2011, into law.”

We’ve already killed over 1,000 dogs that didn’t do anything wrong. Hopefully, this will prevent it. I’m going to give it to the fabulous page Kyra to deliver to the table. I couldn’t agree more.

HORSE RACING INDUSTRY

Mr. Jim McDonell: A petition to the Legislative Assembly through the Honourable Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Transportation:

“Whereas the Ontario horse racing and breeding industry generates $2 billion of economic activity, mostly in rural Ontario;

“Whereas more than 60,000 Ontarians are employed by the Ontario horse racing and breeding industry;

“Whereas 20% of the funds generated by the OLG slots-at-racetracks program is reinvested in racetracks and the horse racing and breeding industry, while 75% is returned to the government of Ontario;

“Whereas the OLG slots-at-racetracks program generates $1.3 billion a year for health care and other spending, making it the most profitable form of gaming in the province for OLG;

“Whereas the government has announced plans to cancel the slots-at-racetracks program, a decision that will cost the government $1.1 billion a year and threatens more than 60,000 jobs;

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

“Call on the Ontario government to:

“(1) protect the $1.1 billion of revenue the government received annually [from] the OLG slots-at-racetracks program.

“(2) direct OLG to honour the contracts with racetracks and protect the horse racing and breeding industry by continuing the OLG slots-at-racetracks revenue-sharing program.”

I agree with this and will be signing it and handing it off to Dana.

SCHOOL CLOSURE

Mr. Taras Natyshak: I’m pleased to present petitions on behalf of families and students in the Ruthven and Kingsville area.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Ministry of Education is proposing the closing of Ruthven Public School; and

“Whereas closing Ruthven Public School is premature at this time due to the improved economic conditions that the Ruthven area is currently experiencing; and

“Whereas Statistics Canada census reveals that the town of Kingsville is one of the few municipalities experiencing a positive growth rate over the last five years; and

“Whereas this school closure will negatively impact the future growth of the rural community of Ruthven and Kingsville; and

“Whereas Ruthven Public School is vital to the future well-being of the Kingsville and Ruthven communities and its students;

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

“As parents, teachers, concerned citizens, we hereby object to the closing of the Ruthven Public School, and appeal to the Minister of Education to keep open and maintain the long-term viability of the Ruthven Public School.”

I agree with this petition and I will submit my name and submit it to the Clerk via Sam.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): Unfortunately, the time for petitions is up. There are a number of members who didn’t get a chance to present petitions, and that speaks to the opportunity for members to abbreviate the text of their petitions so that everybody has a chance to present their petition when they come in.

Mr. Frank Klees: Point of order, if I might.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): Point of order, the member for Newmarket–Aurora.

Mr. Frank Klees: Speaker, I did have a petition that I intended to present in opposition to Bill 13, and I realize that I don’t have the time to do that, but I want you to know that my intention was to do exactly that.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): That, unfortunately, is not a point of order, but we appreciate the information.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ACCEPTING SCHOOLS ACT, 2012 /

LOI DE 2012 POUR

DES ÉCOLES TOLÉRANTES

Ms. Broten moved third reading of the following bill:

Bill 13,

An Act to amend the Education Act with respect to bullying and other matters / Projet de loi 13, Loi modifiant la

Loi sur l’éducation en ce qui a trait à l’intimidation et à d’autres questions.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): Debate? I recognize the Minister of Education.

Hon. Laurel C. Broten: Seven months ago, when we introduced the Accepting Schools Act, we made it our priority to take a stand against bullying. It was time for government to show Ontarians that we would do everything in our power to make sure all students feel safe and welcome at school.

Le monde est devenu plus complexe, mais certaines questions ne changent jamais : la santé, l’éducation et le bien-être de nos enfants et de nos jeunes. Nous avons besoin que les Ontariennes et les Ontariens sachent que nous continuerons à donner la priorité aux élèves parce que nous savons que lorsque nous investissons dans nos jeunes, nous obtiendrons des bienfaits pendant de nombreuses années à venir.

The world has become a more complex place, but some issues never change: the health, education and well-being of our children and youth. We need Ontarians to know that we’ll continue to put students first because we know that when we invest in our young people, we will see the benefits for many, many years to come.

As a ministry, one of the key unrelenting focuses has been on student achievement, and we know that if students don’t feel safe at school, they won’t do well in school.

Mr. Speaker, in addition to being the Minister of Education, I’m also a mother. It’s my role, as a mom of two six-year-old boys that inspire me every day, to keep improving our education system. It means a lot to me that my boys put a huge emphasis on the school community. They’re excited to go to school every day to see their friends and their teacher.

But unfortunately, Speaker, it’s not like that for every student; it’s not like that for far too many students. There are too many students in our schools who, as a result of bullying, don’t want to go to school at all. A 2009 study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health revealed that 29% of Ontario’s students reported being bullied at school. That means nearly one in three kids, if not more, have likely experienced some form of bullying. That’s a staggering number of young people who have been persistently physically or emotionally teased, taunted or hurt by others.

We know that there are some groups of students who are particularly at risk. A 2011 national climate survey by Egale found that 64% of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer students and 61% of students with LGBTQ parents feel unsafe at school. That’s nearly two thirds of LGBTQ students suffering from bullying.

We used to be told, “Sticks and stones can break your bones, but words will never hurt me.” We know that that’s not true. We know that words matter. We know the power of words to create fear and pain and to spread hatred, homophobia, sexism and racism, and we know that if we can’t name it, we can’t address it. Speaker, we must address it.

As adults, as educators, as parents, as members of our communities and as a government, we all have a role to play, and we have a responsibility to work together to make sure that our children are safe, respected and accepted at school. We have a responsibility to do more than tell our young people that it gets better. We have a responsibility to make it better, and make it better now.

That’s why this legislation and comprehensive action plan to combat bullying is so important. We’re saying to students who are bullied, to the bully and to the bystander, “Bullying is something that I take very seriously. Bullying is something that our government takes very seriously. And bullying is something that we all need to take very seriously.” It is our collective responsibility to create a positive school climate and an education system where everyone feels welcome and safe.

We have seen the statistics, and we know that safe, inclusive and accepting schools are key to supporting our students to reach their full potential, both in the classroom and beyond.

Research has shown us that rejection and exclusion are associated with behaviour problems in the classroom, lower interest in school, lower student achievement and higher dropout rates. Findings about the effects of rejection and bullying on young people are clear and consistent. These findings also show that students who feel welcome, accepted and connected to school are more likely to succeed academically.

But, more importantly, it is the students I have had the opportunity to meet and get to know who have taught me about the real impact that bullying can have on our young people’s lives: stories about feeling alone, afraid or hopeless because of the words or actions of others.

I want to make it clear that I have also heard positive, optimistic, encouraging and uplifting stories from students who, working closely with their principals, teachers and school staff, have accomplished great things together to make their schools safe, welcoming and accepting.

When we first introduced this legislation, we had a goal in mind: to make our schools safe, inclusive and accepting places for all students. As the legislation moved forward, we heard from and listened to numerous individuals, groups and organizations, including members of the opposition, to build on that goal. What we now have is a comprehensive and strong piece of legislation, legislation that will further improve the lives of all students across the province.

I am pleased to say that we have included into our Accepting Schools Act significant portions from the proposed Bill 14, former MPP Elizabeth Witmer’s anti-bullying bill. I would like to discuss the elements of Bill 14 that you will now find in the Accepting Schools Act.

We’ve enhanced our definition of bullying, which incorporates some of the concepts proposed in Bill 14, including that actions impacting a student’s property and actions that create a negative environment should also be considered bullying.

We also heard from parents, students and educators that explicit reference of cyberbullying was important, because it is a phenomenon that has the ability to follow students to their homes and continue to attack them wherever they go. The majority of us here never had to deal with cyberbullying when we were growing up, but in today’s world our students cannot hide from bullying by leaving the school or staying at home. Today, we need to address the bullying that is happening online, because it is affecting our schools every day.

We cannot ignore the bullying that takes place in online forums and through different kinds of technology. It has a different nature. It can be posted anonymously. It can spread quickly, and it is not always easy to take down or remove.

In addition, we also incorporated from Bill 14 into Bill 13 a requirement that the ministry develop a model bullying prevention and intervention plan and that it be made available to all school boards. Every board will have a bullying prevention and intervention plan, which will be developed in consultation with their school communities and which will be available to the public.

Schools will now be required to have a bullying prevention and intervention plan and to make it publicly available, including posting it on their school website, and boards will be required to provide supports for the victims of bullying, those who engage in bullying and those who witness bullying.

Lastly, we’ve added an increase in transparency whereby boards will track suspensions and expulsions, including those related to bullying, as per the objective laid out in Bill 14. This is in addition to the requirement in Bill 13 that boards conduct surveys to collect information from students, parents and staff at least once every two years.

When it comes to such an important issue, I was so pleased to be a partner in this kind of collaborative approach. The legislation is stronger now because of the contribution by former MPP Liz Witmer and Bill 14.

In addition to incorporating significant elements of Bill 14 into the Accepting Schools Act, during public committee hearings on the bill we heard from a number of groups, and we listened. We listened to students, teachers, parents, support groups and education and community stakeholders during standing committee hearings. As a result, we made some additional important amendments to the Accepting Schools Act.

Both the government and the third party agreed that it is important to update our description of gender-based discrimination to include transphobia and biphobia. Gender expression and gender identity were also added as factors that should not lead to discrimination, harassment or bullying in our schools. These were important amendments that ensure our legislation is as comprehensive and as inclusive as it should be. I was very pleased that the government supported the members from Toronto–Danforth and Parkdale–High Park in moving these amendments.

We also heard, through the committee process, that there was an opportunity to provide further clarity about the kinds of supports we would provide, so the bill now reflects amendments that add a requirement for boards to support teachers and staff through annual professional development programs. These programs will help educate teachers and other staff about bullying prevention and strategies for promoting positive school climates.

The amended legislation will also require boards to provide programs, interventions and other supports for students who have been bullied, who have witnessed incidents of bullying or who have engaged in bullying.

Boards will have the ability to decide whether social workers, psychologists or other professionals trained in similar fields will provide these programs. We’ve also added an amendment to the act that will require principals to investigate any situation that has been reported where a student is causing fear or distress—whether physical, psychological, social or academic—to another student, their reputation or their property, or creating a negative environment at school for another student.

After investigating these matters, the principal will be responsible for sharing the results of the investigation with a teacher if the teacher reported the incident, or, where appropriate, with another employee of the board if the employee reported the incident. They will not, however, disclose more personal information than is reasonably necessary for the purpose of communicating the results of the investigation.

Since the introduction of our legislation, I have been pleased to work so closely with our partners from across the province who share our goal of making our schools safe, inclusive and accepting places to learn.

We heard that parents want to know what’s happening at their child’s school. Parents have an important role in helping to foster and support a positive school climate, preventing bullying and supporting their child’s achievement and well-being, and they need to know what’s happening in their children’s lives. But sometimes students are embarrassed or too afraid to tell their parents that they’re being bullied or are bullying others. We took that into consideration and will now require principals who believe that a student has been harmed as a result of bullying, or has engaged in bullying, to notify the parents or guardians.

Parents and guardians will not only be informed of what happened to their child, but will also be invited for a discussion about the supports provided to their child. They will be informed about the nature of any disciplinary measures taken in response to the activity, as well as the supports available for their child, whether their child was the victim or the one who engaged in bullying.

We have also amended Bill 13 to require every board to submit annual reports to the minister regarding suspensions and expulsions. We will post the number of reported suspensions and expulsions on the ministry’s website.

We want to strengthen the transparency so that Ontarians can see the progress we are making in helping to address bullying and making our schools safe, inclusive and accepting places to learn. That is why we will also seek the advice of the accepting schools expert panel with respect to how we should monitor progress in our efforts to combat bullying.

We know and we have heard all along that students play a central role in creating safe, inclusive and accepting schools. We brought in the requirement for boards to support students who want to establish and lead groups or activities that promote a safe and inclusive learning environment, the acceptance of and respect for others, and the creation of a positive school climate. All student-led activities that will make schools safer should be supported, and we know many of our schools are already supporting and working with their students on these efforts.

During committee hearings, we also heard it was important to ensure that students who would like to establish a group like a gay-straight alliance in their school be supported to do so, and we agreed. That’s why that provision was already in the Accepting Schools Act. But we also heard that it was important to give students the freedom to call those groups a number of different names, including a gay-straight alliance, and we agree with that, too. That’s why we introduced an important amendment that lays out protections and supports for LGBTQ students and makes it clear that homophobic bullying is not okay.

We heard that the current language in our bill wasn’t as clear as it could be. We want collaboration, not conflict, between students, teachers and school administration, so the bill, as amended, if passed, would state:

—that neither the board nor the principal shall refuse to allow a pupil to use the name “gay-straight alliance” or a similar name;

—that the name of an activity or organization must be consistent with the promotion of a positive school climate that is inclusive and accepting of all pupils; and

—that all boards shall comply with this

section in a way that does not adversely affect any right of a pupil guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

It’s not up to us at Queen’s Park to tell students how to nam