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December 7, 2011

40th Parliament, 1st Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcripts 2011-Dec-07 (PDF)

L011 - Wed 7 Dec 2011 / Mer 7 déc 2011

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Wednesday 7 December 2011 Mercredi 7 décembre 2011

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ACCEPTING SCHOOLS ACT, 2011 /

LOI DE 2011 POUR

DES ÉCOLES TOLÉRANTES

INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS

SPECIAL REPORT,

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSIONER

OF ONTARIO

WAYNE BUTT

ORAL QUESTIONS

GOVERNMENT’S RECORD

GOVERNMENT’S RECORD

ENERGY POLICIES

AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE

RENEWABLE ENERGY

HEALTH CARE

EDUCATION

PRIVATE CAREER COLLEGES

WINTER HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE

AIR-RAIL LINK

WASTE DIVERSION

CANCER TREATMENT

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

PUBLIC TRANSIT

SOLDIERS’ REMAINS

POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION

DEFERRED VOTES

THRONE SPEECH DEBATE

INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS

MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

ABORIGINAL HOUSING

CHILD CARE

ART TRUAX

ARGYLE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION

CO-OP HOUSING

ROAD SAFETY

COLIN RICKARDS

MUSIC EDUCATION

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

GASOLINE TAX FAIRNESS

FOR ALL ACT, 2011 /

LOI DE 2011 SUR L’ÉQUITÉ POUR TOUS

À L’ÉGARD DE LA TAXE SUR L’ESSENCE

REGISTERED HUMAN RESOURCES

PROFESSIONALS ACT, 2011 /

LOI DE 2011 SUR LES PROFESSIONNELS

EN RESSOURCES HUMAINES INSCRITS

PROTECTION OF CHILD CARE

CENTRES ACT (EXTENDED DAY

PROGRAMS), 2011 /

LOI DE 2011 SUR LA PROTECTION

DES SERVICES DE GARDE D’ENFANTS

(PROGRAMMES DE JOUR PROLONGÉ)

PETITIONS

RENEWABLE ENERGY

ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE

JOB RELOCATION

MALE BREAST CANCER

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

WIND TURBINES

TRANSFERT D’EMPLOIS

WIND TURBINES

DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES

RURAL SCHOOLS

CHILD CARE

ORDERS OF THE DAY

HEALTHY HOMES RENOVATION

TAX CREDIT ACT, 2011 /

LOI DE 2011 SUR LE CRÉDIT D’IMPÔT

POUR L’AMÉNAGEMENT DU LOGEMENT

AXÉ SUR LE BIEN-ÊTRE

The House met at 0900.

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

Prayers.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ACCEPTING SCHOOLS ACT, 2011 /

LOI DE 2011 POUR

DES ÉCOLES TOLÉRANTES

Ms. Broten moved second 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 Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Further debate?

Hon. Laurel C. Broten: I rise today to speak up and speak out on behalf of the more than two million students in our publicly funded education system.

Like you and I, each one of these students is unique. Despite these differences, we all deserve equal respect and acceptance for who we are.

As adults, as parents, as members of our communities and as a government, we have a responsibility: a responsibility to work together with other parents, students, teachers, school board staff and community agencies to make sure that our children are celebrated for their differences and not bullied because of them.

We all need to be committed to creating a positive school climate and an education system where everyone—and I mean everyone, Speaker—feels welcome and safe. Letting even one child suffer because of bullying is one too many.

The McGuinty government has always had an ambitious education achievement agenda and we have had great results because of this.

Le gouvernement McGuinty a toujours eu un programme ambitieux sur le plan de l’éducation, et nous avons remporté d’extraordinaires succès en conséquence.

We have taught our children the fundamentals of literacy and numeracy, and we have seen positive results in student achievement and a climbing graduation rate. But we now need to focus on teaching them about positive relationships.

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

Sadly, we also know about the devastating effects it can have on students’ well-being.

This is a personal mission for me, not just as the new Minister of Education, but as a mother of two boys who have just started grade 1. As a parent, I want to know that my children are safe and protected when they walk through their school doors each and every morning, and throughout the day.

As Minister of Education and as an Ontarian, I want to know that this is the case for all children in Ontario. Children spend many hours a day in the classroom, where the personal dynamics between children, their socio-economic differences, their racial and cultural differences are all tucked under one roof.

Les enfants passent beaucoup d’heures par jour dans une classe où leurs différences personnelles, leurs écarts socioéconomiques et leurs différences raciales et culturelles sont tous réunis sous le même toit.

How students learn to engage with their peers in school will largely determine how they engage with their colleagues in the workplace, their neighbours in the community and fellow citizens in a greater society.

C’est seulement en créant des écoles plus sécuritaires, plus tolérantes, que nous pouvons assurer à chaque élève la possibilité d’apprendre et de réaliser son plein potentiel.

Think about it for a moment, Speaker: How productive could you be at work if every day you were worried about being pushed around by your co-workers? Do you think you could concentrate during a meeting if you knew that at lunch you would be surrounded by bullies the moment you stepped outside? How can we expect our children to succeed in school if these are some of their concerns? Children cannot be expected to get good grades and participate in school activities if they’re in an environment where they feel insecure and intimidated.

Bullying requires attention from all of us because it remains such an underestimated and pervasive force in our schools. A 2009 study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health revealed that 29% of Ontario 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 also know that bullying is often a precursor to other violent behaviour. This is not acceptable in our schools or in our communities.

In terms of sexual harassment and gender-based violence in schools, girls were much more likely to report having received sexual comments, unwanted looks or touches, and having parts of their body commented on or rated. This is not acceptable.

In a survey of grade 9 and 11 students, researchers found that 27% of female students admitted being pressured to do something sexual against their will, and more than 29% of female students responded that they had been the victim of unwanted sexual contact. This is wrong and must end.

Harassment and aggression are also major issues for students confronted by homophobia. A 2011 national climate survey found that 64% of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer students, and 61% of students with LGBTQ parents, feel unsafe at school. These numbers speak volumes and are haunting. That’s nearly two thirds of the LGBTQ students suffering from homophobic bullying.

We all know too well the impact bullying and homophobia can have on students. In some cases, students feel like there is no way out other than to take their own lives. We must all take concrete action to create another path, one of hope, happiness, safety and acceptance for these students.

The numbers tell us part of the story, but it is the devastating personal stories that bring into focus the need for us to take immediate action. As a mother, my heart goes out to the families and friends and especially the parents who have lost a child. No one wants to know what it feels like to lose a child, a nephew, a grandchild, a cousin, a friend, especially at such a young age.

Speaker, we cannot stand by and let other students suffer like this. We can tell students that it will get better, but that’s not enough. We need to start making it better right now.

These stories, the numbers and the complexity of the issue tell us that we’re facing a significant challenge. Our province is wonderfully diverse, but we must combat racism in all its forms. Bullying faced by our First Nation, Métis and Inuit youth as a result of lack of acceptance and inclusion in our schools and communities must end, as must other forms of racism.

Speaker, as easy as it is to identify the stark consequences of bullying, the shape and nature of bullying are much harder to define. That’s because bullying is a complex social issue that often relates to the difficulties students face at home and outside of schools. It manifests itself in different ways, many of them devastating. Whether it be physical, verbal, social or Internet-based, we need to do more to ensure that each and every one of our students feels safe and welcome at school.

Que l’intimidation soit physique, verbale, sociale ou basée sur Internet, nous devons faire plus pour que chacun de nos élèves se sente en sécurité et bien accueilli à l’école.

And doing more about bullying means not only supporting those who are the victims, but also finding ways to reach out to those who are doing the bullying. Children who suffer prolonged victimization through bullying as well as children who use power and aggression as bullies may experience a range of psychosocial problems that may extend into adolescence and adulthood. Whether bullied or a bully, it is important to recognize the likelihood that there are kids on both sides of the equation who need our help.

Mr. Speaker, we believe in a strong education system and we believe that that strong education system prepares all young people to become positive, contributing and respectful citizens in our diverse society. A healthy, safe, inclusive learning environment is a necessary precondition for that and for our students to succeed in school so that they can go on to find meaningful work in the workplace.

The students in our schools today are people who will, in future, be treating our illnesses, growing our food, fixing our cars, teaching our children and creating our laws. We will trust them to get us from A to B safely by maintaining our roads and bridges and steering our public transit. We will look to them to keep our economy strong and competitive, come up with innovative ideas to protect our environment and keep us on the cutting edge of technological change. They are our future. Investing in our school system is an investment in our future: our personal futures and the future of the province.

Our government has an ambitious education agenda to build a strong education system that will help prepare students for the future.

Earlier this week, the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada—CMEC—released the results of the 2010 pan-Canadian assessment program. The results showed that Ontario students are ranked among the highest achievers in the country. Ontario students were the only group to perform above the Canadian average in all three areas of math, reading and science. In fact, Ontario students scored significantly higher than the Canadian average in all three subjects and were first when it came to reading. They were the only students to perform above the national average in that area.

Our full-day kindergarten program will continue to improve educational opportunities for our kids, giving them more chances to succeed. It will better prepare them for grade 1, and also later grades and beyond the classroom. We have lowered class sizes, put more resources into the classroom, invested in teacher learning and development and put in place innovative programs like the specialist high skills majors and dual credits. All of these programs are helping to increase student achievement and close the gap for students who are struggling. They are making us a world leader in education.

The most recent results from CMEC are just one example. Our students continue to perform well on international tests. I am proud of our students and the educators and staff in our schools. Je suis si fière de nos élèves, des éducatrices et éducateurs et du personnel dans nos écoles. They are clearly achieving great things. We want to see that continue.

Mr. Speaker, to achieve our education priorities, it is essential that all schools provide a safe, inclusive environment in which students can learn, grow and develop. La sécurité dans nos écoles est une condition de base de la réussite des élèves et du rendement scolaire.

It empowers the members of the school and broader community to contribute to eliminating these kinds of behaviours. A positive climate exists when all members of the school community feel safe, comfortable and accepted.

Mr. Speaker, we have always taken school safety seriously. Since 2004, we have supported safe school initiatives that create safe and inclusive school environments. We have funded bullying prevention training for teachers, principals and vice-principals so that they can better recognize and deal with bullying.

Our partnership with the Kids Help Phone helps ensure students who are bullied have someone to talk to, a partnership which we have recently renewed. And our support for Kids Help Phone has resulted in the hiring of more counsellors; the training of over 100 professional counsellors about bullying prevention; the development of a unique educational and informative bullying website; and increased bullying prevention and awareness among kids through school posters, TV spots and MSN Messenger.

By offering kids anonymous, free and confidential advice, Kids Help Phone provides a safe place for young people to go and discuss their problems. Students can contact Kids Help Phone by telephone or go online 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

When we first came into office, we brought together the safe schools action team, a team of safety and education experts, to look at bullying prevention and review the previous safe schools legislation. They based their recommendations on conversations and feedback they received from hundreds of people around the province, and using these recommendations, we introduced Bill 212.

Interjections.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Paul Miller): Members, there are too large sidebars over there. Could you take it outside, please? I’m having trouble hearing the speaker. Thank you.

Hon. Laurel C. Broten: Thank you, Speaker.

Using those recommendations, we introduced Bill 212. The bill amended the Education Act to add bullying as an infraction for which suspension must be considered, and replaced mandatory suspensions and expulsions for students, except in limited circumstances, with the requirement that principals and school boards consider mitigating and other factors before students are suspended or expelled.

This means that now, when making decisions, principals and boards must consider factors like the safety of other students; whether racial or other forms of harassment were involved; whether the behaviour was related to a disability; and the age of the student. This helps them determine the appropriate response to student behaviour.

Bill 212 also requires programs for students who have been suspended or expelled. Students who are on a long-term suspension or expulsion are now given additional supports to continue their learning and get them back on track. For example, this could include anger management or substance abuse counselling.

The legislation also requires that the boards’ procedures are transparent and timely so that parents are appropriately involved in suspension and expulsion processes.

Following that, we introduced the Keeping Our Kids Safe at School Act, the first legislation of its kind in Canada. Bill 157, as it is also known, means all school board employees are required to report incidents of bullying to the principal, and principals are also now required to contact the parents of the victim.

We also directed school staff who work directly with students to respond to and address inappropriate and disrespectful behaviour—

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Paul Miller): The member from Nepean–Carleton and the member from Etobicoke Centre, would you please take your discussion outside.

Hon. Laurel C. Broten: Speaker, we also directed school staff who work directly with students to respond to and address inappropriate and disrespectful behaviour, including bullying, when it is safe to do so.

Since 2004, our government has invested $285 million in safe schools initiatives that are helping make Ontario schools some of the safest in the world. As part of our safe schools strategy, we have put more resources into the system and we are helping boards fund more psychologists, social workers, child and youth workers, attendance counsellors and other non-teaching professionals.

We’ve been encouraging boards to build partnerships with community agencies like child and family services, again to help connect students and families with the support that they need.

In 2009, we introduced our equity and inclusive education strategy, following extensive consultation with representatives from public, Catholic and French-language school boards, the teachers’ federation and leadership associations. Student representatives and equity and inclusive education experts were also consulted. The Ontario Human Rights Commission provided input and continues to play a significant role in supporting the implementation of the strategy.

La stratégie aide les éducatrices et éducateurs de toute la province à mieux cerner et régler les préjugés et les obstacles systématiques au rendement et au bien-être des élèves.

The strategy is helping educators across the province to better identify and address discriminatory biases and systemic barriers to student achievement and well-being. These barriers may be related to gender, race, ethnic origin, religion, socio-economic background, physical or mental ability, sexual orientation and other factors.

It also recognized that several factors may intersect to create additional barriers for some students. We have received strong support for this strategy, and now, for the first time, every school board in Ontario has an equity and inclusive education policy.

We’re also working with boards and a diverse range of education and community stakeholders to provide training and resources to support the effective implementation of safe schools, and equity and inclusive education strategies.

We’ve created an online registry that provides information about programs and resources that schools can use to help prevent bullying and promote safe and inclusive schools, and to this day the registry continues to grow with new ideas and information to help schools get started.

Boards are also required to conduct a school climate survey of their students once every two years. They are encouraged to survey teachers, school staff and parents. The surveys must include questions on bullying and harassment related to homophobia, gender-based violence and sexual harassment.

To support this requirement, the ministry developed sample climate surveys, available on our website. These surveys have also been expanded to include questions about equity and inclusive education, to help schools better understand the thoughts and feelings of their students about their school’s safety and learning environment. The survey results help schools make planning decisions about how to prevent all forms of bullying and harassment and promote safe, accepting, inclusive schools.

Speaker, one program that I’m particularly proud of is the urban and priority high schools program. It supports 34 high-needs high schools in urban areas that face challenges such as poverty, criminal and gang activity, and a lack of community resources, to develop programs in partnership with their communities.

These schools are offering programs in five key areas: nutrition, such as breakfast and lunch programs; student leadership engagement, including grade 9 orientation camps and leadership training; lunchtime and after-school programming, such as intramural sports, music ensembles, special interest clubs and summer camps; staffing, which could include additional student success teachers, social workers, child and youth workers; and improving student achievement initiatives, such as helping all students afford the basics of school life, including class trips and transportation.

Schools are reaching out to students and their families, working to develop a safe and positive school climate where the school and engaged parents are critical to creating an environment where students can succeed.

Speaker, we also need to talk about what’s happening online, because that’s affecting our schools every day. Speaking with students, we developed a resource for kids to get them talking about online respect and responsibility. We need to tackle head-on the impact information and communications technology has on our schools and our communities. We want students, parents and school staff talking about how kids are using this technology and how we can ensure that cyber-communities are respectful and safe ones. That is why we provide guidance to teachers about how to engage students in these discussions in school.

We cannot ignore the bullying that takes place in these online forums and through different kinds of technology. It has a different nature: It can be posted anonymously, it can spread quickly, and it’s not always easy to take down or remove. Most importantly, Speaker, it allows the bully to follow you home or continue to attack you in the quiet of your room at night.

Everyone—government, educators, school staff, parents, students and the wider community—has a role to play in creating a positive school climate and preventing inappropriate behaviour such as bullying, sexual assault, gender-based violence and incidents based on homophobia.

To support parent engagement at school and at home, the ministry introduced its parent engagement policy and introduced an amended regulation 612 in 2010. We’ve developed a number of parent-focused resources to help provide parents with the resources they need.

One of the most popular is our bullying prevention pamphlet for parents. It tells parents what to watch for, what to do and where to go for help, and we have made it available in multiple languages. Whether their child is being bullied or has been bullying others, we want to make sure parents know where they can go for help.

Through our government’s grassroots Parents Reaching Out grant program, parents are developing local initiatives to foster and sustain safe, welcoming and respectful school climates.

In 2011-12, nearly 30% of the school council PRO grants have been awarded to support bullying prevention and safe schools initiatives, including bullying-related initiatives, Internet/cyber safety initiatives for parents and informing parents of safe schools policies and initiatives.

St. Jerome School in Kirkland Lake, for example, invited parents to attend an evening information session to teach parents how to recognize and prevent bullying. An expert spoke to them about bullying behaviour and the role that they, their children and staff play in creating a safe school.

École élémentaire catholique Sainte-Marguerite-Bourgeoys in Brantford invited parents and students to a play, Quand tu vois rouge, When You See Red, and it also took

part in a discussion that followed on how to prevent bullying.

W. Erskine Johnston Public School in Kanata used their grant to host a bullying awareness workshop and seminar where a guest speaker spoke to parents about cyberbullying, as well as the differences in how girls and boys bully.

These are just a few of the great parent-led projects which have taken place to address bullying and support a positive school climate. Preventing bullying and making our schools inclusive is something that we, as Ontario citizens, are working on together, and I want to thank everyone for their hard work.

Parents aren’t the only ones working on creative projects. Across Ontario, SpeakUp projects are helping students engage both academically and socially by leading projects that they design and implement with the support of their learning communities. During the 2010-11 school year, more than 255 SpeakUp projects from across Ontario focused on school safety and bullying prevention.

Great work was done at Rainy River High School in Thunder Bay, Redstone Public School in the Barrie region and Sacred Heart School in the Ottawa region, where speakers—one who survived a suicide attempt— were brought in to speak to the school about self-esteem. In another instance, they established a team of student recess leaders who could help create a positive and active schoolyard.

Another program was called Girl Power, and invited grade 7 and 8 girls to spend time together, strengthening their self-esteem and leadership skills so that they could improve their school culture. These are just a few of the great examples and projects that our students are working on.

Effective bullying prevention requires a comprehensive, sustainable and community-based approach, and that’s why I’m proud that we require a safe schools team in every school. These teams are comprised of members of the school community who work together as a team at the grassroots level to make their schools safer.

Last year, we introduced the Premier’s Safe School Awards to recognize the innovative work of safe schools teams, and a few weeks ago, during Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, I had the opportunity to meet with several of last year’s award winners.

One of the schools I visited was Eastdale Secondary School in Welland. There, they took a whole-school approach to address bullying by encouraging more students, parents, staff and community members to take

part in building a school where everyone could feel welcome.

The amazing thing about Eastdale is how positive the staff and students were about solving this complex problem. They know full well that there are no good guys and bad guys; today’s bully can be tomorrow’s bullied, and a bystander the day after that. But they don’t hesitate to say that this is a problem with a solution. Kindness and compassion are fundamental parts of our character, and empowering these qualities through education is key to reducing bullying. That’s what I saw at Eastdale Secondary School.

I also visited the award recipients at Saint Paul Catholic High School in Niagara Falls, and they told me about the positive changes that have come about thanks to their social climate committee. Whether it’s been through music classes, where students wrote and professionally recorded songs to promote safe schools, or administering social climate surveys to identify where improvements could be made, they worked hard to change the perception of bullying and to create a safe and inclusive environment.

Their efforts were so successful that other schools in the region have approached staff for advice on what they can do to get similar results. These are the kinds of collaborative efforts that really make a difference.

Last week I visited another school, Northern Secondary School, where students and staff are working together on programs and initiatives that celebrate the school’s diversity. Whether it’s by joining a gay-straight alliance or equity committee or becoming a peer mediator and mentor, they are showing others that Northern Secondary takes safe, equitable and inclusive schools seriously.

While we are proud of the steps we have taken and those that our schools have taken, we realize that more needs to be done. Students need our support, not just the victims but also the students who are doing the bullying. We must change behaviour and change the culture.

Mr. Speaker, for me to stand here and say that bullying can easily be eliminated would simply be unrealistic. The importance of bullying awareness and prevention requires more from us than empty promises and hollow rhetoric. That is why last week the McGuinty government introduced new legislation to help make our schools safer and more inclusive. We believe that all students, staff and community members should feel safe at school and deserve a positive school climate that is inclusive and accepting, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, family status, disability or other factors.

Students cannot be expected to reach their full potential in an environment where they feel insecure and intimidated. That’s why Ontario is so committed to making our schools safe, inclusive and healthy places where all students feel accepted. This is more than a “nice to have,” Mr. Speaker. It is a necessary condition for student success and well-being and for the future prosperity of our province.

As a result of the important steps that have already been taken, Ontario is recognized across jurisdictions as leading the way on safe schools. But there is more work to do to make our schools truly inclusive and safe from bullying, and that’s why Ontario is moving forward with a comprehensive action plan to get results on this issue. New legislation is the first step, but we have a real opportunity to make a difference on a very serious matter. It is our responsibility to show students, teachers, parents and the community that bullying, harassment and discrimination are not acceptable and will not be taken lightly.

Our proposed legislation, called the Accepting Schools Act, if passed, would help schools become safer and more welcoming. Our goal with Bill 13 is to change attitudes and behaviours, and to change them for good. Attitudes and behaviours influence our judgment and guide our actions. Without changing them, we will achieve nothing substantive or sustainable.

We have come a long way in making our schools some of the best in the world, but we cannot leave a single student behind, and I am asking those who have the privilege to serve in this Legislature today to join me in this important endeavour. As legislators, we’re in a unique position to make positive changes and to influence others. We must act for the sake of our children. We all need to demonstrate our commitment to acceptance, inclusion and student safety. We need to act to help ensure everyone feels welcome, safe, included and respected in our schools.

Students are hearing that it will get better. This legislation is part of how Ontario is going to start making it get better right now. It’s just one part of a comprehensive action plan that I believe will make a meaningful difference on the ground for students in all of our schools.

The Accepting Schools Act, if passed, would introduce tougher consequences for bullying and hate-motivated actions. If passed, the proposed legislation would provide clear expectations and increased accountability for school boards and bullies, including making expulsion a possible consequence for bullying.

Il exigerait que toutes les écoles soutiennent les élèves qui souhaitent mener des activités qui font la promotion de l’équité entre les sexes, de l’antiracisme, de la compréhension des personnes handicapées et des personnes de toutes les orientations et identités sexuelles, et du respect envers celles-ci, y compris des groupes portant le nom d’alliance gai-hétéro ou un autre nom.

It would require all schools to support students who want to lead activities that promote gender equity, anti-racism, understanding and respect for people with disabilities and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, including groups with the name Gay-Straight Alliance or another name. We know that these kinds of activities help students find support, and send a clear message about inclusion and respect.

If passed, the legislation would legally require boards to have policies on bullying prevention and early intervention, progressive discipline, and equity in inclusive education. It would add a definition of “bullying” to the Education Act so that everyone could clearly understand and recognize it. It would designate the third week of every November as Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, to encourage and support existing activities in boards and within communities to make clear that bullying must end.

Boards would be required to report on progress against goals for establishing a positive learning climate for all students, which would create greater transparency and accountability. The act would also require organizations using school property to follow standards consistent with the provincial code of conduct. The provincial code of conduct sets clear standards of behaviour for individual school boards to follow.

It includes fundamental beliefs, like: Everyone has a responsibility to promote a safe environment; all members of the school community are to be treated with respect and dignity; everyone has a responsibility to resolve conflicts in a way that is civil and respectful; everyone is expected to resolve conflict without using violence.

These changes to the legislation would be a part of our commitment to make sure we’re taking a whole-community approach to making our schools more inclusive. If passed, this proposed legislation would help create schools in Ontario that are safe, inclusive and accepting of all students.

However, we know it’s not enough to propose a new law, and that’s why, as I said, this legislation is one part of a comprehensive action plan to address bullying in our schools. The other steps recognize that we all have a role to play in making our schools safer, and that schools and school boards alone are not responsible for addressing these complex societal issues.

The other steps will build on Ontario’s comprehensive efforts since we began our mandate in 2003 to prevent bullying and create a positive school climate. We will focus on integrating mental health supports in schools as part of Ontario’s 10-year mental health and addictions strategy, and our focus on children’s mental health over the next three years; and continue support for Kids Help Phone.

The growing need to support kids with mental health challenges is clear. Mental health issues aren’t identified early enough, and when they are, wait-lists for services are too long. We’re seeing far too many children and youth suffering in silence and families reaching out for resources, help and comfort. If we’re going to talk seriously about leaving no one behind and supporting student achievement, then we need to do better when it comes to mental health and addictions. We will build on the work that we started in that regard over the last year.

As part of the plan, we will also create an Accepting Schools expert panel, to provide advice about resources that focus on the whole-school approach, including prevention and early intervention. We will also direct Ontario’s curriculum council to report back next year on strengthening equity and inclusive education principles and bullying prevention strategies across the curriculum and suggesting ways to support this learning in Ontario schools.

As part of our action plan, we will also look at launching a public awareness campaign, which will stress that all Ontarians have a role in preventing and ending bullying. I am pleased to tell you, Mr. Speaker, that we’re not alone in thinking this way. We have heard many words of support from our partners on this plan. They recognize that we have more to do and that we need to work together, stand up together and say together that bullying is not acceptable in our schools.

Francine LeBlanc-Lebel, president of the Ontario Teachers’ Federation told us, “The Ontario Teachers’ Federation is strongly committed to bullying prevention and to ensuring that every student in Ontario has a safe environment in which to learn and develop. We are pleased that the Ontario government is moving forward in promoting the safe schools agenda through the Accepting Schools Act.”

Hirad Zafari, public vice-president of the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association-l’Association des élèves conseillers et conseillères de l’Ontario, said, “We are pleased that the government has recognized and is addressing the severity of all forms of bullying within our schools. By promoting a safe and inclusive school environment, we are taking an important step in ensuring student success. We are glad the education community is taking real action to make a difference in Ontario.”

Gordon Floyd, president and CEO of Children’s Mental Health Ontario, said, “Whether it is based on gender, race, sexual orientation or disability, bullying can have a tremendously negative impact on a child’s mental health. By addressing bullying in our schools we can prevent mental health issues in the long term.”

Mr. Speaker, these are just a sample of the words we have heard from our partners.

There is clear interest across the province in taking a comprehensive, whole-community approach to this very serious issue. It’s clear that we all have a role to play in standing up against bullying. We can no longer stand by and tell our children that bullying is just a part of growing up. We need to become empowered members of the school and broader community and eliminate these kinds of behaviours. We’re committed to an education system where all students, parents, school staff and members of the school community are welcomed, respected and inspired to succeed.

I think we can agree that Ontario’s children are our most precious resource. I think we can also agree that they cannot concentrate on learning if they’re worried about being bullied or do not feel safe and included at school. Our schools must support inclusive, safe and healthy learning environments where all students feel accepted.

Mr. Speaker, I want to stress again that everyone—government, educators, school staff, parents, students and the wider community—has a role to play, and we have an opportunity now. We have done some great work, but we need to do more. Bullying, sexual assault, gender-based violence and incidents based on homophobia are not acceptable in our schools. What are we teaching our children if we do not stand up now?

I want to stress that everyone here can make a difference. I’m sure most of you have heard the familiar story of the Pink Shirt Day. A young boy was being bullied at school for wearing pink. Instead of being bystanders, other students took a stand. They bought and distributed pink shirts for their schoolmates to show their support for the bullied student. What a strong message to send.

That’s the power of a simple action and simple words. I know it’s not always easy for bystanders to stand up to bullies, but these students have shown us what a difference it can make. There are incredible things happening in our schools and classrooms, on playgrounds and sports fields across the province.

Il y a de merveilleuses choses qui se produisent dans nos écoles et salles de classe, sur les terrains de jeu et de sport dans toute la province.

I am proud of the work our teachers, parents, students, staff and community agencies are doing.

Je suis si fière de ce que font nos enseignantes et enseignants, les parents, les élèves, le personnel scolaire et les organismes communautaires.

But if there is even one student feeling threatened, afraid, unwelcome or unaccepted, our work is not done.

S’il y a un seul élève qui se sent menacé, qui a peur, qui ne se sent pas bien accueilli ou accepté, notre travail n’est pas achevé.

No one said doing the right thing is the easy thing, but a concerted effort is required by all of our partners to make safe and caring schools a reality for every student in Ontario.

Building a positive school climate requires a systemic focus on developing healthy and respectful relationships throughout the whole school community, among and between students and adults. Doing this work requires a sustained, long-term commitment to changing a school’s culture.

We have two million unique students in our publicly funded education system, and that means we have two million unique reasons for taking action and taking action now. This will take a sustained effort every day and every minute of the school year.

Our young people need to know that it’s not okay for them to be abused, threatened or bullied. They need to know that, as adults, we will speak out; we will stand up for them. We will work as hard as we can to get them the supports that they need.

We are role models for the children in our lives, and they look to us, as adults, as teachers, as parents, as community leaders. They’re watching what we say and what we do, and they’ll learn from our actions. I want my two boys to know, today and every day, that I love them for who they are, and I want to teach them to stand up for who they are, to be treated with respect and to treat those around them with respect.

I want all students in our schools to know that they are welcome and supported. It’s not okay for them to be bullied. It’s not okay for them to feel unsafe at school. I want them to know that there are adults that they can go to and peers that they can look to for support.

Small actions may not seem like much at the time, but these are teachable moments. We are building a brighter Ontario. Our actions speak volumes, but so do our words. Mr. Speaker, I reminded the House last week, when I introduced this legislation, about the power of words. The power of words to create fear, pain, spread hatred, homophobia, sexism and racism is obvious, and that is what we are all working so hard to combat.

But I think it’s so important that we remember the power of positive words: “I love you”; “I believe in you”; “I’m proud of you”; “You can do it.” Each and every one of us has what we need to make a difference in our schools, in our communities and in our province.

It’s been so important, to me and to our government and to our partners on this important initiative, the broad range of support that these initiatives have received, and I think it’s important to acknowledge in this Legislature those groups who have stepped forward to be part of those who are working hard to ensure that we will develop and build a community of safety, a climate of acceptance in our schools. I want to read and share with the Legislature some of that support.

This is from Helen Kennedy of Egale Canada: “We need to ensure lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered students are provided with the support they need to succeed. By mandating in law that schools provide these students with a peer support group, GSA or other similar group, if requested, the province is taking a huge step forward and making a real difference for vulnerable students.”

This is from Jeremy Dias, who started Jer’s Vision and who I will have the privilege to join at an event later tonight: “Students need a peer support group to deal with bullying based on homophobia, transphobia and discrimination of all kinds. By working with boards to provide a Rainbow Alliance, GSA or other similar group, the province is ensuring students will get the support they need.”

This is from a youth advisory committee member to Jer’s Vision: “As lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and queer students in schools in Ontario, we sometimes face challenges from our schools and community to run initiatives that make our places of learning safer. This new initiative will make it easier for us to learn in a safe and respectful environment.”

And, Mr. Speaker, we received support from Nancy Kirby, the president of the Ontario Catholic Schools Trustees’ Association, and this is what she had to say: “Ontario’s Catholic school boards have a history of nurturing school environments that are caring and respectful places, where students are taught to embrace and respect the uniqueness and diversity of all people regardless of race, disabilities, gender or sexual orientation. We therefore welcome this legislation and its emphasis on strengthening bullying prevention and supports for all students affected by and concerned about bullying.”

This is what Catherine Fife, the president of the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association, had to say: “Ontario schools are respected around the world. We are on a positive path to inclusive, caring learning environments where the rich diversity of our students can thrive. We must maintain our focus on keeping our schools safe and free from bullying. This requires effective resources and the concerted efforts of the province, school boards, staff, parents and students—the entire community.”

Benoit Mercier, président, Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens, had this to say: “Our members are committed to eliminating bullying inside and outside of our schools. The government’s efforts will allow the school community to respond quickly and effectively to any acts of bullying.”

Ken Coran, the president of OSSTF, added this: “Ontario’s education workers are on the front line of bullying. They know the impact it has on students and need the tools to act. This legislation gives educators the flexibility they need to stop bullying before it begins.”

Serge Demers, the chair of the Ontario Association of Deans of Education, added his support, and he said, “Research evidence in Canada, and around the world, shows that when young people feel their schools are safe, welcoming and inclusive, they are more likely to succeed academically. Ontario’s faculties of education support all measures that promote the well-being and success of students.”

Speaker, I mentioned the other day that we were joined in the Legislature by Mary Gordon, the founder and president of Roots of Empathy. As many in this House will know, Roots of Empathy is a program where students are taught to be empathetic. A young baby is brought into their classroom and they learn to experience the emotion of an attachment and an understanding of caring for someone who can’t necessarily respond to you in verbal communication. It’s a program that has been recognized around the world.

This is what Mary Gordon had to say about the work that we’re undertaking here in Ontario right now: “I wish to commend the Premier on his comprehensive approach to the pervasive challenge of bullying. The new legislation is sweeping in its engagement of all players and provision of consequences. This legislation builds on the underlay of evidence-based bullying prevention programs such as Roots of Empathy and gives direction and definition for administrators, teachers, social workers, guidance counsellors, parents and students. Not only will students be supported by informed and empowered adults, they will be part of the solution.”

Speaker, I talked earlier in my remarks about what young girls face in our schools and the unfortunate harassment that takes place. I’ve had a chance over the years to work with Clare Freeman. She is the former chair of the Domestic Violence Advisory Council. Clare had this to say: “Reducing a youth’s vulnerability through inclusive practices, especially in the area of gender identity and sexual orientation, is key to reducing bullying inside and outside the classroom. I am delighted that the government is taking strong action that will directly benefit and protect these students.”

Earlier in my remarks, I had an opportunity to talk about the fact that racism must end and that many of our students in many of our schools have come to Ontario from all around the world, and that’s really what makes our province such an amazing and wonderful place. But it also makes it incumbent on all of us to be vigilant and to put an end to racism, and we need to do that work every single day in our schools.

Kirk Mark, the president of the Canadian Alliance of Black Educators, had this to say: “The Canadian Alliance of Black Educators applauds the government of Ontario’s Ministry of Education for its tenacity of purpose by providing guidelines and supports to boards of education, as part of its continuing progress in safe and inclusive schools, in order to enhance student success and parental engagement.”

Speaker, I also want to highlight the important work being done in elementary schools across the province. I’ve had a chance over the past months to attend many elementary schools and see first-hand the amazing work that they are doing, creating a climate of acceptance and intervening and teaching the students in their schools about how to interact in a positive way with one another.

Some of the schools have developed programs that are much like the United Nations of the school. The students have a role and a responsibility to engage in helping fellow students in the schoolyard and in the hallway engage in a positive way. They do some of that peacekeeping work, and it’s important work that’s done.

Sam Hammond, the president of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario, had this to say about the work that we are now all doing together: “Ontario’s elementary teachers welcome the plan to directly address bullying of all kinds, especially bullying related to gender identity. The commitment to provide teachers with the necessary training and resources related to early intervention will have a positive impact at the school level.”

I think what Sam has to say is really important, because as I said in my remarks, teachers and schools are doing amazing work across the province, but what many teachers tell us is that they’re looking for more support to understand how to interact with a student at that teachable moment, how to change behaviour and teach students about positive relationships.

We’ve done a lot of work with respect to the three Rs—reading, writing and arithmetic—in this province, and we’re very, very proud of the success that our students are making. We know that now we have to continue our important work with respect to the fourth R, that of relationships. Teaching our students to interact with each other in a positive way, being patient, teaching patience, teaching empathy, teaching compassion, teaching respect and understanding in our schools and in our hallways will, no doubt in my mind, have a positive influence on our communities at large.

As I reach the conclusion of my remarks, Speaker, I want to highlight the important role that all of us, beyond those in this Legislature, can play on this important initiative. And I want to highlight the level of interest that exists in tackling this important issue.

You only needed to pick up any newspaper or watch any TV station over the last number of weeks to see first-hand the desire in the broad community to have an important conversation about how we tackle bullying. We have had so many victims and perpetrators come forward with their stories, anonymously and otherwise, whether in print or in the broader media. We’ve had families come forward and talk about the signs that perhaps they saw and missed, the moments where they didn’t intervene. It’s a big teachable moment for all of us to learn and understand the impact of bullying.

The stories are too broad-ranging and too many to mention all of them, but I want to highlight one of them. For those of you that have an opportunity to see the articles that have been written by Catherine Porter where she talked about having lunch with her bully, it was a powerful example of how we can see an interaction between a moment in time and how it would impact you for many years to come.

Catherine Porter in her

article talks about having been in school and an incident of bullying that, frankly, seared in her mind and remained with her for decades upon time. Much later in life—very recently—she had an opportunity to interact with one of the young girls, now an adult, a successful adult, a mother. Catherine talks about how she remembered vividly every detail of that moment, it affected her so negatively.

For the young woman who had been on the other side of the equation, she remembered it a little bit. She talked about how it was only conduct in passing that she had done that, and she was really very sorry and apologized for it. If you haven’t had a chance to read that article, you should. What that

article did was prompt many, many Ontarians to write about their past interaction, how they felt, and I think it reminds us, Speaker, that although every day—and unfortunately, it is all too often we read stories in the newspaper or see on the nightly news tragic, tragic circumstances that result from bullying, where, unfortunately, young people have seen no other way out but to take their life.

What we now are having an important conversation about is how for so many Ontario students the impact—Catherine Porter is a successful individual, a newspaper writer, a mother herself, but it affected her in a very negative way. I think if we all think about our lives, we can think about those moments that we remember where we were severely negatively impacted by someone’s behaviour—a moment, an incident. We know that takes a little bit of the lift out from beneath our wings; I guess in some respects you can say it in that way.

If we’re trying to build up our students, our children to ensure that they are successful adults who can achieve great things, we don’t want to tie weights around their ankles. We want them to be able to accomplish everything that we dream of for them.

I think it’s so important, as we go on this journey here in this Legislature, as we have conversations across the broader province, that we do two things: that we say no to the bullying, say no to the words that create that fear and pain, that spread hatred, that we absolutely say it is not acceptable and it must end and it will end. We will take every step to each take our personal responsibility to make sure that happens. We need to work hard to combat that.

I think it’s also incumbent upon each of us, Speaker, to recognize that we have a role to play every single day in using positive words, in saying things and reminding others about what they have to offer the broader community; in looking, perhaps, in our classroom, in our hallway or in our workplace, to look to the person who might be a little bit less engaged in the group, bring them into that group and tell them that you want them to be there, that you believe in them, that you’re proud of them and that they can accomplish great things.

If we do that, Speaker, and we work as a collective, as a community in Ontario—we have built such an amazing place here in Ontario in which to live. We have a wonderful school system where our students are achieving great things. We are leading around the world and we have brought people from all around the world to be here.

Now, we can continue to build upon that, to make sure that every single school in Ontario on every single day when that school door is open is a safe and accepting school, and that it is a safe and accepting school for every single student who walks through that door, no matter their personal characteristics. Then we can take what we will create in our schools into our broader community, into our locker rooms, into our community centres and into our communities as a whole. And then, when we’ve done that work, we will have all accomplished something that we can be very, very proud of.

I look for the support of this Legislature to see Bill 13 passed, to see the Accepting Schools Act come into place. I know that we will see great things transpire if we, in this Legislature, take the important step and move this initiative forward. Thank you very much, Speaker, for the opportunity to speak to this.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Paul Miller): Questions and comments?

Ms. Lisa MacLeod: Mr. Speaker, it’s always a pleasure to rise on debate in this chamber about something that’s near and dear to my heart and so many others. Anti-bullying has certainly received a lot of attention as a result of some tragedies that have happened across our province and, of course, throughout Canada, with young people taking their own lives because of bullying and other factors, like mental health.

I’m pleased, in the city of Ottawa, that we have a number of groups that are really trying to reach out to young people and let them know that it does get better. The first group I want to mention is No More Bullies. It’s—

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Paul Miller): The clock is not running. Thank you.

Ms. Lisa MacLeod: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

One of the groups that I want to mention and commend is a group called No More Bullies. It is run by Stu Schwartz, Stuntman Stu—he’s listening right now—and he’s on Majic 100. His entire group goes to schools to tell kids it gets better and that they shouldn’t be bullied. He works with Angie Poirier and a number of other colleagues throughout the radio station network in the Market Media Mall in Ottawa. I’ve come to know a little bit more about them.

They’ve asked so many local community celebrities, whether they’re politicians or hockey players or other media personalities, to simply write on their hand, “No more bullies,” post a picture on Facebook or Twitter and share that so kids know that it really does get better when you get out of school.

Another group that works in the city of Ottawa is called the Bengals football club, run by Dennis Prouse. Their slogan is don’t be a bully, be a Bengal. They actually reach out to kids who are bullies in the school system and they try and arrange for them to become football players so that they’re actually channelling their energy into something positive for our community. I think that Stuntman Stu and Dennis Prouse need to be commended for being so innovative.

I’ve also met with some other great community organizations not from the city of Ottawa. In fact, yesterday I met with the York Region Anti-Bullying Coalition as well as the London Anti-Bullying Coalition, and they’re doing remarkable things. They’re actually creating something that we need to happen in Ontario. They’re creating a mechanism whereby we’re actually tracking these instances so that we can build safer communities, particularly safer school communities.

There are a lot of great grassroots organizations out there, Mr. Speaker, whether they’re No More Bullies or whether they are Bengals against bullying—

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Paul Miller): Thank you. Questions and comments?

Mr. Michael Prue: I listened intently for the full hour as the minister spoke. I want to commend her on her speech, not only for the length of it—because I think it was an important topic that needed to be discussed—but also because she wove through it the problems that we all know exist and many of the solutions, the people who talk about it, the people who need to be heard, particularly our young people, our teachers and those in the education system.

I want to commend her for bringing forward and introducing this bill into the Legislature. It’s certainly an idea whose time has come. One need only read the newspapers, watch television programs to see the innovation, as my colleague from Nepean–Carleton had to say, that’s taking place out there, that parents, teachers and children are all receptive to this idea in a way that we would not have thought possible just a few years ago.

The only disappointing thing I can say is that with the climate that exists there and with the goodwill that is almost universal in this province, we need to do everything possible and not shy away. We should not be afraid of those who don’t want to use the words Gay-Straight Alliance. We should be championing that and we should be telling the naysayers that this is what we expect and that these are the words that have to be used.

I also think the minister and the government should take to heart many of the excellent recommendations that were made by the member from Kitchener–Waterloo. I did not hear that in the speech. But I think that if we are to truly do justice to this issue, if we are truly to help those who need the help, our young people, then we have to take those ideas from the member of Kitchener–Waterloo, and we have to be bold enough to tell those who are afraid of the words Gay-Straight Alliance that they will be used in our schools.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Paul Miller): Questions and comments?

Mrs. Donna H. Cansfield: I, too, would like to make the same comments that my colleague from Beaches–York has made, commending the minister on taking the time to actually address all of the issues but not shying away from the things that we need to address.

I would also like to commend the member from Nepean–Carleton for yesterday, for standing up so vigorously in defence of her position and ensuring that people know where she stands. I think it was commendable.

I would also like to say to the member from Kitchener–Waterloo that it’s by working together with the two bills that we’ll be able, together, all of us in this House, to find a way to stop this kind of discrimination against our children and our young people—for everyone, for that matter.

It’s absolutely a non-partisan issue in many respects because it is something that’s insidious in our society. I remember for many years when people used to say, “Well, boys will be boys and girls will be girls.” I’m sorry; that’s past. You cannot tolerate that kind of behaviour, no matter where it comes from.

So to stand up and make sure your voice is heard is commendable. We need to accept and respect that from every member in this House. That’s particularly important. But also, we need to know that we don’t have ownership of this. It belongs not to Liberals, not to Conservatives and not to the NDP. It belongs to each and every one of us.

As I said yesterday, we have a responsibility and an obligation to be respectful and to ensure that the young people who go to our schools feel safe, feel welcomed and know that they are not going to be discriminated against because of their religion, their race, their colour or their sexual orientation. That’s our responsibility by working together, and I believe people of goodwill can do that. I think that was proven very much so by a very public stand from everybody in this House yesterday. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Paul Miller): Thank you. Questions and comments?

Mrs. Elizabeth Witmer: Mr. Speaker, I’ve certainly been encouraged by the comments that have been made by the three people in response to the presentation this morning.

I was very encouraged in February 2010 when I introduced, on behalf of people in the province of Ontario—and I stress that it was them coming to me and telling me we had a serious situation that needed to be addressed—the private member’s bill, which is now going to be part of this bill, that focused on declaring the third week in November as Bullying Prevention and Awareness Week.

At that time, I was really encouraged because the then Minister of Education, Leona Dombrowsky, and the Premier, the Liberal caucus and the NDP caucus all recognized that this was a non-partisan issue. Nobody has a monopoly on this issue. We’ve all been approached by individuals who have been bullied, families who have suffered, and teachers and community members who are passionate about this issue. My colleague from Nepean–Carleton indicated how many great groups are out there working hard to address this issue.

So I hope that as we move forward, we will not look at this as an issue that is owned by any one party, any one person. We all need to do what is appropriate. We need to pass the legislation as quickly as we can, but we also need to make sure that in doing so, we listen to the amendments and suggestions to strengthen this bill.

I think we need to keep in mind as well that this is not a political issue. And I want to just read what was posted on the CTV Ottawa website by a young man called Ryan in response to what happened here yesterday. He says:

“This is not a gender issue. This is not a sexuality issue….

“Bullying is not a political issue.

“When I walk to school every day terrified to make that last step inside the building … I am thinking, ‘Is today the day I finally leave this horrible world?’ and ‘I hate myself so much....’”

He just tells us to move forward and get the job done together.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Paul Miller): The Minister of Education has two minutes to reply.

Hon. Laurel C. Broten: I want to thank the members from Nepean–Carleton, Beaches–East York, Etobicoke Centre and Kitchener–Waterloo for joining in the debate this morning.

Today was the first day of debate on the second reading of this important piece of legislation, and it is a bit perhaps out of the ordinary to take a full hour to talk about the contents and the journey that we’ve taken as a province. But I did so because it’s an important journey, a journey that all of us in Ontario have taken and a journey that all of us will need to continue to take together.

I want to reiterate in this House and say that we look very much to the advice that we will get from those in this Legislature and around the province. It is our commitment to make this piece of legislation and the comprehensive action plan that surrounds it the strongest plan that we can, to take the advice and to move forward. We do not own this issue exclusively in this chamber, but we have a large responsibility and a significant responsibility to take.

I met even yesterday with a group of parents who wanted to talk about some of the advice that had been received in the member from Kitchener–Waterloo’s private member’s bill and how they had a sense of the importance of some of the initiatives that were placed in that. I’ve said repeatedly, inside and outside of this chamber, Speaker, that we’ll look to all of the advice. We look to the advice from the MPP for Kitchener–Waterloo. We look to the advice of the many colleagues in this chamber who have served as trustees, who have served as teachers, who are parents, who are active community members.

We call upon Ontarians to work with us to develop this strategy, to work with us to make sure that this piece of legislation is the best it can be, and most importantly, to work with us to change the culture and create a positive and accepting climate in every single school in Ontario and in every single community in Ontario. This involves all of us. It’s a lot of work. Let’s get to work.

Second reading debate deemed adjourned.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Paul Miller): This House is now recessed until 10:30 this morning.

The House recessed from 1013 to 1030.

INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS

Mr. Tim Hudak: I want to welcome to Queen’s Park today Ottawa City Councillor Allan Hubley and his wife, Wendy Hubley.

Speaker, as members here know, Allan and Wendy are dealing with a tragedy the depth of which none of us, as parents, could ever contemplate. Their 15-year-old son Jamie tragically ended his life, struggling with depression in the face of bullying in his school.

Allan and Wendy are here today showing tremendous courage, meeting with MPPs of all parties. I know that Lisa MacLeod, Jack MacLaren and myself look forward to our meeting later today about anti-bullying and what we can do in Jamie’s memory. I ask members of the chamber to give a warm welcome to Allan and Wendy, and salute their incredible courage.

L’hon. Madeleine Meilleur: Monsieur le Président, ça me fait plaisir de présenter aujourd’hui M me Nicole Thibault, qui est la mère de Danica Davies, la page qui va être la capitaine aujourd’hui. Alors, je voudrais lui souhaiter, à Nicole, la bienvenue ici.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I’d like to welcome all of Sebastian Gayowsky’s family to Queen’s Park—Sebastian is our page from Don Valley West: Ted Gayowsky, his dad; Susan Karnay, his mom; Anna and Christopher Gayowsky, his sister and brother; and Mary Karnay, his grandma from Oshawa. Welcome.

Mr. Monte McNaughton: I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce two people that are visiting me today: my mom, Susan McNaughton; and a former riding member from Lambton–Kent–Middlesex, Jack Biernaski.

Hon. Rick Bartolucci: I’m very pleased to introduce two very special people who are in the gallery today: Diana Alpeza and her father, Ivan Barbarich, who are here to watch the proceedings. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Hon. Michael Gravelle: I want to welcome to the House a good friend of many members of the Legislature and mayor of the city of Thunder Bay from 2003 to 2010, Lynn Peterson. Welcome, Lynn.

Mrs. Teresa Piruzza: I’d like to welcome André Capaldi to Queen’s Park today. André is the president of the University of Windsor Students’ Alliance and has been here in Toronto on behalf of his role on the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance. Welcome, André.

Mr. Reza Moridi: Speaker, it’s my pleasure to welcome my friends from Richmond Hill visiting Queen’s Park: Steve Lynett, Carol Lundy and Paul Lundy. Please join me in welcoming them.

Hon. Deborah Matthews: I’m very pleased to welcome Jade Goulet to the House today. Jade is the girlfriend of a very important member of my team, Colin Le Favre.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): I guess I didn’t steal anyone’s thunder, but that well-known Canadian, a person that has brought great credit to our community and really loves to take a good, hard shot at politicians, Rick Mercer, is here in our gallery today. And I will tell you that it’s not beyond the Speaker to take advantage of his ability to see what happens in question period. But anyway, thank you.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Well, he will be kind to me; I know that.

SPECIAL REPORT,

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSIONER

OF ONTARIO

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): I beg to inform the House that I have laid upon the table the 2010 annual energy conservation progress report, volume 2, from the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, entitled Managing a Complex Energy System—Results.

WAYNE BUTT

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): I also beg the indulgence of the House to inform the members on a matter respecting House staff. Most of us have known Wayne Butt. Our access coordinator for many years indeed, Wayne has ever been present at the door, stage-managing this chamber since 1990. His eagle eyes, his hardy snap of the finger—which is probably the loudest in Ontario—and his infamous BlackBerry radar have become so much a part of this place that it’s hard to imagine that it could be done without him.

However, there is something we are about to find out: Wayne has decided that it is time to retire and to take such good leisure time upon himself. As such, this will be, in all likelihood, his last week in this House.

I am told that it was nothing we said as members and nothing that we did, although sometimes you’d better check the ring of your phone because it’s very loud. Wayne is just ready to explore a new phase in his life.

While he will no doubt be ably replaced by Bruno, who has got the order down but is still working on the finger snap and who many of you have met over the last few weeks, this House will very much miss Wayne and his very iconic finger snap. Just before you do go, we want to hear one.

Please join me in expressing our gratitude to Wayne for his service to the people of Ontario.

Applause.

Mr. Gilles Bisson: Hey Dalton, he’s got a pension. See what could happen if we had one?

Laughter.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): I haven’t called you to order yet.

Just for old times sake, Wayne, could you grace us with a couple?

Applause.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Just before we go on, one last comment: Wayne has told me that Bruno is getting lessons on his secret of how to get it that loud. We look forward to Bruno’s improvement.

It is now time for oral questions.

ORAL QUESTIONS

GOVERNMENT’S RECORD

Mr. Tim Hudak: My question to the Premier: Can you inform the members of the assembly when you first received the first draft of the 2011 auditor’s report?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for his question and, I think more importantly, I want to thank the auditor for his good work.

The auditor, as you know, sir, comments on the workings of our government on a regular basis. We always welcome those reports. We always carefully review the advice offered therein, and we always go to great lengths in order to adopt the recommendations put forward. I want to say that we received this particular report with that same sentiment, Speaker, and we look forward to moving on many of those recommendations.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Tim Hudak: I don’t think, with respect to the Premier, I received an answer on when precisely he received the report, and I think I know why. Premier, you would have received this report months ago, as would your cabinet ministers. That’s the way things work. Some ministries then respond and it’s included in the report.

So I ask you, given that you clearly had a draft of the auditor’s report months ago, why were you saying things that the Auditor General had actually debunked in his report that was sitting on your ministers’ desks? By way of example, you had claimed many times—you and your members—that the Auditor General had signed off on the way you handled the debt retirement charge on the hydro bills, but that is not in keeping with the facts.

Premier, why did you say things that you knew were not in keeping with the facts?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: I’ll try to get to the nub of it, Speaker. We have a different perspective. We do not have a common view with respect to some of the values that we attach to some of the initiatives that we are pursuing.

For example, our clean energy plan is more than just an economic plan; it’s a statement of our values. Through that plan, we are saying we value clean air, we value the health and well-being of our families, we value the tens of thousands of jobs that that plan is creating and we value the fact that together we’re laying a foundation for future prosperity for our children and grandchildren so they can work in the renewable energy sector.

So again, I say to my honourable colleague and I recommend to him that he look beyond the economics—they’re important—and look at the values that inform our policy too.

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

Mr. Tim Hudak: Speaker, this is about the honesty of the Premier of the province of Ontario. This is about whether people can actually trust what the Premier says when he had this report months ago that debunked many of his claims he made during the election campaign day after day and since.

By way of example, on page 124 of the Auditor General’s report that the Premier had months ago, the Auditor General indicates that $8.7 billion has been collected in debt retirement charge revenue, when the Minister of Energy said, when it was announced, that it was a $7.8-billion residual stranded debt.

Day after day, time and time again, Premier, you and your ministers said the auditor signed off on your numbers. He in fact did not. So, Premier, why did you tell the people of Ontario over and over again something that you knew was not true?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: Speaker, again, we have a parting of ways when it comes to the values that we attach to our green energy plan that extend beyond the pure economics. On the matter of the economics themselves, though, Speaker, our plan is very strong. We’re talking about 50,000 new jobs. We’re talking about 30 business investments. We’re talking about $26 billion of private money being invested in our province. That’s what we’re talking about there.

But beyond that, we are saying we value clean air for all our families, we value the health and well-being of our families and we value the creation of new jobs, including those that I celebrated yesterday in Windsor at CS Wind. We also value the fact that we are doing everything we can to lay a foundation for prosperity for our children and grandchildren so they will not be working in fossil fuels but, rather, renewable technologies.

GOVERNMENT’S RECORD

Mr. Tim Hudak: Back to the Premier: The value we’re talking about here is telling the truth. We’re talking about the facts. We’re talking about transparency. You, Premier, now three times refused to tell me when you received the Auditor General’s report. You had it months ago, yet you said things over and over again through the campaign and since that you knew were not in keeping with the facts. So maybe you have a parting of the ways on values; the value is the truth, and we expect the Premier to actually occasionally be honest with the people of the province of Ontario.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Tightrope walk towards the impugning of telling the truth, so I would ask you to be very cautious. Next time, I’ll call you out of order.

Mr. Tim Hudak: Thank you, Speaker.

I’ll move on to point number 2 on this argument. You sent out a press release on November 10, claiming that you made $1.8 billion in exports from electricity, but on page 112, the Auditor General says the complete opposite: that you actually paid New York and Quebec $1.8 billion to take our power. Why the difference in what you said and what you knew was the truth?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: Speaker, I think my honourable colleague in fact understands that he is comparing apples to oranges. But, again, it comes down to a fundamental difference in terms of values. The least expensive thing that we can do in Ontario to ensure that we have an adequate supply of electricity is to import coal from other jurisdictions, shovel that into a furnace and turn a blind eye to the consequences that has on our environment and the health and well-being of our families. That’s the least expensive thing that we can do to produce electricity in Ontario.

We’re making a different choice. There is a cost associated with that; we accept that. That’s why we put in place a clean energy benefit that is reducing the cost on all of our hydro bills by 10%, Speaker. As a—I’ll sit down there, Speaker.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Tim Hudak: Let me, in the next chance that the Premier rises—let me give him another chance here. This is the fifth time I’ve asked you when you received the Auditor General’s report. I know you receive it months in advance—and, Premier, this is not comparing apples to oranges; this is the truth. The truth is the truth; the facts are the facts. The Auditor General, on page 112, said that between 2005 and 2011, “Ontario received $1.8 billion less for its electricity exports than what it ... cost electricity ratepayers of Ontario.” In short, the auditor says that we have subsidized Quebec and New York $1.8 billion to take our power.

The Premier had those facts before him, yet on November 10, they put out a press release saying the complete opposite, saying that we made money on it. Speaker, that is not in keeping with the truth. So I ask you, Premier, when you’re saying something that you know is not in keeping with the facts, why should any of us believe a word you say anymore?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: Speaker, my honourable colleague will know that in fact there is kind of a to-and-fro when it comes to selling and importing of electricity. He may know that last year we came out ahead by $335 million. He may also want to recognize that, since 2006, we are ahead by $1.8 billion. And he may want to acknowledge that under the last two years of their government, we paid $900 million net to import electricity into Ontario.

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

Mr. Tim Hudak: Premier, there you go again. You’re saying something that has been debunked by the Auditor General, that was made in black and white to the media and to the public two days ago, but you had it months ago. So I want to get back to basic facts here. You received this report months and months ago, yet you said things, during the campaign and since, that you knew had already been debunked by the Auditor General. Another example: You sent out 15 press releases—count them, 15—boasting about 50,000 jobs that never happened, that the auditor says were part-time jobs at best, and that were tremendously exaggerated, we all know.

So, Premier, not once, not twice—three times you’ve said things that you knew were not in keeping with the facts. Why should we trust a word you say when you dismiss out of hand what the Auditor General said and what you knew months and months ago?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: I thought we had a pretty important conversation about this particular policy during the recent election, and we had an opportunity to put our positions forward—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Order.

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: —and present them to the people of Ontario. I thought the people of Ontario, on this issue in particular, were pretty decisive. They said yes to clean air, they said yes to new jobs, and they said yes to building a new foundation for prosperity that moves us beyond dirty fossil fuels into an exciting clean era of energy from renewable sources like the wind and the sun. I thought the people spoke very forcefully, very decisively and very directly on this matter, and I would encourage my honourable colleague to accept that.

ENERGY POLICIES

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My question is for the Premier. For households that are paying more than ever to keep the lights on, the auditor’s findings make for pretty scary stuff. Either the Premier thinks it’s time to actually clean up the mess in Ontario’s deregulated electricity system or he’s happy with a system that leaves families and businesses paying the highest electricity rates in the entire country. Which is it, Speaker?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: Speaker, I welcome the question from my honourable colleague. I’m not sure of the basis for that last statement in that question.

What I can say is that we’ve worked hard, given what it is that we inherited: an electricity system that was in disrepair, an electricity system which had begun to fail us. There were brownouts; there was a blackout.

It turns out those wooden hydro poles don’t last forever. You’ve got to continue to invest in the system itself, so we’ve invested in some 5,000 new kilometres of transmission, thousands of megawatts of new generation.

Yes, Speaker, we are seizing an exciting new opportunity. We are investing in renewable electricity. We are creating thousands of new jobs and cleaning up our air at the same time. We are positioning ourselves to be at the forefront of an exciting new industry in all of North America. We want to do more than just supply ourselves; we want to export to the United States of America.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Speaker, the government has created an alphabet soup of electricity agencies that spend millions in developing plans and billions signing private power deals, only to scrap the plans and leave ratepayers with the bill.

If the Premier is so committed to this status quo, he should at least share with us how much his private power schemes are costing us. Will he instruct the Auditor General to review his cancelled private power deals in Oakville and Mississauga?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: We are moving as quickly as we can—and as thoughtfully as we can, at the same time—to ensure that we have all the electricity we need to power our economy, our schools, our hospitals and our homes.

We did something that had never been done before: We put before the public a 20-year power plan. We sought comment from experts and the public alike, and we put in place a plan that will ensure that we have all the power we need to power this economy and meet our long-term needs. I would encourage my honourable colleague to consult that plan.

We understand that there’s a cost associated with this. You cannot refurbish your nuclear plants, you cannot put in place, as we have, seven new gas plants, you cannot expand capacity at Niagara Falls without there being a corresponding cost. That means there’s going to be an increase in our bills. That’s why we’ve put in place the clean energy benefit that reduces those bills by 10%.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Well, au contraire, Speaker. I would submit that today in Ontario we have a power authority that has no real authority to make power plans; we have an energy board that isn’t allowed to protect consumers; a publicly owned generator that isn’t allowed to build renewable power projects; and some of the highest electricity rates in the entire country.

The Premier wants to defend the status quo that isn’t working. Will he call the auditor today and ask him to look into the private power boondoggles, the hot mess, that he has created in Oakville and Mississauga?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: Speaker, as my honourable colleague knows, she can put any kind of request before the Auditor General. As she knows as well, he and his office can pursue anything they choose to pursue. Far be it from me to direct him on these matters.

But I would ask that my honourable colleague lend her support, at least in principle, to the adoption of renewable energy here in Ontario. It would be nice—traditionally, that part of the political spectrum was supportive of progressive policies that moved us away from fossil fuels into harnessing the power of the wind and the sun. It would be nice for Ontario families to know that they’re on their side when it comes to clear air, new jobs and supporting green energy policies in Ontario.

AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My next question is also to the Premier. Last May, the finance minister told this House: “I am most proud of our record on auto insurance and how we’ve held the rate of growth on costs in auto insurance, because that’s what matters to people.”

Does the Premier feel the same sense of pride as his minister in the wake of the Auditor General’s report?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: To the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Dwight Duncan: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand and report a few facts to my colleague opposite. First of all, with respect to auto insurance, this is the one government in the last 21 years that has actually held the rate of increase at approximately the rate of inflation. Those are the facts, Mr. Speaker; that’s the reality. The leader of the third party can make statements.

The auditor correctly pointed out that Ontario’s rates are among the highest in the country, as they have been for most of the last 50 years. Why? We have a population of 13 million people. We have more roads. We have more factors that influence that. They’re difficult to manage; I agree.

There have been plans, for instance, in the past to create public auto insurance, and the government of the day flip-flopped and said, “No, we’re not going to do that. We’re going to stick with the system.” They made a difficult choice at the time, Mr. Speaker, recognizing the realities of our insurance market.

We have done a good job on insurance. There’s more to do. We welcome the auditor’s report, and we—

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

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Speaker, the auditor reveals clearly that this government has dropped the ball on following up on fraud, for example, but on the other hand is protecting juicy profits for the insurance companies. Their priorities are in the wrong order, I would submit.

Everyday people are lucky if they’re getting a raise at all in today’s economy. Why is the government giving insurance companies guaranteed, huge, juicy profits year over year over year?

Hon. Dwight Duncan: Again, here are the facts: Our auto insurance rates have gone up at the rate of inflation since 2003. In fact, over the first six years of our government, they actually came down, Mr. Speaker. There’s no doubt that that has changed in the last couple of years.

Under that leader’s party’s governance, rates went up 26%. That’s the reality. In the last two years of the Conservative government, rates went up 43%.

There’s no doubt that there’s more to do. We appointed the task force on fraud in the last budget. We received their interim report last week. We’ve made it public. I look forward to the leader of the third party’s comments with respect to the recommendations in that report, which are fairly sweeping. That is an area we have to move on. We will continue to make the choices that keep auto insurance affordable for Ontarians and give them more flexibility in designing their—

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

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Ontario families are the ones feeling the squeeze. Wages are falling, jobs are disappearing and households are paying more to keep their lights on—more than any other person in the country. People in Ontario are paying more. And they’re paying more and more and more to keep their cars on the road.

We have a government, of course, that insists that everything is just fine. Will the Premier and his minister take a practical step today and tell families that he is going to start rolling back the guaranteed profits that are driving up insurance rates for drivers in this province?

Hon. Dwight Duncan: We have put forward to the people of Ontario a number of initiatives to help them with the cost of living. There’s one before the House now: the healthy homes renovation tax credit, which will help our senior citizens. I invite the leader of the third party to support that initiative.

We did the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit: 10% off of people’s bills, including the tax portion of their bill, to help them as we transition to a cleaner, greener economy. We created the Ontario Child Benefit, something that helps families of modest means with their children; it represented a large tax cut. We welcome your continued support on that. We have laid out a tax plan for jobs and growth that is helping this economy move forward. We cut personal taxes for 93% of Ontarians; unfortunately, the leader of that party voted against it.

We’ll continue to represent and do things in the best interest of all Ontario families.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Mr. Victor Fedeli: My question is for the Premier. The Auditor General has told us that hydro rates will go up 8% every year, and 60% of that increase is due to wind and solar projects. Those skyrocketing hydro rates are of great concern to Ontario families and industry.

Speaker, let me read you a statement that takes this to the next logical conclusion: “I submit I am not going out on much of a limb when I say there is a direct correlation between Hydro’s rates and our rate of unemployment in Ontario. As the rates go up, so will the rate of unemployment.”

Premier, do you agree with the statement, considering you were the author?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: Speaker, to the Minister of Energy.

Hon. Christopher Bentley: Look, it’s very—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Order.

Hon. Christopher Bentley: The cheapest thing to do—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Sit down, please. The question’s been put. Let’s hear the answer.

Hon. Christopher Bentley: The cheapest thing to do is to burn coal. And for many years, that’s what they wanted to do across the aisle. You burn coal, but you never consider in the cost in human suffering to those with respiratory ailments—more than $4 billion a year alone.

We’ve made a different choice. We decided we’re getting out of coal to clean up the air and improve the health of Ontarians. We also decided with our renewable energies that we’d create jobs here in Ontario for the benefit of families. It’s working. We’re thousands of jobs ahead. We’re going to clean up the air and support good jobs—

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

Mr. Victor Fedeli: My supplementary again is to the Premier. The Auditor General confirmed there are no 50,000 jobs in renewable energy; in fact, 30,000 of the jobs claimed will be temporary. He went on to say that for each green energy job, it costs $300,000, and for each job created, two to four jobs are lost in other sectors. Now, Speaker, that rang true in the city of Timmins, where 787 Xstrata employees lost their jobs when the company moved to Quebec for cheaper energy.

Premier, will you admit today that the Auditor General got it right: Your green energy plan is driving up the cost of hydro bills while killing thousands of private sector jobs?

Hon. Christopher Bentley: It’s not correct at all, Speaker. What in fact we’re doing with our renewable energy policy is we’re on the way to creating 50,000 jobs, direct and indirect jobs. We’re already 20,000 ahead. We’re already $26 billion ahead.

You don’t have to take my word for it. Look around. Go to Windsor and see the CS plant. Go to Tillsonburg and see the plant up there. Go across this province and see those involved in renewable energy. We’ve been very focused.

There are studies all over the map here. We’ve been very focused on the bottom line for businesses. We brought in the HST, which they opposed the day we brought it in. We brought in a special rate of electricity for businesses. We brought in cheaper rates for investing in plant machinery in the province of Ontario. We’re focused on the bottom line for business, which means jobs—

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

HEALTH CARE

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

Our Auditor General found yet again that the Minister of Health has spent billions of precious health care dollars without monitoring the effectiveness of the spending, without being able to show much for those dollars.

You see, Mr. Speaker, the minister gave physicians under alternate payment arrangements a 25% raise, but when the auditor asked for a study that showed the effectiveness of the spending, the ministry couldn’t produce anything: nothing, zilch, nada, rien du tout.

Why did the minister agree to spend billions of dollars on alternate payment arrangements without knowing if patients would be better served?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: Thank you to the member opposite for the question. I’m going to actually take the liberty of quoting the member opposite from 2008 Hansard. France Gélinas says, “Having physicians operating under a small-business, fee-for-service model hinders the implementation of an interdisciplinary team, which we know provides the best primary health care....”

So we know that the member opposite does support the notion that physicians working in groups and interdisciplinary teams actually provide better care for people. We know this, as the member opposite knows this, because we’ve seen that impact in other jurisdictions.

What we are doing now, because we’ve had family health teams and the interdisciplinary models for a little while now, is that we are now able to start to study the health impacts.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

M me France Gélinas: I stand by my words, Mr. Speaker. But the Auditor General did not review family health teams; he reviewed the FHG, the FHO, the FHN. Those have nothing to do with interdisciplinary care.

Our auditor also asked, why did emergency physician payments increase 40% while volume in emergency rooms only increased 7%? He asked, why is it that 22% of patients in alternate payment arrangement organizations did not visit their physicians? They went elsewhere for care, but the ministry continued to pay both. He asked, why did the ministry have to pay the northern physicians to tell the ministry how much the ministry was paying them?

Why is it, Mr. Speaker, that every time we count on this government for major reform, like the electronic health record, like primary care reform—why is it that all this government does is throw the bank away?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: Speaker, I think it’s important that we acknowledge the tremendous strides that we have made when it comes to health care and the work that doctors do in this province. We’ve come a long way in attaching people to primary care physicians. That’s in part because of the new models of care that we have supported. Our emergency department wait times have come down, and we are working to continue that progress in emergency departments.

There was a time under the previous government when I think 23 out of 26 GTA hospitals were on bypass; ambulances could not go to those emergency departments because they didn’t have the capacity. When is the last time you heard of an emergency department on bypass? We had a question from the member from Kenora–Rainy River earlier this week stressing the importance of keeping that emergency department open.

Speaker, we’ve had terrific results and we must—

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

EDUCATION

Ms. Soo Wong: My question is for the Minister of Education. Minister, yesterday the Auditor General released his annual report. As an Ontario Liberal, I was very proud to read about this government’s success in education—proud to hear that this government has succeeded in lowering the dropout rate.

As a former Toronto District School Board trustee, I’ve always believed that education is one of the most important things that we can give our children. That’s why I’m so pleased that there are 18 new full-day kindergarten classes in my riding of Scarborough–Agincourt. Families are saving thousands of dollars in child care costs while kids are receiving world-class education.

I know that every member in the House agrees that a strong education system is the key to Ontario’s future prosperity. Thanks to the hard work of our teachers, students and parents, graduation rates are up 13% and the test scores are up 15% since—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Minister of Education and women’s issues.

Hon. Laurel C. Broten: I want to thank my colleague from Scarborough–Agincourt for the advocacy that she has done for so many years on behalf of Ontario students.

Speaker, I want to speak clearly about the success that we measure by way of our increased graduation rates. We measure our graduation rate over five years. That’s the same approach that previous governments had. We’ve talked in the House today about apples-to-oranges comparisons, and I want to say clearly: This is an apples-to-apples comparison.

The member is right: We’ve increased the graduation rate by 13% since coming to office in 2003. It’s a significant change that we’re making in the lives of Ontario’s young people.

We are very proud of our students. They have come out on top in the Pan-Canadian Assessment Program. Ontario students were the only ones to score above the national average in math, science and reading. Say to an Ontario student today—

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

Ms. Soo Wong: Minister, thank you for your response. I know the best thing we can do for Ontario’s future prosperity is to invest in our kids.

But the figures that you just presented are on average. What about the students who fall below those average scores? I know that your ministry has a program called Focus on Youth which helps school boards to run summer programs in high-needs neighbourhoods. Minister, can you tell this House what else your ministry is doing in helping at-risk kids?

Hon. Laurel C. Broten: The member is absolutely right: We have to continue to reach out to those students who are most at risk in our schools. I’m so pleased that the auditor specifically pointed out our successes in helping at-risk students. He indicated that we did a good job of identifying and providing supports to individual students considered at risk of not graduating. He also pointed out that all boards now have plans in place and risk factors identified to help at-risk students.

We have programs like the specialist high skills major, extended co-op and dual credits. We’ve given extra support to schools who face challenges. Now we’ve introduce the Accepting Schools Act, because we know that every child, every student can reach their full potential if they are in a safe and inclusive learning environment.

Speaker, we’re proud of the work that we’ve done. We have more work to do. We look to continue doing that work.

PRIVATE CAREER COLLEGES

Mr. Rob Leone: My question is for the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. On Monday, the Auditor General lambasted the Liberal government, which has completely dropped the ball when it comes to private career colleges. The Auditor General found that illegal private trainers, which were supposed to have been closed by this province, continue to operate illegally under the Liberal government. This oversight is harmful not only to the students in desperate need of good job training, but also to legitimate and successful private career colleges which have always played by the rules.

Why is the minister allowing these unaccredited training centres to continue to operate and tarnish the reputation of successful businesses across the province of Ontario?

Hon. Glen R. Murray: The only person tarnishing the reputation of these businesses is the member opposite, quite frankly.

We actually see an important role for these private colleges, which educate 60,000 Ontarians, are helping many Ontarians get back into the economy and are highly linked to the private sector.

We have been resolving issues we inherited from previous governments. This year alone, we took over 100 enforcement actions against illegal operators—better than any other party in power. We have now gone through all of the high-risk colleges for the first time and we have resolved all of the outstanding issues. We’re now going through the medium-risk colleges.

I want to point out, Mr. Speaker, that we are talking about 470 colleges, a relatively small number.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Rob Leone: I’m not sure if the minister is thinking that I’ve tarnished the reputation of private career colleges or if he’s saying that the Auditor General has tarnished their reputation.

The Auditor General even stated, “Further improvements are required to ensure compliance with the act, its regulations, and ministry policies, and to better ensure that the ministry’s primary objective of protecting students is met.”

The ministry has known for years about these compliance issues. There has been gross mismanagement in compliance at the minister’s department. Can the minister assure Ontarians that this culture of incompetence leaves that ministry and this government and is replaced by a culture of at least complying with its own laws and policies?

Hon. Glen R. Murray: The language the opposite members use is not found in the auditor’s report. This is hyperbole and gross exaggeration, first off. So maybe we could just actually read the report.

The second is, unlike the party opposite, we actually believe that private-sector-run educational facilities make an important contribution; that we cannot, in the age that we are living in right now, have an entirely public system; and that there’s an important role.

We know that, as the party opposite voted against the private colleges act, they don’t support the private sector at all, they don’t support these businesses and they would be happy to remove 60,000 off of places for students, the same way they want a made-in-government solution to the trades and apprenticeships and remove the private sector participation from that—

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

WINTER HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE

Mr. Gilles Bisson: My question is to the Premier. Premier, there used to be a time not long ago in this province that motorists would know that the Ministry of Transportation would ensure that highways, when it snowed, were open and that we can pass on them with our vehicles.

So far this fall, we’ve had Highway 402 closed because of snowfall; we’ve had Highway 17 between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury and Highway 11 between North Bay and Hearst closed, where we’ve never seen them closed before. So we started checking around, and what we found—

Hon. Christopher Bentley: It’s the weather.

Mr. Gilles Bisson: Oh, they say it’s the weather. Well, let me tell you where the storm exists. The storm exists because the government has created what’s called performance-based contracts, and those performance-based contracts have lowered the specifications so that 25% less equipment is being used to clear our highways.

My question to you is simply this: Why are you prepared to jeopardize road safety by lowering the maintenance standards in those performance-based contracts?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: To the Minister of Infrastructure.

Hon. Bob Chiarelli: I thank the member for the question and for bringing his concerns to my attention.

Ontario has among the highest safety records on our highways in North America. We’re proud of that, and we’re going to continue that record. Our winter maintenance standards are among the highest in North America, as I mentioned. The ministry and its contractors continually monitor weather and road conditions so they can respond quickly. Our contractors are required to meet ministry standards. We monitor their work before, during and after a winter storm.

I will certainly look into the complaints that you’re bringing to the House. I will review those particular highways and the weather conditions at the time, and I’ll be very pleased to get back to you with a report and/or meet with you personally to discuss it.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Gilles Bisson: I appreciate that you’re going to look into it, Minister, but you’re the one that lowered the standard. It is the Liberal government of Ontario that has said highways used be maintained at a particular standard, and when you renegotiated the new contracts, you said, “We’re going to lower the standard.” As a result, there’s 25% less equipment being used in those new contracts. That’s why Highway 402 was closed. That’s why Highways 17 and 11 were closed.

So I say to you again, Minister, we have always been able to drive on these highways when it comes to the type of snowfalls we have seen up to now. Will you reverse that decision? If not, I believe that people’s lives will be at risk.

Hon. Bob Chiarelli: Mr. Speaker, we use current technology, tools and methods to keep our roads safe for winter driving, while using best management practices, including road and weather information stations, pre-wetted pre-treated salt, direct liquid application, fixed automated spray technology, electronic spreader controls, changeable message signs and many others.

On the other hand, as I mentioned to the member in the answer to the main question, I will look into the situation that he’s bringing to our attention, and we will report back to him. I would be happy to meet with him and review the situation.

AIR-RAIL LINK

Mrs. Laura Albanese: My question is for the Minister of Transportation. Construction is under way on the GO expansion for the Georgetown South rail corridor and the air-rail link project. Changes have been made to the original proposal, such as a stop in Weston and partially tunnelling the trains to address the concerns expressed by the residents of York South–Weston. However, there are concerns about the health effects that the increased number of trains could cause.

Speaker, my community and I support electrification as soon as it is technically possible. Could the minister update us on where we stand on electrification?

Hon. Bob Chiarelli: I’d like to thank the member for York South–Weston for her question and for her tireless advocacy on behalf of her constituents.

Metrolinx identified this line along with Lakeshore as priorities for electrification, and we are moving forward with that development in a very responsible way. As the member knows, the necessary first step towards electrification is the completion of a comprehensive environmental assessment, and that process is progressing well.

In the interim, we are using state-of-the-art, ultra-low-emission, tier 4 engine technology. These engines are designed to be converted to electricity when infrastructure upgrades are complete.

The air-rail link is an important project for the mobility, the environment and the economy of the GTA. It will not only create 10,000 jobs but will also eliminate 1.2 million car trips in its first year alone. Mr. Speaker, eliminating 1.2 million car trips is a tremendous boost for our air quality in itself.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mrs. Laura Albanese: Thank you, Minister. I am aware that Metrolinx conducted a review of human health assessment, as required by the Ministry of the Environment, for the project to move forward. Recently, questions have been asked in this House, citing concerns of increased risk of asthma and cancer for the residents along the line, concerns similar to those made by the Toronto medical officer of health two years ago.

Speaker, we all take health risks of our constituents very seriously, and clean air is important to our government and all Ontarians. Can the minister speak to the recently updated human health mitigation plan and assure my constituents that it protects air quality in York South–Weston as we move forward towards electrification?

Hon. Bob Chiarelli: Absolutely, Mr. Speaker. The human health mitigation plan was updated to reflect the move to cleaner tier 4 engine technology and look at what, if any, impact on air quality would result. The plan concluded that the utilization of tier 4 technology effectively mitigates emissions from the corridor while we move forward, implementing electrification. Particulate emissions from these tier 4 engines are 90% less than older trains in the existing GO fleet, and Toronto’s medical officer of health offered input into the plan and is satisfied with the approach we are taking and the measures we are putting in place.

We take our responsibility to protect the local environment seriously, unlike the NDP, who want to subsidize gas guzzlers and gridlock in the GTA for the next 50 years. We’ve got a plan to get people moving between Pearson and Union Station, to do so in time for the Pan Am Games—

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

WASTE DIVERSION

Mr. Michael Harris: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of the Environment. Minister, the Auditor General is not the only one questioning your government’s failures in managing programs. Last week, the Environmental Commissioner said that despite your government’s 60% waste diversion target, you’ve only gone from 20% to a whopping 23%.

Minister, I have to ask you: You were a teacher; is 23% a passing or failing grade?

Hon. James J. Bradley: Here comes the answer. I’ll tell you in a minute.

Interjections.

Hon. James J. Bradley: One thing I can tell you is it’s much more progress than ever existed under the party members there that fought all of these efforts tooth and nail.

Now, I know that one of the proposals that your party had was to foist the cost of certain diversions back on to municipalities, because when I was at the AMO conference one of the things they said to me was, “We’re glad that you are putting that on the cost of the producers as opposed to sticking the municipalities with that particular cost.” So I explained that to them and they were very pleased. But will you find that there has been some considerable progress—

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

Mr. Michael Harris: Minister, I will remind you that it was a PC government that created the blue box program.

Minister, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, BC and Quebec are far ahead of Ontario in waste diversion. And last week, the Environmental Commissioner that your government appointed said in his report that the Liberal government is stubbornly refusing to engage solutions to the waste management problem. So I ask you again, Minister: Will you make waste diversion a priority now or will we have to wait for another scathing report from the Auditor General to force to you act?

Hon. James J. Bradley: Well, the efforts are progressing well. One progressive effort we have is that after I chastised you for not asking a question the other day about the environment, being bullied by your fellow members into not asking any questions, you did come forward with a question.

I can tell you that right now Ontarians are currently diverting approximately three million tonnes of waste from our landfills per year. The people of this province are responding overwhelmingly in terms of the blue box, which was made province-wide by the government of David Peterson and has been expanded over the years to take many more materials to divert from landfills. More has to be done, but we will require the support of the members of the opposition who’ve been trying to foist—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): I just want to do a quick point—stop the clock for a moment, please.

I just want to quickly point out that yesterday, I did bring reference to the fact that I’d like you to continue to talk about your own policies, but the questions need to be about the government of the day. If you’re going to reference your own party’s previous history, it causes a problem for me. So I’m going to remind everybody again: Stay focused on the government business of the day.

The leader of the third party.

CANCER TREATMENT

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My question is to the Minister of Health. Ken Rodger is fighting for his life in Hamilton. On Friday, Ken will lose funding for the drug that is helping to save his life. He doesn’t have the luxury to wait for the results of his appeal to the Exceptional Access Program and he doesn’t have the means to pay out of pocket for the drug that’s keeping him alive.

Will the minister intervene and give hope to Ken Rodger and his family?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: First, let me express my concern and my sympathy to this family, who are really fighting for life.

What I can tell you is that I am not familiar with this particular case. I will undertake to take a look, although I do have to stress that we do not politicize decisions about who gets what drug. But I will ensure that the proper steps have been taken to make sure that there is a resolution as quickly as possible.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: The minister should be aware, because I sent her a letter about this about a month ago. I’ll give it to a page to remind her and send it back to her right now.

Ken Rodger’s brain tumour has dramatically shrunk since he started treatment, and that includes treatment with chemotherapy and Avastin. Ken’s doctor believes that Avastin is in fact prolonging his life; it is shrinking his tumour.

Health Canada has approved the use of this drug for brain cancer, Avastin. British Columbia funds Avastin under its drug program as well, for this particular application. Will the minister reread that letter that I sent her a month ago and use her discretion to ensure that this life-saving treatment is not denied to Ken Rodger?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: Of course I will reread the letter. Thank you for sending it over again. But I do have to be clear that I do not have discretion. Although there are some who would like the minister to be able to make decisions like this, we pass legislation in this House, Speaker, removing the politicization of coverage of drugs.

I think it was the right decision. In fact, I know it was the right decision. My job is to make sure that we have sufficient funds in the drug envelope to cover drugs that are based in evidence.

I will ensure that all of the steps have been taken to make sure that this gets proper review.

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Mr. Yasir Naqvi: My question is for the Minister of Community and Social Services. As the minister responsible for women’s issues noted yesterday, December 6 was the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. In my riding of Ottawa Centre and around the province, the tragic events that sparked this day of remembrance are top of mind, as are the steps that we can take to address violence against women. All women have the right to feel safe and secure in their own homes, and the government has a responsibility to help those fleeing violence.

Speaker, through you to the minister: After the cuts to violence against women programming made under the previous government, how has your ministry helped to rebuild and enhance the supports in place to help those escaping domestic violence?

Hon. John Milloy: I’d like to thank the honourable member for raising this very important issue. It’s particularly fitting, as he mentioned, in light of yesterday’s anniversary and the statements that were made in this Legislature. Also, members may be aware that representatives of the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses are here at Queen’s Park with us today, and I certainly would like to thank them for their work and the work of their member organizations, for the work they do.

Mr. Speaker, I’m proud of the steps that our government has taken in this area since 2003. In 2010-11, we provided over $143 million to programs that help address domestic violence. That’s a 49% increase since 2003. My ministry also provides funding to 96 agencies operating emergency shelters for those fleeing violence. In 2010-11, shelters served approximately 12,000 women and 8,000—

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

Mr. Yasir Naqvi: Minister, as you know, yesterday I introduced a private member’s bill to help victims of domestic violence. If passed, this legislation will help victims of domestic abuse by allowing them to break their lease to escape from an abuser in a shorter time period than is now allowed.

Minister, last week you spoke about the White Ribbon Campaign, a campaign that aims to mobilize men to talk about violence against women. I believe that everyone needs to stand up and work to eliminate violence against women. Through you, Mr. Speaker: Will the minister tell this House what is being done to fight sexual violence?

Hon. John Milloy: To the minister responsible for women’s issues.

Hon. Laurel C. Broten: I want to thank the member for the question, and I also want to acknowledge the presence of OAITH here today. They were a partner in the development of our province’s comprehensive domestic violence action plan. We have worked hard with many of our partners across the sector. Last year, I had the opportunity to continue that work and introduce and launch the province’s sexual violence action plan.

Speaker, it’s incumbent upon each of us, as has been said before—every day, women of all backgrounds and all ages across the province and country are victims of sexual violence and domestic violence. Our plan provides services for victims of sexual and domestic violence and helps them heal. We have increased funding, for example, to Ontario’s 41 sexual assault centres, improved support for women who turn to our health care system, and invested in training. At the root of this is inequality, and each of us has a very important role to play—

The S