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May 29, 2006

38th Parliament, 2nd Session

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Hansard Transcripts

vol. A

Hansard Transcripts

vol. B

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcripts 2006-May-29 (PDF)

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L'ONTARIO

Monday 29 May 2006 Lundi 29 mai 2006

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

PHARMACISTS

SCHOOL SAFETY

PHARMACISTS

HOSPITAL FUNDING

PHARMACISTS

SOUTH ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH

OPPORTUNITIES FAIR

POSTER CONTEST

CANADIAN PARAPLEGIC ASSOCIATION

VISITORS

RESIGNATION OF MEMBER

FOR PARKDALE-HIGH PARK

ROYAL ASSENT /

SANCTION ROYALE

MOTIONS

HOUSE SITTINGS

MEMBER FOR YORK CENTRE

VISITORS

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY

AND RESPONSES

STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS /

ÉTUDIANTS AYANT UN HANDICAP

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

ORAL QUESTIONS

TTC LABOUR DISPUTE

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

AIR QUALITY

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

PHARMACISTS

TTC LABOUR DISPUTE

SMOKING CESSATION

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

CHILD CARE

CHILD SAFETY

SMALL BUSINESS

MINERAL EXPLORATION

AND PRODUCTION

WORKPLACE SAFETY

TEACHERS' LABOUR DISPUTE

PETITIONS

SEED GRAINS

MUNICIPAL RESTRUCTURING

LCBO OUTLET

CHILD SAFETY

SPEECH AND LANGUAGE SERVICES

LONG-TERM CARE

PROSTATE CANCER

FREDERICK BANTING HOMESTEAD

CHILD CARE

CANCER TREATMENT

GO TRANSIT TUNNEL

LONG-TERM CARE

CONSIDERATION OF BILLS

ORDERS OF THE DAY

INCOME TAX AMENDMENT ACT

(ONTARIO HOME ELECTRICITY

RELIEF), 2006 /

LOI DE 2006 MODIFIANT LA LOI DE

L'IMPÔT SUR LE REVENU (AIDE AU

TITRE DES FACTURES D'ÉLECTRICITÉ

RÉSIDENTIELLE DE L'ONTARIO)

CITY OF LONDON ACT, 2006

The House met at 1330.

Prayers.

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

PHARMACISTS

Mr. John O'Toole (Durham): Bill 102 is going to guarantee that Ontarians pay more and get less.

I've just come from morning committee hearings on Bill 102, where I heard the concerns of community pharmacists about Bill 102 and what it means to their

businesses and their consumers.

Last week, two local pharmacists met with the member for Scarborough-Rouge River, MPP Bas Balkissoon. The member wasted no time lowering the expectation of what

he could do for the pharmacists. He said he has little input into Bill 102. He said he can't get a meeting himself with the Minister of Health. He said all decisions are made by the Minister of

Health. But that hasn't stopped the member for Scarborough-Rouge River from staying on the government message.

He echoes the statements of staffers in the minister's very office, which we raised in the House just two weeks ago: "We can't afford all the services we have.

We'll have to make sacrifices. Some pharmacies will close and the government is aware of that." He said that if people don't like Bill 102, then "we'll have government pharmacies and we'll employ

the pharmacists."

The minister denied last week that the closure of pharmacies was official government policy, but he's clearly being contradicted by his staffers and by members

of the Liberal backbench. It's time for the minister to come clean and admit that Bill 102 is going to be devastating to community pharmacies across the province.

Further comments, from the Coalition of Ontario Pharmacy, dated May 25 say, "Jeff Leal ignores pharmacists."

"This morning, a dozen local pharmacists gathered at Mr. Leal's constituency office before it opened. When staff arrived around 8 a.m., the pharmacists tried

again.... They were rebuffed."

No one is listening to the pharmacists today.

SCHOOL SAFETY

Mr. John Milloy (Kitchener Centre): During constituency week, I had the opportunity to visit a number of schools in my riding, including Queen

Elizabeth Public School. While there, the school principal, Jeff Lovell, and the vice-principal, Neil Swayze, kindly provided me with a tour and introduced me to some of the new initiatives they

have launched since the 2004-05 school year.

Under a program known as Imagine a School Without Bullying, Queen Elizabeth Public School has implemented creative anti-bullying strategies while helping to

create a school climate that's both positive and inclusive. As part of the Imagine program, the school introduced ROAR. The letters of ROAR spell out the foundation for a welcoming school

environment: respect, others, attitude and responsibility.

Jeff Lovell and Neil Swayze, along with the entire teaching staff at Queen Elizabeth, have also started school-wide initiatives that reward students who show a

sense of leadership and who demonstrate kindness towards others. This approach has had a tremendous impact on the school atmosphere. Detentions have dropped significantly over the past year and a

half, new friendships are being developed and students are learning the skills needed to resolve disputes through discussion.

The vision of the Imagine program does not end with the school day. The teachers and staff at the school encourage students to use these skills in their

out-of-classroom activities.

Thank you to all the teachers, staff and students at Queen Elizabeth for welcoming me to their school and for making such a positive impact on our community.

PHARMACISTS

Mr. Ted Chudleigh (Halton): Given that the Minister of Health is refusing to meet with his Liberal caucus colleagues, it should come as no

surprise that some of them are following his lead and refusing to meet with those affected by Bill 102.

On May 24 of last week, in the middle of constituency week, three local community pharmacists in Peterborough gathered at the local MPP's office to discuss their

concerns about this onerous bill that's going to put them out of business, but they couldn't get near their MPP. They couldn't even talk to his staff, because in the middle of constituency week,

his office was closed.

The next day, at 8 a.m., a dozen local pharmacists gathered at the member for Peterborough's constituency office. They were told that they couldn't meet with

their MPP. They were told they couldn't meet with him during constituency week. They were told they wouldn't be able to meet with the member until June 2 at the earliest, by which time this bill

will just about be all wrapped up.

The pharmacists stuck around for an hour, hoping to appeal directly to the local member. He showed up at 9 a.m. Here's how the pharmacists describe their

encounter:

"Other than to make a comment about the presence of a few local reporters, MPP Jeff Leal ignored the pharmacists and walked right by them. He said nothing to

them and refused to acknowledge their presence. Taking the example of the MPP, the office staff members also ignored the pharmacists and did not speak to them. Disappointed, the pharmacists

left."

Disappointed? Disappointed with Bill 102. Let me tell you, the people of Ontario are disappointed with this government, and they will be more disappointed on

October 7 --

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

HOSPITAL FUNDING

Mr. Jim Brownell (Stormont-Dundas-Charlottenburgh): The city of Cornwall in my riding of Stormont-Dundas-Charlottenburgh is one of the oldest in

Ontario and has a long, proud history. Along with that age, unfortunately, comes some aged infrastructure. Due to the neglect of the last government, important facilities like our schools and

hospitals were allowed to crumble.

To add insult to injury, during the last election campaign the then Minister of Health came to Cornwall promising that he had a cheque in his back pocket for a

new hospital. This turned out to be just another empty Tory promise.

Well, with the coming of the McGuinty government, those days of jiggery-pokery are over. The people of my riding know that this government will deliver on its

promise to renew health care infrastructure in the riding. They know this because we are getting not one, not two, but three capital hospital projects in my riding, two right in the city of

Cornwall. St. Joseph's complex continuing care centre has not just a shovel in the ground, but girders going up in the air, and the Cornwall Community Hospital and Winchester District Memorial

Hospital are following suit.

Before constituency week, during opposition motion debate, the member from Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey made reference to my riding not having hospitals. He

commented that Jim Brownell should be, and I quote, "producing a hospital for the people in Cornwall." I'm pleased, Mr. Speaker, to ask a page to come here to deliver to his desk photos of the St.

Joseph's hospital construction on --

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

PHARMACISTS

Mrs. Elizabeth Witmer (Kitchener-Waterloo): It will come as no surprise to the Coalition of Ontario Pharmacy that the Minister of Health is

refusing to meet with them when he won't even, as we heard, meet with his colleagues in the Liberal caucus. The coalition is a grassroots organization that represents more than 80% of practising

pharmacists and pharmacies in Ontario, and the Minister of Health refuses to meet with them.

Staffers in the minister's office have said there are too many pharmacies and some will have to close. That's a message now echoed by Liberal MPPs, as we heard

earlier. Now they're refusing to let pharmacies anywhere near the minister, saying that they will only meet with the OPA.

As the coalition wrote to the minister on May 25, "We should not have to explain to you ... the difference between pharmacists and pharmacies." They go on:

"Community pharmacies ... are where the business of pharmacy is conducted.... When the issues involve the closure of pharmacies, reduced service at pharmacies, fewer hours at pharmacies, and staff

reductions in pharmacies, shouldn't the coalition that represents pharmacies be heard from?"

Minister, their requests are simple. I ask you, will you meet with them before the bill leaves committee? Will you let the pharmacies tell you first-hand about

the negative impacts of Bill 102? Will you promise that pharmacies will not be the only constituency group shut out of your consultations?

SOUTH ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH

Ms. Andrea Horwath (Hamilton East): One of the wonderful aspects of the month of May is the celebration of South Asian Heritage Month. As the

month of May winds down, I'm pleased to report to this House that Hamilton is proud to be a part of South Asian Heritage Month as well. There were a number of tremendously successful events held to

highlight the South Asian presence in our community, in keeping with the 2006 theme: "Acknowledge, Educate and Celebrate."

The Indo-Canadian Networking Council of Hamilton and area presented a gala dinner and musical concert on Saturday night in celebration of South Asian Heritage

Month at the Hamilton Convention Centre, and a friend of mine, Neeraj Prem, a renowned classical musician, entertained people all evening long. Hamilton Place Studio Theatre presented an Indian

classical music festival during the month. The Downtown Arts Centre held a day of celebration and exhibition earlier in the month. Plans have been put in place for our annual Sikh parade.

Last week, the Hamilton East NDP riding association and I hosted a great event to celebrate the South Asian community's contribution at Pulkhari's restaurant on

Queenston Road and Highway 20. It was a wonderful time, wonderful food, and we welcomed community leaders like Ram Kamath, president of the Hamilton area Hindu Samaj temple. I must remind the

McGuinty government once again of the community's need for funding to rebuild their temple after fire destroyed it in a hate-motivated crime after September 11, 2001.

Today, Ontario is home to more than 500,000 people of South Asian origin, about 7% of our population. While the South Asian community has preserved and shared

its traditions, it has at the same time contributed to virtually every facet of business and public service in our communities. I ask all members of this House to join me in paying tribute to the

contribution --

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

OPPORTUNITIES FAIR

Ms. Kathleen O. Wynne (Don Valley West): On Saturday, May 27, I had the privilege of hosting an opportunities fair at the Flemingdon Resource

initiatives, employment opportunities, adult learning courses, volunteerism, job search techniques and community-based programs and services.

This initiative was born in my community safety round table as a way to bring information on job training and job search skills directly to the residents. The

community safety round table is very engaged in working on an action plan that will develop community-based initiatives, and information about employment opportunities is one of the key areas that

the community leaders identified as a major issue.

I strongly believe that community safety depends on preventing violence from happening in the first place. We need to make sure that all residents have the

information they need before any issues happen.

I want to thank all the exhibitors who attended the opportunities fair, including Alpha Labs, Costi, Don Mills Employment and Resource Centre, Early Years

Centres, Flemingdon Neighbourhood Office, Common Ground Co-op, Woodgreen, Frontier College, McDonald's, Job Connect, George Brown College, Humber College, the Ontario March of Dimes, Canada World

Youth, Overland Learning Centre, Enterprise Toronto, Seneca College, our own Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, the Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office, Boys and Girls Clubs, Maytree

Foundation, the Toronto Youth Cabinet, Youth Assisting Youth, and there were many more.

Thank you to everyone who took part. I know the residents of Don Valley West who attended appreciated all your efforts.

POSTER CONTEST

Mr. Kim Craitor (Niagara Falls): In my riding of Niagara Falls, the regional public health unit recently was proud to honour the winners of the

fifth annual tobacco-free-living poster contest. This year's theme was "My smoke-free Ontario means...."

Eighteen area elementary students received awards, with the winning entries to be used for today's promotion of World No-Tobacco Day, which also is the day the

Smoke-Free Ontario Act comes into force, banning smoking in all indoor areas across the province.

A total of 4,247 entries were received as part of the contest, representing 78 elementary schools in all 12 municipalities across the Niagara region. Awards were

From my riding of Niagara Falls, Jesse LeBrasseur of Niagara-on-the-Lake finished third. Recipients from the City of Niagara Falls included Julia Lambourne,

third in the primary division; Priscilla Pangan and Carly Milani, second and third in the junior division; and Cindy Nguyen and Elizabeth Kim, second and third in the intermediate division. These

students and the Niagara region public health unit, led by Dr. Robin Williams, chief medical officer of health, deserve our appreciation for a job well done. I had the opportunity to meet each of

the students and personally congratulate them.

CANADIAN PARAPLEGIC ASSOCIATION

Mr. Dave Levac (Brant): I'd like to draw to the attention of all the members of the House some very special guests that we have in the Speaker's

gallery today. We have representatives from the Canadian Paraplegic Association Ontario: Michael O'Brien, chair; Lynda Staples, vice-chair; Joe Dowdall, secretary; Harley Nott, past chair; and

Barbara Turnbull, honorary board member. Joining them are Bill Adair, the Ontario executive director; Linda Kenny, director of provincial services; Barb Sampson, CPA Ontario patron; and Radka

Poliakova, CPA Ontario. We welcome you into our House today.

More than 60 years ago, John Counsell saw a need for an organization to assist our veterans who suffered a spinal cord injury while serving overseas. Sixty years

later, the Canadian Paraplegic Association still thrives. There is still a need, but much progress has been made. As we go about our lives, sometimes complaining, often taking for granted, these

people are here to remind us just how fragile life can be and how we must make the most out of the worst that we have received. They surely have done that. Most of them have made a life under those

most severe adversities.

Tonight you have an opportunity to meet with our special guests by joining them in the dining room. You will learn first-hand from their challenges and their

victories. Perhaps those of us who have not heard their life's experience will stop and think, and finally realize that for those with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities, there

are no limits. Can the same be said of ourselves? We welcome them and we support them.

VISITORS

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): I would like to bring the members' attention to the Speaker's gallery, where we have, being hosted by the

Windsor-Roseland Rotary Club, a group exchange team from northern Brazil: Fernando Prado, Manoel Coraci Dias, Dr. Pietro Pinheiro, Ana Cristina Candido, and from the US, Marta Richardson. Please

welcome our guests.

RESIGNATION OF MEMBER

FOR PARKDALE-HIGH PARK

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): I beg to inform the House that a vacancy has occurred in the membership of the House by reason of the

resignation of Gerard Kennedy as the member for the electoral district of Parkdale-High Park.

Accordingly, I have issued my warrant to the Chief Election Officer for the issue of a writ for a by-election.

ROYAL ASSENT /

SANCTION ROYALE

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): I beg to inform the House that on May 18, 2006, in the name of Her Majesty the Queen, His Honour the

Lieutenant Governor was pleased to assent to certain bills in his office.

The Clerk-at-the-Table (Ms. Lisa Freedman): The following are the titles of the bills to which His Honour did assent:

Bill 41,

An Act to create a comprehensive system of rules for the transfer of securities that is consistent with such rules across North America and to make

consequential amendments to various Acts / Projet de loi 41, Loi instituant un régime global de règles régissant le transfert des valeurs mobilières qui cadre avec celui

qui s'applique dans ce domaine en Amérique du Nord et apportant des modifications corrélatives à diverses lois.

Bill 81,

An Act to implement 2006 Budget measures and to enact, amend or repeal various Acts / Projet de loi 81, Loi mettant en oeuvre certaines mesures

énoncées dans le Budget de 2006 et édictant, modifiant ou abrogeant diverses lois.

MOTIONS

HOUSE SITTINGS

Hon. James J. Bradley (Minister of Tourism, minister responsible for seniors, Government House Leader): I move that, pursuant to standing order

9(c)(i), the House shall meet from 6:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Monday, May 29, 2006, for the purpose of considering government business.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Shall the motion carry?

All in favour will say "aye."

All opposed will say "nay."

In my opinion, the ayes have it.

Call in the members. This will be a five-minute bell.

The division bells rang from 1351 to 1356.

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

Ayes

Arnott, Ted

Arthurs, Wayne

Balkissoon, Bas

Barrett, Toby

Bartolucci, Rick

Bentley, Christopher

Berardinetti, Lorenzo

Bradley, James J.

Broten, Laurel C.

Brownell, Jim

Cansfield, Donna H.

Chudleigh, Ted

Colle, Mike

Craitor, Kim

Delaney, Bob

Dhillon, Vic

Dombrowsky, Leona

Duguid, Brad

Duncan, Dwight

Elliott, Christine

Flynn, Kevin Daniel

Fonseca, Peter

Hoy, Pat

Hudak, Tim

Jackson, Cameron

Jeffrey, Linda

Kular, Kuldip

Kwinter, Monte

Leal, Jeff

Levac, Dave

Marsales, Judy

McMeekin, Ted

McNeely, Phil

Miller, Norm

Milloy, John

Mitchell, Carol

O'Toole, John

Parsons, Ernie

Peters, Steve

Peterson, Tim

Phillips, Gerry

Pupatello, Sandra

Ramal, Khalil

Ramsay, David

Runciman, Robert W.

Ruprecht, Tony

Sandals, Liz

Smitherman, George

Takhar, Harinder S.

Tory, John

Van Bommel, Maria

Witmer, Elizabeth

Wong, Tony C.

Wynne, Kathleen O.

Zimmer, David

The Speaker: All those opposed will please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

Nays

Horwath, Andrea

Kormos, Peter

Marchese, Rosario

Martel, Shelley

Prue, Michael

Tabuns, Peter

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Claude L. DesRosiers): The ayes are 55; the nays are 6.

The Speaker: I declare the motion carried.

MEMBER FOR YORK CENTRE

Mr. Ted Chudleigh (Halton): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: Today marks a momentous occasion, an event that happened 50 years ago in this

province. It was the day that Wilma Kwinter consented to marry one Monte Kwinter. I have it on very good authority that her days of doubt have been very few and far between.

Congratulations, Monte and Wilma.

VISITORS

Hon. Laurel C. Broten (Minister of the Environment): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: I'd like to let my colleagues in the Legislature know

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY

AND RESPONSES

STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS /

ÉTUDIANTS AYANT UN HANDICAP

Hon. Christopher Bentley (Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities): The McGuinty government is committed to the right of every person

to find opportunity, achieve their life's goals and fully participate in every aspect of life in our province, including post-secondary education. We know that we will only achieve our potential as

a province when every Ontarian achieves their potential.

We recognize the challenges that persons with disabilities face in obtaining access to and finding success in post-secondary education. Overcoming these

challenges requires, in part, additional resources to help universities and colleges provide services for students with disabilities, services which will help them succeed in their studies.

Nous reconnaissons les défis auxquels font face les personnes handicapées en accédant et en essayant de réussir à l'éducation

postsecondaire. Surmonter ces défis exige, en partie, des ressources supplémentaires pour permettre aux universités et collèges de fournir des services aux étudiantes et

étudiants handicapés, c'est-à-dire des services qui les aideront à réussir dans leurs études.

I am pleased, therefore, to tell the honourable members that the McGuinty government invested more than $28 million in 2005-06 to support services for students

with disabilities. This represents a 10% increase over the previous year, and special financial aid supports are in addition to this total.

The increase of $2.6 million has been used to support pilot projects, increase funding for interpreter services, enhance print alternate services for visually

impaired students, and to provide additional funding to the offices for students with disabilities at each college and university in Ontario.

Services provided to post-secondary students with disabilities include: accommodations such as note-taking support for visually impaired students and

interpreter services for hearing-impaired students; learning assessments to determine the nature of a student's learning disability; access to computers and appropriate technological learning aids;

and extra time to write tests and exams for students with learning disabilities.

This new funding is part of our Reaching Higher investment to support increased participation in post-secondary education by persons with disabilities.

Under the Reaching Higher plan, the government invested $10.2 million last year to increase opportunities for aboriginal peoples, francophones, persons with

disabilities and people who are the first in their family to attend post-secondary education. This funding will grow to $55 million by 2009-10.

Last summer, we established a new post-secondary advisory committee on disability issues to help provide advice on how to improve access to post-secondary

education for students with disabilities and to enhance their success when in post-secondary education.

The investment we made reflects some of the advice we received very early in the committee's discussions. Future investments will benefit from this committee's

continual and expanded input.

Our goal is to increase support to the more than 30,000 students enrolled in Ontario's colleges and universities who identify themselves as having

disabilities. Our goal is to increase their opportunity for success.

the special equipment and the services provided to ensure students with disabilities have the supports they need to succeed.

The people in that office, and in similar offices at universities and colleges throughout the province, are doing an admirable job of helping students with

disabilities adjust to the challenges of their new environment.

We are achieving real results through our investment. We know that providing support and service to students with disabilities increases their chance of

success at post-secondary education and in preparing for their future. The McGuinty government will continue to encourage and support them as they achieve their goals.

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

Hon. David Ramsay (Minister of Natural Resources, minister responsible for aboriginal affairs): It's a pleasure for me to rise in the House

today to provide members with an update on the Caledonia situation.

Late last week, I spoke with Confederacy Chief Allen McNaughton and Chief David General. We had a frank and positive discussion about the situation, and I

shared my appreciation for the progress made to date by Six Nations and Haldimand county.

In a letter I sent on Friday to the federal Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Jim Prentice, I sought clarification of remarks by Prime

Minister Stephen Harper with regard to the federal role in the situation in Caledonia. It is important to note that this situation arose as a result of Six Nations' longstanding frustrations with

their federal claims process -- a process that has failed to address claims on the Haldimand tract.

I am sure that all Ontarians were pleased, but in particular local residents, when the blockades came down on Argyle Street on Tuesday, May 23. I commend the

communities of Caledonia and Six Nations for coming together on this matter.

As the members may know, the Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Joe Cordiano, was in Brantford last Thursday. He advised the community that the

province is providing $500,000 in emergency financial assistance for local businesses. The province will work with Haldimand county to distribute the funds where they are most needed. In my letter

to Mr. Prentice, I said that I anticipated Six Nations would be requesting similar support from the federal government.

The province continues to work closely with those in Caledonia, and has set up a community liaison group to provide support to the community to share

information. Made up of senior Ontario government delegates from a range of ministries and Ontario Provincial Police officials, the group is holding regular meetings with municipal and other

community representatives. Again, in my letter to Mr. Prentice, I encouraged the federal government to nominate a representative for this group.

There's still much to do. However, I am hopeful that all the parties will build on the momentum of the positive developments of recent days and the goodwill

therefore generated.

The provincial government has been working tirelessly to find a peaceful resolution to the situation in Caledonia. Well before the land occupation, Ontario,

Canada and Six Nations had placed outstanding litigation brought by Six Nations relating to the Haldimand tract in abeyance and begun exploratory discussions. In early April, an agreement was

reached to accelerate two of those claims.

Since the occupation, the Premier, myself and other ministers, senior government representatives and staff members from a range of ministries have been working

very hard to ensure a peaceful resolution to the situation. In addition to the Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs, ministries working on this file have included municipal affairs and

housing, economic development and trade, public infrastructure renewal and culture. As well, the Ontario Provincial Police have been fully engaged in efforts to maintain order in a very difficult

situation.

We named former Premier David Peterson as the provincial lead to help find some solutions to the immediate problems in Caledonia. A highly qualified and

experienced individual, he has been empowered to negotiate on the province's behalf to ensure the removal of all blockades on transportation corridors. I have been in constant contact with Mr.

Peterson since his appointment on April 29. He has done tremendous work to help address the current situation, and has made a commitment to stay on until an agreement is reached to remove the

remaining barricades.

To address the longer-term issues that led to the situation in Caledonia, we appointed former federal Minister of Indian Affairs Jane Stewart as our special

representative. She has had several meetings in the area and is eager to move ahead.

I would also like to point out that the province helped bring Canada into the negotiations and was instrumental in getting the federal government to appoint a

representative, Barbara McDougall, to lead discussions with Six Nations on those long-term issues. The province will fully support the discussions through Jane Stewart.

The members need to know that the province has been and continues to be front and centre in addressing the issues related to Caledonia. Let me briefly tell you

some of the things we have done.

As I have mentioned, the province has been fully engaged. We were involved in discussions even before the current situation, and we have worked unstintingly to

ensure a peaceful resolution to the situation.

From the beginning of the occupation, we have worked with Six Nations leaders to address the occupation and to find ways to resolve it.

We have also sought federal involvement right from the start. Negotiations between representatives from Ontario, Canada and Six Nations resulted in an

agreement on April 21 to discuss the long-term issues that underlie the Caledonia situation. Provincial representatives have held three meetings with Haldimand council. Staff from across government

have worked as hard as possible and have held countless meetings with the parties in the Caledonia, Six Nations and Brantford area to address the situations.

As I mentioned, the province named David Peterson as provincial lead to find solutions to the immediate, short-term issues. We have also appointed Jane Stewart

as the provincial representative in talks to address the longer term underlying issues. Funding assistance of $100,000 was provided to Haldimand county to help promote local business affected by

the situation. Assistance was also provided to the developer and offered to the builders for the costs and expenses incurred as a result of the current situation.

As I have mentioned, Ontario made a commitment last Thursday to provide $500,000 more in interim assistance to local businesses in Haldimand county that have

been affected, and we are continuing to work with the town, other community leaders and the developer and builders to resolve ongoing issues and promote local business.

The Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs has established a 1-800 number to provide information on significant developments to the public.

I believe it is clear that Ontario has been very active in working with the parties to bring this situation to a peaceful resolution. What is also clear is

that federal participation and leadership are absolutely essential in these discussions. The federal government has the primary responsibility for aboriginal people -- a responsibility that cannot

be avoided. While Ontario will continue to work very hard to resolve the immediate matters that are of concern to both the Six Nations and the Caledonia communities, it is incumbent on the federal

government to take the lead on the long-term issues. Of course, we'll work closely with Canada and provide full support. Ontario remains committed to working with the federal government, Six

Nations, Haldimand county, residents of Caledonia and others affected by the events in the community to achieve the best solution for all parties.

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

Mr. Toby Barrett (Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant): You know, when we take a look at how this crisis in Caledonia and the Six Nations area is being

managed, or should I say mismanaged, by the McGuinty government, there's one word that does come to mind, and it does come up a lot down in that area: boondoggle.

The minister just recently talked about all the meetings that are occurring, but we've seen no management, we have seen no communication, we have seen no

leadership and there is obviously no plan.

If you walk down the streets of Caledonia or if you go behind the barricades at Six Nations, which I have done, probably on 14 or 16 different occasions -- on

Tuesday, our leader, John Tory, was behind the barricades speaking with people -- everybody wants to know what the government is doing, if anything at all.

We see a number of major flaws in this government's approach. People in the area feel the government is doing nothing. They feel as if they have been abandoned

by Premier McGuinty and his cabinet. They want to know why the provincial government's Minister of Transportation wouldn't answer any questions in this House -- he has now been replaced, I may add

-- about signage, about detour routes, about the collisions, about the problems tourists are having heading south. They are very concerned when they finally do see a Ministry of Transportation sign

-- a very large, well-lit sign put up at the north end of town -- and it spells "Caledonia" wrong. They want to know if the Premier is even taking this issue seriously. It has been three months

now. Is he just hiding under his desk, hoping that if he throws a bit of money at it, it will go away, or if he spends three months hoping that Ottawa will look after it, he can continue to stand

behind the curtains?

Even if this government had been working on this, nobody would know. There's been no effort at all by this government to communicate with those citizens on all

sides who have been affected; no elected members of government have come down. Sure, we get a video clip, we get the odd media statement -- after Argyle Street was opened up, after some of the

tough sledding had been done, work that was done by the community itself, by organizations that came together. Call them alliances, call them vigilantes, call them what you may, there was no

government presence at all; people had to take matters into their own hands.

When people showed up in a video studio in Toronto after one of the battles had been won -- Roy Green, on 900 CHML, used the expression "buzzards." We all know

that the vultures show up after a battle. This is the characterization we now have of this provincial government, certainly in central Ontario, those who listen to either CH television or 900 CHML.

I don't necessarily use the word "vulture." I compare the Premier and his cabinet essentially to cowbirds. The cowbird is a bird that lays its eggs in another bird's nest.

People want to know what's being offered in the negotiations. Is this government being stampeded? Are you giving the farm away? Again, all we get is silence.

We asked the Premier, we asked this government, is South Cayuga on the plate? What do people in Dunnville think about that? Is Townsend up for grabs? What do people in Jarvis and the community of

Townsend think about that? What about Burtch? Is anyone communicating with people in Brant county? Again, will this get the railway open? Will this get Highway 6 open? Will it get the tourists down

to Port Dover and Turkey Point? Will this get steel and gypsum and fly ash back up north from the industry that's along Highway 6 and down on Lake Erie?

True leadership requires leaders at a minimum to be present during a crisis. John Tory has been down there three times -- as recently as last Tuesday. Not a

single cabinet minister accepted my invitation to come down to Caledonia, to come to Six Nations during this last weekend when you were really needed. And we all know what happened on Victoria Day.

We know what happened on bread and cheese day. That was a disaster.

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): I want to respond to the statement of the Minister responsible for native affairs. The minister seems

to be trying to pat himself and the McGuinty government on the back, but I think a review of the facts would show that in fact the McGuinty government should be apologizing in some cases for its

inactivity on this file, and in other cases for simply making the wrong move.

What I note in the minister's statement is that he says, "From the beginning of the occupation, we have worked with Six Nations leaders." This was an issue

long before an occupation began, and that's the real nub of the issue. For over 12 months, aboriginal people in the Caledonia area were saying to this government -- and, yes, to the federal

government -- "There is a serious issue here." What was the response of the McGuinty government? A failure to respond, a failure to take the issue seriously. So today the McGuinty government wants

to pat itself on the back, but the reality is, for over a year, when there was room to avoid some of the conflict that happened, the McGuinty government once again was heavy on the rhetoric but

missing in action.

I want to go on to immediately after the occupation began, because that was another interesting episode. When aboriginal people at Six Nations finally decided

that the only way they were going to be heard and listened to by the McGuinty government was to put together a protest, a picket line, what was the response of the McGuinty government? Well, they

say they were negotiating. They say they were discussing. But in the middle of the so-called discussions and negotiations, in go the OPP, and people not just across Ontario but across Canada got to

wake up in the morning and witness that debacle, that failed strategy.

But what became even more interesting than that were the two excuses the McGuinty government put out for the police raid. The first excuse was that the OPP had

suddenly come in touch with some new intelligence and that the raid was going to head something off. That held water for about a day and a half. Then the McGuinty government's line was that the OPP

had conducted a raid because of a private injunction. I want thoughtful people across Ontario to think about that for a minute, because what it seems to indicate is that, under the McGuinty

government, public policy will be dictated by private injunction. If you've got the money to get a private injunction, then you can dictate public policy and what the police will do in a public

conflict.

Neither of those excuses offered by the McGuinty government holds any water. The truth is that the McGuinty government has not been on top of this file from

the beginning. What is so sad is that the conflict here could have been avoided. The economic loss could have been avoided, the social dislocation could have been avoided, the hard feelings that

have been created could have been avoided -- all of that could have been avoided. But what we had was a McGuinty government that was asleep at the switch, not paying attention to what was

happening, not taking it seriously, and today they want to come into the Ontario Legislature and pat themselves on the back.

I say to you, you shouldn't be patting yourself on the back; you should be apologizing to the people of Six Nations and you should be apologizing to the people

of Caledonia, because you are very much responsible for how badly this got off track.

STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Mr. Rosario Marchese (Trinity-Spadina): I want to thank the minister for making yet another announcement of a pre-announcement of a

re-announcement, and on and on. We used to make fun of the previous government for doing that, and Minister Bentley is replicating that model.

Any help we give to people with disabilities to break down barriers is a useful thing. This announcement is part of the government's plan to invest $10 million

in 2005-06, rising to $55 million in 2009-10. God willing, if they get re-elected, maybe they'll spend the bulk of that money down the line in 2009, when we're going to have the next election. But

in the meantime, thank you for this re-announcement.

ORAL QUESTIONS

TTC LABOUR DISPUTE

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): My question is for the Acting Premier. This morning millions of people -- Toronto transit commuters

and GTA car drivers -- awoke to find their subways and buses and streetcars parked, and their routes jammed for hours on end. Would you please update the House as to exactly when your Minister of

Labour was informed of the possibility of this strike action and what action he took to alert the public about this pending matter?

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

Hon. Steve Peters (Minister of Labour): I thank the honourable leader for the question. I received a call yesterday afternoon from my

executive assistant informing me that the mayor of Toronto was seeking to speak with me. At approximately 5:45 last evening, I spoke with Mayor Miller and offered the mayor our assurances that MOL

mediators would be available to work with both sides in trying to bring them together. That's when I first became aware of it.

Mr. Tory: That's a start, but the truth is that GTA and Toronto commuters, whether they be transit users or drivers, awoke this morning to

find the largest city in the country in disarray: People didn't have a ride to school or to work, taxis weren't available, the subways weren't running. Many commuters are complaining, really more

so than anything else, about the fact that they had absolutely no notice of this whatsoever.

Media reports suggest, and you have confirmed, that you knew about this yesterday afternoon. We'd like to know, then, when did you appoint a mediator to sit

down with these people, what other action did you take and why didn't you at that time or at any time subsequent to that, before the evening was out, make any attempt whatsoever to notify the

public of what was possibly or likely going to occur this morning so that they would have had some opportunity to change their plans? Why did you do nothing during that period of time?

Hon. Mr. Peters: I thank the member again for his question. I will comment to him that during the course of my conversation with Mayor Miller

yesterday afternoon, there was no indication at that time that there was going to be any sort of illegal action taken. At that point, Mayor Miller was certainly aware that an issue had the

potential to arise, and I reassured Mayor Miller that senior mediators from the Ministry of Labour would be available. Those discussions were taking place with senior mediators and they were

certainly prepared to act and work with both sides.

Mr. Tory: Again, just to get some clarification from the minister, the implication of the minister's answer is that at no time was there in

fact a mediator appointed and actually working on this file, which certainly was the suggestion in the news media yesterday. It doesn't really deal with the question as well as to why no efforts

were made by anybody, including your government, the McGuinty government, to notify the public as to this issue. That is a given, that you did nothing.

The city of Toronto has asked today that employers, of which the government of Ontario is one of the biggest in Toronto, take measures to allow employees to

have more flexible work hours and to encourage car pooling to take place. Can you tell me, did you in fact have a mediator on the job? Why didn't you communicate? And what have you done today, as

an employer, to actually make sure that the afternoon rush hour -- because this is still not resolved -- will be easier for people? What have you done today?

Hon. Mr. Peters: Perhaps the honourable leader spent too much time in boardrooms and not enough time in dealing with labour relations during

his tenure in the private sector. He should maybe lean over to his right and speak to a former Minister of Labour to understand the appropriateness of what the minister should or should not do.

I think the member will be aware as well that Mayor Miller was as surprised as anyone this morning by the illegal actions that were taken. Mr. Kevin Whitaker,

the head of the Ontario Labour Relations Board, was notified at 4:30 this morning. At about 7:10 this morning a press release was issued announcing the decision of the cease-and-desist order from

the Ontario Labour Relations Board, and it was about 7:10 or 7:12 this morning that that information was relayed to the public.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): My question again is to the Acting Premier. Ontario wants an electricity system that is reliable and

affordable. It's been 170 days since your government received the Ontario Power Authority's report on a recommended supply mix for Ontario's electricity system. When can we expect your government's

response to this report and what can we expect will be in that response? What are we going to hear from you, and when?

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): To the very fine and experienced Minister of Energy.

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Energy): To the Leader of the Opposition, we will be responding to that report shortly. You're right; it's an

important document. It will map out the next 25 years of energy supply in Ontario. There will be an opportunity at three-year intervals to review that plan, to update it. I'm confident that our

response will be full and complete, and when it's released I'm confident that the people of Ontario will acknowledge that what we're doing is in the best interests of ensuring not only reliability,

but a cleaner, greener source of power. The people of Ontario will respond well to a number of the initiatives, like conservation, which is so important to this province. You know, a megawatt saved

is as good as a new megawatt of generation. I believe the people will respond quite well to our response.

Mr. Tory: In the relatively short time I've been here, I've learned that the word "shortly" can mean a lot of things in the context of how

long it is going to be before we have that response to the OPA report. It has been 170 days so far.

My question to the minister would be this: Given that as each day passes, it is one more day when we're not able to get on with doing anything about this, it's

one more day when the risk increases, can we expect that you're going to bring that response to the OPA report here to this House before the summer recess? Can we expect as well that the members of

this Legislature are going to have an opportunity in some suitable place, whether it's here or somewhere else, to debate and discuss the implications of that report? What is the delay? What does

"shortly" mean? Will you bring it to this House and give us all a chance to talk about it before the summer recess?

Hon. Mr. Duncan: We will respond when our full response is ready, but just to respond specifically to what it is we've done: November 2003,

Bruce A, unit 4 -- 770 megawatts; March 2004, Bruce A, unit 3 -- 770 megawatts; Imperial Oil gas, June 2004 -- 978 megawatts; Brighton Beach gas, July 2004 -- 581 megawatts; Northland Power gas,

July 2004 -- 32 megawatts; Eastview Landfill gas, June 2005 -- three megawatts; Pickering A, unit 1, November 2005 -- 515 megawatts; GTAA cogen, December 2005 -- 90 megawatts; Glenn Miller hydro,

January 2006 -- eight megawatts; Melancthon 1, March 2006 -- 67 megawatts.

This government has taken the steps needed to keep the power on. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that we will take the necessary steps in our

response to ensure that that power stays on for another 25 --

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

Mr. Tory: I'll avoid the temptation to ask the minister which of those he actually plans to turn on on the hot days when the power supply

system of Ontario is under stress, because there's a good number of those that you won't be able to turn on, and you know that.

Having said that, while we're on the subject of an affordable electricity supply, it's been many days -- weeks -- since you undertook to meet with the

representatives of the OPG and Hydro One to discuss compensation and bonus issues. As you know, at the stroke of a pen, in one minute, your government and emanations of your government could

approve a $500,000 bonus for the CEO of one of those companies, but no one could come to this place and explain what that bonus was paid for. You've had 55 days to have those meetings with those

officials. When are you going to come here and explain why and on what basis that person was paid a $500,000 bonus at the same time as you were driving hydro rates to new heights under your

government? When are you going to come here with that explanation?

Hon. Mr. Duncan: The Leader of the Opposition won't have benefit yet of what's going to be released at 3 o'clock by the Independent

Electricity System Operator, but for the edification of the House, I'll share with you what they're saying about this summer and about reliability. This will be released, as I understand it,

shortly:

More than 600 megawatts of new nuclear, gas and hydroelectric generation have come online in the last year. Not only are they online, but they're working. Not

only that, but the nuclear we brought on, we brought in on time and on budget, something that member and his party did not know how to do. Between 1995 and 2003, you cut the supply of electricity

by 8.5%. The former energy minister, who still sits in this House, had the audacity to suggest that conservation doesn't work. In that member's riding, we have the first giant windmills operating.

This is not an easy undertaking. It's one the people of Ontario have entrusted to us. I can assure you the power will stay on, not only this summer but over the next 25 years.

AIR QUALITY

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): My question is for the Acting Premier. The air people breathe shouldn't make them sick, yet today, in

an airshed stretching from Windsor in the south to Huntsville in central Ontario, there is a smog advisory and people are choking on dirty, polluted air.

After breaking his promise to shut all coal-fired power plants by 2007, Dalton McGuinty promised to clean our air by shutting down the Lambton coal-fired plant

by 2007 and the Nanticoke coal-fired plant by 2009. Lately, Premier McGuinty doesn't sound too sure of that.

My question is this: Can you clean the air? Is the McGuinty government going to close the Lambton coal-fired plant by 2007 and the Nanticoke coal-fired plant

by 2009, or is this going to be, yet again, another McGuinty broken promise?

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

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Energy): The government of Ontario remains committed to getting out of coal-fired generation in this province.

We remain committed, unlike the member opposite, who has opposed our moves. He likes to have it both ways. When he's asking a question about a community that doesn't want it closed, he wants to

keep it open; when he wants to appeal to the environmentalists, he wants to close them all.

The key is reducing emissions from coal. The key is reducing not only the direct emissions but, most importantly, the CO 2 emissions. This government

has set an aggressive timetable to meet emissions reductions that we believe are in the best interests of all Ontarians.

I invite the member opposite to join with us instead of voting against all of our initiatives to clean up the air, to join with us to help clean that airshed

between Windsor and the Quebec border. At the end of the day, the less emissions we have, the more emissions we take out, the better off we'll all be. That's why we're fighting so hard to lower

those emissions.

Mr. Hampton: Once again, I asked a very specific question: Is Lambton going to close by 2007, and is Nanticoke going to close by 2009? I heard

a lot of words and no answer.

Here's the nub of the issue: The Independent Electricity System Operator says that because the McGuinty government has bungled the hydroelectricity file so

badly, "The coal units [must be] available for a period of time beyond the announced shutdown dates."

So my question is, again, who's telling the truth about coal? Dalton McGuinty, who can't keep a promise, or the Independent Electricity System Operator, who

says that the McGuinty government is going to break this promise again -- that Lambton won't happen by 2007 and Nanticoke won't happen by 2009? Who's telling the truth, Minister?

Hon. Mr. Duncan: One thing we know for certain is that that member isn't. The IESO has never, ever said that --

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): I think we need you to at least rephrase that. Withdraw.

Hon. Mr. Duncan: I withdraw that.

What we can say within the confines of parliamentary tradition is that the IESO never suggested, hinted or otherwise intimated what the member says they did.

Show me the paper. Show me anywhere they said that.

What I will show you is a press release, that's going out as we speak, that talks about all the initiatives we have undertaken that are ensuring not only that

the lights stay on this summer but that our air is cleaner, that we're moving off the old carbon-based economy to a green renewable economy.

We will move heaven and earth to continue to achieve those objectives. We've already achieved significant progress in the reduction of emissions. Those

increases will continue. I'll remind the member opposite --

The Speaker: Thank you. Be seated, Minister. Sit down. Final supplementary?

Mr. Hampton: I think we heard it. The McGuinty government will move heaven and earth, but Lambton won't close in 2007 and Nanticoke won't

close in 2009.

I realize that the minister has been away from the file for a while, but I quoted directly from the last IESO report. "The coal units [must be] available for a

period of time beyond the announced shutdown dates." That is from the IESO.

I ask the question again, because here's sort of the litany of events: Dalton McGuinty promises that all coal will be shut down by 2007. Then he announces,

"Oops, sorry, the big one, Nanticoke: We won't shut that down by 2007. The biggest polluter: We won't shut that down. The plant that is responsible for most air pollution in southern Ontario: no,

not till 2009." Lately he's been saying, "We won't shut them down until there's more power." I'm simply asking the question: What is --

The Speaker: The question has been asked. Minister.

Hon. Mr. Duncan: The real answer is that this government is cleaning up our airshed and we remain committed to cleaning up that airshed and

we're going to do it. We're going to do it by moving off of coal. We're going to do it by reducing the NOx, reducing the SOx, reducing the mercury emissions. They're already down substantially. Our

reliance on coal is down substantially from when we took office.

Yes, unlike the federal government, we remain committed to Kyoto, and we will ensure that the energy sector in this province -- that we achieve those goals and

continue to move on.

That member is trying to have it both ways. In his supplementary he didn't say what he said in his first question, just like one day he says, "Close the coal

plants," and another day he says, "Keep them open." We have a clear, concise policy that's designed to clean up our airshed by removing the greatest polluters in this province. That's a record that

is second to none in the history of this province.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): To the Acting Premier: I didn't hear an answer once again to whether or not you're going to close

these coal plants by 2007 and 2009 -- no accident, because your real electricity policy, the one you don't want to talk about most of all, is your $40-billion mega nuclear scheme. My question about

that is this: You've had several months now to respond to the Ontario Power Authority electricity supply mix report. Can you tell the people of Ontario when the McGuinty government is going to

respond to the OPA report? Is it going to be in here in the Legislature, where there can be public debate, or are you going to run and hide on that one too to avoid the public debate that ought to

happen?

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

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Energy): As I indicated in the question of the Leader of the Opposition, we will respond when our final

response to the report is completely prepared.

I believe the people of Ontario will respond well and that they will accept the fact that we need to increase the amount of renewable energy we need in this

province. I believe that they will respond well to the need to maximize our hydroelectricity opportunities. I believe they will respond well to the increased conservation initiatives that we will

undertake as a result of our response.

His government, when they were in power, used to announce electricity price increases on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve in order to avoid public scrutiny.

The member opposite may think that he can run and hide from having to respond by this kind of bluster, but I'd like to know --

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

Mr. Hampton: What people want to know is when the McGuinty government is going to stop trying to run and hide on its $40-billion mega nuclear

scheme. Canadian Press says that your government is delaying this electricity supply announcement until mid-June, maybe July; in other words, after the Legislature recesses. That really does sound

like a government that wants to avoid accountability, wants to avoid any public discussion and hopes to make the announcement in the middle of the summer, when they hope no one is looking.

Minister, will you commit to putting the public interest first? Will you commit that your response to the OPA electricity supply report will be made here in

the Legislature, where there can be public debate, public discussion and accountability to the people of Ontario?

Hon. Mr. Duncan: There will be ample opportunity in the Legislature to discuss not only our response to the report but the response with

specific projects that we're undertaking. There's no question that public consultation has been and will continue to be a part of this, including dialogue with members of the Legislative Assembly.

I can assure the member that this is a 25-year undertaking, and the House likely will sit at some time within the next 25 years. I fully expect that there will be a lot of opportunity not only to

debate our response but to debate some of the things that will fall out from that response, which will require an enormous amount of public attention. I look forward to the member opposite and all

members of this House participating amply in that debate, because it is a very important debate. We do agree on that point. Over time, there will be many opportunities to debate this in this

House.

Mr. Hampton: Once again, earlier, no commitment to close Lambton by 2007 and no commitment to close Nanticoke by 2009.

Now I ask a simple question: Will you commit that your response to the Ontario Power Authority electricity supply mix report will be made here in the

Legislature -- not after a recess, not in the depths of the summer? You can't even commit to that. This is a serious debate. We need to have a discussion about conservation. We need to see some

real commitments to energy efficiency. But it would seem that the McGuinty government, once again, wants to run and hide. A $40-billion decision, which we know from our history can quickly grow to

a $60-billion boondoggle, needs to be debated in front of the people of Ontario. Are you going to have that debate here in the Legislature, or is the McGuinty government once again going to run and

hide on your mega nuclear power scheme?

Hon. Mr. Duncan: There will be full debate, full consultation, there will be opportunities in question period in the House, there will be all

kinds of opportunities over the coming months and years to debate that. We have been having this discussion, really, since December of last year. That discussion is ongoing. We've had over 5,000

submissions from the public on all these issues.

Those kinds of debates and discussions are appropriate to this Legislature; they're appropriate for the people of Ontario. And it will be good to have them,

because I'd really like to know where he stands, other than to take two or three positions on the same issue. He's always against everything. He cancels hydroelectric, wants to open coal, then

close coal. It's time for all of us to put our positions on the record and be clear and unequivocal. This government has done that, we'll continue to do it and we'll be subject to debate not only

in this House but right across the province as his --

The Speaker: Thank you. New question.

PHARMACISTS

Mrs. Elizabeth Witmer (Kitchener-Waterloo): My question is for the Minister of Health. As the minister knows, public debate on Bill 102

started this morning, and I think the fact that more than 300 people applied to make representations to the committee demonstrates the high level of concern and anxiety.

We certainly have heard from pharmacists and pharmacy owners who are concerned about the potential negative financial impact of this bill. We heard from Mr.

Patel, who says he will have to close his pharmacy in Stouffville if the bill is not amended.

We have now also heard from Helen Stevenson, the executive lead of the DSS, who has said, "We've done a very, very detailed analysis of the impact. We

certainly do not believe that, as a result of the recommendations, pharmacies will go out of business."

I ask, Minister, have you done a detailed impact analysis and, if so, will you make it public?

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): First off, I think it's customary for the honourable member to talk about

committees and not acknowledge that it was the tradition of her party while in government not to actually have the darned things work. This is a fundamental element of our process, and that's why

we're proud to do it.

We should also note that the honourable member took away the voice of those 300 individuals and prejudged that all of them were looking to come to committee

and to speak about concerns with the bill, when in fact we know already through today that many of the people who have made their presentations in front of the committee have supported the

important principles that are contained in that legislation.

Here in Ontario, we seek to achieve the best possible price so as to use that advantage to purchase greater product in the province of Ontario. Incorporated in

those reforms related to pharmacy -- of course, we're working hard through our relationship with the Ontario Pharmacists' Association to address concerns. I can confirm for the honourable member

that detailed analysis was done. But in the absence of a clear picture with respect to rebates, which we hope this committee work will encourage, we will be able to continue to work with --

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

Mrs. Witmer: It's unbelievable that the minister would stand in his place and talk about consultation. There was never any public consultation

on the recommendations that were contained within the bill. In fact, he has attempted to do a real snow job, because the public is totally confused about what's in the bill and what your intentions

may or may not be. There is no transparency and as far as support for the bill, I'm afraid that if you listened this morning you would have seen it's certainly quite lacking.

There are people in this province -- there are pharmacists, there are pharmacy owners -- who are concerned about the financial impact, who are concerned that

in rural and northern Ontario pharmacies may have to close and it's going to hurt patients. In some instances, there's no doctor, there's no nurse. Can you confirm that there was an analysis done

and, if so, would you share this finally and be transparent?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: Another lecture from the honourable member, who brought bills into this place and brought motions into this place that

didn't even have third reading debate -- mimicking from staff members on the sidelines, I'm sure, is out of order in this place, but the Tory tots are at it again. What they are doing is distancing

themselves from reality, and the reality is clear. We have worked vigorously with respect to the analysis. The challenge that is there, clear and apparent for everybody, is that there are rebates

being paid out for which there is at best a murky picture.

We're working with pharmacy. One of the reasons that I indicated this morning on the issue of the $25 cap was that we're going to maintain the current status,

so as to address those concerns that have been expressed, particularly by rural pharmacy. This is a $13-million transfer back to pharmacy, in keeping with our fundamental commitment, which is that

pharmacies, particularly those in rural Ontario, will not just stay, but they will be more vibrant because they will be accomplished at the work of providing direct patient care to our --

The Speaker: Thank you. New question.

TTC LABOUR DISPUTE

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): My question is to the Acting Premier. This morning nearly one million people were shocked to discover

that the public transit service they rely on, the largest public transit system in Canada, was simply not there: no buses, no streetcars, no subways. The McGuinty government was told yesterday

afternoon that there was the real possibility of an imminent work stoppage at the TTC. Why didn't the McGuinty government take action --

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Order. Stop the clock. I'm having great difficulty hearing the leader of the third party place his

question. Perhaps the Minister of Health would recognize that, I need to warn the Minister of Health. The leader of the third party.

Mr. Hampton: The McGuinty government was told yesterday afternoon that there was the real possibility of an imminent work stoppage at the

Toronto Transit Commission. Why didn't the McGuinty government act yesterday afternoon? Why were almost a million people put to an inconvenience on one of the worst smog days in the province?

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

Hon. Steve Peters (Minister of Labour): The honourable leader should know of the role that the Ministry of Labour plays. The role of the

Ministry of Labour is to provide, offer up mediation services to both sides, and that was the offer that was presented to the city of Toronto yesterday afternoon, that a senior mediator would be

there to provide assistance for both sides.

The province of Ontario does not operate the Toronto transit system. But in a situation of a labour dispute the ministry has skilled individuals who are

available. That's what we provided; we provided senior mediation services and made them available so that both sides could sit at the table to resolve their differences.

Mr. Hampton: You'd think that when it's the largest transit system in Canada and one which almost a million people rely on, the minister would

have called the workers' representative and the city's representative and would have said, "I have a mediator. I want you to meet with the mediator now." That didn't happen, and as a result the

system that so many people rely on wasn't there for them today. In fact, what seemed to happen is, you decided to act tomorrow. Can you explain once again why there was this failure of leadership,

why this failure to act appropriately when you knew yesterday afternoon there was the real possibility of an imminent work stoppage that would inconvenience literally almost a million people? Where

were you when you needed to be there acting?

Hon. Mr. Peters: I reiterate the comments that Mayor Miller made, that he was as surprised as anyone. The Premier and myself have advised both

sides to abide by the labour relations board ruling that ordered this illegal stoppage to end, that it cease and desist. That is the message that has been delivered. I would hope that the

honourable leader would be standing up and saying the same thing, that the decision of the labour relations board should be honoured.

I think it's very important to notify the House that both sides are saying that they're going to be going back to work.

SMOKING CESSATION

Mr. Jim Brownell (Stormont-Dundas-Charlottenburgh): My question is to the Minister of Health Promotion. Tobacco is a terrible addiction that

has negative impacts on its consumers and everyone near them as well. The late Heather Crowe, who tirelessly advocated on the dangers of tobacco use, brought to the attention of all Ontarians the

risk of smoking. Thanks to her work, we all know that smoking is our province's number one cause of premature death and disease.

With the passing of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, this government has shown its commitment to the well-being of Ontarians, all the while looking to health care

savings down the road that will result from less frequent smoking-related hospital visits. While this is an important initiative, it will take some time for smokers to be able to adjust to a

smoke-free Ontario. As equal citizens in our province, they deserve to be able to frequent public venues like restaurants and enjoy patios in the summer. Some of my constituents from Stormont,

Dundas and Charlottenburgh are concerned that this new legislation will keep them from being able to use patios. Could you clarify this aspect of the legislation for them?

Hon. Jim Watson (Minister of Health Promotion): I want to thank the honourable member for his reference to the late Heather Crowe. I had the

real honour of having known Heather and attending her funeral on Saturday in the city of Ottawa, along with my colleague the member from Ottawa-Orléans, Mr. McNeely.

Sadly, in this province we will lose 16,000 people as a result of tobacco-related diseases, and one of those individuals was Heather Crowe, who put a human

face on the struggles that people in the hospitality, restaurant and food service industry have suffered for many, many years. That's why I'm very pleased that within 48 hours, on May 31, the

Smoke-Free Ontario Act comes into effect, which will give protection to individuals in the hospitality industry and customers. We've also expanded it, for those enjoying a meal or beverage outside,

to ensure that if there's a canopy or any kind of roof fixture, individuals will not be allowed to smoke, endangering the health of hospitality workers or others enjoying a meal there.

Mr. Brownell: With these changes coming, there are some bar and restaurant owners who still feel that they will be forced to close their

establishments due to decreased patronage when they are required to go smoke-free. However, just this morning in my local paper, the Standard-Freeholder, I read this headline, and I quote, "Former

Smoking Ban Opponent Now Onboard: Restaurant proprietor says butting out good for business."

The

article quotes Len Little, former chairperson of the Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association and himself a bar owner, who notes that although there

was some initial impact experience to his business, staff and patrons alike have embraced the smoke-free environment.

Minister, what is your response to those who still believe that going smoke-free will harm their business?

Hon. Mr. Watson: There have been 115 studies examining the economic impact of smoke-free legislation to restaurants around the world.

Jurisdictions like California, New York City and my hometown, the city of Ottawa, have all brought in progressive legislation that has protected not only hospitality workers but also individuals

who frequent restaurants and bars.

The Westin hotel chain, one of the great premier hotel chains in the world, has gone 100% smoke-free in their rooms. Let me just quote one colleague from

Ottawa, Phil Wasserman, who was a board member of the Ottawa region of the Ontario restaurant association when Ottawa went smoke-free four years ago. He said, "Some bars did have an adjustment

period, but the more progressive ones renovated, brought in new entertainment and have done extremely well."

In Ottawa there are 181 more eateries in the city today than there were before the bylaw. I don't subscribe to the doom and gloom that some people have

suggested. I have great faith in the entrepreneurial spirit of the businessmen and women in Ontario, and that in their heart of hearts, even those who oppose this understand that this is, after

all, a health issue and that we want to offer the most protection possible to our patrons, our visitors and the hospitality workers.

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

Mr. Toby Barrett (Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant): To the Acting Premier: On May 9, in this Legislature I warned your Premier about the breach of

security with respect to the power system at Caledonia. While your caucus heckled, I warned that the lights could go out. Acting Premier, on May 22, just two weeks later, the lights did go out.

Vandalism shut down the Caledonia transformer station, wiped out Caledonia, parts of Haldimand and also Norfolk. On May 9, your government ignored my warning, although your government did replace

the Minister of Energy after the power went out. Will the Premier of Ontario agree that on May 9 he did nothing, despite my warning, to prevent the vandalism, resulting in the massive blackout on

May 22?

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): To the minister of aboriginal affairs.

Hon. David Ramsay (Minister of Natural Resources, minister responsible for aboriginal affairs): I appreciate the question from the member. He

did give us that warning. Actually, other people in the community had made similar warnings about the power system, and the government did listen. Those warnings were discussed and passed on to the

appropriate officials. I have to say to the member that this has been a very complex situation. We obviously regret the use of violence or any unlawful activity, and we are working very hard to

resolve this in a peaceful manner.

Mr. Barrett: The fact is the lights did go out. There was no OPP presence, no surveillance. Mr. Tory and I were up there the next morning. On

May 9, I did warn the Premier of Ontario, and we've heard today that there were other warnings as well about threats to the integrity of the electrical system. There were Mohawk warriors on those

towers. There was a Mohawk flag 130 feet up on a tower, right above the transformer station. As we know, on May 22, the Caledonia transformer station went up in flames.

But two miles north of Six Nations is the massive Middleport transformer station. This has a capacity of approximately 2,000 megawatts, and it's just up the

line from the Caledonia transformer station. Can the Premier of Ontario assure this House that when warned by me on May 9, this government beefed up security at that massive Middleport transformer

station, or is there still no OPP presence at the Middleport station? I was up there last night.

Hon. Mr. Ramsay: The member is asking about operational issues that are the responsibility of the OPP. The OPP are obviously very aware of the

risks in the area and plan their surveillance and operations accordingly. As the member knows, that is a very separate function from government. The OPP are basically in charge in the area of

security and protection. Again, I would just thank the member for his bringing that information forward, and it will be passed on.

CHILD CARE

Ms. Andrea Horwath (Hamilton East): My question is to the Acting Premier, and it concerns the $1,200 child care benefit that families with

children under six are slated to receive from the federal government. The federal government has said quite clearly that the $1,200 will not affect federal income-tested benefits; for example, GST

tax credits. Will you therefore likewise commit that the new federal $1,200 child care benefit will not affect eligibility for provincial income-tested benefits such as child care subsidies,

rent-geared-to-income housing subsidies, Trillium drug program, property tax credits and sales tax credits?

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

Applause.

Hon. Greg Sorbara (Minister of Finance, Chair of the Management Board of Cabinet): I really appreciate this. I did not plant that question, I

want to assure my friend the Minister of Government Services, and there are notes coming in from all over the place.

Being that this was just a couple of days back, I personally have not had an opportunity to go through all of the details of the federal Minister of Finance's

budget. I am advised that the benefit will not be clawed back. I am hopeful that the federal legislation permits that, but if there is any more to add to that, I will certainly get back to my

friend from Hamilton East.

Ms. Horwath: We're looking forward to a commitment from the government not to have those funds affected by income cut-off levels.

On another note in the same area, the new federal policy is also going to result in higher tax revenues for the province of Ontario. We believe it's incumbent

upon the McGuinty government to commit those funds to child care.

You promised to invest $300 million to create 25,000 new child care spaces. We know that that promise has been broken and that has never been done. So it's

even more important than ever that you keep any promise you make in this regard. I'm going to ask you very clearly, will you commit that any new provincial tax revenue that is earned as a result of

the new federal child care dollars will be dedicated in Ontario, to Ontario's non-profit, regulated child care system?

Hon. Mr. Sorbara: The national child care agreement that our government negotiated with the former federal minister, Ken Dryden, I think was a

model for all of Canada, a great agreement. It would have resulted in some 25,000 new child care spaces in the province of Ontario. We are deeply committed to maintaining a strong and vibrant

program. Already, some 14,000 new spaces have been committed. I will take her suggestion as information, as we consider both our fall economic statement and next year's budget. But just to repeat,

we are very, very proud of what we've achieved so far. And with additional co-operation from the federal government, we think we can do even more.

CHILD SAFETY

Mrs. Liz Sandals (Guelph-Wellington): My question is for the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Order. I can't hear the member for Guelph-Wellington.

Mrs. Sandals: First, Minister, I would like to add my personal congratulations to you and Wilma on the occasion of your 50th wedding

anniversary.

Minister, since the Amber Alert program was introduced in 2003, there have been 11 alerts issued in Ontario. Fortunately, seven of those children for whom the

alerts were issued were found alive and returned safely to their families. Unfortunately, my constituents are less likely to see Amber Alerts, since there are no electronic highway signs in my

riding. How might last Friday's expansion announcement assist in more missing children being found alive?

Hon. Monte Kwinter (Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services): I thank the member for the question. The Amber Alert program is

predicated on getting timely information out to as many people as possible about an abduction of a child. We have partners with the Ontario broadcasting association; we have partners with the

Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. -- they run it on their 9,000 terminals; we also have the MTO signs. What happened is that on Friday we expanded the partnership to include Bell Canada and Bell

Mobility. What this means is that now, if you register for free on the system, you will be able to receive an Amber Alert on your website or on your cellphone in a timely manner. We are convinced

that the effectiveness of the Amber Alert program will be enhanced dramatically. Bell Canada alone has 25,000 of their employees on this network. By expanding it to include people virtually all

over Ontario, we will in fact provide a more efficient service.

Mrs. Sandals: Minister, while the expansion of the program through the Bell network is great news, and I'm sure will make a great deal of

difference, why aren't some of the other services -- mine says "Rogers" here -- included in the announcement?

Hon. Mr. Kwinter: What happened was that this was an initiative of Bell Canada, which approached the partners -- the OACP, the OPP, the

Ontario broadcasting association -- and they have initiated this. They're absorbing all of the costs of the administration, but they are open to other carriers, whether it be Telus or Rogers or

anyone else who wants to participate. They'd be delighted to have them participate. Right now, you can participate even if you're not a Bell subscriber, but there is a fee that will be charged by

the other carriers. Hopefully, the other carriers will see that this is a worthwhile endeavour, will come on board, agree to absorb the costs of it and then all carriers in Ontario will have this

incredibly effective tool.

SMALL BUSINESS

Mr. Tim Hudak (Erie-Lincoln): A question for the Minister of Economic Development and Trade concerning the plight of small business pharmacies

in the province of Ontario: As the minister knows, 700 pharmacies are small businesses -- mom and pop operations. A large number of others are small business franchises. These small businesses are

under attack in Dalton McGuinty's Ontario. Not only is the health minister taking $500 million out of their pockets in the back office, but in the front office, higher taxes, higher hydro rates and

higher labour costs are having a dramatic and increasingly negative impact on Ontario's small business pharmacies. What is the minister responsible for these small businesses going to do to help

small business pharmacies that are having trouble making ends meet in Dalton McGuinty's Ontario?

Hon. Joseph Cordiano (Minister of Economic Development and Trade): To the Minister of Health.

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): I want to say very clearly that we have a lot of respect for the committee

process. We've used it to very good effect in all past bills that I have had the privilege of bringing forward. At the conclusion of public elements of that, the government has an opportunity to

bring forward amendments, as do the opposition parties. I would say that I think it's important to recognize that this is an important part of the process and we're listening very carefully.

We've already addressed one of the key concerns of a pharmacy this morning. I rather suspect that as we learn more about their revenue stream through the murky

issue of rebates, we'll be in a much better position to make responses. I remain very open to doing that. We're working in close partnership with the Ontario Pharmacists' Association, and we

believe fundamentally that the initiatives we're bringing forward will not impact the operation of pharmacy in Ontario. In fact, on the longer term basis with respect to recognition of the

cognitive service they play, we will be able to enhance their roles as key front-line health care providers. We know this is essential, and we will get it done.

Mr. Hudak: I would have thought that if the Minister of Economic Development was going to refer the question, he would have referred it to the

so-called minister responsible for small businesses in Ontario. It's a sad situation indeed for mom and pop small businesses that they now have to rely on a minister who has been found in violation

of the Members' Integrity Act and didn't have the class to step down at the time. But I understand the minister wouldn't reflect it that way, because they're shrinking your ministry every time

there is a cabinet shuffle.

I'll ask the minister one more time. The CFIB recently said about your budget, "This government takes the small- and medium-sized business sector -- the group

responsible for the bulk of new job creation and about half of total employment and economic growth -- for granted ... the government is choosing to turn its back on the very people who could

help."

Minister, surely you're going to stand up, or maybe your colleague is going to stand up, and fight for small businesses in the province of Ontario.

Hon. George Smitherman: In keeping with the tone set by the honourable member, let me read a quote by Bill Murdoch: "I hear a few catcalls and

that: `Well, you guys had it for a year. Why wasn't it done?' I want to tell you why it wasn't done: because we had an incapable, incompetent minister ... in Minister Hudak. He shouldn't have been

the minister. He was the minister, and that's unfortunate. He had his own agenda. He didn't want to do what the House wanted to do. That was passed in this House by all three parties, and he

wouldn't do the job he had to do as minister. He had a year to do it and he didn't do it."

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Interjections.

The Speaker: Order. Stop the clock.

New question. The leader of the third party.

MINERAL EXPLORATION

AND PRODUCTION

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): My question is for the minister responsible for native affairs. Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninnuwug First

Nation has told your government that they are opposed to mining exploration and mining development within their traditional territory. But the McGuinty government has encouraged Platinex Inc. to

pursue mining exploration and mining development, even though the first nation has said no. Now the First Nation has been forced to sue the McGuinty government because of your failure to honestly

and openly consult with it.

The Mikisew Supreme Court decision says that you must honestly, honourably and openly consult with First Nations before you attempt to approve mining

development in First Nations traditional territory. My question: When will the McGuinty government live up to its legal and constitutional responsibility with respect to this First Nation, instead

of forcing them to go to court to get you to observe --

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

Hon. David Ramsay (Minister of Natural Resources, minister responsible for aboriginal affairs): To the Minister of Northern Development and

Mines.

Hon. Rick Bartolucci (Minister of Northern Development and Mines): The member opposite is right; there has been an action launched. So

obviously, as a former Attorney General, he would know that it is inappropriate for us to comment on the particular case before the courts.

Let me tell you that this ministry and this government recognize the crown's obligation to respect and honour the aboriginal and treaty rights of communities,

and that communities have a right to be appropriately consulted. There's absolutely no question that the Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs has drawn up those guidelines, and each ministry

will certainly draw up protocols. We're very, very proud of what our government is doing with regard to our duty to consult, and we will live by those Supreme Court decisions.

Mr. Hampton: I just want to read part of the decision to you. It says the crown's duty to consult says that you have to, "ensure that the

representations of First Nations are seriously considered and, wherever possible, demonstrably integrated into the proposed plan of action."

Imagine the surprise of this First Nation and other First Nations when they heard you on the radio saying, on May 10, "As we speak, those guidelines are being

developed, and as we speak, those protocols are being put in place." But the First Nations have hand-delivered to you and to your deputy their part, their views. You have not only ignored them, you

have failed to respond.

Is that what the McGuinty government calls honest and open consultation according to constitutional law, when you ignore the very First Nations, and then go on

radio and say, "Oh, it's all happening"?

Hon. Mr. Bartolucci: The member across has a very, very creative

interpretation of reality. I want to tell you that the Ontario Secretariat

for Aboriginal Affairs is drawing up these guidelines. Each ministry will be responsible for protocols. I am very, very confident that our ministry will have and will continue to live up to the

decision of the Supreme Court. If the member had read the Ontario mineral development strategy, he would know that we are committed to that type of consultation, and we will continue to be

committed to that type of consultation.

WORKPLACE SAFETY

Mr. Ernie Parsons (Prince Edward-Hastings): My question is for the Minister of Labour. On May 19, our government announced enhanced protection

for those who work in potentially dangerous confined spaces. This is in keeping with your commitment to improving health and safety conditions for all Ontario workers. Your announcement detailed

changes that both strengthen regulations for workers who enter or work around confined spaces, while expanding the number of workers in workplaces covered by specific confined-space

requirements.

For those who don't know, a confined space is defined as, "a fully or partially enclosed space that is not designed for continuous human occupation." Examples

include holding tanks, vats or sewers. As one who is claustrophobic, I get the chills just thinking about that. As a result, working within or near a confined space can be particularly dangerous,

since atmospheric hazards can cause suffocation, fire or explosion.

Minister, this is certainly good news. However, talk of regulation often meets with reflexive criticism. Some have asked if this will create more work and

expense for employers. Will this be the case?

Hon. Steve Peters (Minister of Labour): I thank the member for the important question. This government is committed to supporting and

protecting Ontario workers and Ontario families. That's why we're ensuring that workers who enter or work around confined spaces are properly protected. We've enhanced existing requirements and

expanded coverage to include workers not previously covered, for example transportation and municipal workers. These new requirements are effective September 30, 2006.

As we know, employers are already required to provide protection to all workers who must work in confined spaces. These changes, though, are going to help to

clarify those procedures. They'll make it easier for employers to understand their responsibilities and for workers to know their rights and what they must do to protect themselves and their

co-workers. We spoke extensively with employer and labour groups about these regulations, and we've received support from all sectors.

Mr. Parsons: Minister, I spent my first three years of full-time employment working on construction sites and have a fair awareness of the

hazards that exist. I am very proud of the positive steps that our government has taken toward strengthening workplace safety for the betterment of all concerned. Improvements to the Occupational

Health and Safety Act benefit everyone, not just the workers involved but also their families, friends and co-workers. Workplace tragedies devastate entire families and can overwhelm entire

communities. They can be financially devastating as well. Businesses know that a healthy workplace is a productive workplace. Regulatory improvements are all about injury prevention and protecting

our working families. Minister, can you highlight some of the other regulatory successes this government has achieved?

Hon. Mr. Peters: Our government takes workplace health and safety very seriously. We've taken action to promote a culture of prevention out

there right now. Here are some of the examples, and perhaps the member from Niagara Centre will be listening: Effective June 30, 2006, agricultural workers will be coming under the Occupational

Health and Safety Act. We'll be providing these workers with the same health and safety protection that exists in other sectors, including the important right to refuse unsafe work.

We've also updated our asbestos regulations, enhancing protective requirements. For the first time, this provides for compulsory training for workers involved

in asbestos. This is the most significant update in the past 20 years. We've amended construction regulations to bring them up to date with new construction safety requirements. Along with last

year's 18 amended occupational exposure limits, we will shortly be releasing our 2006 consultation for review. Health and safety --

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

TEACHERS' LABOUR DISPUTE

Mr. Norm Miller (Parry Sound-Muskoka): I have a question for the Minister of Education. As you are no doubt aware, the Near North District

School Board is the only board in the province that has not reached an agreement with their occasional teachers. Some schools have been reopened, but many others remain closed. For instance, the

William Beatty Public School, the largest school in west Parry Sound, is not scheduled to reopen. Many parents are frustrated.

Pam Stoneman wrote me, "My kids are so disappointed that they are not in school, especially my 13-year-old in grade 7. Why are my three public-school-aged

children being punished? My husband and I work full-time. Child care is a nightmare."

Karen Hobson told me "that it is time for the Minister of Education to step in and reopen the schools and get the negotiations back on track."

The McKowens said, "We pay a large portion of our taxes towards education. It is time for someone to take responsibility for this lack of education for our

elementary students."

These children want to be in school, learning. Minister, what are you doing to further the end of the strike in the Near North District School Board?

Hon. Sandra Pupatello (Minister of Education, minister responsible for women's issues): Thank you so much for this question. As you know, we

have spent an inordinate amount of time talking to both sides in the Near North. The member near the area will likely know that our local MPP, Monique Smith, has been very involved with us as well.

We have had ongoing conversations, both with the Near North board as well as with ETFO. Our priority has been from the beginning that children need to be in the classroom.

I was very happy to note, in discussions throughout this weekend, that more schools are open today. We anticipate that more schools will continue to open, and

that in fact is the parents' priority as well as the teachers' and the board's: getting kids back into the classroom.

I will tell you that there has been a significant amount of discussion as well around the negotiation process. I am very hopeful that in very short order we

would have good news for all of the people in the boundary of Near North.

PETITIONS

SEED GRAINS

Mr. Bill Murdoch (Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound): I have a petition to the Parliament of Ontario.

"Whereas farmers throughout Canada are suffering from the effects of low sale prices of their products, competition from subsidized crops grown in other

countries, high prices of seed grains and forage seeds purchased from multinational seed companies, high prices of fertilizer (due partly to high oil prices), and high prices of necessary fuels for

cultivating and planting their crops; and

"Whereas many farmers have traditionally kept seeds from their own crops to use as seed for the following year, or have purchased their seeds from neighbours;

and

"Whereas multinational seed companies are proposing to sell to farmers genetically engineered seeds that will not reproduce, i.e., sterile seeds called

terminator seeds; and

"Whereas these terminator seeds would leave production of seed grains completely in control of the multinationals, since the use of these seeds would compel

farmers to buy new seed grains every year; and

"Whereas these terminator seeds could possibly cross-pollinate with the traditionally open-pollinated plants nearby, causing crop failures, and eventually

would cause starvation -- there is no proof that it could not happen;

"Therefore

be it resolved that, for the good of Canada and the world, Canada ban completely genetically engineered terminator seeds.

"We, the undersigned members of the Dromore branch of the Federated Women's Institutes of Ontario, petition the Parliament of Ontario to support and urge the

Canadian government to completely ban the use of terminator seeds in Canada and our province of Ontario."

MUNICIPAL RESTRUCTURING

Mr. Michael Prue (Beaches-East York): I have a petition that reads as follows:

"To the Parliament of Ontario:

"Whereas amalgamation of the rural townships of Osgoode, Rideau, Goulbourn and West Carleton into the city of Ottawa, and are now known as wards;

"Whereas, as of 2001, there were 1,318 farm operations and a total of 80,060 hectares of farmland in the city of Ottawa;

"Whereas city council has only four rural councillors out of a total of 21, and will decrease to three out of 23 in 2007;

"Whereas decisions made by council are more applicable to city dwellers than rural and farmers;

"Whereas taxes have increased and services in the rurals have decreased;

"Be it resolved that the Legislative Assembly of Ontario order a referendum be held in the above rural wards of the city of Ottawa asking the people of these

wards whether they wish to separate from the city of Ottawa and form a separate county;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to order such a referendum."

I am in agreement and will sign my name thereto.

LCBO OUTLET

Mr. Ted McMeekin (Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Aldershot): I have a petition signed by some 600 residents of my constituency.

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas Don and Susan Pede, being residents and business owners in Rockton, are requesting consideration and approval for an LCBO agency store to be located

on their premises to allow customers and community equal access to the purchase of wine and spirits; and

"Whereas our proposal, application and added demographic and marketing data meet and/or exceed all required criteria, based on published agency LCBO standards;

and

"Whereas this petition is fully endorsed by residents, employees, community members and customers alike;

"We, the undersigned, agree with this request, endorse the efforts for approval to locate the LCBO agency store on the Rockton Berry Farm Country Market

property and respectfully petition the Ontario Legislative Assembly to do the same."

I'm proud to affix my signature in support of this.

CHILD SAFETY

Mr. Cameron Jackson (Burlington): "Whereas eight-year-old Jared Osidacz of Brantford was brutally murdered by his father on March 18, 2006,

during a court-ordered unsupervised access visit; and

"Whereas two-year-old Kevin Latimer died on February 2, 2004, after falling from his father's third-floor apartment window during a court-ordered unsupervised

access visit; and

"Whereas Burlington MPP Cam Jackson has introduced Bill 89, Kevin and Jared's Law,

An Act to amend the Child and Family Services Act and the Coroners Act to

better protect the children of Ontario and mandate an automatic coroner's inquest when a child dies while in the care of a parent who is or has been the subject of a court access order; and

"Whereas Kevin and Jared's law will designate family members as having standing during such inquests and be eligible for financial payment of legal costs

through the victims' justice fund; and

"Whereas the province of Ontario has unclear guidelines and inconsistent policies for court-ordered supervised access programs that fail to prioritize the

safety and welfare of children above all else; and

"Whereas

section 22 of the Coroners Act allows the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services to direct that a coroner's inquest be held into a

death whose circumstances merit public scrutiny so as to prevent other deaths and injuries;

"Therefore,

be it resolved that we, the undersigned, call upon the McGuinty government to call an immediate coroner's inquest and to pass into law Bill 89 as

soon as possible to give Kevin and Jared the voice they were denied in life before any more children's lives are lost."

That has my signature of support.

SPEECH AND LANGUAGE SERVICES

Mr. John Milloy (Kitchener Centre): I have a petition here on the subject of Better Speech, Language and Hearing Month.

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas over one million Ontarians of all ages suffer from communication disorders relating to speech, language and/or hearing; and

"Whereas there is a growing need for awareness of the profound developmental, economic and social consequences that communication disorders have on people and

their families; and

"Whereas persons with communication problems require access to the professional services of audiologists and speech-language pathologists who provide

treatments to improve and enhance quality of life; and

"Whereas effective treatment of communication disorders benefits all of society by allowing otherwise disadvantaged persons to achieve their academic and

vocational potentials; and

"Whereas investments in treatments for communication disorders pay economic dividends in reduced reliance on other social services,

"We, the undersigned, in conjunction with the Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists, call on the Legislative Assembly of Ontario

to proclaim the month of May as Better Speech, Language and Hearing Month."

This is a petition I support.

LONG-TERM CARE

Mr. Cameron Jackson (Burlington): "Whereas long-term-care funding levels are too low to enable homes to provide the care and services our

aging seniors and parents who are residents of long-term-care homes need, with the respect and dignity that they deserve; and

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

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

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

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

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

the next two years (2006 and 2007)."

This has my signature of support as well.

PROSTATE CANCER

Mr. Kim Craitor (Niagara Falls): It's a pleasure to be recognized. I'm pleased to read the following petition on behalf of my riding of

Niagara Falls, and it reads as follows:

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas the government of Ontario's health insurance plan does not cover the cost of PSA (prostate specific antigen) test as an early method of detection for

prostate cancer in men;

"Whereas mammogram tests for women are fully covered by the Ontario insurance plan for early detection of breast cancer and PSA test for men is only covered

once the physician suspects prostate cancer,

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

"We support Bill 4. We believe PSA testing should be covered as an insured service by the Ontario health insurance program. Prostate cancer is the most

commonly diagnosed cancer in Canadian men. At least one in every eight Canadian men is expected to develop the disease in their lifetime. Some five million Canadian men are currently at risk in

their prostate-cancer-risk years, which are between the ages of 45 and 70. For many seniors and low-income earners, the cost of the test would buy ... a week's worth of groceries for some

individuals."

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

FREDERICK BANTING HOMESTEAD

Mr. Jim Wilson (Simcoe-Grey): I want to thank Dr. Robert Banting for sending me this petition.

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas Sir Frederick Banting was the man who discovered insulin and was Canada's first Nobel Prize recipient; and

"Whereas this great Canadian's original homestead, located in the town of New Tecumseth, is deteriorating and in danger of destruction because of the inaction

of the Ontario Historical Society; and

"Whereas the town of New Tecumseth, under the leadership of Mayor Mike MacEachern and former Mayor Larry Keogh, has been unsuccessful in reaching an agreement

with the Ontario Historical Society to use part of the land to educate the public about the historical significance of the work of Sir Frederick Banting;

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

"That the Minister of Culture and the Liberal government step in to ensure that the Banting homestead is kept in good repair and preserved for generations to

come."

I'm happy to sign that petition.

CHILD CARE

follows:

"Whereas provinces and territories negotiated agreements with the federal government to ensure Canadians would have access to early learning and child care

programs that are high-quality, affordable, universally inclusive and developmental;

"Whereas parents in Ontario have demonstrated a high demand for greater access to high-quality early learning and child care programs;

... child care spaces in the first three years;

"Whereas Ontario's early learning and child care agreement represents a $1.9-billion investment over five years in high-quality early learning and child

care;

Ontario's early learning and child care agreement, for the sake of the thousands of Ontario families who would benefit from it."

Since I agree, I'm delighted to sign this petition.

CANCER TREATMENT

Mr. Cameron Jackson (Burlington): "Whereas Ontario has an inconsistent policy for access to new cancer treatments while these drugs are under

review for funding; and

"Whereas cancer patients taking oral chemotherapy may apply for a

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

place for intravenous cancer drugs administered in hospital; and

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

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

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

"We, the undersigned, petition the Parliament of Ontario to provide immediate access to Velcade and other intravenous chemotherapy while these new cancer drugs

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

This has my signature of support.

GO TRANSIT TUNNEL

Mr. Tony Ruprecht (Davenport): I have another petition that is focused on the Old Weston Road dilapidated bridged. It reads as follows:

"Whereas GO Transit is presently planning to tunnel an area just south of St. Clair Avenue West ... making it easier for GO trains to pass a major rail

crossing;

"Whereas TTC is presently planning a TTC right-of-way along all of St. Clair Avenue West, including the bottleneck caused by the dilapidated St. Clair

Avenue-Old Weston Road bridge;

"Whereas this bridge (underpass) will be: (1) too narrow for the planned TTC right-of-way, since it will leave only one lane for traffic; (2) it is not safe

for pedestrians (it's about 50 metres long). It's dark and slopes on both east and west sides, creating high banks for 300 metres; and (3) it creates a divide, a no man's land, between Old Weston

Road and Keele Street. (This was acceptable when the area consisted entirely of slaughterhouses, but now the area has 900 new homes);

"Therefore we, the undersigned, demand that GO Transit extend the tunnel beyond St. Clair Avenue West so that trains will pass under St. Clair Avenue West,

thus eliminating this eyesore of a bridge with its high banks and blank walls. Instead it will create a dynamic, revitalized community enhanced by a beautiful continuous cityscape with easy traffic

flow."

Since I agree, I'm delighted to sign this petition.

LONG-TERM CARE

Mr. Jim Wilson (Simcoe-Grey): I want to thank the good people at Sara Vista Nursing Home in Elmvale for sending me this petition.

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

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

the next two years (2006 and 2007)."

I'm happy to sign that.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): That concludes the time allocated for petitions.

CONSIDERATION OF BILLS

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

to move a motion without notice respecting the meeting time this afternoon and consideration of Bill Pr24.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Mr. Bradley has asked for unanimous consent to move a motion without notice respecting the meeting time

this afternoon and consideration of Bill Pr24. Agreed? Agreed.

Hon. Mr. Bradley: I move that, notwithstanding any standing order, at 6 p.m. today the Speaker shall adjourn the debate on Bill 117,

An Act to

amend the Income Tax Act to provide for an Ontario home electricity payment, and call orders of the day; and

That the debate on Bill 117 shall be considered to be one full sessional day; and

That the House be authorized to meet beyond 6 p.m. for the purpose of considering Bill Pr24,

An Act respecting the City of London, for which the orders for

second and third reading may be called consecutively and on which the Speaker shall immediately put the questions without debate; and

That upon completion of consideration of third reading of Bill Pr24, the Speaker shall adjourn the House until 6:45 p.m. this evening.

The Speaker: Mr. Bradley has moved that, notwithstanding any standing order, at 6 p.m. today the Speaker shall adjourn the debate on Bill 117,

An Act to amend the Income Tax Act to provide for an Ontario home electricity payment, and call orders of the day; and

That the debate on Bill 117 shall be considered to be one full sessional day; and

That the House be authorized to meet beyond 6 p.m. for the purpose of considering Bill Pr24,

An Act respecting the City of London, for which the orders for

second and third reading may be called consecutively and on which the Speaker shall immediately put the questions without debate; and

That upon completion of consideration of third reading of Bill Pr24, the Speaker shall adjourn the House until 6:45 p.m. this evening.

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

ORDERS OF THE DAY

INCOME TAX AMENDMENT ACT

(ONTARIO HOME ELECTRICITY

RELIEF), 2006 /

LOI DE 2006 MODIFIANT LA LOI DE

L'IMPÔT SUR LE REVENU (AIDE AU

TITRE DES FACTURES D'ÉLECTRICITÉ

RÉSIDENTIELLE DE L'ONTARIO)

Mr. Sorbara moved second reading of the following bill:

Bill 117,

An Act to amend the Income Tax Act to provide for an Ontario home electricity payment / Projet de loi 117, Loi modifiant la Loi de l'impôt

sur le revenu pour prévoir un paiement au

titre des factures d'électricité résidentielle de l'Ontario.

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

Hon. Greg Sorbara (Minister of Finance, Chair of the Management Board of Cabinet): If I might just begin my remarks with a word to my

colleagues in the Legislature, it's been a rather interesting seven months for me, sometimes difficult, but I would tell you that the support not just from members of my own caucus but of the two

caucuses across the aisle has made it quite a bit easier. I'm delighted at being back in this chair and these responsibilities, that I am beginning my new role as Minister of Finance by speaking to

Bill 117.

I want to make the point that I'm going to be providing just a few preliminary remarks on Bill 117 and sharing the remainder of my time with my parliamentary

assistant, whom I haven't even had a chance to say hello to yet since last week, the member from Pickering-Ajax-Uxbridge.

I want to start by thanking my predecessor, Dwight Duncan. He did an enormous job, a huge job, a great job as Minister of Finance, and it will take some doing

to fill his shoes. He brought forward a remarkably comprehensive budget, a responsible budget, which he delivered at the end of March, and in that budget he made a decision to bring forward the

legislation that we're debating today. I know that in his new responsibilities, which are like his old responsibilities, as Minister of Energy, he will follow closely the development of this bill

which, simply stated, is a provision to amend the Income Tax Act to provide a benefit to assist those of most modest means in the province with rising electricity costs. In his new capacity, I want

to wish him well. As he resumes the responsibilities of that portfolio, I know he will be following the progress of this bill.

Bill 117 is all about supporting our goal of providing assistance to the most vulnerable people in Ontario. We are responding to rising electricity costs with

a program that delivers some support to those with the fewest options available to them and, proportionately speaking, some of the highest costs. Through the programs created by Bill 117, we will

provide a total of some $100 million to almost 1.5 million low-income families. As you'll hear in a few moments from the member from Pickering-Ajax-Uxbridge, these measures are part of a larger

whole, a package of measures that our government is pleased to be putting in place.

I think it's important in our role as legislators and as compassionate human beings that we pause and consider the importance of this particular initiative.

It's about more than just putting a few extra dollars in people's pockets, although it's certainly intended to do that; it's about recognizing that people with low incomes face difficult choices

all of the time. If we can do anything to help lighten that load, so to speak, then I believe it is incumbent on us to do so. But we must pay more than just lip service to their needs, and we will

do more. We must act in a concerted, responsible and prudent manner, and that's what this bill does. Our 2006 budget reflected that same dedication.

We welcome the opportunity to provide this assistance to the most vulnerable people in society, and I welcome the chance once again to address my colleagues

and offer my support for our government's program. I do look forward to hearing the thoughts of my colleagues in this Legislature on this important piece of legislation.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. John Milloy): Further debate?

Mr. Wayne Arthurs (Pickering-Ajax-Uxbridge): I am particularly pleased to be able to join in the debate today following the Minister of

Finance, the Honourable Greg Sorbara. It has been my pleasure to work with him in his capacity as finance minister, and I look forward to continuing that relationship on a go-forward basis, until

such time as the Premier sees fit to move me somewhere else to some other role with some other minister. But in the interim, I very much look forward to continuing our working relationship.

I want to thank Minister Sorbara for his opening remarks in regard to Bill 117. I also want to congratulate and thank Minister Dwight Duncan. I know that

during his time as the Minister of Finance, the job that he did, it was my honour to be able to support him in the development and presentation of his budget during this year. I want to wish him

well in his portfolio, returning to the Ministry of Energy, obviously a key portfolio in our government as well.

You'll recall that in the 2006 budget, we made some historic investments in health care, education and post-secondary education in an effort to build a

stronger economy. These included a $218-million investment to support at-risk youth and vulnerable adults and families, bringing the total investment to those at risk in our province to some $10.3

billion, second only to our investment in education and in health care. We recognize that in order for every Ontarian to participate in the province's prosperity, we must ensure that all effective

supports and opportunities are available for all citizens.

Bill 117 builds on this commitment to help the most vulnerable in our community. In this case, low-income Ontarians who will need assistance with their

electricity costs are those that will be the benefactors of this legislation.

In my view, this is an opportunity for us to address what I refer to as the social and human deficit in Ontario. We propose to provide this assistance by means

of a one-time payment of up to $120 for families with a net income of less than $35,000 and up to $60 for individuals whose net income is less than $20,000.

Research has shown that people with the lowest incomes spend more than three times as much of their income as the average Ontarian on energy costs and on

electricity, and they rely twice as much on electrical heating equipment for their major heating systems. So we propose that the Ontario home electricity relief program to help mitigate these costs

be enacted.

The mechanism by which we would deliver this assistance is really quite simple. Pretty much anyone who claims the Ontario property tax credit -- in other

words, anyone who owns or rents their own home and falls within the income parameters that I mentioned earlier -- would be eligible. To qualify for relief under this legislation, people would have

to file a 2005 personal income tax return on or before the end of 2006.

Discussions are currently under way with the Canada Revenue Agency for the delivery of this one-time payment. Delivery of the first cheques could begin as soon

as the fall of 2006. The d