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June 2, 2026

44th Parliament, 1st Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcript 2026-Jun-02 (PDF)

L081 - Tue 2 Jun 2026 / Mar 2 jun 2026

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Tuesday 2 June 2026 Mardi 2 juin 2026

Orders of the Day

Consideration of Bill Pr36

KCI Property Investment Inc. Act, 2026

KCI Property Investment Inc. Act, 2026

P. Gregor Medicine Professional Corporation Act, 2026

P. Gregor Medicine Professional Corporation Act, 2026

Vaughan Basketball Inc. Act, 2026

Vaughan Basketball Inc. Act, 2026

2417633 Ontario Limited Act, 2026

2417633 Ontario Limited Act, 2026

338026 Ontario Limited Act, 2026

338026 Ontario Limited Act, 2026

Ontario Wildlife Holdings & Sanctuary Corp. Act, 2026

Ontario Wildlife Holdings & Sanctuary Corp. Act, 2026

778624 Ontario Limited Act, 2026

778624 Ontario Limited Act, 2026

Step by Step Investments Inc. Act, 2026

Step by Step Investments Inc. Act, 2026

2771280 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026

2771280 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026

R&J Drago Consultants Inc. Act, 2026

R&J Drago Consultants Inc. Act, 2026

1092167 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026

1092167 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026

Jinghua Trading (Canada) Ltd. Act, 2026

Jinghua Trading (Canada) Ltd. Act, 2026

Base31 Community Association Act, 2026

Base31 Community Association Act, 2026

Consideration of Bill Pr49

2343967 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026

2343967 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026

Members’ Statements

Violence link training

Developmental service workers

Graduation ceremonies

Primary care

Culturally responsive mental health services

Woodstock Truck Show

Highway safety / Riding of Timiskaming–Cochrane

Women in politics

Government investments

Chabad of Guelph

Report, Integrity Commissioner

Introduction of Visitors

House sittings

Pride Month

Question Period

Cost of living

Cost of living

Government accountability

Government jet

Forest industry

Government accountability

Housing

Public safety

Public transit

Supportive housing

Agri-food industry

Culturally responsive mental health services

Member’s birthday

Legislative pages

Deferred Votes

Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 / Loi de 2026 visant à protéger les rues et les collectivités de l’Ontario

Royal assent / Sanction royale

Members’ expenses

Introduction of Visitors

Introduction of Bills

Ray Hunking Trucking Limited Act, 2026

J.C.C. Corp. Act, 2026

Diverting Waste from Landfills and Reducing Greenhouse Gases Act, 2026 / Loi de 2026 visant à détourner les déchets destinés aux sites d’enfouissement et à réduire les gaz à effet de serre

Swahili Heritage Month Act, 2026 / Loi de 2026 sur le Mois du patrimoine de la langue swahilie

Responsible Flyer Delivery Act, 2026 / Loi de 2026 sur la distribution responsable de dépliants promotionnels

Keeping Our Kids Safe Online Act, 2026 / Loi de 2026 visant à assurer la sécurité de nos enfants en ligne

Homes You Can Afford in the Communities You Love Act, 2026 / Loi de 2026 pour des logements abordables dans les communautés que vous aimez

Motions

House and committee sittings

The House met at 0900.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Now a moment of silence for inner thought and personal reflection.

Prayers.

Orders of the Day

Consideration of Bill Pr36

Hon. Steve Clark: Speaker, I seek unanimous consent that the member for Essex be allowed to move second and third reading of Bill Pr36,

An Act to revive 2417633 Ontario Limited, on behalf of the member for Thornhill.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The government House leader is seeking unanimous consent that the member for Essex be allowed to move second and third reading of Bill Pr36,

An Act to revive 2417633 Ontario Limited, on behalf of the member for Thornhill. Agreed? Agreed.

KCI Property Investment Inc. Act, 2026

Ms. Pierre moved second reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr27,

An Act to revive KCI Property Investment Inc.

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

Second reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Pursuant to standing order 89(b), the bill is ordered for third reading.

KCI Property Investment Inc. Act, 2026

Ms. Pierre moved third reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr27,

An Act to revive KCI Property Investment Inc.

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

Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.

Third reading agreed to.

P. Gregor Medicine Professional Corporation Act, 2026

Ms. Shaw moved second reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr29,

An Act to revive P. Gregor Medicine Professional Corporation.

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

Second reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Pursuant to standing order 89(b), the bill is ordered for third reading.

P. Gregor Medicine Professional Corporation Act, 2026

Ms. Shaw moved third reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr29,

An Act to revive P. Gregor Medicine Professional Corporation.

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

Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.

Third reading agreed to.

Vaughan Basketball Inc. Act, 2026

Ms. Fairclough moved second reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr31,

An Act to revive Vaughan Basketball Inc.

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

Second reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Pursuant to standing order 89(b), the bill is ordered for third reading.

Vaughan Basketball Inc. Act, 2026

Ms. Fairclough moved third reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr31,

An Act to revive Vaughan Basketball Inc.

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

Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.

Third reading agreed to.

2417633 Ontario Limited Act, 2026

Mr. Leardi, on behalf of Ms. Smith, moved second reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr36,

An Act to revive 2417633 Ontario Limited.

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

Second reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Pursuant to standing order 89(b), the bill is ordered for third reading.

2417633 Ontario Limited Act, 2026

Mr. Leardi, on behalf of Ms. Smith, moved third reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr36,

An Act to revive 2417633 Ontario Limited.

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

Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.

Third reading agreed to.

338026 Ontario Limited Act, 2026

MPP West moved second reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr37,

An Act to revive 338026 Ontario Limited.

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

Second reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Pursuant to standing order 89(b), the bill is ordered for third reading.

338026 Ontario Limited Act, 2026

MPP West moved third reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr37,

An Act to revive 338026 Ontario Limited.

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

Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.

Third reading agreed to.

Ontario Wildlife Holdings & Sanctuary Corp. Act, 2026

Mr. Riddell moved second reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr38,

An Act to revive Ontario Wildlife Holdings & Sanctuary Corp.

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

Second reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Pursuant to standing order 89(b), the bill is ordered for third reading.

Ontario Wildlife Holdings & Sanctuary Corp. Act, 2026

Mr. Riddell moved third reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr38,

An Act to revive Ontario Wildlife Holdings & Sanctuary Corp.

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

Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.

Third reading agreed to.

778624 Ontario Limited Act, 2026

Mr. Bailey moved second reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr39,

An Act to revive 778624 Ontario Limited.

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

Second reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Pursuant to standing order 89(b), the bill is ordered for third reading.

778624 Ontario Limited Act, 2026

Mr. Bailey moved third reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr39,

An Act to revive 778624 Ontario Limited.

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

Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.

Third reading agreed to.

Step by Step Investments Inc. Act, 2026

Mr. Pang moved second reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr40,

An Act to revive Step by Step Investments Inc.

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

Second reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Pursuant to standing order 89(b), the bill is ordered for third reading.

Step by Step Investments Inc. Act, 2026

Mr. Pang moved third reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr40,

An Act to revive Step by Step Investments Inc.

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

Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.

Third reading agreed to.

2771280 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026

Mr. Sabawy moved second reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr41,

An Act to revive 2771280 Ontario Inc.

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

Second reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Pursuant to standing order 89(b), the bill is ordered for third reading.

2771280 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026

Mr. Sabawy moved third reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr41,

An Act to revive 2771280 Ontario Inc.

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

Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.

Third reading agreed to.

R&J Drago Consultants Inc. Act, 2026

Mr. Coe moved second reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr43,

An Act to revive R&J Drago Consultants Inc.

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

Second reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Pursuant to standing order 89(b), the bill is ordered for third reading.

R&J Drago Consultants Inc. Act, 2026

Mr. Coe moved third reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr43,

An Act to revive R&J Drago Consultants Inc.

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

Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.

Third reading agreed to.

1092167 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026

Mr. Sabawy moved second reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr44,

An Act to revive 1092167 Ontario Inc.

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

Second reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Pursuant to standing order 89(b), the bill is ordered for third reading.

1092167 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026

Mr. Sabawy moved third reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr44,

An Act to revive 1092167 Ontario Inc.

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

Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.

Third reading agreed to.

Jinghua Trading (Canada) Ltd. Act, 2026

Mr. Pang moved second reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr45,

An Act to revive Jinghua Trading (Canada) Ltd.

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

Second reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Pursuant to standing order 89(b), the bill is ordered for third reading.

Jinghua Trading (Canada) Ltd. Act, 2026

Mr. Pang moved third reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr45,

An Act to revive Jinghua Trading (Canada) Ltd.

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

Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.

Third reading agreed to.

Base31 Community Association Act, 2026

Mr. Allsopp moved second reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr46,

An Act respecting Base31 Community Association.

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

Second reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Pursuant to standing order 89(b), the bill is ordered for third reading.

Base31 Community Association Act, 2026

Mr. Allsopp moved third reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr46,

An Act respecting Base31 Community Association.

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

Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.

Third reading agreed to.

Consideration of Bill Pr49

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the government House leader.

Hon. Steve Clark: I seek unanimous consent that the member for Essex be allowed to move second and third reading of Bill Pr49,

An Act to revive 2343967 Ontario Inc., on behalf of the member for Mississauga–Malton.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The government House leader is seeking unanimous consent that the member for Essex be permitted to move second and third reading of Bill Pr49,

An Act to revive 2343967 Ontario Inc., on behalf of the member for Thornhill. Agreed? Agreed.

2343967 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026

Mr. Leardi, on behalf of Mr. Anand, moved second reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr49,

An Act to revive 2343967 Ontario Inc.

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

Second reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Pursuant to standing order 89(b), the bill is ordered for third reading.

2343967 Ontario Inc. Act, 2026

Mr. Leardi, on behalf of Mr. Anand, moved third reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr49,

An Act to revive 2343967 Ontario Inc.

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

Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.

Third reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the member for Essex.

Mr. Anthony Leardi: No further business.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): There being no further business, this House stands in recess until 10:15.

The House recessed from 0919 to 1015.

Members’ Statements

Violence link training

Ms. Effie J. Triantafilopoulos: Yesterday, I filed a private member’s motion calling on the Ontario government to ensure that crown attorneys and crown counsels are educated on the connection between animal cruelty and gender-based and family violence. Research shows that animal abuse is not an isolated act—the connection between cruelty towards animals and violence against people is well documented. In fact, experts refer to it as the “violence link.”

The report of the Ontario Standing Committee on Justice Policy recognized animal cruelty as one of the risk factors for future interpersonal violence. The statistics are deeply troubling: 75% of abused women report their partner threatened or harmed their pet; nearly 90% of women in shelters report their partner abused their companion animals.

Through my previous private member’s motion, Keira’s Law, Ontario mandated education for judges and justices of the peace on intimate partner violence and coercive control. This motion builds on that important progress, calling on prosecutors to be better equipped to identify warning signs, assess risk earlier, support victims more effectively and strengthen public safety outcomes.

Protecting animals and protecting people are not separate conversations; they are deeply connected and our justice system should reflect that reality.

Developmental service workers

Ms. Peggy Sattler: Over the last two weeks, London West constituents with loved ones who rely on developmental service workers have reached out to share their anxiety, fear and heartbreak as they watch vulnerable family members struggle to adapt to unfamiliar replacement workers, disrupted routines and a loss of programs and supports they rely on.

At the same time, they understand how years of underfunding have pushed the developmental services sector to a breaking point. They are clear that they value the compassion, dedication and hard work of the front-line staff who support their loved ones, and they want these workers to be fairly compensated.

Front-line social service workers across Ontario, including nearly 600 Community Living London workers who are members of OPSEU Local 166, are taking a stand. They are demanding recognition from the Ford government of the importance of the work they do and the vulnerable adults and children they support. They are refusing to accept the unsafe staffing levels, growing wait-lists and mounting pressure caused by decades of chronic underfunding.

The Ontario NDP stands with these workers. They deserve to be compensated for lost wages after this government’s unconstitutional Bill 124, just like other public sector workers.

I am proud to show my solidarity today. We will continue to demand stable, sustainable funding because high-quality social services are worth fighting for.

Graduation ceremonies

Ms. Stephanie Bowman: Each year since being elected, I’ve had the privilege of attending graduation ceremonies in my riding of Don Valley West. They are some of my favourite events. They’re a chance to celebrate young members of our community, to hear about the highlights of their school year and to wish them the best as they embark on their next chapter. It’s a chance to remind them that they have an entire community behind them and wishing them well.

Unfortunately, this year is different. As we know, the Toronto District School Board is now being run by a supervisor appointed by the Minister of Education. Here’s an excerpt from a message from a TDSB principal: “We have received specific direction from our board to refrain from having political speakers address our students directly.”

So here, today, from Queen’s Park: Congratulations to the 2026 graduating classes of the high schools and middle schools in Don Valley West. This is such an exciting time for you. Enjoy celebrating your accomplishments and anticipating your next chapter. I look forward to seeing you soon, and I wish you a safe, happy, fun summer.

Primary care

Mr. Anthony Leardi: So far, under our government’s primary care action plan, 2,000 people have been able to access primary care in the riding of Essex. And now I have more great news for the riding of Essex because, due to a collaboration between the Harrow family health team, the Amherstburg Family Health Team and the Lakeshore Community Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, another 4,000 people will now be added to primary care in the riding of Essex. That brings the grand total of people now being connected with primary care in the riding of Essex to 6,000 individuals. Our primary care action plan is working for the riding of Essex.

I want to congratulate the great collaboration between our health care partners: the Harrow family health team, the Amherstburg Family Health Team and the Lakeshore Community Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic. This is a fine collaboration, bringing health care, primary care, to people in the riding of Essex where and when they need it.

Culturally responsive mental health services

MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam: I rise to call urgent attention to the need for culturally responsive mental health services for Ontario’s Chinese Canadian community following the devastating closure of the Asian Initiative in Mental Health, known as AIM, at the University Health Network. The Chinese Canadian community is the second-largest ethnocultural group in the GTA and in Ontario.

For 23 years, AIM provided pioneering, culturally responsive psychiatric care to over 4,500 patients. The majority of these new patients are now coming from outside of UHN’s Toronto catchment area for mental health support. AIM’s abrupt closure without consultation disrupted vulnerable patient care, dismantled a multidisciplinary team with cultural and linguistic expertise, and eroded community trust. This has directly increased the risk of crises, emergency visits and readmissions, thus driving up health care costs.

Despite clearly documented linguistic, cultural and systemic barriers to mental health, Asian communities are too often perceived as less in need.

But we are fighting back. The RE-AIM Coalition has garnered thousands of petition signatures and endorsements from over 60 organizations. The coalition has made powerful deputations to UHN this February, and yet they refuse to restore this service even on a trial basis. This urgent issue of equity and fairness calls on the Minister of Health to act responsibly and direct UHN to immediately reinstate the AIM clinic for Chinese Canadians in Ontario.

Woodstock Truck Show

Mr. Will Bouma: It’s a pleasure to rise in the House today and recognize the tremendous success of this year’s truck show in Burford, an event that has grown into one of the most remarkable community traditions.

What began in Woodstock in 2014 as a simple effort to sell calendars featuring trucks and raise funds for a worthy cause has evolved into something truly extraordinary. Twelve years later, the show attracts an incredible 315 trucks from all corners of North America and has raised over $100,000 in support of the Ontario Special Olympics. In fact, last year, I had the privilege of attending the Ontario Special Olympics in Brantford and presenting medals to some of the most grateful, joyful and inspiring athletes that I have ever met. Knowing that this event helps support those athletes makes its success even more meaningful.

The truck show brings together families, friends and visitors for a weekend filled with concerts, fireworks, great food and a welcoming atmosphere that showcases the very best of Brandford–Brant. This year’s turnout was particularly impressive, with approximately 3,500 people attending the show in Burford. That’s more people than the town’s entire population.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jennifer and Chris, along with the many volunteers and organizers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this event together year after year. Keep up the great work.

Highway safety / Riding of Timiskaming–Cochrane

Mr. John Vanthof: Summer is here, and summer often means road trips. My colleagues and I from the north have been pushing very hard for safer roads. We’ve seen a few changes: We’ve seen more enforcement; we’ve seen more MTO officials. We’d like to thank the government for taking some notice. There’s a long way to go, but we give credit where credit is due. The government has moved on inspecting trucking schools—again, give credit where credit is due—but there’s a long way to go.

But safe roads are especially important, especially in summertime because northern Ontario is a beautiful place to visit. I encourage everyone to come to the whole north. In my riding, you can come to Temagami. Lake Temagami is one of the most beautiful lakes in the province. There’s the polar bear habitat in Cochrane.

One of my favourite events is the return of the New Liskeard Bikers Reunion from July 3 to 5. There are thousands of bikes that come from all over the country, and there are not just bikes anymore—there are classic cars, quite a few sports cars. If you happen to see an old black Triumph puttering around with an orange helmet, stop and say hello. I’ll be happy to talk to you.

Anyway, welcome to summer and as always welcome to northern Ontario.

Women in politics

Mrs. Michelle Cooper: I rise today honoured to stand in this chamber alongside 46 female members of provincial Parliament. Since women first gained the right to vote in Ontario in 1917, and to run for office shortly after, more than 100 women have served in this Legislature. Each has helped shape a stronger more representative democracy for the people of Ontario.

This progress is meaningful but is not without the ongoing realities and challenges women continue to navigate. Women are leaders in this chamber, in their workplaces, in their communities, while also balancing the many roles they hold in their lives as wives, partners, mothers, daughters and granddaughters.

In recent months, I’ve had the privilege of visiting various all-girls schools in my riding of Eglinton–Lawrence, including Bais Yaakov, Eitz Chaim, Havergal College and Loretto Abbey to name a few, where I have met with bright and engaged young women who represent the future of our province.

What struck me most was their excitement seeing a woman serving as their local MPP. Their thoughtful questions about leadership and public service were a reminder that representation matters. When young women see women leading, they see new possibilities for themselves and gain the confidence to believe that their voices, ideas and ambitions belong wherever decisions are made.

Government investments

Mr. Lorne Coe: I’m honoured to share how our government is supporting local tourism in the region of Durham. BMK Event and Promotions will receive $35,000 through the Ontario Arts Council and the Ontario Creates program. This funding will help BMK Event and Promotions to develop and present Durham Summerfest 2026 on August 22 and 23 at the Ajax Downs racetrack.

Speaker, I’ve seen first-hand the difference that inclusive community events make in the region of Durham. What’s clear is that these events don’t just foster togetherness, they also create valuable jobs and boost local economies. That’s why I’m proud that our government showcases the diverse culture and talent of residents in Whitby, Ajax and the entire region of Durham.

Chabad of Guelph

Mr. Mike Schreiner: I rise today to congratulate Rabbi Raphi Steiner on the recent approval of the Chabad of Guelph to move forward with its expansion project.

I also want Rabbi Raphi and the Jewish community in Guelph to know we stand with you against the hateful anti-Semitic act that happened in the most recent vandalizing of the pop-up Chabad location in Guelph.

Speaker, Chabad of Guelph has served the community since 2012, inspiring the Jewish community of Guelph to discover and celebrate their heritage in a safe and welcoming environment. The expansion also includes the first Jewish daycare in Guelph, with 49 spots funded through the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system. This brings more affordable child care to our community at a time when young families are just struggling to get by.

I would like to thank the MPP for Wellington–Halton Hills and the MPP for Perth–Wellington for helping me in advocating for funding for this project. I’d also like to thank the Minister of Education for responding to our call for fair funding for child care spaces in Guelph-Wellington. I’d also like to thank the county of Wellington and the city of Guelph for supporting this project.

Speaker, affordable child care makes a real difference in people’s lives, and these are the kinds of projects we should all get behind and support.

Report, Integrity Commissioner

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I beg to inform the House the following document was tabled: the annual report of the review of expense claims covering the period April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, pursuant to the Cabinet Ministers’ and Opposition Leaders’ Expenses Review and Accountability Act, 2002, from the Office of the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario.

Introduction of Visitors

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): It is now time for visitors, and I believe we have a special guest to introduce.

Hon. Michael Parsa: Good morning, colleagues. I have a very special guest in the House, indeed, but first I want to introduce Barbara and Tanya from L’Arche Daybreak, and I want to introduce my very good friend Amanda, who participates in all the walks with me at every single charity event. She is my dear friend from Richmond Hill, never misses a charity walk with me—my wonderful friend. Thank you for being so awesome, Amanda. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Hon. Stan Cho: Hard to follow that one up, but we’ve also got a really funny guy in the Legislature today. If you don’t know who he is, check him out on Instagram. Comedian Leonard Chan is here with his wife Jackie, who took his last name, thus becoming the only Caucasian Jackie Chan I know of. Welcome to the Legislature.

Hon. Charmaine A. Williams: I welcome students from Central Peel Secondary School in my riding of Brampton Centre. Today we recognize 11 students who made history as the first Canadian team to win the grand prize in the Gerard K. O’Neill Space Settlement Contest, competing against over 23,000 students worldwide. Their project, Project Saoirse, presents an ambitious vision for the future in space.

I also want to celebrate additional Central Peel students who earned seven awards in the NSS “Live in a Healthy Space” competition and their teacher and space club adviser, Simona Matei, whose leadership helped make these achievements possible.

Please join me in congratulating their outstanding achievements. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Hon. Ernie Hardeman: I’d like to welcome Rocio Salinas and Lindsay Tribble from the Tillsonburg chamber of commerce and Mike Crabbe from the Woodstock chamber of commerce. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Ms. Lee Fairclough: I’d like to welcome Julia Nelson from my riding of Etobicoke–Lakeshore, who is the page captain today, and I’m pleased to welcome her family—Amy, Ian and Miles—to Queen’s Park.

I’d also like to introduce the students from Ontario Student Voices and the Conestoga student union. Welcome to Lynn Courville, Arvin Baradaran-Rajabzadeh, Alex Nguyen, Rajveer Singh and Bisman Kaur. Thank you very much. Welcome to your House.

Ms. Laura Smith: I would like to welcome Morris Maron from my constituency office and friends Eleanor Millar and her wonderful son Ethan. Welcome to the House.

Mr. Tom Rakocevic: I welcome my family: my wife Aleksandra and my sons, Aleksandar and Ilija. Welcome again to Queen’s Park.

Mr. Logan Kanapathi: I’m happy to welcome my good friend Nada Rajkumar. He’s an exemplary leader with 41 years of distinguished service in Canadian podcasting and pioneering Tamil radio in Ontario, Canada. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Ms. Aislinn Clancy: I want to give a shout-out to the Kitchener Rangers, who won the Memorial Cup. Go Rangers!

Ms. Stephanie Bowman: I would like to welcome a few guests from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce here today for their advocacy day: Daniel Tisch, president and CEO; Julie Martini, VP of public affairs; and Shelly Anwyll, VP, business development and member experience. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Hon. Stephen Lecce: I do want to welcome Dan Tisch as well as members of the Vaughan chamber and the King chamber. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Hon. Laurie Scott: I’d like to welcome Terry Guiel and Rizzan Santos from the Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Ms. Natalie Pierre: I would like to introduce Terry Caddo, president and CEO of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce and Kelly Hoey, executive director of HIEC, ApprenticeSearch.com and Ontario Career Lab.

Mr. Tyler Allsopp: I would like to welcome representatives from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and its network of local chambers and boards of trade from across the province. Today’s group is participating in the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s 11th annual advocacy day.

I would like to give a special shout-out to Suzanne Andrews, Duarte Da Silva and Jill Raycroft from Quinte West, Prince Edward county and Bellwood chambers of commerce.

MPP Tyler Watt: I would like to welcome the inspiring folks from Ontario Student Voices: Shadé Dias, Samiya Khan, Sai Pradivya Sammeta, Hishram Clifford, Raili Tyrvainen and Kai Fucile Ladouceur. Welcome to your House.

Mr. Robert Bailey: I would like to welcome Ethan Brown from the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam: I would like to invite the chamber to join me in welcoming the 70 members from the RE-AIM Coalition.

Mr. Dave Smith: I would like to welcome Brenda Whitehead from the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce and my former EA Julia Facca, who says I never recognize her when she’s here.

MPP Monica Ciriello: I would like to welcome members of my Hamilton Mountain youth organization: Mateo, Brooklynn, Julia, Noah, Onil, Eva, Ornina, and a friend and colleague, Dave.

M me Lucille Collard: I would like to welcome Eric Thiele, a first-time comer to Queen’s Park and a student from Queen’s. He is starting articling here in Toronto. Welcome to your House.

House sittings

Hon. Steve Clark: First, I want to advise the House that the night sitting scheduled for this evening is cancelled.

Pride Month

Hon. Steve Clark: Madam Speaker, if you seek it, you will find unanimous consent for members to make brief statements for Pride Month, with five minutes allotted to the government, five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s loyal opposition, five minutes allotted to the third party and two minutes allotted to the independent members as a group.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The government House leader is seeking unanimous consent for members to make brief statements for Pride Month, with five minutes allotted to the government, five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s loyal opposition, five minutes allotted to the third party and two minutes allotted to the independent members as a group. Agreed? Agreed.

I recognize the Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism.

Hon. Graham McGregor: I didn’t have a chance during introduction of visitors. I just want to welcome the Shrestha family: Puja, Kiroj and Sarin. Their son Sarvin is a page from my riding. I will be having lunch with them later today. Please give them a round of applause for being here.

Applause.

Hon. Graham McGregor: Good morning. It’s a true honour to stand before the House and recognize June as Pride Month. Happy Pride to everyone in Ontario.

Ontario is proud to be home to a vibrant, diverse and resilient LGBT+ community. Now, Pride Month, Speaker, is often associated with parades, flags and celebration, but of course it is far more than that. Pride is a movement rooted in courage, shaped by advocacy and sustained by people who continue to push for safer communities and a unified society.

While moments like the 1969 Stonewall uprising remind us of the challenges that sparked the Pride movement, it also highlights the progress we have made as a people, as a government and as a society. It reflects the progress still to be made and the shared responsibility that we all have. It’s about building a future that ensures future generations learn from lessons of the past, where everyone can live openly, safely and with dignity, regardless of who they are, who they love or how they identify. At its heart, Pride is about belonging. It’s about recognizing that diversity is not a barrier, but a strength.

LGBT+ communities are enriched by different identities, cultures, experiences and perspectives. They carry multiple identities, and for many, those identities shape both opportunity and challenge in profound ways, which means our work must be thoughtful and intentional. It means ensuring that no one is left behind. It is about ensuring that there are no youth that are scared to use their voice, and that all members of Ontario are able to find their voice. And in order for us to create opportunities for everyone to succeed, we must listen, learn and act.

We also know that progress is not guaranteed. Across our province and beyond, we’re seeing a troubling rise in hatred and division, which reminds us that the values that we hold, such as respect, acceptance and unity, must be actively protected, and that responsibility belongs to all of us. It’s about showing up for one another, standing up against discrimination and supporting each other whenever and however we can. It’s about being allies not only in words but in action. Sometimes this means speaking out; sometimes it simply means creating space for someone to feel seen, heard and valued, and every act matters.

Our government works every day to build a stronger, more prosperous province where everyone can thrive, including members of the LGBT+ community. In the past three years, we’ve strengthened the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant to address and combat hate across Ontario, spending $58 million to combat hate, including for the LGBT community. I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank my colleague the member for Newmarket–Aurora for her advocacy to make sure that Pride parades are eligible for that grant and getting that done, and they are.

I think about when I did this speech last year. I got some text messages from friends saying, “Thank you for the recognition.” It kind of resonated with me, the importance that people are seen by leaders in this House. I think it’s great that these are mainstream issues for all parties: the Liberals, the PCs, the NDP, the Greens—all accept that people, regardless of who they love or how they identify, belong in Ontario, should feel safe in Ontario and claim ownership of this House, the people’s House, the Legislative Assembly.

I lunched with a friend recently who only came out seven years ago. We were 22, 23 at the time when he did. I remember when he came out to me and he talked to me and he said that he wasn’t sure how I would react. It broke my heart to hear that because I’ve always tried to be as inclusive and accepting as I can, but I realized that sometimes when you just don’t say the words, people don’t know.

So similar to those friends that sent me texts last year, I think about a kid sitting at home right now who maybe is afraid to be who they are, to love who they want to love, identify how they want to identify. And I think: What a great thing it is today that you’ve got leaders from all different parties in the House that are all standing up, proudly saying, “Happy Pride.” Hopefully that gives those kids at home the courage and some peace and some happiness, frankly, from that acceptance from the seat of government here in Toronto, in Ontario, at Queen’s Park.

From the bottom of my heart, from my family and from the PC caucus to everybody celebrating in Ontario, happy Pride.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the member for London North Centre.

Mr. Terence Kernaghan: It’s my honour to provide remarks on behalf of the official opposition to recognize Pride Month.

We are at a crossroads with regard to equity, dignity and respect for one another. Across North America and beyond, hard-fought gains are being questioned, demonized and eradicated.

Everyone in this great House easily recognizes that the Ontario NDP has been at the forefront of advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, passing more legislation in support of the community than any other political party in Ontario’s history. Our first gay caucus was actually formed in 1976, Speaker, and I want to thank members of our current Ontario NDP queer caucus for their work showing us that love conquers hate.

Today, I want to speak about inclusion, acceptance and the world that is possible when people can live authentically. Living authentically is something that most of us take for granted; it’s the norm for us. And that, my friends, is the definition of privilege. It’s not my intent to insult anyone with that. It is important, though, that we recognize our place in this world and the benefits that we enjoy. But what happens when you try to walk in someone else’s shoes? It may just open your minds and open your hearts.

To all members: Think for a moment what it would have been like to be barred entry from the hospital room of the person you love because systems, policies and laws blocked you from holding your loved one’s hand as they lay dying. That world was not too long ago.

Today, I want to focus my comments on the trans community, who are frequently the targets of anger, hatred and violence. Speaker, in this world, name-calling and hearkening back to some mythic good old days, many can’t seem to grasp that trans people have existed throughout human history, along with the gay community. The first recorded examples of homosexuality are from 2400 BC, and trans people from 1200 BC in Egypt. Despite claims to the contrary, this is not new news; in fact, the first trans political organization in the United States was founded in 1895.

What I wish most during Pride Month is that the most zealous anti-gay politicians took a good, honest, objective look at themselves before they spewed hatred. Far too often, the most hateful anti-gay people find themselves pushed out of the closet after being caught in same-sex affairs. As Hermann Hesse wrote, “If you hate a person, you hate something in him that is part of yourself.”

Trans people face barriers to housing, employment, health care and many aspects of social life that people take for granted. They are often the subject of political debate rather than being recognized as human beings deserving of dignity and respect.

I ask every member in this chamber: For a moment, imagine what it would feel like to feel fundamentally unseen by the world around you, to have others insist that you are something that you know you are not. Imagine facing that reality while also confronting misunderstanding, hostility and discrimination. Have you honestly considered how difficult that would be?

If this Legislature is legitimately and authentically standing up to the ridiculous dictator to our south, we would ensure that 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, especially those of the trans community, are protected.

I implore you all to sit down and talk with a trans person. Listen to them with openness and with empathy. What you will learn will help you grow. It will help you think. It will help you be a better human.

To Ontario’s trans family, thank you for your courage, your resilience and your determination in the face of prejudice, hatred, violence and adversity. You have succeeded in spite of it all. You are the most courageous, strong and tenacious among us. You remind us of the strength of the human spirit and the dignity inherent in every person.

While I have your attention, I do want to put in a shameless plug for the Pride festival fund—a request of $1.5 million. It would be a truly progressive move from this government.

I want to thank you all for marching in Pride, celebrating Pride and remembering Pride’s roots. Pride is and always has been a protest—a protest for respect, for equality, for dignity and for human rights. Pride is also a celebration of resilience, community and the enduring belief that every person deserves to live openly and authentically. It’s a celebration of the indomitable human spirit and the intrinsic dignity we all possess.

Happy Pride, everyone.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the member for Nepean.

MPP Tyler Watt: I rise today to recognize Pride Month, a time to celebrate the resilience, contributions and diversity of the LGBTQ+ people across Ontario and across our country.

I also want to acknowledge the remarks made by my colleague from London North Centre and the remarks made earlier by the Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. I also want to acknowledge the fact that we have a Premier that marches in Pride and celebrates Pride, and that is something for us to all celebrate.

In a time when discussions around identity and belonging can too often become polarized, it matters when members of this Legislature, regardless of party, take the time to recognize the importance of Pride and the people that it represents. That recognition sends a message that every Ontarian deserves dignity, respect and the opportunity to be their true, authentic self.

Pride Month is often associated with celebration, and rightfully so. It’s a chance to celebrate how far we’ve come. We celebrate the generations of advocates, activists, community leaders and everyday people who fought for a society where more of us can live openly and honestly than ever before.

But Pride is also about reflection. It is about remembering those who came before us and the sacrifices that they made. It is about acknowledging that the rights and freedoms many of us enjoy today were not guaranteed. They were earned through courage, perseverance and a belief that a better future was possible.

Sometimes people ask why Pride is still necessary today, and the answer can be found in the history of Pride itself. Pride did not begin as a celebration. It began as a movement. It began because LGBTQ+ people were told they could not be themselves; they could not openly love who they loved and could not fully participate in society without fear, discrimination, harassment and sometimes even arrest. The first Pride marches were acts of courage. They were led by people who risked their jobs, their reputations, their relationships and, in some cases, their personal safety simply for demanding equal treatment and recognition under the law.

Because of their courage, generations that followed gained rights and freedoms that many once thought were impossible. People can marry the person they love. They can serve openly in our military. They have equal protections in law that previous generations could only dream of. But Pride remains important because history teaches us that progress is never guaranteed. Rights can be challenged. Communities can become targets of misinformation or prejudice. Around the world, we continue to see LGBTQ+ people face discrimination and violence for being who they are.

And that is why Pride continues to matter. It is a celebration of how far we’ve come but is also a reminder of the work that remains. It is an opportunity to educate, to build understanding and to ensure that future generations know both the struggle and the triumphs that brought us to where we are today. Most of all, Pride matters because everyone deserves to know that they belong.

As someone who is a part of the LGBTQ+ community, Pride Month is deeply personal to me. I know what it feels like to wonder whether you will be accepted. I know what it feels like to carry uncertainty about whether people will see you for who you truly are, and I know how powerful it can be when someone tells you that you belong exactly as you are.

For many young people across Ontario, that message remains as important as ever. And while we have made tremendous progress, we know that challenges remain. Too many LGBTQ+ people still experience discrimination, bullying, isolation, homelessness, high suicide rates and barriers to accessing support.

Around the world, and sometimes even closer to home, we continue to see efforts to divide people or question their place in society, and that is why Pride continues to matter, not because it is about one community standing apart from others but because it is about reaffirming a simple principle that every person deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and compassion.

The good news is that I continue to see reasons for hope. I see it in young people who are growing up with the confidence to be themselves. I see it in parents who support and advocate for their children. I see it in educators and health care workers, faith leaders, employers and community organizations who are creating spaces where people feel safe, welcomed and valued.

Most importantly, I see it in countless Ontarians who choose kindness over division and understanding over fear. Pride Month reminds us that progress is not inevitable. It requires all of us to continue building communities where everyone feels that they belong, but it also reminds us of something equally important: Change is possible.

So, today, let’s celebrate the diversity that strengthens our province. Let us honour those who paved the way and let us continue working towards an Ontario where every person, regardless of who they are or who they love, can live with pride, safety and hope for the future. Happy Pride Month.

Mr. Mike Schreiner: It’s an honour today to rise to celebrate Pride Month. I’ve had the privilege of marching in many Pride parades, and I have always been inspired by how people come together and show solidarity and allyship with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. I ask the government to answer the call of Pride festivals for increased funding due to security cost increases, because it is essential, now more than ever, that we honour and celebrate the history, the struggle and the resistance that Pride represents, resistance to anti-queer violence, hate and systemic injustices that we still so sadly confront today.

Pride is about us coming together and standing up for change, resisting oppressive norms and creating the space for every person to be seen, heard, cared for and included.

It takes so much courage. It takes so much strength and courage to combat hate with love, to confront violence with solidarity and to overcome injustice with pride. And thanks to the activism of the queer community, we can be proud of how far we have come as a province.

But we have so much more we have to do. I’m especially concerned about the rising levels of targeted attacks on trans folks and the pushback on 2SLGBTQAI+ symbols in some corners of society.

So, Speaker, I call on my colleagues: We all have a special responsibility as elected leaders to stand up against hate and to act against hate.

I am proud that all four parties have stood up in this House today to stand in solidarity with the queer community. We can do better. We must do better.

Happy Pride.

Applause.

Question Period

Cost of living

Ms. Marit Stiles: This question is for the Premier. In all of 2026, the government has only been in session in this Legislature for 29 days—less than a month. Twenty-nine days, and here is what the Premier had time for: buying a luxury private jet, hiding his phone records, cutting OSAP, making a mess of our books and throwing taxpayers to the wolves.

But he had no time to cut the tax on groceries or actually put money back in people’s pockets.

So to the Premier: Why hasn’t this government taken any real action to cut costs for Ontarians this session?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The Minister of Finance.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Thank you, Madam Speaker, and through you to the member opposite: I don’t know where the member opposite has been for that time that we’ve spent in the Legislature. Every single day, we talk about how much more money we are putting in the pockets of families and individuals—some $12 billion, as represented in the budget.

Madam Speaker, her party did not vote for the budget. She did not vote for the measures in the budget, including the 30% tax cut for small businesses—the economic engine of this province. Where have you been?

Or how about the day we put forward the HST cut in the budget? We put that in the budget. They did not vote for the budget.

This is a party, this is a government, this is a team that is working every single day on behalf of all Ontarians—families, individuals and businesses—to make sure that they can survive and thrive in this great province.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the Leader of the Opposition.

Ms. Marit Stiles: That’s a whole lot of talk, but here’s the truth: They forgot to include their HST cut in their own budget. In any other workplace, a mistake like that would cost you your job. Yet another promise that they couldn’t keep; yet another relief that they couldn’t deliver on time—just gross incompetence.

So, Speaker, meanwhile, we know that they were voting to scrap the grocery tax. I want to ask the Premier to stand in his place and explain to the people of Ontario again why they have failed so miserably to make life more affordable for people.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Madam Speaker, tell that to the 42,400 people that got a job last month in Ontario—new jobs—putting food on the table.

By the way, the HST cut that she refers to is going to create 21,000 new construction jobs, boost the economy by $3 billion and keep alive the dream of home ownership for so many Ontarians.

And yesterday, I had the honour to stand with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and our great MPP from Carleton—oh, he’s sitting up front here today; welcome—to announce an historic $8.8-billion deal to get houses built in this great province and keep the dream alive for Ontarians.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the Leader of the Opposition.

Ms. Marit Stiles: Well, Speaker, they probably should have put the HST cut in the budget then.

But, look, if you’re one of the Premier’s wealthy buddies, everything is pretty good. Life is getting better every day, that’s for sure. But for the rest of us, life is just getting harder.

This is a morally and financially bankrupt government trying to dress up a half-a-trillion-dollar debt as fiscal prudence. Give me a break. The interest on this debt alone is costing the people of Ontario $16 billion a year, and we’re not even getting anything for that—no relief at the grocery store, no relief at the gas pump, just higher bills.

Has the Premier just completely given up on making life more affordable for the people of Ontario?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Doug Ford: I just want to remind the Leader of the Opposition she voted against the 10.7 cents a litre. You don’t care about the people.

We care about the people. We led North America, Madam Speaker, in job creation in April, as we saw everything get dumped across the country—minus 19,000. And the US we beat by 680% more jobs than the entire 350 million people, because we’ve created the conditions and the environments for companies to come here—over $222 billion of investment right here in Ontario.

As they vote no against building subways, they vote no against building hospitals, they vote no against building highways and bridges and roads, we’re going to keep creating more jobs, more infrastructure, more construction jobs, more health care jobs, more manufacturing jobs. And we led North America with over 9,000 manufacturing jobs in April alone.

Cost of living

Ms. Marit Stiles: That just shows you, this is the most out-of-touch government this province has ever seen. Their priorities in this 29-day-long session have been about what? Destroying the Toronto Islands, taking over school boards, taking over municipal governments, taking from the taxpayers to buy a luxury private jet for their Premier.

But the priorities of working people and their families are very different, Speaker. They want better health care, they want safer highways and, you know what, they want cheaper groceries.

Why is this government denying Ontarians the basics?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Doug Ford: Madam Speaker, President Trump is at it again, calling us the 51st state. There’s going to be one guy going down to Washington to tell them that we’ll never be for sale, we’ll never be the 51st state, but the Leader of the Opposition—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Order.

Hon. Doug Ford: As we ship 74.5% of all goods down to the US, the Leader of the Opposition wants me to go down to Washington and tell the US, “We don’t want your investment. Never invest in Ontario.” That’s what you believe in. That’s the message.

About $5 billion of investment over at Toronto airport—by the way, Madam Speaker, she wants to blame us. I looked into it; it was under the Liberals that Porter Aviation sold it to Nieuport.

You know something? I will welcome $5 billion of investment off our American friends all day long. I differentiate between the great American people and President Trump that—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Ms. Marit Stiles: I want this Premier to start working for Ontarians, not American billionaires. That’s what I want.

What is so remarkable, Speaker, is that they want to be out of touch. Their own caucus Chair voiced concerns that he was hearing from his constituents over the Premier’s private luxury jet, and he got canned for it. He got canned for it.

The Premier is not listening to anyone. Rather than spending this session making life easier for families, the Premier was too busy managing his own scandals.

How is it possible that a Premier can care so little about the issues that are facing everyday families in the province of Ontario?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Order.

I recognize the Minister of Energy.

Hon. Stephen Lecce: Being out of touch is for the Leader of the Opposition with a straight face to make a claim that she would vote against a gas tax in an energy crisis. Being out of touch is voting against a budget that reduces the cost of homes by $100,000 on a young family. Out of touch is, in an economic war, voting against a 30% reduction in corporate income taxes for small businesses.

You are so deeply, deeply focused on the image of your own leadership, with your own deputy leader turning their back on you—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Through the Speaker.

Hon. Stephen Lecce: —maybe the problem in this House is not the judgment or the character of this government, but it’s the incompetence of the leadership of the opposition.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I will remind members to make their comments and questions through the Speaker.

I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Ms. Marit Stiles: Right. Well, Premier, it’s pretty clear that not only has this Premier been completely out of touch with the people of Ontario—and this 29-day session certainly proves it—but he has actively betrayed the people of Ontario. He spent their money on a luxury private jet, he sold out the Toronto waterfront to American investment bankers and he changed the laws of this province to hide his cellphone records. That is what he has been busy with.

In the last 29 days that we have sat, the government had time to cut OSAP, to buy a private luxury jet, but they couldn’t find time to support a grocery tax cut for hard-working families. I want to ask the Premier if he will stand in his place today and apologize for spending this session betraying the people of Ontario.

Hon. Doug Ford: Speaker, tell that to the 10,428 messages that I called back, and I listened to the people. Tell them that we don’t want any foreign investment anymore, that we don’t want the $5 billion that will create thousands and thousands of jobs, that will make it more convenient to millions and millions of people travelling all around the world, not to mention all across Canada.

We know, Madam Speaker, that 70% of the people want that airport expanded, and 100% of the people are in favour of us cutting taxes, to make sure we put more money into their pockets.

And as you’ve heard, we gave a 31% tax break to over 375,000 companies across Ontario, as you want to raise taxes. You want to gouge the taxpayers.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Through the Speaker.

Hon. Doug Ford: You want to gouge the businesses. If it was up to you and the Liberals—we saw what happened: 300,000 jobs were chased out of the province—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Question?

Government accountability

Mr. John Fraser: My question is for the Premier. It looks like it’s our last day, and I just can’t give up that easily, because Ontarians need an answer. They need an answer to why the Premier’s close friend and associate Carmine Nigro can sue the government for $500 million and then get a secret payout that none of us are allowed to know about. My colleague from Orléans yesterday said, “It’s like the Premier saying to taxpayers, ‘Here’s the bill. Don’t ask any questions.’”

How can the Premier justify a secret payout to his close friend and associate Carmine Nigro that none of us are allowed to know about?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The Minister of Transportation.

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: We’ve answered that question many times. We don’t get involved in that process. Our Premier doesn’t get involved in that process, nor do I, Madam Speaker.

What we can talk about is, for 15 years, the Liberal government, when they were in power, built absolutely nothing in this province. We’ve talked about their legacy of upside-down bridges that they’ve built, transit that they didn’t invest in, but we were busy getting shovels in the ground. The Scarborough subway extension, a place that the previous Liberal government neglected, refused to put shovels in the ground to—we’re getting rapid transit to the people of Scarborough, Madam Speaker.

We’re delivering on One Fare. That’s putting $1,600 back into the pockets of hard-working Ontarians, including those in Scarborough, who are using transit every single day.

Madam Speaker, we have been focused on building. Whether it’s Highway 413, the Bradford Bypass or getting our historic $70 billion of investment into public transit, we’re going to continue to build.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I will ask for order.

Back to the leader of the third party.

Mr. John Fraser: These folks can’t deliver a transit project on time and on budget. But they can deliver a massive, multi-million dollar cheque to Carmine Nigro at lightning speed for literally nothing. People can’t get from A to B in Scarborough, but the Premier is busy shovelling money out the door with reckless abandon to his buddies.

So I’ll ask again: Speaker, can the Premier somehow justify this massive, multi-million dollar payout to his close friend and associate, Carmine Nigro?

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: Madam Speaker, we face record gridlock in this province because, for 15 years, they built absolutely nothing—not a highway, no transit.

We’ve been busy delivering on those priorities. We’ve got the Finch West LRT open, the Eglinton Crosstown open. We’ve got shovels in the ground on the Bradford Bypass, a project that is going to support thousands of good-paying jobs.

Let’s take the Scarborough subway extension, a project that they have voted against almost every single time they’ve had an opportunity to support it in the House. That project supports 3,000 good-paying jobs. The Ontario Line supports 4,000 good-paying jobs. Every single one of those projects supports thousands of good-paying jobs for Ontarians across this province. They vote against it every single time.

But that’s what their record was: For 15 years, they neglected this province. They drove 300,000 manufacturing jobs out of this province, and they built no highways and no transit. We’re changing that. We’re getting shovels in the ground, and we’re getting the job done.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The leader of the third party.

Mr. John Fraser: I’ve asked this question two dozen times. Obviously, the Premier can’t defend it, because he hasn’t responded.

The question is: Where are they going to hide this settlement at Metrolinx? Are they going to bury it in the Eglinton Crosstown budget, or are they going to bury it in the expensive delays in the Scarborough subway? Or will they divide it up amongst 125 VPs at Metrolinx? Just where is the Premier going to hide this? What cupboard are we going to find it in?

I’ll ask the Premier again. Maybe he can answer this question the 25th time. Let’s try, Premier: How do you justify a multi-million dollar massive secret payout to your friend and associate Carmine Nigro while Ontario families are struggling?

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: Madam Speaker, you can ask it another dozen times, the answer doesn’t change—myself or the Premier do not get involved in that process.

But what we do do is we build transit, something they didn’t do for 15 years. In 2018, in fact, the opposition called it “back of a napkin.” Guess what? We’ve got shovels in the ground on the Scarborough subway extension, a project that the previous Liberal government not only abandoned but refused to invest in. The people of Scarborough are going to get rapid transit because this government believes in the people of Scarborough and wants to deliver transit to those hard-working people in that part of the city.

We’re delivering the Ontario Line, the first time in over 60 years that there are tunnel-boring machines in the downtown core. Because of this Premier, our government has put forward a vision that transcends the next four to eight years. It looks at the next 50 to 100 years, because we believe in investing in Ontario and we believe in making ourselves more competitive and productive as a province.

Government jet

Mr. John Fraser: I said before that the Premier’s luxury private jet will never go away, and apparently it hasn’t. Ontarians are still mad, and apparently the Premier’s caucus is as well. And some heads have rolled—not because it was their fault. It’s because the Premier still believes he really deserved that luxury private jet. He really wanted to sit in it. I have something for him later.

Speaker, the PC caucus feels the same way as Ontarians do. They’re mad, and they should be. The question they’re asking is: Did the Premier lose his way before or after he bought the luxury private jet?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The Minister of Transportation.

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: Madam Speaker, what we’re doing and what we’re focused on is delivering for the people of this province.

For 15 years, what was the record of the previous Liberal government? Over 300,000 jobs fled this province. We had the highest energy rates that were impacting families across this province. They implemented cap-and-trade policies that made it more expensive for people to eat, for groceries.

We have been focused in on making sure that we’re getting shovels in the ground. Thousands of jobs are being supported by this, our transit expansion plan. As I said, the Ontario Line—over 4,000 jobs are supported by that expansion plan that they have voted against.

Let me remind them of their objection to the 413 and Bradford Bypass, the Ring of Fire projects that they couldn’t get off the ground because they don’t believe in investing in this province. That is what we have been focused on and that is what we are going to continue to deliver: a $100-billion investment into transportation infrastructure across—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the leader of the third party.

Mr. John Fraser: Speaker, I can just imagine the PC caucus singing that famous Joni Mitchell song that was covered by Nazareth, This Flight Tonight, and the line that says, “Turn this crazy bird around.”

So the luxury jet is a symbol. It’s a symbol of the Premier who, after eight years, has lost his way. It’s a symbol of a divided caucus. It’s the symbol of a bloated government. Speaker, the luxury private jet is never going away. It’s never going away, Premier. You own it; you shouldn’t have gotten it, because you’re going to own it right till the end.

So I’ll ask the Premier once again: Premier, did you lose your way before or after you bought the luxury private jet?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The Minister of Finance.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Madam Speaker, I think the opposite is true. This member opposite is losing his way because he’s chasing his tail, going around in circles, asking the same question.

Where was he last week when the Premier announced the defence strategy—43,000 new jobs, $6-billion contribution to the economy, tax revenue to the people of Ontario.

Where was this leader when the Minister of Energy announced a refurbishment in Pickering, small modular reactors in Darlington and the Bruce Power and the Wesleyville nuclear investments? That’s going to cause over $800 billion of GDP and tens of thousands of construction jobs.

Madam Speaker, that is what the people of Ontario elected us to do: to build the economy, grow good jobs, make sure that every worker is protected. And when the Premier goes down to Washington, you know what he’s doing? He’s fighting for every single Ontarian, all 16 million people.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the leader of the third party.

Mr. John Fraser: The Premier has a chance not to go 0 for 6 this morning, so here’s the thing. The Premier’s got to ask himself this question: Just who in my caucus is going to hit the ejector seat from this jet?

It’s hard to speak truth to power, especially when you’re on the inside. When the power or the Premier doesn’t like what you have to say, they punish you. You pay the price. But the Premier is the one who is really paying the price because he’s got a caucus that is not happy with him. He’s got Ontarians that are not happy with him. He’s lost his way. After eight long years, he’s tired, he’s out of touch and he’s lost his way. You’ve got one more chance, Premier.

Speaker, did the Premier lose his way before or after he bought the luxury private jet?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the Minister of Tourism.

Hon. Stan Cho: Speaker, I want to thank the past, present and future leader of the Liberal Party because he truly encompasses what is wrong with this party. I mean, this is a party that ruled Ontario for 15 dark years and has nothing to show for it except record debt.

And now, what are they saying no to? They say no to the largest transit expansion plan in the history of North America at $70 billion. They say no to $30 billion in roads, bridges and highways, many of them in their own ridings. They say no to $50 billion in health care expansion and infrastructure. They say no to $220 billion in investment from foreign countries in this province. They say no to a $250-billion infrastructure investment into this province. And now they say no to building out the most iconic waterfront in the province and redeveloping Toronto’s waterfront and redeveloping—they say no to everything—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Order.

I recognize the member for Nickel Belt.

Forest industry

M me France Gélinas: Premier, on Friday, I met with the workers being laid off due—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I am asking the members to refrain from speaking to each other across the aisle, or you will be warned and then you will be asked to leave the chamber.

You may restart your question.

M me France Gélinas: Premier, on Friday, I met with the workers being laid off due to the closure of Interfor sawmill in Nairn Centre, a one-industry community of 320 residents. So 129 mill workers, dozens of loggers and truckers are all losing their jobs. They are worried. They don’t want Nairn to be decimated. They want to work. They know that when the auto sector and when the steel industry got hit by the American tariffs, solutions were put forward to save these workers’ jobs.

What is the government doing to keep the 129 workers working at the sawmill in Nairn Centre?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the member for Newmarket–Aurora.

M me Dawn Gallagher Murphy: I thank the member opposite for the question. Ontario is standing up for our forestry workers while the United States keeps hammering our mills with unfair tariffs and illegal duties. These punitive measures punish both sides of the border, and our government has been working closely with the federal government to ensure Ontario’s forestry sector gets the support it needs. Ontario has delivered over $355 million in targeted investments to help mills modernize, cut costs, as well as protect jobs through initiatives like the forest biomass program and the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program.

Ontario joined the federal government in Ottawa to announce over $220 million in Ontario-targeted tariff relief support.

It is clear the time for action is now, Madam Speaker—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the member for Mushkegowuk–James Bay.

Mr. Guy Bourgouin: Back to the Premier: Despite investment, forest workers in northern communities are dealing with layoffs, and mill closures that are happening right now. The Ontario NDP forest strategy would establish a mills-at-risk task force to work with industry, unions, communities, First Nations to stabilize operations before closures happen.

Premier, your plan does not address the right-now situation. What good is a long-term road map if workers don’t have a mill to go back to?

M me Dawn Gallagher Murphy: For nearly a decade, the Liberals, pumped up by the NDP, stood by while Ontario’s forest sector lost ground, with closures, job losses and declining competitiveness across the province. In 2022, our government stepped in and we took action, launching Ontario’s first-ever forest sector strategy and putting real investments on the table, now totalling over $355 million to stabilize this sector and support workers and communities.

With rising US duties and tariffs creating new pressures and market uncertainty, a strategic shift was needed, and that is exactly what we’ve introduced in our road map to protecting Ontario’s forestry sector. Speaker, the defend, adapt, grow road map builds on the work that we have done with a coordinated—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the member for Don Valley West.

Government accountability

Ms. Stephanie Bowman: Every year, Metrolinx receives a letter of direction from the Minister of Transportation. The 2024-25 letter tells Metrolinx to “keep the ministry informed on any issues and mitigations impacting schedule, budget delivery and progress on priority transit projects.” So when Metrolinx is sued for half a billion dollars for air rights it needed for the GO expansion project, the agency was expected to inform the minister. When the settlement offer for $78 million was rejected, Metrolinx must have informed the minister. When the final settlement was being negotiated, the minister must have known.

Speaker, through you to the Minister of Transportation: Will he deny again having knowledge of this deal, or will you finally tell taxpayers how many millions of dollars your agency paid to a close friend of the Premier?

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: The answer remains the same. We don’t get involved in that process. I don’t get involved in that process. The Premier doesn’t get involved in the process.

But what we do is tell Metrolinx to build public transit because for 15 years, the previous Liberal government built absolutely nothing, especially in places like Scarborough, Madam Speaker. They promised, then cancelled projects in Scarborough.

Guess what? We delivered for the people of Scarborough. We’re getting three stations, eight kilometres built in that city because the people of Scarborough deserve high-speed transit—100,000 people will ride that every single day—just as we have delivered the Crosstown and the Finch West LRT. Hundreds of thousands of people are riding those transit systems because we are focused on getting shovels in the ground.

We are focused on building public transit for this province. We’re changing the way people travel across this province because we know it is about productivity and it’s about getting people out of gridlock, something that 15 years of neglect has caused record—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the member for Don Valley West.

Ms. Stephanie Bowman: Speaker, there are only two possible reasons why the minister will not say how much taxpayer money his agency—his government—agreed to pay the Premier’s close personal friend: Either he doesn’t really know, so he is not doing his job, or he is hiding the number to protect the secretive Ford Conservative government.

The Metrolinx Act states it “is an agency of the crown.” Metrolinx is accountable to this minister. The act says Metrolinx “shall conform with” government “objectives, plans, policies and strategies....”

It’s laughable for this minister to say he has no knowledge of how much taxpayer money is being paid out to Carmine Nigro.

Through you, Speaker, to the minister: Will he take accountability for this air rights scandal, or will he keep blaming Metrolinx and fire the CEO and the board?

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: Madam Speaker, for the hundredth time, we don’t get involved in that process. I don’t, nor does the Premier.

What’s laughable is the record of the previous Liberal government on building transit projects. They can’t speak to a single project that they completed because they neglected their duty to build in this province. Now, when they have the opportunity to support projects like the Ontario Line, the Scarborough subway extension, what will they do? They will vote against it.

Last year, we had a record year at Metrolinx. Over 76 million people, Madam Speaker, used the GO or UP Express network. That is because of the investments that we have been making. Whether it’s the first weekend train—regular service—to Kitchener or whether it’s making sure on the Lakeshore East and Lakeshore West lines that we continue to increase service, we are delivering record amounts of investment into public transit, something they neglected for 15 years when they had the chance to build.

Housing

Mr. Lorne Coe: My question is for the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Ontarians want to see our government take practical action to help get more homes built faster across Ontario and restore affordability so that more families can achieve their dream of home ownership.

Speaker, one of the biggest challenges we continue to hear about is the cost of building, including development charges. When those costs increase, they are awfully felt by homebuyers. That’s why it’s critical that we work to remove barriers to housing construction and help create the conditions needed to increase supply.

Yesterday, our government announced that we’re opening applications for a new program designed to reduce building costs and speed up the construction of new homes. Speaker, can the minister explain how the Development Charges Reduction Program will help lower the cost of building, support municipalities and get more homes built across Ontario?

Hon. Rob Flack: It was a great day in the nation’s capital yesterday. I was joined by the Minister of Finance, the member from Carleton and a lot of great stakeholders—including the Big City Mayors, AMO, ROMA, NOMA, FONOM, OHBA, BILD, FRPO, RESCON and more—to announce $8.8 billion in relief and reductions of development charges in this province.

As you know, affordability is an issue in this province. We’re dealing with it head-on. We’re going to be working with our municipal partners to lower development charges so we can get shovels in the ground faster to get needed infrastructure put in place.

Municipalities will work with it—have a share in the cost. If they eliminate the DCs by a minimum of 30%, they will qualify to get this needed infrastructure funding spread out over 10 years. Speaker, this is a game-changer, along with the historic HST rebate.

More in the supplemental—we’re getting the job done. More homes are being built faster.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the member for Whitby.

Mr. Lorne Coe: Back to the minister: Speaker, this is great news for municipalities, for builders and, most importantly, for the hard-working families waiting for homes.

In my community, I hear from young people who want to buy their first home, families who need more space, seniors who want to downsize and workers who want to live closer to their jobs. They all understand that we need more supply, and they want to see governments working together to make that happen.

This Development Charges Reduction Program is another major step forward in lowering the cost of new homes. It builds on the work our government has done through HST relief, housing-enabling infrastructure investments and legislation to cut red tape and speed up approvals.

Speaker, can the minister explain how this program fits into our government’s plan to lower costs, cut red tape and make housing more attainable for hard-working families across our great province?

Hon. Rob Flack: Again, thank you to the member for his excellent question.

As we’ve talked about in this House time and time again, we have a housing crisis but, more importantly, I think we could call it an affordability crisis. We’re dealing with it head-on.

Not only are we working with our big cities that charge development charges, there will be, in the future—the near future—a stream of funding for small, rural and northern communities. This is going to benefit all municipalities—all 444 across this province.

I’ve said it all along: It takes too long and it costs too much to get homes built, and with this HST relief, coupled now with the DC reduction program, we’re seeing action. We’re going to see more.

In fact, over 5,000 new sales have taken place since we announced the reduction of the HST; 14,000 were sold last year—new builds last year—in the whole province. That’s over a third already in less than two months.

Speaker, the job is getting done. Affordability is back on the menu.

Public safety

Ms. Sandy Shaw: My question to the Premier—good morning, Premier.

Last month, in Hamilton, two youth were gunned down and killed. One, a 16-year-old boy, Nabil Askafe, was fatally shot inside a crowded downtown mall, and shockingly, a 14-year-old male has been charged in his murder.

And yet, while this government is spending tens of millions of dollars on public safety advertising, funding has ended for youth-serving agencies that actually do the work of keeping our communities safe.

Why is this government spending millions of taxpayer dollars on ads instead of funding preventative, safe and supportive programs for youth in Ontario?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the Solicitor General.

Hon. Michael S. Kerzner: I’m proud of our record of standing with Ontarians to protect them. I’m proud of our record of graduating more police officers than ever before. Last year, there were 2,100 new police officers that came to police services, including in the member’s riding of Hamilton.

But, Madam Speaker, we spend hundreds of millions of dollars—I think, just in the last four years, $1 billion in the Community Safety and Policing Grant, grants that help police services like Hamilton Police Service, which is a flagship service in keeping Hamilton safe and making sure that they have the specialized units and the resources to fight crime in that municipality.

I want to thank the men and women in the Hamilton Police Service and the Hamilton Police Association that work hard every day.

Madam Speaker, we’re not going to stop when it comes to working hard to keep people safe. That’s how you protect—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the member for Hamilton West–Ancaster–Dundas.

Ms. Sandy Shaw: Minister, I’ve heard directly from Hamilton police that they cannot do it alone. They need community agencies working with them. Hamilton police recently reported that the number of Hamilton youth involved in violent crime reached a five-year high. Among youth, possession of weapons for kids aged 12 to 17 rose by a staggering 265%. This government’s lack of funding and cuts to youth services is making the problem worse, and it is risking community safety.

Speaker, there are solutions. The city of Hamilton plans to establish a youth wellness hub. So, instead of spending millions on advertising, will you provide the funding that is desperately needed in Hamilton?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

Hon. Michael Parsa: I thank the honourable member for the important question. As the Solicitor General has said, we’re laser-focused on making sure that every child and every youth in this province has the opportunity to succeed and thrive. The work we’re doing is on prevention, Madam Speaker, on community support.

The honourable member would know that in the most recent budget, we increased funding on these prevention supports. Whether it’s the Youth in Policing Program, whether it’s the Youth Outreach Worker Program—all of these programs, we increased the funding in budget 2026. Unfortunately, the member opposite and her party voted against these increased measures, Madam Speaker.

We are investing in youth, as we know they’re the future of this province, and we won’t stop. We want to put them right back on track again. We want to make sure they have every single opportunity to succeed and thrive. While they’re involved with the youth justice system, they need that program, they need that support to be able to get right back on track.

I thank my colleague the Honourable Solicitor General for his partnership and the work that they’re doing. In fact, the Premier—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the member for Scarborough–Guildwood.

Public transit

MPP Andrea Hazell: My question is to the Premier. Scarborough is not asking for special treatment; Scarborough is asking for the truth. This government promised the people of Scarborough and my riding a subway for a set price on a clear timeline for 2030. Today, that promise is broken. The cost has nearly doubled to over $10 billion; the opening is delayed to 2033. And while families struggle to afford groceries, this government is treating their tax dollars like a personal vault.

Speaker, we have seen this before: the disastrous Eglinton Crosstown, the slow-motion Finch West LRT. This is a pattern of failure. Metrolinx is responsible for these massive expansion projects, but the one project Metrolinx has delivered on time is the $31-million payroll for its VPs—124 vice-presidents.

Through you, Speaker, to the Premier: Will he tell the people of Scarborough and Ontario today who he will fire for the billions of taxpayer dollars wasted on—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the member for Scarborough–Agincourt.

Mr. Aris Babikian: I’m so happy that the member opposite keeps asking me these questions about Scarborough because it gives me pleasure to enlighten her with the facts on the ground. The facts on the ground contradict what she is stating in this House.

Madam Speaker, we have been working hard for eight years to fill in the gap that 15 years of Liberal government left in Scarborough. We are building the Scarborough subway. We are building a new hospital. We built a new diagnostic centre, with a $36.6-million support investment from the Ministry of Health. The projects are ongoing, and they continue to build. We are there—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the member for Scarborough–Guildwood.

MPP Andrea Hazell: It’s very clear that that member does not speak to his constituents and he’s so out of touch with what’s happening in Scarborough with transportation. Speaker, I just came from the media studio where I called for a public inquiry into the Scarborough subway extension, and I did not stand alone. Scarborough Southwest residents said clearly that every extra transfer matters, every delayed bus matters and every hour lost commuting is an hour stolen from families.

This morning, one UTSC student shared that her family depended on transit, and when her mother was diagnosed with cancer, the subway delays added to her mental decline.

This is what this government does not understand. It’s the pressure and the pain the people of Scarborough are suffering through three and four buses connecting.

Through you, Madam Speaker, to the Premier: Will he call for a public inquiry now, or is he telling the people of Scarborough their time, their money, their trust and their hard-earned tax dollars are not his problem?

Hon. Raymond Sung Joon Cho: Madam Speaker, I’ve been in politics 35 years in Scarborough, so I know what the Liberals have done for Scarborough: Nothing. Every election time, Liberal members, they all say, “Subways, subways, subways.” And, after the election, nobody mentions subways. That’s the Liberal promise. During 15 years of Liberal government, what did they do for Scarborough? Nothing.

While we are in government, Premier Ford—this party and government built two subway lines. They didn’t build anything. While we’re government—we are opening up a new hospital in Scarborough, and we are having a new medical school in Scarborough. When they were government—nothing.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I’ll remind the government side that when you cheer, you’re taking time away from your own member to respond to the question.

I recognize the member for Kitchener Centre.

Supportive housing

Ms. Aislinn Clancy: I live next to the most infamous encampment in Ontario, the same one the Premier is threatening to use the “notwithstanding” clause on to get rid of. So I know deeply about the impact of homelessness on my community.

I’m proud of my community’s answer to homelessness. In Kitchener, we know that homelessness ends with housing, not bulldozers, police officers and security guards. That’s why, right across the street from the encampment, we built the Making Home project, with 44 units of supportive housing. We gathered with love, generosity and compassion and raised $10 million. Perimeter Development contributed $1 million, the federal government contributed $9 million and the city and the region pitched in. But since October, those beds have been empty, waiting on provincial operating dollars to open their doors.

My question to the Premier: If you want to shut down that encampment, will you provide the operating dollars to open the 44 supportive housing beds sitting empty across the street?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The Minister of Health.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: The member raises an important issue, which, of course, we dealt with in our most recent Ontario budget with a $53-million investment to actually enhance and expand access to supportive housing, which partly will be used in our HART hubs, or our homelessness and addiction recovery treatment hubs. But I must point out to the member opposite and the constituents that she is speaking to in Kitchener Centre: Why did you vote against that $53-million investment?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): A reminder to direct your questions and responses through the Speaker.

I recognize the member for Kitchener Centre.

Ms. Aislinn Clancy: So 141 beds a year is inadequate when we have 85,000 people homeless in Ontario. That money’s all spoken for and the issue’s bigger than that, thanks to the policies of this government.

These are people’s family members, their grandmas. We have a doubling of seniors who are homeless in Waterloo region, and we know that the “notwithstanding” clause will only make it illegal to have nowhere to go. Instead of doing what the judge ruled and giving people with no housing somewhere to go, we end up playing a cruel game of Whac-A-Mole.

AMO says 85,000 people are homeless, but that number will rise to 300,000 if we do not build enough affordable and supportive housing that people need.

The federal government is ready to build. They are building supportive housing in other provinces, but Ontario is sitting idle while the Premier wastes taxpayer dollars to advertise that they’re doing something instead of using that money to actually do something.

Will this government step up with operating dollars to ensure that people with no homes have access to a roof and food?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Hon. Rob Flack: Thank you for the question from the member opposite. I think we all well know that homelessness is chronic in this province. It’s taken seriously by this government. It is also this government that’s investing close to $1.7 billion a year to support this chronic condition.

That being said, Speaker, I want to point out that I had the opportunity to meet with the federal Minister of Housing yesterday while we were in Ottawa announcing the historic $8.8-billion DC reduction cut. He and I have agreed to sit down this year at the federal, provincial and territorial meetings to talk about how we can develop the next iteration, the second National Housing Strategy, to tackle homelessness in a more effective way. So continue to advocate. Continue to give us your questions—give us solutions as well—and we will take them to the table and build a better province for everyone. Everyone deserves a roof over their head.

Agri-food industry

M me Dawn Gallagher Murphy: My question is for the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. It is Local Food Week here in Ontario. It’s a time to celebrate the hard-working people who go the extra mile to ensure that we have all the access to homegrown, world-class products.

Our agri-food sector employs one in nine people across this province and plays a vital role in communities across Ontario. From the farmers growing our food and the truck drivers delivering it to the local restaurants serving fresh Ontario ingredients, this is a vital sector that keeps our province moving. That’s why buying local is so important. It supports farmers, food producers, restaurants and grocery stores, while helping strengthen local economies across Ontario.

Through you, Speaker, can the minister please tell the House what steps the government is taking to promote Ontario—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The Minister of Agriculture.

Hon. Trevor Jones: Good morning, Madam Speaker. I want to thank the exceptional member from Newmarket–Aurora for highlighting the importance of Local Food Week.

Speaker, I want to begin by thanking the hard-working people across Ontario’s food sector who promote and showcase Ontario-grown every day. Their care and hard work keep the food sector strong, competitive and trusted around the world. Local Food Week is a great reminder for all of us to support local, whether it’s at a grocery store, farmers’ market or your favourite local restaurant.

A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of joining the members from Vaughan–Woodbridge and Newmarket–Aurora to present Foodland Ontario awards to the people promoting and recognizing in-season fresh, local food at the retail level. Our government will continue to stand up for food during Local Food Week and every day.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the member for Newmarket–Aurora.

M me Dawn Gallagher Murphy: Thank you to the minister for coming to my riding of Newmarket–Aurora to recognize the Newmarket Metro store at Davis and Leslie as they were awarded the excellence awards for the Foodland Ontario retailer awards. It is great to hear that we are celebrating the hard-working people and businesses whose work helps ensure Ontario families can continue to access healthy, safe and locally grown food.

But, Speaker, we know that supporting local food is not limited to one week. Buying Ontario-grown and Ontario-made products is something we should encourage year-round. No matter the season, choosing local helps support Ontario farmers, food processors, small businesses and workers across our province.

Our government is committed to promoting local food and strengthening awareness. Speaker, can the minister please tell us what steps our government is taking to ensure that people can support our local farmers, food producers and—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The Minister of Agriculture.

Hon. Trevor Jones: Madam Speaker, today, Premier Ford and I began our day early at the beautiful Ontario Food Terminal with the people that get up early every day: the farmers, the vendors, the drivers and the workers. They get up early every day to bring fresh, safe food from our farms to our tables across Ontario. These are the foods grown in our greenhouses, in our fields, and these are the people that are protecting Ontario alongside our government. We’ll continue to provide support for Foodland Ontario, to promote what’s fresh, what’s local, and we did that yesterday.

Madam Speaker, everyone in this House got a package thanking them for promotion because it begins with us to promote all of the good things that are grown in Ontario every day.

Culturally responsive mental health services

MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam: For 23 years, the Asian Initiative in Mental Health clinic, also known as AIM, operated at UHN Toronto Western Hospital. They provided culturally safe, in-language mental health care for Chinese and other Asian patients. Their 4,500 patients came from across the GTA and beyond, but the AIM clinic was closed last year without consultation or adequate notice. Patients, families and community organizations were suddenly left in the lurch.

The gallery today is filled with former patients, community advocates and health care leaders who are here for a simple answer to a simple question: Will the Minister of Health stand up for the Chinese and East Asian communities today and use her ministerial powers and have UHN restore AIM’s life-saving mental health services?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The Minister of Health.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: As we continue to expand our mental health and addiction access throughout the province of Ontario, it is unfortunate to see the NDP and the Liberals often voting against these investments.

Whether it is in our youth wellness hubs that we have now operationalized across Ontario, whether it is in our homelessness and addiction recovery treatment programs where we are seeing now 29 different programs across Ontario working together with community agencies, I look at the investments that we are making in our communities and the impact that they are having, and I continue to pause and wonder why when we, as a government, invest in—whether it’s 500 new supportive mental health beds, why the member opposite continues to vote against these investments.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The member for Hamilton Centre.

MPP Robin Lennox: Speaker, 40% of Ontarians report unmet mental health needs, and many more are paying out-of-pocket just to access care. Many communities, including the Chinese Canadians who attended AIM, cannot access culturally competent care in their primary language.

To the Premier: Given one third of Ontarians will experience a mental health concern in their lifetime, will you commit to delivering universal mental health care that guarantees culturally competent care for all Ontarians?

Hon. Sylvia Jones: I would respectfully ask the member opposite: When we invest and fund an additional 500 mental health beds across Ontario, will she support that investment by voting with a positive?

When we invest in the first PTSI centre for first responders in North America, working directly with Runnymede Healthcare Centre, will she support that investment to make sure that our first responders—our firefighters, our police officers, our paramedics, our emergency room physicians and nurses—have the opportunity to get unique and tailored treatments and services for their PTSI that they received while protecting the people of Ontario? Will the member opposite support it? We have made continuous and regular investments with mental health and additions.

I will say, I have to speak out and say to the federal government: We need you to be part of the solution. We had a partnership with the federal government that is literally—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the member for Etobicoke–Lakeshore.

Ms. Lee Fairclough: Speaker, I want you to imagine for a minute you are a person who regularly uses a wheelchair or a walker, or you’re a family with a stroller, and you’re on your way to visit family in Etobicoke–Lakeshore. You get off the train at Mimico GO station, you look around for the accessible exits, you look around for an elevator, and you can’t find it. You can’t get down from the platform. You know why, Speaker? Because it doesn’t exist. The station is not accessible.

This week is AccessAbility Week in Ontario, a time to reflect whether public spaces are truly accessible to everyone, per the AODA laws. To the Premier: When will he ensure that people can get down from a train platform if they use a wheelchair or a walker at Mimico GO station?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the Minister of Transportation.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the member for Etobicoke–Lakeshore.

Ms. Lee Fairclough: Speaker, through you, respectfully to the Minister of Transportation: It has been years since there have been conversations started about Mimico GO station and making it accessible. The community is still waiting for what the final plan will look like. It has been eight long years with this government.

The minister is all talk about the fancy transit project investments, including the Premier’s tunnel under the 401—but we have this situation?

The deadline to be AODA-compliant has long passed. People arriving in wheelchairs or with a walker can’t get down from the train platform. This government cares more about rewarding their friends with air rights above the transit stations than what they’re doing for people using the transit.

Member’s birthday

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the leader of the third party on a point of order.

Mr. John Fraser: Point of order, Speaker. Big news: It’s the member from Etobicoke–Lakeshore’s birthday today. Happy birthday.

Singing of Happy Birthday.

Legislative pages

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I’d now like to ask the pages to assemble in the chamber.

It is time to recognize and thank this exceptional group of legislative pages who have served at Queen’s Park over the past two weeks.

To our pages: Thank you for the enthusiasm, your commitment and professionalism you have brought to your roles each day. We have truly been fortunate to have each of you here.

As you prepare to return home and back to your schools for the remaining weeks of the school year, we hope you take with you a greater appreciation for Ontario’s parliamentary democracy, your new friendships and experiences that you will remember for years to come. We have every confidence that you will continue to accomplish great things in the future.

For now, I wish each of you a safe journey home and continued success in your studies. As many of you prepare to begin high school this fall, I hope you will embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead and enjoy a well-deserved summer with family and friends.

I invite all members to join me in thanking this remarkable group of legislative pages.

Applause.

Deferred Votes

Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 / Loi de 2026 visant à protéger les rues et les collectivités de l’Ontario

Deferred vote on the motion that the question now be put on the motion for second reading of the following bill:

Bill 119,

An Act to enact two new Acts and to amend various other Acts / Projet de loi 119, Loi édictant deux nouvelles lois et modifiant diverses autres lois.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Call in the members. This is a five-minute bell.

The division bells rang from 1200 to 1205.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): On May 28, 2026, Mr. Kerzner moved second reading of Bill 119,

An Act to enact two new Acts and to amend various other Acts.

On June 1, 2026, Mr. Clark moved that the question be now put.

All those in favour of Mr. Clark’s motion, please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

Ayes

Allsopp, Tyler

Anand, Deepak

Babikian, Aris

Bailey, Robert

Bethlenfalvy, Peter

Brady, Bobbi Ann

Bresee, Ric

Calandra, Paul

Cho, Raymond Sung Joon

Cho, Stan

Ciriello, Monica

Clark, Steve

Coe, Lorne

Cooper, Michelle

Crawford, Stephen

Darouze, George

Denault, Billy

Dixon, Jess

Dowie, Andrew

Downey, Doug

Firin, Mohamed

Flack, Rob

Ford, Doug

Gallagher Murphy, Dawn

Grewal, Hardeep Singh

Hamid, Zee

Hardeman, Ernie

Jones, Sylvia

Jones, Trevor

Jordan, John

Kanapathi, Logan

Kerzner, Michael S.

Kusendova-Bashta, Natalia

Leardi, Anthony

Lecce, Stephen

McCarthy, Todd J.

Mulroney, Caroline

Oosterhoff, Sam

Pang, Billy

Parsa, Michael

Pierre, Natalie

Pinsonneault, Steve

Quinn, Nolan

Racinsky, Joseph

Rae, Matthew

Riddell, Brian

Rosenberg, Bill

Sabawy, Sheref

Sandhu, Amarjot

Sarkaria, Prabmeet Singh

Sarrazin, Stéphane

Saunderson, Brian

Scott, Laurie

Smith, Dave

Smith, David

Smith, Graydon

Smith, Laura

Thompson, Lisa M.

Tibollo, Michael A.

Triantafilopoulos, Effie J.

Vickers, Paul

Williams, Charmaine A.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): All those opposed to Mr. Clark’s motion will please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

Nays

Armstrong, Teresa J.

Blais, Stephen

Bourgouin, Guy

Bowman, Stephanie

Burch, Jeff

Cerjanec, Rob

Clancy, Aislinn

Collard, Lucille

Fairclough, Lee

Fife, Catherine

Fraser, John

French, Jennifer K.

Gates, Wayne

Gélinas, France

Gilmour, Alexa

Glover, Chris

Gretzky, Lisa

Hazell, Andrea

Hsu, Ted

Kernaghan, Terence

Lennox, Robin

Mamakwa, Sol

McCrimmon, Karen

McKenney, Catherine

McMahon, Mary-Margaret

Pasma, Chandra

Rakocevic, Tom

Sattler, Peggy

Schreiner, Mike

Shamji, Adil

Shaw, Sandy

Smyth, Stephanie

Stevens, Jennifer (Jennie)

Stiles, Marit

Tabuns, Peter

Tsao, Jonathan

Vanthof, John

Vaugeois, Lise

Watt, Tyler

West, Jamie

Wong-Tam, Kristyn

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Trevor Day): The ayes are 62; the nays are 41.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I declare the motion carried.

Mr. Kerzner has moved second reading of Bill 119,

An Act to enact two new Acts and to amend various other Acts. Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

Second reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Shall the bill be ordered for third reading—which committee?

Hon. Michael S. Kerzner: Madam Speaker, to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy, please.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The bill is therefore referred to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy.

I recognize the government House leader.

Hon. Steve Clark: Speaker, Her Honour awaits.

Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario entered the chamber of the Legislative Assembly and took her seat upon the throne.

Royal assent / Sanction royale

Hon. Edith Dumont (Lieutenant Governor): Pray be seated.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): May it please Your Honour, the Legislative Assembly of the province has, at its present meetings thereof, passed certain bills to which, in the name of and on behalf of the said Legislative Assembly, I respectfully request Your Honour’s assent.

The Deputy Clerk (Ms. Valerie Quioc Lim): The following are the titles of the bills to which Your Honour’s assent is prayed:

An Act to amend the City of Toronto Act, 2006 and the Municipal Act, 2001 in relation to codes of conduct / Loi modifiant la Loi de 2006 sur la cité de Toronto et la Loi de 2001 sur les municipalités en ce qui concerne les codes de déontologie.

An Act to enact the Constable Joe MacDonald Public Safety Officers’ Survivors Scholarship Fund Act, 2026 and to amend various other Acts / Loi édictant la Loi de 2026 sur le Fonds Joe MacDonald de bourses d’études à l’intention des survivants d’agents de sécurité publique et modifiant diverses autres lois.

An Act to enact the Fare Alignment and Seamless Transit Act, 2026 and to amend various Acts / Loi édictant la Loi de 2026 sur l’harmonisation des tarifs et l’intégration des transports en commun et modifiant diverses lois.

An Act to enact the Building Billy Bishop Airport Act, 2026 / Loi édictant la Loi de 2026 sur la construction de l’aéroport Billy Bishop.

An Act to revive KCI Property Investment Inc.

An Act to revive P. Gregor Medicine Professional Corporation.

An Act to revive Vaughan Basketball Inc.

An Act to revive 2417633 Ontario Limited.

An Act to revive 338026 Ontario Limited.

An Act to revive Ontario Wildlife Holdings & Sanctuary Corp.

An Act to revive 778624 Ontario Limited.

An Act to revive Step by Step Investments Inc.

An Act to revive 2771280 Ontario Inc.

An Act to revive R&J Drago Consultants Inc.

An Act to revive 1092167 Ontario Inc.

An Act to revive Jinghua Trading (Canada) Ltd.

An Act respecting Base31 Community Association.

An Act to revive 2343967 Ontario Inc.

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Trevor Day): In His Majesty’s name, Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor assents to these bills.

Au nom de Sa Majesté, Son Honneur la lieutenante-gouverneure sanctionne ces projets de loi.

Hon. Edith Dumont (Lieutenant Governor): Madam Speaker, would you permit me to say a few words?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I will.

Thank you to all members of this House for your hard work, both at Queen’s Park and throughout Ontario, serving your communities and our province. As you prepare to leave this chamber very soon and return to your constituencies, may you be guided by the Seven Grandfather Teachings represented in the carving over the doorway: love, wisdom, truth, humility, respect, courage, honesty.

Et, madame la Ministre Mulroney, j’aimerais simplement vous souhaiter le meilleur pour la prochaine étape de votre vie.

Merci. Thank you. Chi meegwetch.

Her Honour was then pleased to retire.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): This House stands in recess until 3 p.m.

The House recessed from 1219 to 1500.

Members’ expenses

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ric Bresee): I beg to inform the House that the Speaker has laid upon the table the individual members’ expenses for the fiscal year 2025-26.

Introduction of Visitors

Mr. Rob Cerjanec: I’m pleased to welcome a page from Ajax, Arshiya Anand from Alexander Graham Bell Public School; her mother, Shikha Anand; and her grandmother Suman Anand to the Legislature today. Welcome.

Ms. Aislinn Clancy: I want to introduce Lehel and Peti Borsos.

Welcome to your House.

Mr. Lorne Coe: I’d like to welcome to the Legislature Karey Anne Large, CEO of the Whitby Chamber of Commerce. She’s accompanied by Andrew Lee, vice-President.

Hon. Nina Tangri: I just want to welcome David Wojcik from the Mississauga Board of Trade here for the advocacy day with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. Welcome, David.

MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam: I wanted to introduce these visitors who came in to join us this morning, but we ran out of time. In particular, there were 70 members from the Re-AIM Coalition. This is a broad group of Asian Canadian leaders in health care as well as social service organizations. I won’t have time to name them all, but I did want to personally identify that these were very important people who led this group—that includes Amy Go, Christina Lee, Winnie Ng, Judy San, Dr. Ted Lo, Dr. Josephine Wong, Aseefa Sarang, and Dr. Joseph Wong.

Hon. Doug Downey: This morning, I didn’t get a chance to introduce Julia Facca from my office, Taryn Bratz from my office, and two individuals from the ministry, Lia Sioumkas and Sho Yaqubi.

To correct my record from yesterday: I introduced Peter Wardle as the president of the Law Society of Ontario; in fact, he is the treasurer of the Law Society of Ontario.

Mr. Tom Rakocevic: I welcome Elif Genc, former NDP candidate for Vaughan–Woodbridge, and Viyan Kaya, both of them representing the Canadian Kurdish Community Centre.

Mr. Logan Kanapathi: I’m pleased to recognize Vedha Palayadan, a legislative page from the beautiful riding of Markham–Thornhill. She’s a student at Parkland Public School and has been selected for this distinguished opportunity. She’s also accompanied by her father, Shibi Kunhiparambath.

Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Mr. Deepak Anand: I’d like to take a moment and welcome Ilesha Pannu, the granddaughter of my good friend Piarra Pannu. She is actually an intern at the Ministry of Health and is doing a great job. She’s going to go places. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

MPP Jamie West: I’d just like to wish all of my colleagues a very happy Thanksgiving. I look forward to seeing you after Thanksgiving.

Mr. Ted Hsu: I want to welcome to this House Karen Cross and Brian Hope, who are visiting here today from the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce.

Introduction of Bills

Ray Hunking Trucking Limited Act, 2026

Mr. Kernaghan moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr54,

An Act to revive Ray Hunking Trucking Limited.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ric Bresee): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

First reading agreed to.

J.C.C. Corp. Act, 2026

Mrs. Cooper moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr53,

An Act to revive J.C.C. Corp.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ric Bresee): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

First reading agreed to.

Diverting Waste from Landfills and Reducing Greenhouse Gases Act, 2026 / Loi de 2026 visant à détourner les déchets destinés aux sites d’enfouissement et à réduire les gaz à effet de serre

Ms. McMahon moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 134,

An Act to amend the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016 / Projet de loi 134, Loi visant à modifier la Loi de 2016 sur la récupération des ressources et l’économie circulaire.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ric Bresee): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

First reading agreed to.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ric Bresee): Does the member wish to briefly explain the bill?

Ms. Mary-Margaret McMahon: I’m proud to work across party lines and with my illustrious colleague from Kitchener Centre, the MPP who does so great for her community. Together, we worked on this private members’ bill, Diverting Waste from Landfills and Reducing Greenhouse Gases Act, 2026.

This bill amends the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, as I mentioned. A new

section 7.1 provides that no more than 60 days after the

section comes into force, the minister shall establish a working group to review source separated organics programs and to study the most effective methods for diverting organic waste from landfill sites.

We know our landfills are getting to capacity—including Toronto’s, which will be at capacity by 2034. We want to do everything we can to mitigate that and to stretch out that timeline as much as possible—as well as any other landfill sites—and we want to be diverting organics the proper way.

Swahili Heritage Month Act, 2026 / Loi de 2026 sur le Mois du patrimoine de la langue swahilie

MPP Wong-Tam moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 135,

An Act to proclaim the month of July as Swahili Heritage Month / Projet de loi 135, Loi proclamant le mois de juillet Mois du patrimoine de la langue swahilie.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ric Bresee): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

First reading agreed to.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ric Bresee): Does the member wish to briefly explain the bill?

MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam: I’m so proud to be putting this bill forward, which is co-sponsored by the honourable members from Humber River–Black Creek, Hamilton Centre, and Parkdale–High Park.

This bill, should it be passed, will enact the Swahili Heritage Month Act, which will then ensure that the month of July in Ontario will be known as Swahili Heritage Month.

Speaker, I want to just recognize that Ontario is home to thousands of Swahili speakers and their families. They have called Ontario their home since the 1960s. They deserve to be celebrated and honoured for their cultural, artistic and economic richness that they have brought to all our neighbourhoods.

This is a beautiful language that has been spoken in eastern and central Africa and across the global African diaspora, including here in Ontario. This is a beautiful language that is already recognized by UNESCO with world Swahili heritage day, which is celebrated every single year on July 7.

I know that this means a lot to this community, and we’re very proud to bring this bill forward on their behalf.

Responsible Flyer Delivery Act, 2026 / Loi de 2026 sur la distribution responsable de dépliants promotionnels

Ms. Bowman moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 136,

An Act to regulate the distribution of promotional materials at private dwellings / Projet de loi 136, Loi visant à réglementer la distribution de matériel promotionnel aux logements privés.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ric Bresee): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

First reading agreed to.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ric Bresee): Does the member wish to briefly explain the bill?

Ms. Stephanie Bowman: The Responsible Flyer Delivery Act is a response to concerns I’ve heard from constituents in my riding of Don Valley West. In fact, the idea came from a constituent.

As home break-ins have increased in my riding, we need to find ways to make homes less of a target. One thing that can help reduce this problem is ensuring that homes look lived in. When solicitors leave behind flyers and they are not removed quickly because people are not home—perhaps they’re away at work or away on vacation for an extended period—criminals see these homes as unattended and are therefore a potential target.

This bill, if passed, would prohibit private organizations from leaving flyers and other promotional materials in a visible location—in particular, when they could be left in a mailbox.

Keeping Our Kids Safe Online Act, 2026 / Loi de 2026 visant à assurer la sécurité de nos enfants en ligne

Ms. Clancy moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 137,

An Act to create a committee respecting the online safety of children / Projet de loi 137, Loi créant un comité en matière de sécurité des enfants en ligne.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ric Bresee): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

First reading agreed to.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ric Bresee): Does the member wish to briefly explain the bill?

Ms. Aislinn Clancy: The harms of Internet use, cellphones and technology are well documented, and it’s past due that this government creates protections and education to help protect our kids from online harms.

MPP Lennox moved first reading of the following bill:

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ric Bresee): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

First reading agreed to.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ric Bresee): Does the member wish to briefly explain the bill?

MPP Robin Lennox: I’m very proud to co-sponsor this bill alongside my colleagues the MPPs for Nickel Belt, Waterloo, and Parkdale–High Park.

Homes You Can Afford in the Communities You Love Act, 2026 / Loi de 2026 pour des logements abordables dans les communautés que vous aimez

Mr. Schreiner moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 139,

An Act to amend the Planning Act with respect to housing policies in official plans and by-laws / Projet de loi 139, Loi modifiant la

Loi sur l’aménagement du territoire à l’égard des politiques en matière de logement qui figurent dans les plans officiels et les règlements municipaux.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ric Bresee): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

First reading agre