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March 18, 2019

42nd Parliament, 1st Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcript 2019-Mar-18 (PDF)

L077 - Mon 18 Mar 2019 / Lun 18 mar 2019

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Monday 18 March 2019 Lundi 18 mars 2019

Introduction of Visitors

Attack in New Zealand

Air disaster in Ethiopia

Oral Questions

Education funding

Government accountability

Education funding

Government fiscal policies

Children’s aid societies

Construction industry

Autism treatment

Energy contracts

Government fiscal policies

Health care funding

Violence against women

Health care funding

Gaming control

Child advocate

Taxation

Environmental protection

Ryan Cole and Dena Gouweloos

Visitors

Notice of dissatisfaction

Introduction of Visitors

Consideration of Bill 66

Members’ Statements

Environmental protection

Coldest Night of the Year

Post-secondary education

Angela Rehhorn

Jody and Nicole Blais / Jody et Nicole Blais

Racism

Abivarman Arulpirarangah

Highway of Heroes

Heart disease

Skilled trades

Rectification au procès-verbal

Reports by Committees

Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills

Introduction of Bills

Archives and Recordkeeping Amendment Act, 2019 / Loi de 2019 modifiant la

Loi sur les Archives publiques et la conservation des documents

Supply Act, 2019 / Loi de crédits de 2019

Single-Use Plastics Ban Act, 2019 / Loi de 2019 interdisant les produits plastiques jetables

665395 Ontario Limited Act, 2019

Petitions

Autism treatment

Automobile insurance

Autism treatment

Animal protection

Animal protection

Emergency services

Long-term care

Climate change

Equal opportunity

Autism treatment

Orders of the Day

The People’s Health Care Act, 2019 / Loi de 2019 sur les soins de santé pour la population

The House met at 1030.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Let us pray.

Prayers.

Introduction of Visitors

Ms. Catherine Fife: Two constituents are here with the Council of Ontario Construction Associations: from Grand Valley Construction Association, chair Josh Heller and director Ted Dreyer. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Ms. Jane McKenna: We’re blessed today to have, in the east lobby, the Council of Ontario Construction Associations. COCA’s chair, Burlingtonian Steve Dietrich, is here as well. Thank you for helping to build Ontario. We much appreciate it.

Mrs. Lisa Gretzky: I would like to introduce Martha Hradowy, who is one of the executives with OSSTF. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

M me Nathalie Des Rosiers: J’aimerais accueillir le page Julien Bélanger. Il est étudiant à l’école secondaire publique De La Salle. Bienvenue.

Hon. Victor Fedeli: I would like to welcome Frank Furlano; his parents, Sara and Domenic Furlano; and his sister, Mary Furlano. Welcome.

Mr. Tom Rakocevic: It’s my honour to welcome students and staff from St. Basil-the-Great College School in my home riding of Humber River–Black Creek.

Mr. Stephen Lecce: Construction is a major driver of economic growth and jobs in this province. On behalf of Minister McNaughton, I’m pleased to welcome the Council of Ontario Construction Associations to the Legislature today.

Hon. Merrilee Fullerton: I would like to welcome to the gallery today Tiffany Lepack, my constituency assistant from Kanata–Carleton. Welcome.

Mr. Kaleed Rasheed: I would like to introduce Haniya Naveed, a grade 5 student, and Fatima Saleem, a grade 2 student. These two girls are a true inspiration. I was fortunate to meet with them. They have raised over $5,000 within just a week for SickKids hospital. Thank you, Haniya and Fatima, for your great initiative. I hope to see you continue to help those in need.

Mr. Stan Cho: Good morning. It’s my privilege today to introduce Luna Yu, Abdulrahman Khogali, Hasitha de Alwis, Marcos Igreja, Michael Williamson, and Willowdaler Kevin Eriksen, joining us from Genecis Bioindustries, an innovative young company that is using clean technology to turn carbon-packed food waste into environmentally friendly biodegradable plastic—an amazing company, truly making a difference to a greener economy in our province. Welcome to the Legislature.

Mr. Kevin Yarde: I would like to welcome my assistant, Robyn Yakiwchuk. It’s her first time here at Queen’s Park.

Ms. Kathleen O. Wynne: I’d like to welcome to the Legislature a fine member of the Liberal family, Joe Gowing. Joe was the Ontario Liberal candidate for Kitchener–Conestoga in the last election. Welcome, Joe. Thanks for coming.

Ms. Natalia Kusendova: Bonjour, monsieur le Président. It’s a pleasure to be back. This morning I’d like to welcome my colleagues from Etobicoke General Hospital, nurses Ming Cheng and Beverley Ardelli. I look forward to discussing practical solutions to ending hallway nursing in Ontario. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Mr. Dave Smith: I would like to introduce today’s page captain, Arthur McLeod from the great riding of Peterborough–Kawartha, and his parents, Andrea and Angus.

Ms. Goldie Ghamari: It’s my pleasure to introduce my constituency staff today: Mrs. Candice Coates and Mrs. Hina Patel from the beautiful riding of Carleton. Welcome, and thank you for being here today.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): That apparently concludes our time for members’ statements.

Attack in New Zealand

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Mississauga East–Cooksville on a point of order.

Mr. Kaleed Rasheed: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe you will find that we have unanimous consent to observe a moment of silence in honour of the victims of last week’s tragic attack at two mosques in New Zealand.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Mississauga East–Cooksville is seeking the unanimous consent of the House to allow for a moment of silence for the victims of the shooting in New Zealand. Agreed? Agreed.

I would ask the members to please rise.

The House observed a moment’s silence.

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

Air disaster in Ethiopia

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Brampton South on a point of order.

Mr. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I believe you will find that we have unanimous consent to observe a moment of silence in honour of the victims of last week’s crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Brampton South is seeking the unanimous consent of the House to have a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the crash of the Ethiopian Airlines plane. Agreed? Agreed.

The House observed a moment’s silence.

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

Oral Questions

Education funding

Ms. Sara Singh: Good morning, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Acting Premier.

Last week, this Conservative government announced deep cuts to our education system that will leave students in our province worse off. There will be more kids in crowded classrooms, fewer teachers and educators in our schools, and at least $1 billion cut from education over the term of this government. Why is this government so determined to drag our kids in this province backwards when it comes to our education system?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The question is placed to the Deputy Premier.

Hon. Christine Elliott: To the Minister of Education.

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: I’m pleased to stand up and talk about the announcement that we shared on Friday.

First of all, let me share that I want to congratulate the Ontario Science Centre on their 50th anniversary of bringing science, technology and innovation to our young people. Just the day before, they had entertained 7,000 kids and parents. I just think it was a perfect platform on which we could stand and introduce our announcement.

When it comes to actually what we were talking about, we introduced so many concepts that are going to take our education system well ahead into the future in enabling students to embrace not only the realities of today but the skills they need for the jobs of tomorrow.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary.

Ms. Sara Singh: Back to the Acting Premier: I think we all know that when class sizes get bigger, student learning can suffer. There will be less opportunity for students to get one-on-one attention, which will hurt the students with the most complex needs. Teachers will be stretched even thinner trying to deliver the quality education that their students deserve.

Parents know, teachers know and students know what this government ought to know: Cramming more students into undersupported classrooms is not the way to boost student achievement. Will this government go back to the drawing board and come back with a plan that actually works and will serve the needs of students in our province?

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: I’ll tell you what the PC government of Ontario is going to do: We’re going to make sure that students in this province, from one end of Ontario to the other, actually finally have the confidence that they’re learning the basic skills and fundamentals that are going to encourage them and help them get the jobs of tomorrow.

I’m telling you, in the last decade and a half, students in Ontario were left scrambling. Parents were being forced to seek out tutors to help them with math. Parents were forced to really try and help students the best they could because, quite frankly, the previous Liberal government failed our students, and there are proof points to that.

Speaker, I have to tell you that not only are we standing with parents in our announcement on our plan forward, where education is going to work not only for parents but for students and teachers; we are so looking forward to working with our education partners and our school boards, because at the end of the day, the greatest factor in determining a student’s success is the effectiveness of the teacher—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you. Final supplementary.

Ms. Sara Singh: Speaker, through you to the minister: I think we all know that by cramming more students into a classroom, we aren’t increasing effectiveness. Firing thousands of teachers and cramming as many as 40 students into high school math classes will not help students achieve more. By taking away one-on-one attention, by taking away specialized classes and in-person instruction, this government is making the future a lot less bright for more kids.

Will this government reverse their course and scrap this scheme to increase class sizes and fire teachers before it is too late?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members please take their seats.

The minister to respond.

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I need to get it said right now: I fundamentally reject the premise of that particular question. Shame on the member opposite for fearmongering.

Let me be perfectly clear: There will be no involuntary job losses under our plan. We’re standing with our teachers. We actually are absolutely positive that parents understand, and students understand, that the investment that we’re making in Ontario’s education system to make sure our students are prepared—again, the previous government did an absolutely dismal job introducing ideologies that failed our students.

Speaker, I can tell you once and for all: We’re getting back on track in Ontario. We are announcing—thanks to our plan that has been well received, and I look forward to speaking about the endorsements from our stakeholders in future questions.

Government accountability

Mr. Taras Natyshak: My question is for the Acting Premier. Speaker, we’ve just received word that Global News has obtained a very troubling letter written by the member for Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston. The member describes being removed from the government’s caucus as a political revenge plot because he tried to blow the whistle. He alleges that he was kicked out of caucus because he raised “concerns of possible illegal and unregistered lobbying by close friends and advisers employed by Premier Ford.”

Speaker, my question is to the Acting Premier: What possibly illegal and unregistered lobbying has been happening behind closed doors with this government?

Hon. Christine Elliott: To the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Hon. Steve Clark: Speaker, obviously, I don’t know about this letter that the member opposite speaks of. What I can speak to is my relationship with the member for Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston. Obviously, we share a number of organizations: the health units in our ridings, the school board, and a number of agencies. No matter in what capacity that member sits in this House, I’ll continue to work with him.

We feel very strongly that members should be allowed to speak, but in terms of the contents of whatever allegations the member is talking about, he’ll have to disclose them.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Mr. Taras Natyshak: These accusations are serious. The word “illegal” is not used lightly by members of this House. Now the people of Ontario are left to wonder. Speaker, they’re wondering if Chris Froggatt and Dean French worked out a deal to let people buy their way into Doug Ford’s back rooms—or is the member from Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston referring to cash-for-access fundraisers?

Hon. Steve Clark: I am very disappointed in the member’s unfounded allegations. This government for the people respects the rules of this House and respects the rules in terms of the Integrity Commissioner and the lobbyist registry and the rules that we have to operate under in this House.

I can tell you that whatever the member is trying to get at is not with any basis of truth. I can speak for myself. I can speak to how I operate in my office. I know that my colleagues in cabinet, and I know, quite frankly, my colleagues on both this side of the House and the members opposite, always act with integrity and always act with the people in mind. Any other allegation and any other suggestion is absolutely, completely false, Speaker.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock.

Restart the clock. Final supplementary.

Mr. Taras Natyshak: Speaker, people’s pockets are being lined in exchange for favours. The people have a right to know.

It seems as if there was a secret emergency cabinet meeting this morning, maybe so that the members of the cabinet could get their stories straight. Speaker, which story have they landed on? Is it a reference to cash-for-access fundraisers or is it this separate pay-to-play deal that we’re seeing unfold here today?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member is asking, obviously, a very serious question, making serious statements. I have to be able to hear the response. But I would caution all members of the House in terms of their language and the use of language so that it’s parliamentary.

The minister can respond.

Hon. Steve Clark: Speaker, through you to the member: I don’t know what meeting this member was talking about. I don’t know what type of access he means. But I’ll tell you something, Speaker: Our government has been very clear in terms of going through the fundraising rules and ensuring that if a grandmother wants to come to a $25 spaghetti dinner for one of their members, yes, they can go on our site, they can look at those events and they can attend. But in terms of trying to do anything else, in terms of lobbyists or anything that the member is trying to insinuate or suggest, it’s absolutely not true, Speaker, period.

Education funding

Ms. Marit Stiles: My question is for the Acting Premier. Parents and educators across the province were shocked by Friday’s announcement of deep cuts to Ontario’s public education system, to be achieved through a dramatic reduction in the number of teachers and dramatically larger class sizes—fewer teachers, less support for students.

As boards have been looking over the implications of these cuts, we are learning more about what the impact will be. As a result, elementary school teachers expect to see 4,500 jobs lost. Secondary school teachers expect to see 3,600 jobs lost and—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Government side, come to order. I’m hearing unparliamentary comments from the government side. I’m not sure who said it. Stop it.

I apologize to the member for Davenport for interrupting her.

Ms. Marit Stiles: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think I hit a nerve.

The Toronto District School Board alone expects to see over 1,000 jobs lost. But the Minister of Education said, “Not one teacher—not one—will lose their job because of our class size strategy.” Acting Premier, which is it?

Hon. Christine Elliott: To the Minister of Education.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The question is referred to the Minister of Education.

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: Thank you to the Deputy Premier, and, Speaker, thank you to you as well for giving me an opportunity to set the record straight here.

The fact of the matter is, I think the member opposite has been using her own discovery math, because I was very emphatic, actually, on Friday, saying that there will be no involuntary job loss. How on earth can she be pulling numbers, perhaps out of the cloud—who knows where she pulled those numbers from? Quite frankly, the school boards and my ministry will be working together in the weeks and months to come, because we have to assess the number of retirements, the number of resignations and the number of redeployments that all factor into this.

I would suggest to the member opposite to stop spinning, stop fearmongering and celebrate the fact that we are finally going to get Ontario education back on track.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Ms. Marit Stiles: I’ll tell you where I got those numbers, Mr. Speaker. I got them from a memo written by Craig Snider, acting associate director, business operations and service excellence, at the Toronto District School Board, thank you very much.

He says that the reduction in just the Toronto District School Board alone is going to be 216 fewer teachers, grades 4 to 8. He says the impact will be a reduction of approximately 800 teachers in secondary schools in that one board alone. The impact would be a reduction of funding for another additional 82 teachers. I could go on.

We know what the impact is going to be. The minister wants to argue that when somebody retires and you don’t fill a position, that’s not a job lost. Tell that to the teachers who won’t be getting a job. Tell that to the students who are going to have 40 kids in their class.

Does the Acting Premier really believe that Ontarians gave her government a mandate to balance the budget on the backs of our kids?

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: Again, I absolutely reject the premise on which that member opposite is trying to fearmonger. It’s absolute nonsense, because the fact of the matter is, she should be celebrating that we’re getting back to the basics in math. Come on. She has had experience in a school board herself, and she knows full well that, over the last decade and a half, the past Liberal government absolutely failed our students, and because of that we have a lot of work to do. We’re rolling up our sleeves and we look forward to working and making sure that education works for parents, teachers, students and our school boards.

We’ve introduced a new math curriculum. We’ve renewed a focus on STEM.

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Davenport, come to order.

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: We are looking at modern, age-appropriate health and physical education, and we have a clear policy—

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Davenport, come to order.

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: —with regard to our process where parents can work better with teachers.

Government fiscal policies

Mr. Will Bouma: My question is for the Minister of Finance. The minister recently visited Cappuccino Bakery, a small business in Nobleton. Cappuccino reflects the backbone of Ontario’s economy. They make significant investments. They pay their taxes, hire people and create jobs in the community they call home. All they expect in return from their government is respect for their tax dollars and to have access to quality health care, education and other critical services.

That’s why it was so significant for the Minister of Finance to visit this small business to make his important announcement. Could the minister inform the House about his announcement and what it will mean for the people of Ontario?

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Thank you to the member from Brantford–Brant. It was a pleasure to visit the bakery with the member from King–Vaughan to announce that our government’s first budget will be coming on April 11.

Through our province-wide pre-budget consultations, the message we heard came through loud and clear. People are struggling in a province that has been overtaxed, overregulated and faces threats to the services we rely on because of spiralling government debt. We can all clearly see the results of 15 years of Liberal neglect and reckless spending, and it’s time to take action.

Our first budget will continue our work to restore confidence by laying out a responsible path to balance. We will continue to provide much-needed relief to families and small businesses while protecting what matters most: health care and education.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary.

Mr. Will Bouma: Thank you to the minister for his response. I think we can all agree that for far too long, the people of Ontario have been forced to feel like they are working for their government. And do you know what? It’s about time their government started working harder for them.

I have full confidence that our first budget will truly put the people at the heart of government. To do otherwise would be foolish. Unless we take urgent action, it will be our children and grandchildren who will inherit the Liberals’ mountain of debt and continue to pay more for fewer services. That’s wrong, Mr. Speaker, and it’s unfair to leave that burden for future generations to shoulder.

Could the minister please remind the House what is at stake for our province today and our children’s province of tomorrow?

Hon. Victor Fedeli: To put it bluntly, the previous Liberal government left behind a fiscal mess. We inherited a $15-billion deficit and a $346-billion debt. That’s 346 with nine zeros behind it. The Liberals were spending $40 million a day more than they brought in. As a result, the interest we pay on that debt is now the fourth-largest item in the budget. This has to end.

We must put Ontario back on a path that is fiscally responsible. We must bring relief to families and businesses that have been overtaxed and overburdened for 15 years and have received nothing in return.

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Ottawa South, come to order.

Hon. Victor Fedeli: We must work together to protect the services that matter most, and on April 11, we will lay out our plan to do exactly that.

Children’s aid societies

Ms. Sandy Shaw: My question this morning is to the Acting Premier. The Brant children’s aid society, which is located in the riding of Brantford–Brant, has been forced to lay off 26 child protection workers as a direct result of this government’s actions. The executive director of Brant Family and Children’s Services said, “When governments cut child welfare services ... children ultimately die or are allowed by society to live in unbearable, violent and neglectful conditions.”

Mr. Speaker, why is this government putting children at risk with these reckless cuts?

Hon. Christine Elliott: To the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: It’s my pleasure to rise to respond to what I don’t think are necessarily accurate portrayals of what’s happening on the ground. Since 2015, the former Ministry of Children and Youth Services under the previous administration was working with the Brant children’s aid society to identify cost reduction strategies. These efforts have been unsuccessful and the Brant children’s aid society continues to struggle to deliver services.

In addition to that—and I think this is something the government should be very proud of and every Ontarian should be very proud of—we are moving to, in many cases, an Indigenous-led child welfare system, as we have in the Six Nations, or Ogwadeni:deo First Nation, and we are transferring about 18% of the children and the caseload into that First Nation and Indigenous-led child welfare system. This is something we’re proud of in terms of customary care. We know Indigenous children are overrepresented in the children’s aid society system and that’s why we’re moving toward that model, to bring customary care into the community for those children to better serve them.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary question?

Ms. Sandy Shaw: Mr. Speaker, I have to say, when it comes to vulnerable children, this government’s record is nothing to be proud of. Brant’s children’s aid society looks after 300 children in foster care in the Brantford–Brant riding. They will run out of money on Friday. When the society came to this government asking when funding for the new fiscal year would be provided, this government decided to play hardball. As a result, they have had to lay off 26 staff members.

The Premier committed to the people of Ontario that no jobs would be lost in their quest to balance the budget, but we’ve seen job loss after job loss. I ask, how can this government justify this betrayal of the most vulnerable children in Brantford–Brant and in the rest of Ontario?

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: Speaker, what that member opposite is suggesting is that the 18% of Indigenous youth who are going to a customary care model in an Indigenous-led children’s aid society don’t deserve the funding that is required for them to get the services that they need. I will say that we are proud as a government to continue on the legacy of previous administrations as we move to a more Indigenous-led and -focused approach.

But if the member opposite is suggesting that this is an overnight problem, it dates back to 2015—that’s four years ago—where this children’s aid society has refused to look after its fiscal house and get its services in order as we transition. This is not new.

Just two weeks ago, I was able to sign off on the 12 Indigenous-led children’s aid societies. I was at the UN last week, speaking with Indigenous leaders from Canada about our work with the federal government as we move to a more appropriate model for Indigenous youth in the province of Ontario and hopefully throughout the rest of Canada.

Construction industry

Ms. Goldie Ghamari: Mr. Speaker, my question today is for the Attorney General. We on this side of the House have great respect for Ontario’s construction sector. It’s an industry that is one of our economy’s key drivers. My riding of Carleton alone is home to some of eastern Ontario’s biggest construction companies and job creators, including the Tomlinson Group companies, Marathon drilling, Gerry Crepin Cartage, Osgoode Sand and Gravel and Thomas Cavanagh Construction Ltd.

The new Construction Act will soon bring into force a new regime that will ensure Ontario construction workers get paid on time for the work they do, and make the dispute resolution process faster and simpler.

Through you, Mr. Speaker, would the Attorney General please tell us how our government is bringing into effect this new era of transparency, stability and certainty for our construction sector?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order. The Attorney General to respond.

Hon. Caroline Mulroney: I’d like to thank the member from Carleton for the question. Mr. Speaker, our government will always stand up for those working in the construction industry. We are working very hard to bring into effect the new prompt payment and adjudication framework that will strengthen this sector and lead the country in how we support the construction industry.

Prompt payment will provide contractors and subcontractors clarity and certainty around when to expect payment—something fundamental that many in other sectors may take for granted. Our new adjudication process will speed up dispute resolution and save workers time and money while also preventing unnecessary delays on construction projects. Our government is working hard to bring these new tools into force on October 1. We look forward to delivering this important new framework to this essential part of this province’s economy.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary question?

Ms. Goldie Ghamari: Mr. Speaker, through you, I would like to thank the Attorney General for standing up for this important part of our economy and making sure that the construction industry in Carleton and across Ontario can have the certainty and stability found in other industries.

My constituents in Carleton know that this government was elected with a promise to get things done and to make it easier and cheaper for businesses to thrive in today’s marketplace. They expect this government to deliver on its commitments.

Mr. Speaker, through you, could the Attorney General please tell us more about how Ontario is implementing this new regulatory framework to ensure that Ontario’s construction industry can benefit from the opportunities and protections it brings?

Hon. Caroline Mulroney: The women and men working in Ontario’s construction sector have made it clear that they want this new regime in place on time, and that means October 1 of this year. A key part of this promise is the designation of the authorized nominating authority, the ANA, the arm’s-length entity that will oversee the new adjudication framework.

Last week, our government issued the call for applications for the nominating authority. We look forward to seeing a wide range of applications for this key component of the new Construction Act regime. Our government has developed a fair and transparent selection process that will evaluate the quality, experience and knowledge of entities that apply for the nominating authority designation, and will ensure that we designate only the most qualified for this critical job.

Construction workers and the construction industry are counting on us, and we take that responsibility seriously. We look forward to continuing to work and communicate with our partners in the construction industry on this important project.

Autism treatment

Miss Monique Taylor: My question is for the Acting Premier. In Ontario, it has taken decades to build up the capacity to support children with autism spectrum disorders, and still we have a shortage of therapists trained to provide evidence-based therapy. Yet, because of this government’s disastrous autism program, therapists are being laid off. KidsAbility in Kitchener laid off nine staff—and that is just the start.

Why does the Acting Premier insist on a plan that causes layoffs, when what we actually need is more therapists and more supports?

Hon. Christine Elliott: To the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: Thanks for the opportunity to rise today. I think that one of the things that we’re moving to in transitioning is the direct funding model to parents, to give them an opportunity to get the services that they want. I think that these layoffs are premature and I encourage the agencies to understand our plan better. Our plan will mean that there will be four times more children who will be able to access services. Therefore, I think that every child should receive support, and we expect that agencies that are delivering support should continue to deliver quality support to those children.

Let me be clear: My parliamentary assistant, Amy Fee, and I continue to listen to parents and we continue to look forward to the implementation date of April 1 so we can empower parents directly. We’re looking forward to making sure that the 23,000 children who are presently on a wait-list are cleared off that wait-list for the first time in Ontario history.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Miss Monique Taylor: This government claims to provide parents choice, but what choice will they actually have? First, the government won’t provide funding based on need or evidence; now the ABA therapist shortage will get worse as layoffs begin. This is going to leave those who can actually afford ABA stuck on wait-lists.

I wonder if the Acting Premier knows that it will take decades to rebuild this industry after her government destroys it. Did the Acting Premier anticipate layoffs of therapy workers, or are these unintended consequences based on their half-baked plan?

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: I guess the difference between this government and that party is we’re fighting for children and she’s fighting for industry.

Speaker, we have consulted with hundreds of families. We have done a dozen round tables. We continue to speak to families to see how we can best enhance their experience as parents who are dealing with an autism diagnosis.

We have made an historic investment of $321 million. We are doubling our investment into diagnostic hubs. We are going to clear the wait-list in the next 18 months. Our priority is for children to get direct funding in order for them to receive the services that they need.

But if the member opposite is suggesting that I take the focus off the children and instead go toward an association or an industry, that’s not my job. My job is to make sure that those children who are on the wait-list get off the wait-list and get the service that they need, and that their parents get the funding that’s required.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Opposition, come to order. Response.

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: That’s what this government is going to do. That’s what this government is going to continue to fight for.

Energy contracts

M lle Amanda Simard: My question is to the Minister of Energy. On July 13, the government announced the cancellation of the Eastern Fields Wind Power Project in Nation township, a decision received with cheers and applause by the people of Glengarry–Prescott–Russell. Yet we just learned that the Ontario Energy Board issued a licence to the proponents for the project.

Mr. Speaker, can the minister please tell us if the Eastern Fields Wind Power Project is on or off?

Hon. Greg Rickford: This has been a difficult file, obviously. The energy portfolio was an absolute mess—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Opposition, come to order.

Hon. Greg Rickford: We’ve taken important steps, which include a commitment to renewing the hydro leadership and cancelling more than $790 million worth of projects, which would have had the effect of increasing the monthly bills for ratepayers, the people of Ontario who pay their hydro bills. We won’t stand for that.

We also ended the culture of waste at Queen’s Park by cancelling projects that, clearly, municipalities didn’t want and the grid didn’t need.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary question?

M lle Amanda Simard: Back to the minister: The question is simple. Did the government cancel the project like it said it did? Yes or no?

Hon. Greg Rickford: A simple answer: We remain committed to our plan to restore Ontario’s confidence in our electricity system, to reduce rates for hydro bills for the hard-working people of Ontario, and to make it more affordable for small businesses to operate their businesses. Large-scale mining companies and automotive plants aren’t just complaining about high electricity rates; they’re complaining about high unpredictable electricity rates. We’re working to address that.

We have now—-

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Member for Orléans, come to order.

Hon. Greg Rickford: —at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference last week.

There’s renewed confidence in the direction that we’re taking, and we’re going to stay the course.

Government fiscal policies

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Next question: the member for Halton.

Mr. Parm Gill: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the President of the Treasury Board. We have a responsibility to watch every penny of taxpayers’ dollars, and we don’t take this responsibility lightly. We know that a centralized procurement system will create a more effective process, delivering greater value for the people of Ontario. Recent estimates indicate that ministries spend approximately $6 billion annually on procurement. This doesn’t include procurement spending in the broader public sector, including our hospitals and school boards.

Every dollar spent inefficiently is a productive dollar lost. We are putting this to an end. Can the President of the Treasury Board please inform this House why the government is modernizing our government procurement?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I apologize to the member from Milton.

Response: President of the Treasury Board.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Thank you to the member from Milton.

Mr. Speaker, modernizing procurement and realizing its full savings potential was recommended in the Ernst and Young line-by-line review. While the former Liberal government liked to pay more for less, we promised Ontarians that we would govern differently. That’s why our government is implementing a novel concept: paying less for more. In fact, previous estimates show that the Ontario public service and broader public sector combined procurement spend is approximately $29 billion a year.

This isn’t just about finding almost $1 billion in savings. It’s about making it easier for businesses to do business with government. It’s about reducing red tape and making Ontario open for business and open for jobs. It has been a new millennium for almost 20 years, and our procurement system needs to get on with the times.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Mr. Parm Gill: Our government for the people was elected on a platform of rebuilding trust and accountability in government. In everything we do, we must remember that the money we spend is not ours; it is from the pockets of the people of Ontario and should be used responsibly to better this province, not wasted on pet projects or unnecessary expenses. This is the situation we find ourselves in: the people of Ontario weighed down with a $15-billion deficit inherited from the previous Liberal government.

A major cost for government is procurement. Government services need to purchase goods and services in order to operate. Are we ensuring that this is done in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible? I ask the Minister of Government and Consumer Services: Mr. Speaker, could he outline our government’s plan to identify back-office efficiencies across government departments and modernize our procurement practices?

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Minister of Government and Consumer Services.

Hon. Bill Walker: I want to thank the member from Milton for his excellent question. Our government is dedicated to keeping our promises to the people of Ontario and putting Ontario back on a path to balance while protecting our vital public services. Today, the President of the Treasury Board, MPP Bailey, MPP Cho and I announced three initiatives that will help us achieve this goal.

As the minister said, by centralizing procurement, we’ll drive $1 billion in annual savings across government and the broader public sector. We’ll leverage our buying power, consolidate contracts, transform how we deliver services and add value by adopting innovative products and services. Our lean and continuous improvement office will streamline how we deliver services and build a culture of continuous improvement across government. We will also modernize voice services across government, saving approximately $8 million a year.

Mr. Speaker, it took 15 years for the Liberals to create their $15-billion deficit, and solving this fiscal crisis will not take place overnight. We will, however, start by restoring accountability, sustainability and—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you very much. Next question.

Health care funding

M me France Gélinas: Ma question est pour la première ministre par intérim. Since the Conservatives formed government last June, Health Sciences North in Sudbury has had to let go of 60 front-line health care workers: nurses, technicians, hands-on-care professionals. Last week, Ontarians learned that jobs would also be lost at the 14 LHINs, as their services will be amalgamated into the super-bureaucracy.

Can the Acting Premier tell this House the total number of front-line workers who will lose their jobs with the creation of the government’s super-bureaucracy for health care?

Hon. Christine Elliott: Thank you very much for the question. As the member knows, the issues with Health Sciences North are not new issues. They have been ongoing for some time, and the ministry is working with them to deal with some of the losses they’ve had and the financial difficulties that they have been dealing with for some time.

As for the health plan that we announced several weeks ago, it is to modernize health care in the province of Ontario, and it is meant to connect care for people, to make sure that people receive the best-quality care, whether it’s in a hospital, whether it’s in a long-term-care home or whether it’s in their own home. That is the point of this modernization exercise.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary question?

M me France Gélinas: The cuts in Sudbury have affected front-line services. We have less access to the breast screening clinic. We have reductions in our seating program that helps people who need specialized wheelchairs. Those services existed long before this government came to power, but now they offer less hours. They offer less access.

What will happen with the crown jewel of our health care system once it falls under the mega-bureaucracy? Will world-class institutions like Cancer Care Ontario, like Trillium Gift of Life, also have to reduce their hours and decrease access to their services? What commitment can the minister, the Acting Premier, give today to those health care workers? What commitment can she give regarding staffing?

Hon. Christine Elliott: Dealing first with the issues at Health Sciences North, the breast screening assessment service is not closing. There have been some rumours that have been spread out there by I’m not sure who, but it is not closing.

Since the year 2000, patients have come to the clinic for breast screening, mammograms, diagnostic imaging services, biopsies and navigation, and those services are certainly going to continue.

But with respect to the bigger picture and the plan that we have developed for the entire province of Ontario, the goal of this, as I’ve always said, is to strengthen our public health care system to make sure that patients receive connected services. They’re not receiving that right now. As soon as people are discharged from hospital, often they are not connected with home care services, and they end up back in the emergency departments.

The goal of this exercise and the goal of this plan is to make sure that people feel connected with and receive services from their health care system wherever they are in their health care journey. That is the goal. That is what we’re going to continue to—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you. Next question.

Violence against women

Ms. Jane McKenna: My question is to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services and the minister responsible for women’s issues. Last week, the minister joined the Canadian delegation at the 63rd session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. The commission is held annually and provides an opportunity for UN member states to discuss progress, gaps and next steps in the fight for gender equity. This year’s session included discussions on preventing sexual and gender-based violence, and empowering girls through social protection.

Mr. Speaker, can the minister outline the work our government for the people is taking to empower women and girls and combat violence against women in Ontario?

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: As the minister responsible for women’s issues, I would like to commend the member for Burlington for being a strong female voice in this Legislature and doing the great work she does in her community of Burlington.

She is right. Last week, I had the opportunity to travel with the Canadian delegation to the United Nations to speak about sex trafficking and violence against women, as well as women’s economic empowerment. I was able to take part and intervene at a session on sex trafficking that was organized by the Vatican. I spoke at the General Assembly about some of the strategic partnerships this government is engaging in in order to support those women who are fleeing domestic abuse as well as violence against women. And I spent some time with the federal minister, Maryam Monsef, in an Indigenous-led consultation about violence against women, but also the child welfare and protection system.

I’ll have more to say in the supplementary, Speaker. But I am proud as an Ontarian that we are leading, not only in this country but throughout the rest of the world, in our commitment to combat sex trafficking in the province of Ontario and the world.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary question?

Ms. Jane McKenna: Thank you, Minister. You’re a constant inspiration to myself and others. Thank you for empowering women in combatting gender-based violence across the province.

Mr. Speaker, I know that while attending the commission, the minister had the opportunity to address the very important topic of sex trafficking. We know that Ontario accounts for roughly two thirds of police-reported human trafficking cases each year. This is a shocking statistic, but I am proud to know that our minister is taking a leadership role nationally to address this serious issue by co-chairing a human trafficking round table with her federal counterpart.

Can the minister please explain how our government is working to protect women and girls in Ontario from sex trafficking?

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: Thank you very much to the member, again. Obviously, we want to continue to build on the great work that was done by our colleague Laurie Scott, the Minister of Labour, with the Saving the Girl Next Door Act.

That’s why I’ve appointed the member from Cambridge and the member from Mississauga Centre to lead consultations on my behalf, and that’s why we’re working interministerially with the Attorney General, the Minister of Health, the Minister of Labour, the Minister of Education, the Minister of Transportation and others within our government to make sure that we are looking at an interministerial approach. It is also why I am co-chairing a consultation process task table with the federal Minister of Health.

This is Ontario’s dirty little secret; it’s also Canada’s dirty little secret. When I was at the United Nations, I made it very clear: These women are dehumanized, they are devalued, and if they are not equal, are any of us equal?

That is why I will continue to stand in this House, with this government for the people, to defend these young women, bring awareness to these challenges, and make sure that it is not just strong women who are supporting vulnerable women, but strong men in this assembly and elsewhere across this province who are also defending vulnerable women.

Health care funding

Ms. Catherine Fife: My question is to the Acting Premier. Speaker, during the campaign, the Premier stated that not one job would be lost, but in recent weeks he has changed the message, saying that no front-line jobs will be lost. But in Kitchener-Waterloo, we saw Grand River Hospital cut 25 full-time and 15 part-time registered nurses three weeks ago. These are 40 jobs lost—and good jobs too. One fired full-time nurse equals 2,000 hours of lost patient care to people in my community. People deserve better. You cannot rebuild a health care system without front-line nurses in the province of Ontario.

So my question is to the Acting Premier: Why did the government not take action to ensure that patients get the front-line care they need in Kitchener-Waterloo and indeed across the province?

Hon. Christine Elliott: I can certainly agree with the member that more front-line care is needed. Nurses are the backbone of our health care system, and that is the reason why we brought our plan forward. That is the idea: to put more people into front-line care, because that’s what we hear from patients each and every day in the Ministry of Health. That is what we’re working towards with the local Ontario health teams that are going to be built and that will gradually be taking over the responsibilities from the LHINs. That is what is meant to happen.

There are a lot of people who want to be able to be delivering that kind of care. I travelled broadly last week, as a matter of fact, with groups that are ready to apply to be local Ontario health teams. I can’t wait for the application process to start, because they’re already doing that level of care. That’s what we need to see happening across the province.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary.

Ms. Catherine Fife: The health minister used to fight for front-line nurses, and she knows that these cuts right now have consequences.

For instance, Becky lives with type 1 diabetes and other chronic illnesses. For years, she was too sick to work. She was in and out of the ER due to diabetic crises, regularly spending one month a year in hospital. But everything changed when Becky became a patient at the diabetes centre at Grand River Hospital. The monthly visits were invaluable to her chronic illness management, and her long hospital visits all but disappeared. This was a smart, strategic investment in health care, but now the diabetes centre services have been cut in half. Becky will only be able to access care twice a year.

How can the government justify cutting front-line jobs that keep people out of the hospitals and healthy in the province?

Hon. Christine Elliott: There are really two points to be made here. One is that the reason for creating Ontario Health, and for putting organizations like Cancer Care Ontario and their board under Ontario Health, is to help promote a better chronic disease management strategy. Cancer Care Ontario is an excellent example for providing cancer care and for dealing with renal indications. There’s no reason why we can’t continue to use that model, which will continue in its present form. They will still be doing the work that they have always done, but that model can be used for diabetes management and for mental health and addictions management.

Secondly, with respect to the important role that nurses play in this system, the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario has endorsed the plan, which we announced several—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Member for Waterloo, come to order. Minister of Transportation, come to order.

Hon. Christine Elliott: I would like to quote Dr. Doris Grinspun, the CEO of the RNAO: Today’s “announcement marks the beginning of much needed change in the health system and the continued role registered nurses ... must play” in both coordinating care with patients in their communities and in helping Ontarians navigate its complexities. We agree. That is the goal. We look forward to working with—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you. Next question.

Gaming control

Mr. Mike Harris: My question is for the Minister of Finance. Over the past week, we have heard about our government’s call for the federal government to legalize single-game sports betting. Given the response to our government’s leadership on this file, it is clear that people across Ontario would like to be able to bet on the outcomes of single sports games. People in Ontario and across Canada should be given the option of betting on the Super Bowl or the Grey Cup, for example.

Given the increasing popularity of single-game betting, it is important for our government to be able to meet consumer demand and ensure that Ontario’s high standards for responsible gaming can be met. Could the minister please explain why this change is necessary and how it stands to benefit Ontario?

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Thank you to the member for Kitchener–Conestoga. Legalizing single-game sports betting is important to keep Ontario’s gaming industry competitive. Eight US states now offer legalized sports betting, and 20 more states are expected to adopt the practice within the next two years, including Michigan and New York.

Without legal alternatives in Ontario, consumers are increasingly turning to US-based casinos which offer single-game sports betting. If Canada were to legalize the practice, our casinos would start to benefit. Workers at Caesars Windsor, for example, would benefit from a more competitive position in the industry. That’s why we’re calling on the federal government to amend the Criminal Code. Allowing single-game betting would give sports fans more choice and enhance the contributions gaming makes in Ontario.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary question.

Mr. Mike Harris: Thank you to the minister for his response. It is exciting to hear about how our government is taking action to bring about change that would increase consumer choice and benefit workers in Ontario’s gaming industry. It is also exciting to see the support our government’s initiative has been getting. Hopefully, the federal government is listening and will amend the Criminal Code to allow single-game sports betting in Canada.

It is clear that this decision makes sense, Mr. Speaker. Legalization of single-game sports betting has the support of the public, the support of the gaming industry and the support of many in the sports industries themselves.

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Windsor West, come to order.

Mr. Mike Harris: Could the minister please elaborate on some of the support behind our government on this file?

Hon. Victor Fedeli: North American sports leagues are in favour of single-game sports betting, particularly in light of the recent legalization in the US.

The CFL commissioner says, “We support the province’s initiative to ensure our markets remain competitive and strong.”

The NBA commissioner says, “Should the federal government permit betting on single sporting events, the NBA would support the province of Ontario offering this form of betting.”

The NHL commissioner says, “The NHL believes that a level playing surface for sports betting is in the best interest of the NHL’s sports betting landscape.”

Speaker, the industry supports this change, the people support this change, and our government supports this change.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for King–Vaughan, come to order. The member for Hamilton Mountain, come to order.

Hon. Victor Fedeli: It’s time for the federal government to amend the Criminal Code and legalize single-game sports betting.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for King–Vaughan, come to order. The member for Hamilton Mountain, come to order.

Next question.

Child advocate

Mr. Sol Mamakwa: Meegwetch, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Acting Premier. As of May 1, the government is shutting down the Ontario Child Advocate’s office, resulting in the loss of 20 child and youth advocate jobs. These front–line workers answer the calls of young people and kids in crisis. They listen first and they take direction from the child or the youth as to how they can support them to be heard.

Mr. Speaker, this office has been in place for 40 years. Why is the government closing the Ontario Child Advocate’s office, which employs 20 front-line workers for our most vulnerable children and youth?

Hon. Christine Elliott: Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: Thanks very much for the question. I really appreciate the question from the member opposite. I appreciate him bringing his concerns to the floor of the House.

The government made a decision in the fall economic statement that they will be moving the oversight capabilities over to the Ombudsman’s office. That said, my ministry has taken steps so that we can have three tables established for children in care and children in custody. For children in care, there will be an Indigenous-led table, as well as a table for children who are of colour. We have also made arrangements to ensure that we embed a child advocate within my ministry so that we ensure that children in custody and care have the access they need for the advocacy role.

But let me be perfectly clear: We believe the oversight capabilities of the Ombudsman are far superior than what we’ve got now, and we believe that the Ombudsman will continue the work forward in a very constructive way. That’s why we’re working with Paul Dubé in my ministry, and we’re going to continue to work—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you. Supplementary question.

Mr. Sol Mamakwa: Meegwetch again, Mr. Speaker. The youth involved with the child advocate’s office say their work has saved lives.

This government is ending youth partnerships like Feathers of Hope, which helped Indigenous youth all over northern Ontario and throughout Ontario. In 2017, there were 38 suicides in the north. This is 50 times higher than the Canadian average—Mr. Speaker, 50 times higher. Young people are losing their dedicated advocate and the team of professionals who support the important work. This is disproportionately going to hurt Indigenous youth.

Why is the Acting Premier isolating Indigenous youth and leaving them without support?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members, please take your seats.

Minister, response?

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: Again, thank you very much to the member opposite for his question. I’ve always admired him bringing his concerns to the floor of the assembly, and I’m looking forward to working with him further.

I just want to point out that in 2017-18, the Ontario Ombudsman’s office received 367 complaints—that’s more than one a day—that had to be referred to the child advocate’s office. By repatriating the investigative powers into the Ombudsman’s office, working with Paul Dubé, we’re convinced that we’re going to get better reports that are more effective for this assembly.

Interjections.

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: So if anyone is challenging the Ombudsman, I guess this is now the place to do it.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order. Opposition, come to order.

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: But let me be perfectly clear: We take our work with Indigenous youth very seriously, particularly because they are overrepresented in custody and in care, and that is why we are going to set up an Indigenous-led table with children with lived experience so that we can best support them. That is why we are also embedding within my ministry a child advocate—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you. Next question.

Taxation

Mr. Michael Parsa: My question is for the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. For too long, the hard-working people of this province were faced with inflated costs that they simply could not afford. To make matters worse, in a couple of short weeks, Ontarians will once again have to pay a new tax. We know that the Trudeau Liberal carbon tax is coming into effect on April 1. It will increase the cost for the people of my riding and across Ontario to heat their homes, fuel their cars and feed their families. We’re now learning the full impact of just how much this tax will cost our transport businesses, our colleges and universities.

Can the minister inform the House what our government, with the leadership of the Premier, intends to do to stop this regressive job-killing tax from being imposed on Ontarians?

Hon. Rod Phillips: Mr. Speaker, through you to the member from Aurora–Oak Ridges–Richmond Hill: Thank you for the question. Our government made a promise to Ontarians that we would make life more affordable and that we would make it easier for job creators to create jobs in a competitive economy.

We promised as well that we could balance a healthy environment and a healthy economy, and that’s what we’re doing. That’s why our Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan commits us to the 30% reduction below 2005 levels—that the federal government committed to—in greenhouse gases, but it does it without a job-killing carbon tax.

Mr. Speaker, we are also, through our emissions performance standards, which are now out for consultation, making it clear that institutions like colleges and universities will have the opportunity to opt in. That means that those universities and colleges will not have to be spending valuable taxpayer dollars, valuable tuition dollars on paying Justin Trudeau’s carbon tax.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary question.

Mr. Michael Parsa: I thank the minister for his response. Speaker, I know that the Trudeau government’s carbon tax will have a direct impact on the finances of Ontario’s essential services and public institutions. A carbon tax makes everything more expensive. The resources of Ontario’s publicly assisted colleges and universities should be focused on equipping our students with the skills needed to get the high-quality jobs of tomorrow, not filling the federal government’s coffers.

Can the minister tell us how the Liberals’ failed plan will impact institutions like our colleges and universities?

Hon. Rod Phillips: To the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities.

Hon. Merrilee Fullerton: Thank you to the member from Aurora–Oak Ridges–Richmond Hill for that very important question. Last Thursday, I was pleased to be at Algonquin College with the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks as well as the members from Carleton and Ottawa West–Nepean, to share the details of the impact of the carbon tax on our universities and colleges. We know that the federal carbon tax will cost Algonquin College over $276,000 in 2022 alone. Across the entire sector, we know this tax will cost Ontario’s universities and colleges approximately $24.7 million by 2023.

The people of Ontario have paid for a 22% reduction in our emissions, and we have a plan to get to 30% without a carbon tax. Our message is clear: Our publicly funded institutions cannot afford to pay millions of dollars in new taxes to fill the federal government’s coffers.

Environmental protection

Mr. Ian Arthur: Mr. Speaker, through you, my question is for the Acting Premier. During the campaign, the Premier repeatedly told the people of Ontario that not one job would be lost under his government. In December, when this government decided to eliminate the Office of the Environmental Commissioner, they made no mention of any jobs being lost. But we have now learned that at least five people will lose their jobs as a result of this government gutting the Office of the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario. Does the Acting Premier not think these jobs count?

Hon. Christine Elliott: To the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

Hon. Rod Phillips: Mr. Speaker, as is happening so often today, I have to reject the premise of the member’s question. Ontario will continue to be the only provincial government with an independent environment commissioner, and that commissioner will report to the Auditor General. This will be the exact same system as the federal government. The federal government has the same system. Why is that? Because we want to make sure that the environment commissioner has the appropriate focus in terms of how the environment is considered, and it is done through an independent office.

But it will also be done more effectively, and we will not apologize for being efficient and effective while protecting the environment of Ontario.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): That concludes the time we have for question period.

Ryan Cole and Dena Gouweloos

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Willowdale has informed me he has a point of order.

Mr. Stan Cho: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to take a moment to announce to the House that my EA, last week, surprised his long-time girlfriend with a trip to Barbados, and he asked a very important question. Much to my surprise, Dena Gouweloos said yes. So to Ryan Cole and Dena Gouweloos, congratulations on your recent engagement.

Visitors

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Scarborough–Guildwood on a point of order.

Ms. Mitzie Hunter: Point of order, Speaker: On behalf of the Liberal caucus, I’d like to welcome to the Legislature the Council of Ontario Construction Associations, who are holding their lobby day today. Included in the delegation are members of the Toronto Construction Association: Romeo Milano; their president, John Mollenhauer; and senior director of corporate development, Suzana Fernandes.

Notice of dissatisfaction

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Pursuant to standing order 38(a), the member for Glengarry–Prescott–Russell has given notice of her dissatisfaction with the answer to her question given by the Minister of Energy concerning the Eastern Fields Wind Power Project in Nation township. This matter will be debated tomorrow at 6 p.m.

This House stands in recess until 1 p.m.

The House recessed from 1143 to 1300.

Introduction of Visitors

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Before I ask for introduction of visitors, I would remind all members to, as much as possible, keep the introductions brief and devoid of political statements.

Ms. Goldie Ghamari: I’m very pleased to introduce, from the village of Metcalfe in my riding of Carleton, 11-year-old Jacob Taylor; his parents, Craig and Vicky Taylor; his grandparents Ray and Sheila Taylor; and his younger brother Jason Taylor to the Legislature today.

At just 11 years old, Jacob is involved in many community groups and has proven to be a role model and inspiration for young generations. In addition to running a monthly kindness club at a local seniors home, he is a Metcalfe Community Association youth ambassadors junior assistant to the manager of his community’s local farmers’ market.

Last year he organized a collection campaign within his school to donate warm socks to the homeless in Ottawa, and continues to help organize an annual toy drive to collect items for a local women’s shelter—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you.

Consideration of Bill 66

Mr. Mike Schreiner: Point of order.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Point of order: The member for Guelph.

Mr. Mike Schreiner: I’m seeking unanimous consent to move a motion without notice regarding the questioning of witnesses during public hearings on Bill 66,

An Act to restore Ontario’s competitiveness by amending or repealing certain Acts.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Guelph is seeking unanimous consent to move a motion without notice regarding the questioning of witnesses during public hearings on Bill 66,

An Act to restore Ontario’s competitiveness by amending or repealing certain Acts. Agreed? Agreed.

Mr. Mike Schreiner: I move that, notwithstanding the order of the House dated March 5, 2019, relating to the allocation of time on Bill 66, the independent Green Party member of the committee be permitted to ask questions of the witnesses during any portion of the 14 minutes that is not used by either recognized party.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Mr. Schreiner has moved that, notwithstanding the order of the House dated March 5, 2019, relating to the allocation of time on Bill 66, the independent Green Party member of the committee be permitted to ask questions of the witnesses during any portion of the 14 minutes that is not used by either recognized party. Is it the pleasure of House that the motion carry? Carried.

Motion agreed to.

Members’ Statements

Environmental protection

Mr. Ian Arthur: Ontario is known around the world for its iconic, pure waters and the vastness of its pristine wilderness, but our reputation is becoming further and further from reality. The amount of plastic debris—including bottles, bags and straws—that litters our shorelines has increased drastically in recent decades. The Single-Use Plastics Ban Act is a comprehensive plan that has gone through consultations with experts. The act is a sober response to the escalating and urgent environmental crisis that throwaway plastics present.

For far too long, we have let industry make their own rules. The Liberals and Conservatives have ignored the need for environmental action and the climate crisis itself. The time for us to act is now. We need to begin the work of making Ontario a cleaner province today.

I know that the government likes to talk about this issue, but they have provided absolutely no timelines—no dates—to get us from where we are now to where we need to go. Ontarians deserve a government that exhibits the political courage to put tangible pressure on corporations and manufacturers in order to stop the inundation of our landfills with harmful plastic waste.

My plan is ready to become law, and if this government truly cares about the environment and about reducing plastics pollution, they will take action now.

Coldest Night of the Year

Mr. Parm Gill: The Coldest Night of the Year is an initiative that takes place annually in 136 communities across Canada to raise funds for local charities that help the homeless, hungry and hurting people in our communities. Milton recently held its annual Coldest Night of the Year, organized by Milton Transitional Housing. My team and I were delighted to be part of such a noble cause. By conducting the walk on a cold winter night, it allows everyone to experience a hint of the challenges faced by the homeless during the winter and by those who battle to house and feed their families.

Many Miltonians stepped outside the warmth and comfort of their homes to be part of this walk and to be part of the solution in our community.

These donations fund critical services at Milton Transitional Housing, an organization that serves and supports vulnerable families and individuals in my great riding of Milton. Milton raised 98% of our target, amounting to almost $50,000. These funds will support our local citizens who need our help the most during the cold months.

I want to thank each and every member of our community who came out, especially Donna Danielli and her team for organizing such a great event.

Post-secondary education

Ms. Jessica Bell: I’ve received many letters from residents who study, work at and enjoy the University of Toronto—residents who are very angered by the Ford government’s changes to higher education. These changes include undemocratic tampering with how students choose to fund vital student programs, from the local radio station to student unions to mental health services. These changes include massive cuts to OSAP grant funding, which means that low- and middle-income students will go further into crippling debt to get an education that is so critical to getting ahead in this cutthroat economy.

These drastic changes include cuts to university funding at a time when universities in Ontario receive the least amount of government funding per student in Canada. That means we will see higher class sizes, we will see cuts to courses and programs, and we will see job losses and lower wages for sessional teachers, foodservice workers and cleaners—the people who keep the University of Toronto operating and who are in precarious situations already.

I will be joining students and workers this Wednesday at 12 p.m. as part of a province-wide walkout to say no to these cuts and yes to better higher education, where universities and colleges are properly funded, where student loans are converted to grants so students can afford to go to university, and where sessional teaching jobs are upgraded to permanent teaching jobs so students can receive a high-quality education in Ontario. I invite you to join us.

Angela Rehhorn

Ms. Jill Dunlop: On Sunday, March 10 an Ethiopian Airlines plane carrying 157 passengers, 18 of whom were Canadian, crashed, leaving no survivors. This devastating tragedy has affected people around the world and saddened all of us in my riding of Simcoe North, as we learned that one of the victims was a member of our community, a young woman named Angela Rehhorn.

Angela was only 24 years old, but throughout those 24 years it is clear that she touched many lives and made the world a better place through her commitment to the communities that she lived in and the passion she had for the environment.

During her high school years, she attended Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School, played competitive soccer with the Orillia Lightning team, and swam competitively with the Orillia Channel Cats. Upon graduating high school, Angela went on to graduate from Dalhousie University in 2017 with a double major in marine biology and sustainability. Her passion for conservation led her to work on both the west and east coasts of Canada. Angela worked as a conservation intern with the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in British Columbia, as well as an aquaculture research technician with the Huntsman Marine Science Centre in New Brunswick.

She recently moved back home and was working with the Couchiching Conservancy as part of the third phase of her Canadian Conservation Corps journey.

Her hard work in the field and her tremendous contributions did not go unnoticed, and she was chosen as a youth representative at the fourth UN Environment Assembly gathering in Nairobi, Kenya. She was en route when the tragedy occurred.

Our hearts ache for Angela’s family, friends and all those whose lives she touched. She is remembered as a shining, bright star, a fearless champion for the environment and a change maker. I hope she inspires all of us to look at life with this kind of beautiful appreciation for the world and communities around us.

Jody and Nicole Blais / Jody et Nicole Blais

Mr. Guy Bourgouin: I rise today to share some tragic news about two beloved constituents from Mushkegowuk–James Bay.

Vendredi passé, nous avons appris du décès tragique de Nicole et Jody Blais lorsqu’ils voyageaient dans leur hélicoptère de Sudbury à Kapuskasing. J’aimerais aussi noter que Nicole Bisson-Blais est la cousine de notre confrère Gilles Bisson. Le soir du 4 mars, Nicole et Jody sont partis comme d’habitude pour retourner chez eux à Kapuskasing, mais ils ne sont jamais arrivés à leur destination. Le 6 mars, ils ont été portés disparus, ce qui a déclenché une vaste opération de sauvetage.

During multiple days, constituents from around the region spent their days on their snowmobiles searching for Jody and Nicole. They were subsequently joined by the Royal Canadian Air Force, the OPP, Civil Aviation and the Timmins-Porcupine Search and Rescue. On Monday, March 11, the air force discovered the area of the accident at merely 65 kilometres from their destination.

Jody et Nicole se sont éteints à cause de l’écrasement.

Permettez-moi de remercier le travail des gens de notre région : les infatigables Gilbert Mondoux et Michel Blais, et tous ceux qui ont donné de leur temps, donné de l’argent et de l’essence. Vous avez tous démontré que cette communauté est forte et toujours prête à aider ceux qui sont dans une situation de détresse.

As well, I want to thank the search and rescue team, my colleagues Gilles Bisson and John Vanthof, MPs Carol Hughes and Charlie Angus and the government for their help.

Encore une fois, j’envoie mes plus sincères condoléances à la famille Blais.

Racism

Mr. Mike Schreiner: It’s with a heavy heart that I rise today in solidarity with my Muslim neighbours to mourn the loss of at least 50 people killed in two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

I want to sincerely thank the Muslim Society of Guelph for opening your doors at Friday prayers for people in our community to grieve and to speak out against hate.

Speaker, we’re not immune to such hate here in Canada. It was only two years ago that six people were killed in a Quebec City mosque. As we approach March 21, the international day for the elimination of racism, I’m asking all Canadians, especially political leaders, to reject racist dog whistles and to disavow white supremacist views and those who express them. We simply cannot allow the roots of such hate to spread in our country.

We must also speak out against all forms of terrorism, whether it was New Zealand last week, the Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir attack last month in India, in Pittsburgh last year, or right here on the streets of Toronto. It is our duty to speak out against all forms of hate and racism. We must build bridges, not walls.

To our Muslim brothers and sisters, we grieve with you and we stand in solidarity with you.

Abivarman Arulpirarangah

Mr. Vijay Thanigasalam: It is with a heavy heart that I rise today in the Legislature to speak about the passing of my dear friend and youth community leader, Abivarman Arulpirarangah. Abivarman was always quick with a big smile, supportive of his friends and family and passionate about being involved in and improving his community. He wanted to have a positive impact on the world around him and worked towards that goal every day. It is a great loss to his family, friends and community that Abivarman has left us at the tender age of 17, yet we will always treasure the memories of him and he will forever remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Like my friend Abivarman, as many as one in five children and youth in Ontario will experience some form of mental health challenge. Because of the stigma attached to mental illness, it is often hard for those struggling and their families and friends to talk about what they are going through. All levels of government, communities, friends and families need to ensure that they do all they can to support those struggling with their mental health, and help each and every Canadian know that we are with them.

Highway of Heroes

Mr. Percy Hatfield: Speaker, as you know, I’m an army brat. I grew up on military bases. My dad, a career soldier, also served in the Second World War. I have been a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 255 for more than 30 years.

Today, it’s an honour to tell you about an initiative along the Highway of Heroes. It will be the world’s largest living memorial. Canada has lost 117,000 men and women in military battles since Confederation. We had 159 killed in the war in Afghanistan, including Andrew Grenon from Windsor. Their bodies were flown home, repatriated at CFB Trenton and then driven to the coroner’s office in Toronto. That 170-kilometre trip became known as the Highway of Heroes.

There’s an effort under way to plant two million trees along that stretch of highway to recognize all Canadians who have served during times of war. This living tribute will help clean the air, cool the environment and provide an inspired drive along an otherwise somewhat boring stretch of highway.

There’s a $10-million fundraising campaign under way to help pay for this special project; they’re about halfway there. I hope the senior levels of government will kick in a good chunk of the money that’s left to be raised.

Speaker, charitable tax receipts are given to all donors.

More information is available at hohtribute.ca.

The Highway of Heroes tree campaign is unique, and I wish the organizers every success in achieving this remarkable goal.

Heart disease

Mr. Rudy Cuzzetto: February was heart health month in Canada.

Earlier last month, the Heart and Stroke Foundation had an advocacy day here at Queen’s Park. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their excellent reception and productive meetings throughout the day.

Heart disease is the second leading cause of death in Canada. About 2.5 million Canadian adults live with heart disease. Nine in 10 Canadians have at least one risk factor. Results can be devastating, not only to the individual but to the entire family.

Fortunately, the cardiac care program at Trillium Health Partners in my riding of Mississauga–Lakeshore is providing excellent care. I know most of you are not aware that I am living with a mechanical heart valve myself.

There is much we can do to protect ourselves. Almost 80% of heart disease can be prevented through healthy living: eating healthy, being active and living without smoking.

Again, thank you to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. The generosity of donors and over 40,000 volunteers is making a real difference in reducing death and disability from heart disease.

Skilled trades

Mr. Lorne Coe: I’m pleased to acknowledge the Durham District School Board in Whitby and the good work it’s doing in promoting the skilled trades.

By 2025, according to the Conference Board of Canada, about 40% of all occupations in the province will be in the skilled trades. The skilled trades labour shortage, Speaker, is expected to approach a staggering 360,000.

Now, this means that there will be an abundance of well-paying, good jobs in Ontario in the skilled trades sector well into the future. Students who have an aptitude for skilled trades should be encouraged to pursue a career in that sector, whether it be in carpentry, plumbing or electricity, to name only a few.

It’s equally important that educators at all levels highlight to students that skilled trades training leads to lucrative and rewarding careers—and our Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities has drawn attention to it as well.

Rectification au procès-verbal

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I recognize the member for Mushkegowuk–James Bay on a point of order.

M. Guy Bourgouin: Je voulais faire un point d’ordre. J’ai dit que c’était Nicole Bisson-Blais. Je veux faire la correction : son nom est Nicole Blais.

Reports by Committees

Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills

Mr. Kaleed Rasheed: I beg leave to present the first report 2019 from the Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills and move the adoption of its recommendation.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Mr. Rasheed presents the committee’s report and moves the adoption of its recommendation.

Does the member wish to make a brief statement?

Mr. Kaleed Rasheed: Mr. Speaker, I move adjournment of the debate.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Mr. Rasheed has moved the adjournment of the debate. Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? I heard a no.

All those in favour of the motion will please say “aye.”

All those opposed will please say “nay.”

In my opinion, the ayes have it.

Debate adjourned.

Introduction of Bills

Archives and Recordkeeping Amendment Act, 2019 / Loi de 2019 modifiant la

Loi sur les Archives publiques et la conservation des documents

Mr. Tabuns moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 80,

An Act to amend the Archives and Recordkeeping Act, 2006 to impose penalties for offences relating to public records of archival value / Projet de loi 80, Loi modifiant la Loi de 2006 sur les Archives publiques et la conservation des documents pour imposer des peines en cas d’infraction relative aux documents publics ayant un intérêt archivistique.

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

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Would the member for Toronto–Danforth care to give a brief explanation of his bill?

Mr. Peter Tabuns: Speaker, this imposes a penalty of up to $50,000 for destruction of archival records. As you are well aware, at times records have been destroyed knowingly. There needs to be a penalty. There is not one in the law at the moment.

Supply Act, 2019 / Loi de crédits de 2019

Mr. Bethlenfalvy moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 81,

An Act to authorize the expenditure of certain amounts for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2019 / Projet de loi 81, Loi autorisant l’utilisation de certaines sommes pour l’exercice se terminant le 31 mars 2019.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry?

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’ll invite the President of the Treasury Board to make a brief statement explaining the bill.

Interjection.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Thank you to the member from Whitby.

The Supply Act is one of the key acts in the Ontario Legislature. If passed, it would give the Ontario government the legal spending authority to finance its programs and honour its commitments for the fiscal year that is to close at the end of March.

Single-Use Plastics Ban Act, 2019 / Loi de 2019 interdisant les produits plastiques jetables

Mr. Arthur moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 82,

An Act to amend the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016 / Projet de loi 82, Loi modifiant la Loi de 2016 sur la récupération des ressources et l’économie circulaire.

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

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Would the member for Kingston and the Islands like to give a brief explanation of his bill?

Mr. Ian Arthur: The bill amends the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016, by requiring the minister to amend the strategy described in

section 3 of the act to include a plan that identifies measurable targets and sets out timelines for the immediate reduction and eventual elimination of the distribution and supply of single-use plastics in Ontario and that requires the immediate elimination of certain single-use plastics.

665395 Ontario Limited Act, 2019

Ms. Hogarth moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr7,

An Act to revive 665395 Ontario Limited.

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

First reading agreed to.

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

Petitions

Autism treatment

Mr. Percy Hatfield: I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

“Whereas every child with autism deserves access to sufficient treatment and support so that they can live to their fullest potential;

“Whereas the Ontario Autism Program was badly broken under the Liberals, and the changes introduced by the Conservatives have made it worse;

“Whereas the new funding caps are based on age and income, and not the clinical needs of the child;

“Whereas Ontario needs a true investment in evidence-based autism services that meets the needs of autistic children and their families;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to direct the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services to invest in equitable, needs-based autism services for all children who need them.”

I fully agree, Speaker. I’m going to sign this and give it to Mathew to bring down to the table.

Automobile insurance

Mr. Faisal Hassan: I have a petition here entitled “Stop Auto Insurance Gouging.”

“Whereas some neighbourhoods across the GTA have been unfairly targeted by discriminatory practices in the insurance industry;

“Whereas people in these neighbourhoods are penalized with crushing auto insurance rates because of their postal code;

“Whereas the failure to improve government oversight of the auto insurance industry has left everyday families feeling the squeeze and yearning for relief;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to ban the practice of postal code discrimination in the GTA when it comes to auto insurance premiums.”

I fully support this petition. I will be affixing my signature to it and providing it to page Alma to deliver to the table.

Autism treatment

Mr. Ian Arthur: I have a pile of petitions here entitled “Support Ontario Families with Autism.”

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas every child with autism deserves access to sufficient treatment and support so that they can live to their fullest potential;

“Whereas the Ontario Autism Program was badly broken under the Liberals, and the changes introduced by the Conservatives have made it worse;

“Whereas the new funding caps are based on age and income, and not the clinical needs of the child;

“Whereas Ontario needs a true investment in evidence-based autism services that meets the needs of autistic children and their families;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to direct the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services to invest in equitable, needs-based autism services for all children who need them.”

I could not endorse this more, Mr. Speaker. I will affix my signature and give it to page Sanjayan to be handed in.

Animal protection

Mr. Toby Barrett: A petition titled “Animal Protection in Ontario” and addressed to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas all animals in Ontario deserve our protection but are largely going unprotected at this time;

“Whereas the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) is the only agency in Ontario authorized to enforce animal protection laws;

“Whereas the OSPCA has continually cut back services, including the recent decision to stop investigating incidents involving farm animals, including horses, as well as failing to fully investigate poorly run zoos, dogfighting operations, puppy and kitten mills and even documented cases of dogs being tortured in the city of Toronto;

“Whereas the OSPCA has made itself completely unaccountable to the public by eliminating annual general members meetings and board elections as well as eliminating a government representative from their board meetings;

“Whereas the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services provides an annual grant to the OSPCA of $5.75 million of the public’s dollars, for which the OSPCA is to provide province-wide coverage and other services which the OSPCA has failed to deliver;

“We, the undersigned, hereby petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to exercise its authority, through the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services under the current funding transfer payment agreement and the OSPCA Act, requiring that:

“—through the OSPCA Act the government annul the bylaws of the OSPCA;

“—a new bylaw be required that re-establishes annual general members meetings, open board elections and a government representative attending board meetings;

“—the government immediately suspend funding to the OSPCA and conduct a forensic audit of the organization’s use of public funds;

“—the government conduct a service delivery audit of the OSPCA relating to the enforcement of the OSPCA Act;

“—recognize the important job of animal protection by creating a more accountable system that ensures the immediate and long-term protection of the millions of animals who live among us.”

I agree with the sentiments presented here and affix my signature.

M. Guy Bourgouin: Il me fait plaisir de lire la pétition intitulée « Let’s Stand Up for Our Rights/Ensemble, résistons! »

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

« À l’Assemblée législative de l’Ontario :

“Whereas the government’s decision to cut the French Language Services Commissioner and to cancel the francophone university in Ontario hurts Franco-Ontarians; and

“Whereas Franco-Ontarians are fighting to uphold their rights to access services and education in their language; and

« Attendu que les Franco-Ontarien(ne)s qui, jour après jour, doivent se battre pour maintenir leur droit d’avoir accès à des services de santé et d’éducation dans la langue officielle qui est la leur; et

“Whereas Franco-Ontarians are an important part of Ontario and deserve to have their constitutional language rights upheld and protected;

« Attendu que les Franco-Ontarien(ne)s occupent une place importante en Ontario, et méritent d’avoir leurs droits linguistiques constitutionnels respectés, protégés et défendus;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to: to restore the French Language Services Commissioner and the francophone university.

Je suis heureux de signer cette pétition, et je vais la donner à la page Liv pour la donner à la table.

Animal protection

Mr. Randy Pettapiece: “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas all animals in Ontario deserve our protection but are largely going unprotected at this time;

“Whereas the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) is the only agency in Ontario authorized to enforce animal protection laws;

“Whereas the OSPCA has continually cut back services, including the recent decision to stop investigating incidents involving farm animals, including horses, as well as failing to fully investigate poorly run zoos, dogfighting operations, puppy and kitten mills and even documented cases of dogs being tortured in the city of Toronto;

“Whereas the OSPCA has made itself completely unaccountable to the public by eliminating annual general members meetings and board elections as well as eliminating a government representative from their board meetings;

“Whereas the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services provides an annual grant to the OSPCA of $5.75 million of the public’s dollars, for which the OSPCA is to provide province-wide coverage and other services which the OSPCA has failed to deliver;

“We, the undersigned, hereby petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to exercise its authority, through the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services under the current funding transfer payment agreement and the OSPCA Act, requiring that:

“—through the OSPCA Act the government annul the bylaws of the OSPCA;

“—a new bylaw be required that re-establishes annual general members meetings, open board elections and a government representative attending board meetings;

“—the government immediately suspend funding to the OSPCA and conduct a forensic audit of the organization’s use of public funds;

“—the government conduct a service delivery audit of the OSPCA relating to the enforcement of the OSPCA Act;

“—recognize the important job of animal protection by creating a more accountable system that ensures the immediate and long-term protection of the millions of animals who live among us.”

I agree with this petition and send it down with page Julien.

Emergency services

M me France Gélinas: I would like to thank Anne Malnachuk from Hanmer in my riding for this petition. It reads as follows:

“911 Emergency Response....

“Whereas, when we face an emergency we all know to dial 911 for help; and

“Whereas access to emergency services through 911 is not available in all regions of Ontario but most Ontarians believe that it is; and

“Whereas many Ontarians have discovered that 911 was not available while they faced an emergency; and

“Whereas all Ontarians expect and deserve access to 911 service throughout our province”;

They petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

“To provide 911 emergency response everywhere in Ontario by land line or cellphone.”

I fully support this position, will affix my name to it and ask my good page Mathew to bring it to the Clerk.

Long-term care

Ms. Teresa J. Armstrong: I have hundreds of petitions for the Time to Care Act, Bill 13.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas quality care for the 78,000 residents of (LTC) homes is a priority for many Ontario families; and

“Whereas the provincial government does not provide adequate funding to ensure care and staffing levels in LTC homes keep pace with residents’ increasing needs and the growing number of residents with complex behaviours; and

“Whereas several Ontario coroner’s inquests into LTC home deaths have recommended an increase in direct hands-on care for residents and staffing levels and the most reputable studies on this topic recommend 4.1 hours of direct care per day;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to amend the LTC Homes Act (2007) for a legislated minimum care standard to provide an average of four hours per resident per day, adjusted for acuity level and case mix.”

I fully support this petition, sign it and give to page Katherine to deliver to the table.

Climate change

Ms. Jessica Bell: This is a petition to the Ontario Legislative Assembly.

“Whereas our planet is undergoing significant warming with adverse consequences for health, for agriculture, for infrastructure and for our children’s future;

“Whereas the costs of inaction are severe, such as extreme weather events causing flooding and drought;

“Whereas Canada has signed the Paris accord which commits us to acting to keep temperature rise under 1.5” degrees;

“We, the undersigned, call upon the government of Ontario to develop GHG reduction targets based on science that will meet our Paris commitment, an action plan to meet those targets and annual reporting on progress on meeting the targets....”

I fully support this petition. I will be affixing my name to it and giving it to page Erynn.

Equal opportunity

Ms. Suze Morrison: I have more than 1,200 signatures on a petition here entitled “Don’t Take Away Social and Economic Rights for Women and Marginalized People.”

“Whereas Bill 47 erased many of the legislative gains achieved through Bill 148, the fairer labour laws and working conditions that had a particularly positive impact on women and marginalized people;

“Whereas statistics show that women, particularly women of colour, are most likely to be employed in precarious work, and the Bill 47 amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 and Labour Relations Act, 1995 create conditions that lead to a growth in precarious employment while also eliminating protections for millions of Ontario workers;

“Whereas Bill 66 further erodes women’s and marginalized people’s social and economic rights; and

“Whereas the” Conservative “government continues to remove, cancel or freeze funding for other supports, programs and regulations that would increase women’s equality in the workforce and beyond;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to, at the very least:

“—reinstate paid sick days, the scheduled increase to a $15 minimum wage, legislation to increase pay transparency, regulations that support equal pay for equal work, and all other worker protections gained under the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act;

“—reverse changes to day care regulations that allow more children per caregiver;

“—reverse retroactive cuts to ... the Ontario College of Midwives;

“—reinstate funding ... to sexual assault centres;

“—restore the round table on” ending “violence against women; and

“—restore the child and youth advocate commissioner’s office.”

I fully endorse this petition. I will be affixing my signature to it and providing it to page Saad to deliver to the Clerks.

Autism treatment

Ms. Catherine Fife: This petition is entitled “Support Ontario Families with Autism.”

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas every child with autism deserves access to sufficient treatment and support so that they can live to their fullest potential;

“Whereas the Ontario Autism Program was badly broken under the Liberals, and the changes introduced by the Conservatives have made it worse;

“Whereas the new funding caps are based on age and income, and not the clinical needs of the child;

“Whereas Ontario needs a true investment in evidence-based autism services that meets the needs of autistic children and their families;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to direct the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services to invest in equitable, needs-based autism services for all children who need them.”

I fully support this petition, will affix my signature and give it to page Mathew to be tabled.

Orders of the Day

The People’s Health Care Act, 2019 / Loi de 2019 sur les soins de santé pour la population

Resuming the debate adjourned on March 7, 2019, on the motion for second reading of the following bill:

Bill 74,

An Act concerning the provision of health care, continuing Ontario Health and making consequential and related amendments and repeals / Projet de loi 74, Loi concernant la prestation de soins de santé, la prorogation de Santé Ontario, l’ajout de modifications corrélatives et connexes et des abrogations.

The Acting Speaker (Mrs. Lisa Gretzky): Further debate?

Mr. Kaleed Rasheed: Today, I have the honour to talk about a very special bill introduced by the Honourable Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Bill 74.

I stand here proud that our government for the people is keeping promises, because the government believes in promises made, promises kept. The people of Ontario elected us on our promise to end hallway health care. This is another promise we are making a reality. We are fully committed to delivering this promise through Bill 74, The People’s Health Care Act, for the people.

Before I start to explain the benefits of the bill within 20 minutes, I would like to lay to rest the recurring rumour of the privatization of the health care sector. My office has received countless queries, emails and phone calls from concerned constituents with regard to the proposed changes. Constituents like Arlene and Katrina in my riding can rest assured that Bill 74 is not privatizing our health care system.

Arlene wrote to me and said, “I am deeply concerned about potential changes to Ontario’s health care, specifically any attempts to privatize the health care services my family relies on.”

Further, she said, “New evidence shows that your government has been planning to privatize health care since as early as December. Your government also refused to pledge not to privatize health care.”

Katrina also was happy with most of Bill 74, but her only fear was privatization.

Rest assured, Arlene and Katrina, we are not privatizing health care. We are strengthening our current public health care system to work faster and better for the people. I want to reiterate to concerned constituents like Arlene that we are committed to maintaining investment in our public health care system and are strengthening it to work.

For many Canadians, our universal health care system has been a source of national pride, and here in Ontario we are so fortunate to have some of the best health care workers striving to provide us the very best in health care. Unfortunately, over time, our health system has become isolated, fractured and fragmented. This has led to adverse effects on patients, where more and more Ontarians are left to suffer indefinitely on wait-lists.

The People’s Health Care Act introduced will implement a health care system that will work for the people. This act will implement strategies to manage health service needs across Ontario to ensure the quality and sustainability of the Ontario Health system.

Today, due to the short time I have, I will focus on four key aspects of the bill to provide relief to the people of Ontario. I will talk about how this plan will prioritize patients, end hallway health care, and create a system that will work. I will also explain how our plan will move our current health care system to the 21st century with the digitalization of the system, and, finally, talk about supporting health care practitioners through recruitment and retention.

The People’s Health Care Act is a stepping stone in the right direction that will lead to ensuring that there are quality standards of development for patient care and safety, and there will be a promotion of health services integration to enable appropriate, coordinated and effective health service delivery.

Bill 74 focuses essentially on prioritizing patient care. According to Health Quality Ontario, “Patients in Ontario are spending an average of 16 hours in the emergency department before being admitted to the hospital, which is the longest that wait has been in six years.”

When care is funded in silos, care ends up being delivered in silos. But when providers are asked to partner, to work together as one connected team, care will be integrated. Integrated care looks at the whole person, not just the illness. The fact is that Ontario’s health care system is on life support, and this is so disheartening to me, Madam Speaker. Patients are forgotten on wait-lists and are getting lost in the health care system, falling through the cracks. They are waiting too long for the care they need and deserve. These siloed systems have a significant negative impact on the health and well-being of patients and their loved ones, both physically and mentally.

Madam Speaker, our health care system is facing capacity pressures today, and it does not have the right mix of services, beds or digital tools to be ready for a growing and rapidly aging population with more complex care needs. According to a population projection report, Ontario’s population is projected to grow from an estimated 14.2 million in 2017 to almost 18.5 million by 2041. The number of seniors aged 65 and over is projected to almost double, from 2.4 million in 2017 to 4.6 million by 2041.

The time to accelerate the pace of change in our health care system is now. We need to build up those services in the home and in the community that ensure that the people of Ontario can live dignified lives in their older years, and this government is doing this through Bill 74.

Madam Speaker, the people of Ontario have been and always will be our government’s priority and focus. We are creating a public health care system that works for everyone.

Especially keeping these stats in mind, our government is building a public health care system centred around the patient and redirecting money to front-line services—where it belongs—to improve the patient experience and provide better, connected care while ending long wait times.

And for ending these long waits, one of the major focuses of our health care bill is ending hallway care. When I talk to people in Mississauga East–Cooksville, I often hear about loved ones spending hours and even sometimes days in hospital hallways waiting for a bed to become available, or I learn about parents struggling to navigate through a fractured mental health system for their children. Patients, families and caregivers who are familiar with our system know far too well that Ontario can do better to improve the public health care experience.

There are approximately over 1,000 patients who are receiving care in hallways each and every day, and the average wait time to access a bed in a long-term-care home is approximately 146 days. This is unacceptable. We should not be receiving the care we need in hallways.

I’m going to share a personal story about my own grandmother—may God give her a long life. Madam Speaker, a few years ago she fell and injured her back. I remember that we took her to the hospital, and for almost 16 hours, give or take, she was lying on a stretcher in a hallway, just because there was not a single bed available for her. Afterwards, once she got the treatment and everything, she stayed in the hospital for approximately a month and a half.

I personally felt that she overstayed, and then later I found out that the reason was because the services that the hospital was trying to arrange for her—because she lives with me—were not working together. They were not able to consolidate. We had to have the LHIN, PSW—and a few other services that we needed to come to my place, because we wanted her to have the home feeling. It took approximately an extra month for them to work things out.

Afterwards, I remember that she basically—sometimes I joke about this: If I had three hands, I would be on three different phone handsets, because I remember every morning sometimes I used to be calling one service, like a PSW, and with the other hand I used to be with the LHIN, and my wife used to be with the hospital, trying to figure it out, trying to arrange it so that a PSW could come in the morning and provide service.

I feel that this bill, bringing everything under one umbrella, is going to solve the problems that people such as myself are experiencing, and help us to continue our daily lives, but also make sure that individuals like my grandmother are getting their services.

This endless wait and waste of time is consistent with the old, broken system. The people of Ontario spoke and we listened. Madam Speaker, through Bill 74 we are helping this province progress. We will end hallway health care and deliver on that promise we made. This government envisions a public health care system where patients and families will have access to faster, better and more connected services.

This plan will be disseminated by bringing about considerable improvements within operational management and coordination. In terms of operational management and coordination, the legislation creates two fundamental pieces that will be foundational to improving patient experiences and outcome. First is the creation of Ontario health teams. These are the teams of local health service providers including hospitals, home care, community-based services, long-term care and individual health professionals, including family doctors and specialists. These teams will come together as a single team under one umbrella, funded and accountable for care to the people living in a given area.

Most of these providers are currently giving care today, but the current funding incentives and contracts do not encourage or enable them to work as a team. This has resulted in fragmented care, resulting in poor patient experiences. These teams of health care service providers will be responsible for understanding individual health care history for each patient according to their individual situation. The system will directly connect patients to the different types of care they need, including home care, rehabilitation care, long-term care, and mental health and addictions support.

The second step in terms of operational management and coordination is through the creation of the Ontario Health agency. Currently, there are many independent organizations and agencies that plan, coordinate, fund and promote accountability for government spending in health care across our system. This results in inefficiencies and conflicting directions, and does not provide best value for money. Madam Speaker, as I just mentioned to you about my own grandmother’s experience, I completely relate to all of what we are mentioning here. We were not getting the best value for the taxpayers’ dollars at the end of the day.

If this legislation is passed, it will consolidate multiple agencies under a single entity with clear oversight over these activities, thus providing better support through emerging Ontario health teams, allowing them to work together, share practices and deliver better care. There will be someone to help you, your family and caregiver to navigate the public health care system 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The best

part is that Ontarians will now be able to trace their and their family’s health progress on the palm of their hand through the digitalization of health care data.

Our world is vastly changing and growing. We are accustomed to a more convenient way of living as we rely more and more on technology. We use mobile banking and save documents in the cloud. We centralize a lot of our lives online, so why should our health care system not be the same?

With Bill 74, the face of health care in Ontario will change. The introduction of digital health, information technology and data management services in Bill 74 is a monumental step by our government.

We believe that our health care system should be centred on people, patients, their families and their caregivers.

This digitalized, centralized health care system will benefit so many and is at pace with the needs of the 21st century, as it takes into account the growing demand and opportunity to innovate in care delivery, particularly in the use of virtual care, apps, and ensuring patients can access their own health data. Our health data will be with us regardless of where we go in Ontario—the digital health, information technology and data management services with safeguards in place to protect information.

The people of Ontario will also have the option to securely use digital health services, including online access to health records and virtual care options.

We envision a public health care system where patients and families will have access to faster, better and more connected services with centralized and connected family doctors, hospitals, and home and community care providers. The centralization will help all of them to work in unison as a team, where, within these teams, providers can communicate directly with each other, creating a seamless care experience for the patients and their families. This monumental shift will support patients transitioning from one health care service to another. It will truly put patients exactly where they should be, and that is at the centre of care.

We are aware that modernizing the health system will definitely take some time, but we will continue to listen to the people who plan and work on the front lines—including nurses, doctors and other care providers—as we implement our public health care strategy.

This change is desperately needed, Madam Speaker, and overdue to improve health care in our province.

Ontarians will continue to access reliable public health care through OHIP. I want to emphasize this: Ontarians will continue to access reliable public health care through OHIP.

Our plan will improve the health system so that people have access to faster, better-coordinated public health care where it is needed and when it is needed.

The people of Ontario have been and always will be our government’s priority and focus. They wanted a public health care system that works for everyone. We listened to the people, and data digitalization is the stepping stone to progress in our province. Patients would have help navigating the system 24/7.

The Acting Speaker (Mrs. Lisa Gretzky): Questions and comments?

Mr. Faisal Hassan: My constituents of York South–Weston are concerned about their health care and are also gravely concerned about Bill 74, and rightfully so. Hospitals all over the province of Ontario are operating at above capacity and are understaffed. With this latest scheme that has been cooked up by the Conservative government, I am sad to say that things are only going to get worse.

Madam Speaker, I sincerely hope that Mr. Ford and his caucus come to their senses and do the right thing. Until then, Ontario’s New Democrats will stand up for the people of Ontario and hold this government to account.

With the numbers of seniors in this province over the age of 65 set to grow to close to 25% of the population by the year 2040, now is the time to be investing in our health care system. Instead, the Ford Conservatives are busying themselves cutting and privatizing. They are dismantling and selling off to the highest bidder the world-class health care system that the hard-working people of this province worked to build.

Madam Speaker, over the past couple of months I have heard from countless constituents, whether they be nurses, adult children concerned for their parents, or seniors themselves, that we need more funding in our hospitals and long-term-care homes, not less. Just this past summer, 60 nursing positions, amounting to about 118,000 hours, were cut at Sudbury’s Health Sciences North. This will no doubt be detrimental to the care of patients.

The Acting Speaker (Mrs. Lisa Gretzky): Questions and comments?

Ms. Jane McKenna: I just want to first of all say to the member from Mississauga East–Cooksville that it was wonderful listening to you. Thank you so much for your hard work with that presentation. It was very, very good.

From the very beginning, this government’s primary objective was and always has been to strengthen our publicly funded health care system. In a nutshell, this legislation will ensure that Ontarians will continue to access reliable public health care through OHIP, and our plan will improve the health system such that so many people will get faster, better-coordinated public health care where they need it, when they need it.

But while universal access to publicly funded health care is not up for debate, the structure and effectiveness of our system is. Our current health care system is barely a system at all. Despite the hard work and dedication of caregivers, doctors, surgeons, nurses, hospital administration and personal support workers, the reality has been that care was not truly patient-centred, that care had over time become system-driven, and that’s the problem.

My constituency of Burlington has a relatively large population of senior citizens, and there is very high demand for home care, community service and respite care, as well as long-term care. Transitions from hospitals to long-term care are often difficult for the patient, as well as the family. We have a shortage of beds in the community. I have often seen cases of a young couple, both working full-time jobs and trying to care for a mother who has had a fall and is waiting in hospital to be transferred to long-term care. I’m grateful, as is my community of Burlington, for the announcement late in 2018 of an additional 92 long-term-care beds at Wellington Park Care Centre.

Thank you so much for letting me have the opportunity.

The Acting Speaker (Mrs. Lisa Gretzky): Questions and comments?

Ms. Suze Morrison: In listening to the comments made by the member opposite, at one point he said that bringing our health system under one umbrella will solve so many problems. Frankly, Speaker, I take really strong issue with that premise. Prior to the local health integration system that we have now, we had a centralized health system, and it was not working. It absolutely was not working. We know—data shows us; best practice shows us; looking at other jurisdictions shows us—that local governance, local decision-making and local planning when it comes to health care is a better model.

Now, do I think, by any stretch of the imagination, that we hit the nail on the head right the first go at it with the LHINs? Absolutely not. I’ve worked for two local health integration networks. I can tell you first-hand that they were a first crack at a local system planning model, and I think there was huge room for improvement. But what your government here is proposing is throwing the baby out with the bathwater and going back to a centralized model that we know doesn’t work.

Early in my career, Speaker, I had a chance to visit the Meno Ya Win Health Centre up in Sioux Lookout, when I was working in the health system. When we were up there, I was talking to someone in the hospital who said—the best analogy I’ve ever heard was when the region up north was having a hard time getting their ice roads paid for every year, because they would have the budget line of $100,000 or $200,000 every year in their budgets, and one year some bureaucrat financial