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

October 2, 2018

42nd Parliament, 1st Session

< Previous sitting day

Next sitting day >

Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcript 2018-Oct-02 (PDF)

L031 - Tue 2 Oct 2018 / Mar 2 oct 2018

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Tuesday 2 October 2018 Mardi 2 octobre 2018

Orders of the Day

Select Committee on Financial Transparency

Time allocation

Time allocation

Introduction of Visitors

Wearing of ribbons

Oral Questions

International trade

International trade

Opioid abuse

International trade

International trade

Community safety

Greenhouse gas emissions

Employment standards

Refugee and immigration policy

Curriculum

Government accountability

Investment regulations

Correctional services

Consumer protection

Tourism

Energy policies

Visitors

Introduction of Visitors

Members’ Statements

Conditions in Bearskin Lake

Canadian Cancer Survivor Network

Sexual violence and harassment

Claude Nunney

Donna Strickland

Cyprus Independence Day

Anti-smoking initiatives for youth

Bells of Peace

Oktoberfest

Motions

Committee membership

Statements by the Ministry and Responses

Forest industry

Petitions

Employment standards

Injured workers

Curriculum

Curriculum

Curriculum

Traffic control

Gasoline prices

School facilities

Curriculum

Curriculum

Orders of the Day

Cannabis Statute Law Amendment Act, 2018 / Loi de 2018 modifiant des lois en ce qui concerne le cannabis

Time allocation

The House met at 0900.

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

Prayers.

Orders of the Day

Select Committee on Financial Transparency

Resuming the debate adjourned on September 26, 2018, on the amendment to the motion regarding the appointment of a Select Committee on Financial Transparency.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Pursuant to the order of the House dated October 1, 2018, I am now required to put the question.

Mr. Bisson has moved an amendment to government notice of motion number 7, currently government order number 6, relating to the appointment of a select committee. Is it the pleasure of the House that Mr. Bisson’s motion carry? I heard some noes.

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

All those opposed will please say “nay.”

In my opinion, the nays have it.

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

The division bells rang from 0903 to 0908.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): Good morning, everyone.

On September 25, 2018, Mr. Bisson moved an amendment to government notice of motion number 7, currently government order number 6, relating to the appointment of a select committee.

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

Ayes

Bisson, Gilles

Bourgouin, Guy

Gélinas, France

Harden, Joel

Lindo, Laura Mae

Mantha, Michael

Natyshak, Taras

Sattler, Peggy

Schreiner, Mike

Stevens, Jennifer (Jennie)

Stiles, Marit

Vanthof, John

Yarde, Kevin

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): All those opposed to Mr. Bisson’s motion will now rise one at a time until recognized by the Clerk.

Nays

Anand, Deepak

Baber, Roman

Bailey, Robert

Bethlenfalvy, Peter

Bouma, Will

Cho, Raymond Sung Joon

Cho, Stan

Clark, Steve

Coe, Lorne

Crawford, Stephen

Cuzzetto, Rudy

Downey, Doug

Dunlop, Jill

Fedeli, Victor

Fee, Amy

Fullerton, Merrilee

Ghamari, Goldie

Gill, Parm

Hardeman, Ernie

Harris, Mike

Hillier, Randy

Hogarth, Christine

Jones, Sylvia

Karahalios, Belinda

Ke, Vincent

Khanjin, Andrea

Kramp, Daryl

Lecce, Stephen

MacLeod, Lisa

Martin, Robin

McDonell, Jim

McKenna, Jane

McNaughton, Monte

Miller, Norman

Mulroney, Caroline

Nicholls, Rick

Oosterhoff, Sam

Pang, Billy

Park, Lindsey

Pettapiece, Randy

Phillips, Rod

Piccini, David

Rasheed, Kaleed

Rickford, Greg

Roberts, Jeremy

Romano, Ross

Sabawy, Sheref

Sandhu, Amarjot

Sarkaria, Prabmeet Singh

Scott, Laurie

Simard, Amanda

Skelly, Donna

Smith, Dave

Smith, Todd

Surma, Kinga

Tangri, Nina

Thanigasalam, Vijay

Thompson, Lisa M.

Tibollo, Michael A.

Wai, Daisy

Walker, Bill

Wilson, Jim

Yakabuski, John

Yurek, Jeff

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Todd Decker): The ayes are 13; the nays are 64.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): I declare the motion lost.

We will now vote on the main motion.

Mr. Fedeli has moved government notice of motion number 7, currently government order number 6, relating to the appointment of a select committee. Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry?

All those in favour will please say “aye.”

All those opposed to the motion will please say “nay.”

In my opinion, the ayes have it. The motion is carried.

Motion agreed to.

Time allocation

Resuming the debate adjourned on September 27, 2018, on the motion for allocation of time on the following bill:

Bill 4,

An Act respecting the preparation of a climate change plan, providing for the wind down of the cap and trade program and repealing the Climate Change Mitigation and Low-carbon Economy Act, 2016.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): Further debate? Further debate? Further debate?

Hon. Todd Smith: I would move adjournment of the debate, Speaker.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): Mr. Smith has moved adjournment of the debate. Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? I heard a no.

All those in favour, say “aye.”

All those opposed, say “nay.”

In my opinion, the ayes have it. Motion carried.

Debate adjourned.

Time allocation

Resuming the debate adjourned on October 2, 2018, on the motion for allocation of time on the following bill:

Bill 4,

An Act respecting the preparation of a climate change plan, providing for the wind down of the cap and trade program and repealing the Climate Change Mitigation and Low-carbon Economy Act, 2016.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): Further debate?

Mr. Gilles Bisson: Well, that was interesting, Mr. Speaker, I must say. Listen, it is really quite frustrating in this Legislature to listen to the now-government, which was the opposition at the time—official opposition, the Conservatives—who had lots to say about the misuse of time allocation. This House works best when members are able to figure out a way forward by way of mutual agreement. That’s how this House operated for years. This government, while in opposition to the Liberals—who were very generous in their use of time allocation; in other words, they did it all the time. They, quite frankly, abused that, and now we see the Conservatives doing the same.

So, Mr. Speaker, I would like to be able to move an amendment: That, pursuant to standing order 47 and notwithstanding any other standing order or special order of the House related to Bill 4,

An Act respecting the preparation of a climate change plan, providing for the wind down of the cap and trade program—do I have the right one here? I’m reading the whole thing. Sorry. I’m going to start that all over again, Speaker. I was reading my briefing note. Let me do this again.

I move that the motion be amended as follows:

In the third paragraph, delete the words “and Wednesday, October 17, 2018” and replace with the words “Wednesday, October 17, 2018, Monday, October 22, 2018, and Wednesday, October 24, 2018”;

In the 10th paragraph, delete the number “17” and replace with the number “24”;

In the 11th paragraph, delete the number “19” and replace with the number “26”;

In the 12th paragraph, delete the words “Monday, October 22” and replace with “Wednesday, October 31” and delete the words “October 24” and replace with the words “November 14”;

In the 13th paragraph, delete the words “October 24” and replace with the words “November 14”;

In the 14th paragraph, delete the words “October 25” and place with the words “November 15”.

I give this to page Katie, who will bring it to the Speaker.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): Mr. Bisson has moved that the motion be amended as follows:

“In the third paragraph, delete the words ‘and Wednesday, October 17, 2018’ and replace with the words ‘Wednesday, October 17, 2018, Monday, October 22, 2018, and Wednesday, October 24, 2018’;

“In the 10th paragraph, delete the number ‘17’ and replace with the number ‘24’;

“In the 11th paragraph, delete the number ‘19’ and replace with the number ‘26’;

“In the 12th paragraph, delete the words ‘Monday, October 22’ and replace with ‘Wednesday, October 31’ and delete the words ‘October 24’ and replace with the words ‘November 14’;

“In the 13th paragraph, delete the words ‘October 24’ and replace with the words ‘November 14’;

“In the 14th paragraph, delete the words ‘October 25’ and place with the words ‘November 15’.”

I return to the member from Timmins to speak to the motion.

Mr. Gilles Bisson: It’s pretty self-explanatory, Speaker.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): Further debate?

Hon. Todd Smith: I move adjournment of the debate, Mr. Speaker.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? I heard a no.

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

All those opposed, please say “nay.”

In my opinion, the ayes have it.

Call in the members. This will be a 30-minute bell.

The division bells rang from 0919 to 0949.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): All members, please take your seats.

Mr. Smith, Bay of Quinte, has moved adjournment of the debate.

All those in favour, please rise and remain standing. Thank you.

All those opposed, please rise and remain standing.

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Todd Decker): The ayes are 54; the nays are 0.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): I declare the motion has passed.

Debate adjourned.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): Orders of the day?

Hon. Todd Smith: No further business.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): There being no further business, this House is in recess until 10:30 this morning.

The House recessed from 0950 to 1030.

Introduction of Visitors

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): It is now time for us to introduce our guests.

Today in the gallery are the family of today’s page captain, Will Oesch, from Wellington–Halton Hills. His mom, Sara, who is a teacher and librarian in the Halton District School Board; his dad, John, who is a professor at the University of Toronto; and his sisters, Hannah and Amelia; Will’s grandparents, Richard Howitt, who is a retired lawyer from Georgetown, and Carol Howitt, who is a retired teacher from Halton, are here with us as well. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

We have a number of other guests with us in the Speaker’s gallery today: His Excellency Vasilios Philippou, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to Canada. He is accompanied by his wife, Anthea Vanech Philippou, and Christine Amydalidis, who are here. They are here to celebrate the independence of the Republic of Cyprus with a flag-rising ceremony that will be held after question period. We welcome all the members at that event as well.

Also in the Speaker’s gallery we have a delegation of parliamentarians from Lower Saxony, Germany, led by Jörg Hillmer, member of Parliament. Please join me in welcoming these guests to the Legislature today.

In addition, we have in the Speaker’s gallery a Malaysian delegation led by the Honourable Abang Zohari Openg, Chief Minister of Sarawak, Malaysia. Please join me in welcoming this delegation to our Legislature.

We have a former member of the Legislature who is here with us today, the former member for Kitchener Centre in the 38th, 39th and 40th Parliaments, John Milloy. Welcome, John.

Hon. Ernie Hardeman: In celebration of Ontario’s 20th Agriculture Week, I’m happy to see so many visitors from our agriculture industries in the gallery today.

Today I’d like to introduce some of the members from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture here with us today. I’d like to welcome Keith Currie, president of the OFA; directors Don McCabe, Larry Davis, Jackie Kelly-Pemberton, Debra Pretty-Straathof, Pat Jilesen, Peggy Brekveld, Mark Wales and Rejean Pommainville. They’re in the gallery up here, Mr. Speaker.

In addition we have Mark Reusser, Drew Spoelstra and Mark Kunkel, who are here representing the OFA from various regions. We thank you all for your hard work and for advocating for our farmers.

I’d also like to welcome Norm Beal, CEO of Food and Beverage Ontario, who is here, and Jan Westcott, president of Spirits Canada.

I’m also pleased to welcome some members from—

Applause.

Hon. Ernie Hardeman: Yes, give them a round of applause. I’d like to welcome Norm Beal, CEO—oh, that’s the one I did. I’m also pleased to welcome—

Laughter.

Hon. Ernie Hardeman: You get so many. I’m also pleased to welcome some of the members from the board of the Organic Council of Ontario. Welcome, Carolyn Young, executive director of the Organic Council; and members Bill Redelmeier, Sarah Grant and Joel Aitken.

Finally, we also have Jennifer Pfenning, from Pfenning’s Organic Farms, with us today. Welcome to the Legislature and thank you all for everything you do to make our organic industry thrive. Welcome, everyone here for Agriculture Week.

Mr. John Vanthof: I’d also like to welcome all the farm representatives here today, and everyone else in agriculture, and take this opportunity to thank them and all the farmers across the province for providing the food that we eat—and that keep this province strong.

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: I, too, would like to warmly welcome a constituent of mine from Saugeen Shores, a wonderful ambassador for agriculture and the business of food: Patrick Jilesen.

Ms. Catherine Fife: I’d like to welcome Wilfrid Laurier University fourth-year political science students to Queen’s Park. MPP Lindo and I look forward to meeting with you this afternoon to let you know how fun this place actually can be. The former Kitchener Centre MPP John Milloy and his colleagues from Wilfrid Laurier—Patricia Goff, Loren King, Yasmine Shamsie—are here. The students are: Mitchell, Sonia, Dana, Emma, Erin, Catie, Caitlyn, Shannan, Nicole, Meaghan, Kristina, Karyn, Stephanie, Majot, Aqsa, Brianna, Desiree, Takdir, Rory, Monika, Yuchen and Anjal. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Mr. John Fraser: I’d like to introduce Patrick Dion, a friend and a constituent and the former vice-president of the Mental Health Commission of Canada. He’s here for today’s Queen’s Park mental health action day.

Hon. Monte McNaughton: I, too, want to welcome Don McCabe to Queen’s Park today. He’s a farmer from Lambton–Kent–Middlesex and a leader in Ontario’s agri-food business. Welcome.

Hon. Rod Phillips: I just want to welcome the grade 10 class from Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School in Ajax. I know they’re looking forward to question period, and I’m looking forward to seeing them after.

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: Today is a very special day for me. My daughter, Victoria Varner, is obviously the page captain, but we are joined in the gallery today by a number of people from Nepean who have made the trek from Ottawa early this morning. I’d like to welcome, first and foremost, my husband, Joe Varner, who is here; my staff Brooke Timpson, Caitlin Clark and Patricia Sloan; as well as volunteers on my campaign, Brian St.

Louis, Arvind Sharma, Narinder Walia, Karen Fromm, Hannah Fromm, Grace Shahin, David Gibbons, Ken Lee, Michelle Bada, Matt Wu, Lewis Cardin, Cathy Furlotte, Tony Furlotte, Ruth Brinston, Charlie Senack, Glenda Senack, Darrell Bartraw, Darren Little, Cindy Little; and a couple of kids from my hockey team, Erin Lee and Eulalie Reesink-Babillon; as well as some of my friends from Toronto, Warren Kinsella, Rob Gilmour, Julia Mackenzie, Cody St. Louis, Atul Goswani, Avinash Goswani, Eithed Shankar, Steve Coupland, Megan Boyle, Bobby Hundal.

And of course, another member of my constituency is up here today for mental health awareness, and that’s Brianne Moore.

Mr. David Piccini: I’d like to welcome two constituents of mine: Maria and Dave, small business owners. They own a very successful local vape shop on the downtown drag in Port Hope, and they’re also business owners here in the city of Toronto. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Hon. John Yakabuski: I’d like to welcome, from my riding, along with the OFA delegation today, Debra Pretty-Straathof to Queen’s Park.

Mr. Jeremy Roberts: One of the folks on the lovely bus from Nepean also happens to be my special assistant, so a big shout-out to David Gibbons, who is here with us today.

Hon. Todd Smith: I’d like to welcome a very good friend of mine—he happens to the best second baseman in Belleville Labatt Nationals history—Steve Tetlock, to the Legislature today.

Mr. Deepak Anand: I’d like to welcome my friend Bobby Hundal to Queen’s Park.

Mr. Percy Hatfield: Just on the off chance that there’s somebody here today who hasn’t been introduced yet, welcome to Queen’s Park.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Before we have to cut this off, the member for Chatham-Kent–Leamington.

Mr. Rick Nicholls: Thank you very much, Speaker. I’d like to introduce Bill Redelmeier. Bill is from Southbrook Vineyards in Niagara-on-the-Lake. They manufacture fabulous organic and biodynamic wines. Welcome.

Wearing of ribbons

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I understand that the government House leader has a point of order.

Hon. Todd Smith: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On a point of order: I believe that we have unanimous consent to wear green ribbons in the House today to recognize the mental health action day.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The government House leader is seeking unanimous consent of the House to wear green ribbons today in recognition of the mental health action day. Agreed? Agreed.

Oral Questions

International trade

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My first question is for the Premier. In the Premier’s briefing on the NAFTA renegotiation yesterday, was he updated on the status of the US steel and aluminum tariffs that are still being applied to Canadian goods?

Hon. Doug Ford: Through you, Mr. Speaker: Before I answer the question of the Leader of the Opposition, first I want to congratulate Dr. Donna Strickland. Dr. Donna Strickland has just been awarded the 2018 Nobel Prize for physics. That’s absolutely huge. She’s the first Canadian woman ever to receive this award, and the first woman in 55 years. She teaches at the University of Waterloo and she’s from Guelph, Ontario. So, Dr. Donna Strickland, congratulations.

Through you, Mr. Speaker: We want to make sure the world knows that Ontario is open for business. That is why our government, the PC government, stood shoulder to shoulder with the federal government when it came to negotiations.

We’re calling on the Trudeau government to use federal funds to compensate Ontario dairy farmers. We need to support our dairy farmers. We need to support our farmers and our steel and aluminum workers and to make sure they aren’t being used as bargaining chips. I’m asking the Leader of the Opposition and her caucus to stand with us—as we stood side by side with the federal government—to support the farmers, the steelworkers and the aluminum workers to make sure they are compensated by the Trudeau government.

Interjections.

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

Start the clock. Supplementary.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: The tariffs have been in place since June, and they’re having a devastating effect, not just on the steel industry but on the entire manufacturing sector and the people who rely on that sector for good jobs. They’re worried about the future.

Across the border in Quebec, the provincial government didn’t delay. They stepped up in June with direct financial aid to companies affected by the tariffs. When will the Premier take similar action here?

Hon. Doug Ford: Through you, Mr. Speaker: Our number one priority was to make sure we got the deal done; that was critical. I congratulate the federal government for getting the job done.

Keep in mind: Nearly nine million Americans’ jobs depend on Canadian and US trade investments, but even more importantly, there’s $389 billion of trade going back and forth just between Ontario and the US, split almost equally. There are a billion jobs—a million jobs; I wish there were a billion jobs—a million jobs at stake right here in Ontario.

Again, I’m asking the Leader of the Opposition and the whole NDP caucus to stand with us. Support the farmers. Support the aluminum and steelworkers, and we can support them.

Interjections.

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

Start the clock. Final supplementary.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: People worried about losing their shift or losing a job don’t want to hear politicians passing the buck when their jobs are at risk and they’re worried about the future.

In the province of Quebec, the government stepped up. They stepped up with direct financial aid—money for training, for steel, for aluminum and for the agricultural sector. So my question to our Premier in this province is, is this Premier willing to step up with provincial assistance?

Hon. Doug Ford: Through you, Mr. Speaker, to the Leader of the Opposition: We’re still waiting for the federal government to give us some numbers. We’re going to be meeting with the agriculture industry this afternoon—we’re looking forward to speaking to them—then later on in the week, we’re going to be meeting the steel and aluminum industries.

I asked the Prime Minister directly yesterday on the phone, “Where’s the money? Where’s the money we’re waiting for to support the steel and aluminum workers?” I didn’t get a straight answer. I’m looking forward to that straight answer.

But I can assure all of the agriculture industry and I can assure the steel and aluminum workers that we’re standing behind them, unlike the NDP. I didn’t see one of them stand up to support any of those industries. I will ensure that they will have a close ally and a friend with the PC government.

International trade

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Well, that’s not so. But nonetheless, the truth is that in Quebec they had a Premier who did step up, didn’t wait around—stepped up and tried to help those industries and those workers.

My next question is also to the Premier, though, Speaker, because we are joined today by farmers from across Ontario here in our Legislature. For those farmers who have relied on supply management to ensure they can earn a living and pay the bills while they do the hard work of feeding our families, the renegotiated NAFTA is devastating news.

What details does the Premier have about the federal compensation that will be offered?

Hon. Doug Ford: Through you, Mr. Speaker: Again, if the Leader of the Opposition actually stood shoulder to shoulder with the PC government, as we did with the Liberal government, we might be able to work a lot better. We need to stand as a united team here in Ontario. We need to have a united voice for all of the dairy, aluminum and steel workers. We need to protect the close to a million jobs that all these industries create, day in and day out. I’m asking the NDP to put their partisanship to the side just once—just once—and stand with us.

As for the Premier of Quebec, I spoke to the new Premier last night. What a great job he’s going to do. He’s looking forward to working with Ontario because he’s fiscally responsible, just like the—

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

Interjections.

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

Start the clock again. Supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Well, Speaker, the fact is that many farm families believe that the federal compensation won’t be enough. They’re asking serious questions—serious questions—about whether they can keep going as the system that made their farms sustainable is chipped away.

Is the Premier prepared to provide additional assistance and programs from the province to ensure that farms are sustainable in the long term?

Hon. Doug Ford: Through you, Mr. Speaker: The Leader of the Opposition—

Hon. Victor Fedeli: It never ends.

Hon. Doug Ford: Right: It never ends—fearmongering.

The Leader of the Opposition doesn’t have a clue what it is, because she doesn’t know; I don’t know because it wasn’t told to us yesterday when we were on the call. As a matter of fact, no province knows what they have in hand.

But again, I can reassure the farmers: You have an ally. You have a friend. We look forward to sitting down with you this afternoon.

Once we do find out that number, I can assure you we’re going to support them like they’ve never seen before.

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

Ms. Andrea Horwath: I’m sure they’re a little bit concerned, seeing as how the government didn’t step up to help the steel and aluminum industries. Farm families are wondering whether they should actually continue in farming or pack it in. People are looking for solutions, not politicians passing the buck back and forth across the table. This is a chance for the Premier to show leadership in the job that he actually holds—not waiting for the federal government, but showing some leadership in the job that he holds.

In other provinces, provincial leaders have stepped up to the plate. Will we see that leadership from this Premier?

Hon. Doug Ford: Through you, Mr. Speaker, I find it so ironic listening to the Leader of the Opposition. When I was in Hamilton over at Dofasco right down the street from where the leader lives, I heard how we helped them. We got rid of the cap-and-trade and the carbon tax. We talked to their employers; they said they haven’t seen hide nor hair of the Leader of the Opposition. We’re lowering their hydro rates. We’re lowering the gas prices by 10 cents a litre. I spoke to the front-line workers, and they loved it that I showed up. Maybe the Leader of the Opposition should pay them a visit once in a while in her own backyard.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock. Once again, I’m going to remind the House that personal attacks of any sort do not elevate the debate.

Next question: Leader of the Opposition.

Start the clock.

Opioid abuse

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My next question is also for the Premier. The opioid crisis is killing people on a daily basis. Families with loved ones caught in addiction know that overdose prevention sites save lives. The Minister of Health had promised that the Premier would make a decision about proceeding with overdose prevention sites by the end of last week. Instead, we see more delay and more excuses and, tragically, more preventable deaths. When will this Premier stop dithering and make a decision?

Hon. Doug Ford: Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: I appreciate the question from the member opposite, but let me be perfectly clear: The Minister of Health has received an extension on three paused sites. They received that extension from the federal government.

But this government—and I want to be very clear. We are committed to getting people struggling with addiction the help that they need. That’s why this government will be making an unprecedented $3.8-billion investment into mental health and addictions and supportive housing.

Anybody that’s followed this party in the last several years knows that we have been a leader in the fight against opioids in this province, calling for a task force that the previous government took nine months—if you want to talk about delay, it was the previous Liberal administration that didn’t get the job done.

We were leaders on banning the pill press. That’s something that we’ve talked about. We’ve talked about Nick’s Law, making sure that there’s more awareness and greater advertising against the opioid crisis.

So I’ll stand here on behalf of the Minister of Health and tell them that we’re ready and committed to do the work that’s necessary.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: What the minister failed to talk about is the $330 million cut annually in mental health and addictions finances that this government has made.

Every single day that this decision is delayed it means more people are dying. When people are no longer alive, they cannot seek treatment. The evidence is overwhelming: These sites are saving lives. What evidence is the Premier waiting for?

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: I entirely reject the premise of the leader of the official opposition’s question. This government is going to bring in an unprecedented level of funding for mental health, addictions and supportive housing, to the tune of $3.8 billion. That’s unmistakable. It’s undeniable.

We have said we are committed to reviewing the latest data, the evidence and current drug injection sites. Both myself and the Minister of Health have been consistently meeting and touring across the province to those who are affected. But I say again, Speaker, we have hit the pause button on three injection sites. The federal government has allowed that extension. We are committed on this side of the House—and, by the way, on that side of the House—in ensuring that we have the proper supports for those people who are struggling with mental health and addictions, including in the opioid crisis.

They can squeal with righteous self-indignation all they want; we’re going to act.

International trade

Mr. Daryl Kramp: My question today is for the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

Yesterday, the United States, Canada and Mexico agreed to a new trade agreement called the USMCA. The new agreement included major, major concessions from Canada’s agricultural industry on class 7 milk and increased access to Ontario’s dairy, chicken and egg market.

One thing is clear: Ontario’s dairy, chicken and egg farmers are the ones who are on the hook for this federal government’s negotiation position.

Can the minister please inform this Legislature today of what our government for the people is doing to stand up for this very, very critical part of Ontario’s agricultural industry?

Hon. Jim Wilson: Thank you to my honourable colleague for the question. For months now, Ontario has been working with the federal government, going down to Washington and standing up for Ontario workers, Ontario farmers, steelworkers and aluminum workers. We were disappointed yesterday that the federal government—everyone knows that dairy has been on the table for a while—didn’t have any details of a compensation package ready—

Interjection: Unacceptable.

Hon. Jim Wilson: It was unacceptable, as one of my colleagues just said. It was shocking, and it’s also shocking that they left the steel and aluminum tariffs on the table because, while we might have a new NAFTA here, the US still has the ability to put tariffs on anything they want in the future, therefore making the new NAFTA practically useless. It’s steel and aluminum today; it could be something else in the future depending on what the flavour of the month is down there.

We call upon the federal government to come forward immediately with the details on the compensation to our dairy industry. We need to make dairy, poultry and eggs whole again. We need to save the 3,600 family farms that are active in the dairy industry in Ontario.

That’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to stand up for Ontario farmers.

Interjections.

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

Supplementary? Start the clock.

Mr. Daryl Kramp: Minister, thank you so kindly for your response and your affirmative action on this file. It’s a relief to hear that our government continues to do its part to defend this important part of the agricultural community and the many, many families that depend on this. This is not just an industry, this is a group of families across this province.

We’re aware, of course, as well, that the minister testified at the US Department of Commerce public hearings on

section 232, which is the investigation of imports on autos and auto parts. Despite reaching an agreement in principle the other day, discussions around steel and aluminum have been inconclusive. We have heard that 25% tariffs on steel and 10% tariffs on aluminum still remain in place.

Can the minister please inform this Legislature of our government’s position on these tariffs that continue to absolutely penalize Ontario’s industry?

Hon. Jim Wilson: Thank you again to my colleague for an excellent question. As I said in the first part of my answer, while the threat of tariffs remains in NAFTA, you can drive a Mack truck through it. For the time being, they solved the threat of auto tariffs and auto parts tariffs; then, they say to us on the phone, to the Premier, yesterday that

section 232 tariffs on aluminum, steel and God knows what else in the future are separate issues. They’re not separate issues. The technical briefing at 1 o’clock said they had tried to discuss that at the table but were rejected. The US didn’t want to; they want to keep hanging this over our heads.

If they keep hanging this over our heads, thousands and thousands of people on this side of the border will be affected—their jobs could be affected—and millions on the other side of the border.

So we’re asking the NDP to stand with us today, to stop putting down the police and stand up for workers—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock. Once again, I’ll remind members that these kinds of personal attacks lead to a degeneration of the debate. We don’t want to go there like we did last week.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The House will come to order.

Next question?

International trade

Mr. John Vanthof: My question is to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

All farmers are impacted by trade deals. The new NAFTA agreement will have a major impact on the dairy and poultry sectors and everyone else involved in the industry, including processors. It was signed by the federal government, but agriculture is one of the sectors that has federal-provincial responsibility.

Under the deal for dairy, class 7 of milk was eliminated. The classes are regulated provincially under the Milk Act—that’s not a federal issue—and the elimination of class 7 could have a much bigger destabilizing impact than the loss of market access, which should be compensated. But the destabilization could permanently damage supply management.

What is the provincial government going to do to stabilize the industry because of the elimination of class 7, which is a provincial responsibility?

Hon. Ernie Hardeman: I thank the member for the question.

I know that many Ontarians, including our agriculture communities, are concerned about what the new USMCA deal could mean for industries that rely on trade. We’re still reviewing what the impact of these changes will be, including the class 7. However, it’s clear that the concessions made in the new agreement will hurt our supply-managed sector, particularly dairy.

We have reached out to our stakeholders and are committed to continue to work with them as we determine the details of the impact of this new deal. We’re calling on the Trudeau government to use federal funds to compensate dairy farmers. This new deal cannot leave our farmers behind. Farming jobs and farming families must never be used as bargaining chips.

From day one, we have offered full support for our farmers. Our Premier and our Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade travelled to Washington to raise the concerns and make sure our farmers are top of mind. We will continue to stand by—

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

Mr. John Vanthof: The long-term stability of our dairy farm families relies on the stability of our milk classification process. The elimination of class 7 destabilizes that process. The classification system is a provincial responsibility. This isn’t about federal compensation, which is a totally separate issue. This is about the provincial responsibility to maintain the stability of the system which farmers and Ontario consumers—and Canadian consumers—have relied on for over 50 years.

Again to the minister: What action is the government going to take to stabilize the milk classes so supply management can continue to exist?

Hon. Ernie Hardeman: Again, I thank the member for the question.

As I said, we are continuing to review the impact of this new deal in its entirety, and its impact on our dairy industry; that includes class 7. The issues in that deal are negotiated by the federal government, and the responsibility to look after that is the responsibility of the federal government. That’s why we need to make sure we review the process and then make sure the federal government deals with the financial assistance to our farmers in a way that deals with all the impacts they have created through this negotiation.

Community safety

Mr. Kaleed Rasheed: My question is for the Attorney General.

Yesterday, an

article in the Toronto Sun reported that over the last five years, gun violence and murders have spiked across the greater Toronto area. The

article stated: “Shootings are up more than 130% from just a few years ago and with three months remaining in 2018 the city is expected to smash its all-time record high of 89 homicides set back in 1991.” The

article also found that not since 2007 has Toronto seen so many killings in a single year.

Mr. Speaker, the people of my riding and all throughout the GTA are understandably concerned about the levels of violence experienced in our city this year. Could the minister please share with us the work this government is currently doing to stop gun violence in Toronto?

Hon. Caroline Mulroney: I’d like to thank the member from Mississauga East–Cooksville for that thoughtful question. No one should have to live in fear of gun violence. Our hearts go out to the many people across this city and this province who have been affected by violent gun crime, which is why in August our government announced it is taking action to protect families by investing $25 million in new funding over four years in initiatives aimed at fighting gang and gun violence.

This includes investing over $7 million over the next four years in a brand new intensive firearm bail support team, which will support existing justice resources. The team will consist of five crowns and five case management coordinators who will work with police to develop local expertise and compile information to ensure that the strongest possible evidence is placed before the courts when the crown is seeking detention for serious firearm charges. Having dedicated crowns to focus on firearm bails will help keep people who present a danger to the public off our streets.

Mr. Speaker, I’m happy to report that as of yesterday, the team is up and running.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Mr. Kaleed Rasheed: Mr. Speaker, I’d like to thank the Attorney General for that update. I agree that it’s important that people feel safe in their communities. I’m glad that our government is taking action to ensure that that is the case. There have been too many tragic headlines over the past year, and I look forward to the success of this initiative as well as all efforts aimed at curbing gun violence.

The Attorney General has given us good news with the announcement that our legal SWAT teams are now in place. I’m hoping that she can provide further information on how they will assist in keeping violence off our streets.

Hon. Caroline Mulroney: I’m very happy to provide further information to the member and to his constituents. On August 4, I stood with the Premier and the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services to announce this initiative. Yesterday, I met with the team, and I can tell you that they’re enthusiastic about getting to work and putting a dent in the gun violence experienced in this city this year.

It was our aim to have this team up and running in six to eight weeks, and yesterday was their first day on the job. They’re stationed at courthouses across the city and moving where they need to go on a daily basis. They’re working with the police to ensure that the best possible evidence is before the courts during a bail hearing. It’s an innovative approach that will deliver real results to tackle gun crime in the city of Toronto.

Greenhouse gas emissions

Mr. Peter Tabuns: My question to the Minister of the Environment. Ontario is facing the potential for many billions of dollars in damages and potential loss of life from climate-change-related extreme weather events in the years to come. Cap-and-trade funds were raised to reduce emissions from greenhouse sources. The projects were meant to help protect Ontarians for the future.

When the government wound down cap-and-trade, they cancelled many initiatives that would have helped reduce emissions, including hundreds of millions of dollars for hospital, school and social housing upgrades. It was not necessary to cancel those initiatives.

Can the government inform the House as to what they will be using the cap-and-trade funds for, if not for reducing emissions?

Hon. Rod Phillips: Mr. Speaker, through you to the member, I thank him for the question. He’s quite right that this government did make a clear commitment in the election that it would wind down the cap-and-trade program. One of the first actions of this government was to do that, and as a result, we are putting $260 back in the pockets of Ontario families.

He raises the question about cap-and-trade funds. Some of the cap-and-trade funds that were going to be spent, for example, were on an electric truck company that’s backed by Warren Buffett and Chinese billionaires. We decided those weren’t good things to spend money on that Ontario taxpayers were subsidizing.

The monies that have been raised have been raised under a charge that was appropriately for greenhouse gas reduction. The funds that were raised for that will be used either to fight greenhouse gas emissions or for the wind-down of that fund, as I’ve said before.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Mr. Peter Tabuns: The minister says the funds meant to be spent to reduce emissions will be spent for that purpose. That’s what he says. Then why did the government cut funding for schools and hospitals when those projects would have cut emissions?

Hon. Rod Phillips: Mr. Speaker, I don’t know entirely what funds the member is talking about, but let’s talk about what we did, which was responsible. The responsible thing to do, when we cancelled the cap-and-trade program because it was ineffective, was to cut the funding, to remove the dollars that were being spent that were raised by that program. It was the only responsible thing the government could do—

Interjections.

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

Hon. Rod Phillips: The only responsible thing that the government could do at the end of that program—

Interjection.

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

Hon. Rod Phillips: We’re committed to the orderly wind-down of the cap-and-trade program and this fall we’ll talk about a made-in-Ontario solution, a solution that doesn’t take money out of Ontarians’ pockets, but reduces greenhouse gases.

Employment standards

Mr. Michael Coteau: My question is to the Premier. Bill 148 brought in fair and important changes to the Employment Standards Act for workers in this province.

Interjections.

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

Mr. Michael Coteau: Mr. Speaker, I think it’s reasonable that workers be given fair notice or compensation when their employer cancels their shift. It allows employees to have some stability in their

schedule if they’re going to school, to ensure they have adequate child care and if they’re working a second job.

We’ve heard from the Premier or we’ve heard from this government that they’re considering rolling back these changes in addition to cancelling a $15 minimum wage. Does the Premier believe that it’s fair that work can be cancelled only hours before a shift with no compensation? My question, through you, Mr. Speaker, to the Premier: Will he commit today to not rolling back this important aspect within the legislation?

Hon. Doug Ford: Through you, Mr. Speaker: When I travelled across this province and talked to thousands and thousands of people, I found out very, very quickly the number one issue was hydro. Number two was Bill 148, that your party destroyed this province, that put us in more debt than we’ve ever had, the largest subnational debt in the entire world—the entire world, thanks to the Liberal government.

We’re going to make sure we tell the world Ontario is open for business. We’re going to make sure we’re competitive around the world. We’re getting rid of Bill 148. We’re going to make sure we protect the front-line workers, because 60,000 people lost their jobs under Bill 148.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Mr. Michael Coteau: There are going to be certain aspects that we disagree with on 148, certain aspects of the bill. But let me try another point in this question—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order on the government side.

Mr. Michael Coteau: Premier—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I hesitate to interrupt the member. The government side has to come to order. The member has the right to place his question.

Again, I apologize to the member.

Mr. Michael Coteau: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I’m going to ask a very simple question to the Premier. Some 1.6 million Ontarians do not have sick days. In the legislation it guarantees two days to Ontarians. Mr. Speaker, this is about decency for employees, employees who work hard to support businesses here in the province of Ontario. I think when those people go out, those 1.6 million Ontarians, and support businesses, the businesses should support the people who support those businesses.

Does the Premier believe that two sick days is too much for people in Ontario? He says he stands up for the little guy. He says he stands up for the people of Ontario. Two sick days is decency, Mr. Speaker.

Hon. Doug Ford: Through you, Mr. Speaker, and to the member for Don Valley East: Again, when I crisscrossed this province, I talked to the people who earn minimum wage, the ones who even were able to keep their job. I’d go into a little Home Hardware and rather than having seven employees, they’d cut three employees because of Bill 148.

The people on minimum wage—we’re actually going to give them a tax credit. Unlike the Liberals, who jacked their taxes up over $1,000, we’re going to reduce their taxes by $850, putting more money into their pocket. That’s what you call tax relief. That’s what you call supporting minimum wage workers. We’re going to create more jobs so we can hire more people, unlike the Liberals, who destroyed this province.

Refugee and immigration policy

Mr. Dave Smith: Mr. Speaker, with a nod to the member from Nipissing, my question is to the minister of many things, including children, community and social services.

More than 34,000 illegal border crossers have entered our country since 2017, overloading our housing and social assistance systems, so much so that the federal government is forced to put them in hotels across the GTA. Today, we learned that their stay is being extended by four weeks while they wait for their asylum claims to be heard. Meanwhile, the federal minister responsible has tried to tell us that the overwhelming majority have left Canada—pure fiction.

Costs are piling up. Would the minister please tell us how Ontario will handle the growing financial burden to services, such as education, legal aid, social assistance and emergency shelters?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order. Start the clock.

Response? The Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

Hon. Lisa Macleod: My greatest appreciation to the member opposite, whom I’ve been speaking with on Immigration and refugee issues for the past week.

I want to be very clear, and I hope the federal Liberals are listening: The federal government has sole jurisdiction over border management in this country and on Canada’s asylum and refugee programs, including who is eligible to make a refugee claim. The federal government’s failed policies at the border in Quebec have allowed people to enter this country illegally and then seek asylum without following the proper processes.

This government, the Ford government, has called on the federal government to actively manage the influx of illegal border crossers and provide full compensation to the province of Ontario, to the tune of $200 million. Those concerns and those questions have gone unanswered. There has been no indication that the federal government has a plan to deal with this, and there has been no indication that the federal government will pay for it.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary.

Mr. Dave Smith: Thank you to the minister for her detailed answer. I understand the cost Ontario faces. The minister has been perfectly clear in this House—

Interjection: Crystal clear.

Mr. Dave Smith: Some would say crystal clear—with the federal ad hoc committee on migration and with the Minister of Immigration on the $200 million that’s owed to Ontario. The stack of bills is mounting. The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services still needs to pay for its priorities: programs for autistic children; funding for the children’s aid society; youth in care; custody; and so much more.

Does the minister believe that the costs for illegal border crossings are increasing, and in light of the state of the deficit and the results from the line-by-line audit, do these escalating costs concern the minister?

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: That was a very important question. I’ll have more to say on some of the extensive costs we’re starting to see as a result of kids going back to school in September.

But let me be clear: The federal government should be compensating Ontario for $74 million and growing in temporary housing in the city of Toronto; $11 million and growing in the city of Ottawa for temporary shelters; $3 million has been given to the Red Cross; $20 million for primary and secondary education spaces; and $19 million and growing on the social assistance rates.

Our government isn’t the only one that is concerned. There’s a new government elected in Quebec that is in line with where we’re at in telling the federal government that they have to pay their bills. We also have all Premiers across this great country who have lined up, shoulder to shoulder, with our Premier in saying that the federal government should fully compensate for the costs to the provinces.

And that’s not it. We also have a federal Liberal MP who says that the only fair thing for everybody to do is process them quickly. I think that’s where the government’s weakness is. That’s John McKay, a federal Liberal member of Parliament.

Curriculum

Ms. Marit Stiles: My question is to the Minister of Education. It’s now October and students have been taught an archaic curriculum for one month now, a curriculum that does not address the current realities that Ontario students are facing. Teachers, students and concerned parents, to name a few, have literally stood on the lawns of Queen’s Park speaking out against this sex ed curriculum rollback, but it is painfully clear that this government has not been listening to them.

Then, last Friday, the government quietly released a predetermined form online that appears to be this government’s version of the “largest consultation” in Ontario’s history, and then the minister said that the government will only be promoting the consultations within their regions.

So which is it? Will we be seeing consultations in every riding in the province, or will only the government be picking and choosing which voices they feel like hearing?

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: Mr. Speaker, I can tell you, we are very assertively addressing the archaic math curriculum that’s out there. We heard loud and clear from parents that the math was not cutting it.

Our consultation is going to be very comprehensive, starting off with hearing from parents, hearing from teachers, hearing from businesses how we can better equip our students to be competitive in today’s global economy. I can tell you, the people attending, our guests today in the members’ gallery, will be applauding us for taking a look at STEM—science, technology, engineering and mathematics. That’s everything that the agri-food and the business of food in particular need to be competitive in today’s global economy.

We are moving forward, and I invite every single member in this House to participate and read your mail. You received information on Friday—

Interjections.

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

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order. Order.

Start the clock. Supplementary?

Ms. Marit Stiles: Well, the only ones who got any information about this on Friday were the school boards. The public didn’t find out anything.

Back to the Minister of Education: That was an incredible non-answer. I suspect that perhaps she’s feeling a little ashamed, looking up at all of these students who are here today who want a real answer about the sex ed curriculum.

Education consultations do not mean much unless those most impacted are invited to the table, Minister. Students and teachers must be consulted. Indigenous youth must be consulted. Queer and trans youth, differently abled youth: They must be consulted. The list goes on.

It is irresponsible of this government to make decisions without listening to those who are going to be the most impacted. Mr. Speaker, why is this government trying to hand-pick who will be involved in the sex ed consultations, and what are you so very afraid of hearing?

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: I would suggest to everyone in the House today watching that this is a lesson in what not to do. This is a lesson on how not to stand up, how to be poor opposition. We need to have an opposition that stands with us. I invite the member from Davenport to stand with us and actually go back, because she was absolutely incorrect in saying that the members have not received information.

I can confirm 100% that everybody received information about this consultation on Friday. We’re very proud to be embarking on an initiative that’s going to invite business, parents, teachers, boards, trustees—every single person who wants to exercise their voice about STEM, about job skills, about mental health, about health and—

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

Next question.

Government accountability

Ms. Donna Skelly: My question is to the Minister of Finance. Minister, when I listened to your speech on the findings of the Independent Financial Commission of Inquiry, like most Ontarians, I was truly shocked to hear the reality of the province’s financial situation.

Clearly, our government needs to take action. Not only do we need to fix the financial problems that we have inherited from the previous government, but we must also determine how the situation was ever allowed to get this bad. That’s why I’m encouraged that the motion to form a Select Committee on Financial Transparency was passed this morning.

Could the minister please reiterate the importance of the Select Committee on Financial Transparency that is being formed?

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Thank you to the member from Flamborough–Glanbrook. This morning we took the next step in restoring accountability and trust in government. The formation of the Select Committee on Financial Transparency solidifies our government’s commitment to restoring the public’s faith.

We must remember: We are in an unprecedented time in history. The public’s trust has been shattered. The previous government’s accounting scheme was deliberately designed to keep the true cost of the Liberals’ spending off the books. This is simply unacceptable. The Select Committee on Financial Transparency is a necessity. They will find out who came up with this scheme.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary.

Ms. Donna Skelly: Back to the minister: You know, I am really encouraged that we are taking action to restore accountability and trust, and I’m confident that the Select Committee on Financial Transparency will discover where these schemes came from and hold those responsible to account.

However, over the past week, many of our critics have claimed that the select committee isn’t necessary. The naysayers and critics have shrugged off its importance, but there is a larger principle at play here, and that is accountability. It’s unfortunate that some people simply don’t recognize the importance of seeking accountability.

Could the minister please inform the House why restoring accountability and trust is so important for our government?

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Thank you to the member. The importance of restoring accountability and trust cannot be understated. Remember, it was the Auditor General who used words like “conceal,” “bogus,” “deceptive” and “unreliable.” She used those words to describe Liberal documents tabled right here in this Legislature.

The Auditor General also issued this warning to the people of Ontario: “When governments pass legislation to make their own accounting rules that serve to obfuscate the impact of their financial decision, their financial statements become unreliable.” That is why accountability and trust need to be restored. It was absent in the previous government. We can calculate the cost of the deficit, but we cannot calculate the cost of the trust deficit.

Investment regulations

Mr. Speaker, people across our province struggle to save and put a little money aside for their retirement, and these deferred charges are an unnecessary and extra burden on these people. Why is this government ignoring the voices of seniors and people who are saving for their retirement?

Hon. Raymond Sung Joon Cho: Thank you for the question. I’d like to refer the question to the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Our government is absolutely committed to making Ontario a competitive place, a place we can invest in, grow and create jobs. We want the world to know that Ontario is open for business. We will continue to work with other provinces, other territories and other stakeholders to explore potential alternatives outside of the measures of the Ontario Securities Commission. What they are proposing is one thing; we will continue to work with our partners to look for other proposals. We want the market to be a fair place for investors.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Response, Minister?

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Thank you very much, Speaker, but I won’t thank the member for the insult to our party whatsoever. I do find those types of comments are not helpful in this Legislature. She’s not only imputing motive, she doesn’t have her facts right.

The member should understand what the embedded commissions were all about. She may want to study what happened in the UK with embedded commissions and how this did not work, Speaker. She may need to do a little bit of studying of other embedded commissions and the damage that it caused elsewhere throughout the world and begin to understand that we’re trying to consult with the other provinces, the other territories and other stakeholders to make sure that our marketplace is a fair place for investors. We’ve got all of the people in mind as we continue to look for a better way.

Correctional services

Mr. Aris Babikian: My question today is for the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services. Ontario’s dedicated correctional officers and staff have faced a significant amount of work-related stress due to the previous Liberal government’s neglect and their failure to act in providing these men and women with the tools they need to perform their duties safely and effectively. After 15 years of mismanagement by the previous Liberal government, our dedicated correctional officers and staff were ignored for too long. Speaker, the safety of our hard-working and dedicated correctional officers can no longer be ignored.

To the minister: Can you please update the members of this Legislature on what you are doing to enhance security and improve safety in Ontario’s correctional system?

Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: Thank you to the member for Scarborough–Agincourt for the question. Mr. Speaker, this past Friday, I was proud to stand alongside the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry and the member from Chatham-Kent–Leamington to announce our government’s new plan to enhance safety and security at Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre. As the member stated, the previous Liberal government failed to act and left our correctional officers and staff in harm’s way for over 15 years.

Prior to this announcement, I visited the city of London and heard first-hand the challenges that front-line officers and staff are encountering at Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre, as well as the challenges being faced by police and community members in the city. Our government is listening and remains committed to providing our hard-working and dedicated correctional officers and staff the necessary tools and resources they need to do their jobs properly.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Mr. Aris Babikian: I want to thank the minister for his response. I am proud to stand here today knowing that our government for the people is taking the safety and the security of our correctional officers and staff seriously. Our hard-working and dedicated correctional staff deserve better after 15 long years of mismanagement and neglect by the previous Liberal government.

Speaker, can the minister please explain what actions he is taking to address the safety of our neighbourhoods and the security of the province’s hard-working and dedicated correctional officers and staff?

Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: I thank the member for that question.

In response to the recent inmate overdoses at Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre, our government introduced enhanced safety and security measures to ensure that our correctional officers and staff can perform their duties safely and effectively. As of yesterday, staff at EMDC will have access to a dedicated canine unit, additional correctional officers, enhanced body scanner training and new drug detection kits to quickly identify whether a found substance is contraband.

In addition, Mr. Speaker, our government is piloting a dedicated hospital escort team for inmate health care needs. Our government also plans on hiring more health care staff to support inmate care, enhancing staff training to recognize the signs of potential overdoses and piloting an ion scanner that can identify trace elements of drugs on items that enter our facilities.

We are using evidence-based—

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

Consumer protection

Mr. Tom Rakocevic: My question is for the Minister of Government and Consumer Services. Now that John Tavares is on the Leafs’ roster, we all know—

Applause.

Mr. Tom Rakocevic: Thank you. We all know there will be a Stanley Cup parade here in Toronto next year. You heard it here first. But—there is a but—after reading ongoing investigative reports that have shocked sports and music fans, not only in Canada but in the United States as well, it’s clear that most hockey fans in my riding won’t be able to afford Maple Leafs tickets. This is because of unethical ticket scalping practices that have been not only tolerated but enabled by Ticketmaster. What is the minister doing about these unethical and unfair sales practices?

Hon. Todd Smith: Thanks very much to the member opposite for the question. Finally, we found something that we can agree on with the NDP, and that is that the Leafs are going to win the Stanley Cup this year. I couldn’t be happier. I couldn’t be happier that John Tavares is a member of the Buds here in Toronto this year as we commence on our Stanley Cup parade.

I can tell you that what was happening previously with the Liberal government on the ticket sale issue wasn’t actually helping those who wanted to attend sporting events and concerts and other big events that were happening. This first came to light, actually, when the unfortunate diagnosis of Gord Downie of The Tragically Hip occurred, and the government made some changes to the Ticket Speculation Act during that summer.

I can tell you that our government is committed to working with the Ministry of the Attorney General, our Attorney General here in Ontario, and making sure that we bring in some legislation that has some teeth so we can keep ticket prices low for those who want to attend these events.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Mr. Tom Rakocevic: One of the very first things this government did when it assumed office was to block legislation that would have stopped scalpers from selling tickets for more than 50% of the face value. I don’t remember the Premier telling anyone before the election that he would do this.

Why was it suddenly the government’s top priority after the election to help Ticketmaster and the scalpers, while hurting music fans and hockey fans?

Hon. Todd Smith: Speaker, I should acknowledge as well that this is the first question from my critic, and I appreciate the question in the Legislature here this morning.

But I should say that what the Liberals used to do when they were the government of Ontario was they would bring in pieces of legislation that actually were just all about fluff. They made you feel like the government was actually doing something, when clearly the legislation didn’t do anything to attack the problem at hand, and that was ensuring that ticket prices remained affordable for the average person across the province.

What we’ve done is we’ve paused the implementation until we can actually bring in legislation that’s going to take these scalpers off the streets, that’s going to take these scalpers off-line. It’s not just simply putting it down on a piece of paper that you’re going to bring in legislation; you actually have to have legislation that’s enforceable. We’re bringing in meaningful legislation for the people of Ontario—

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

Interjections.

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

Start the clock. Next question.

Tourism

Mr. Sam Oosterhoff: My question is to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Speaker, this past Monday, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport visited the Niagara region and engaged with stakeholders on red tape reduction in tourism. The wine, culinary and agri-tourism industries are a growing and key component of tourism in Ontario, adding good jobs to our economy, especially in the Niagara region I’m proud to call home.

Could the minister please explain to the House what steps our Premier and government are taking to make sure that Niagara and Ontario are finally open for business?

Hon. Sylvia Jones: Thank you for the question, and thank you for participating in the round table yesterday. It was very valuable.

There is no doubt that our Niagara region is a success story. We have some incredible businesses that are doing great work. But we need to do better as a government, and part of the round table’s goal was to listen to those stakeholders, listen to those agribusinesses, listen to those tourism operators and find out where the regulations and red tape are that are blocking their ability to expand.

We want to make sure that Ontario is open for business. Yesterday was a first good step towards that goal.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Mr. Sam Oosterhoff: I know that big job creators in my riding were very pleased to see the minister down in Niagara, and they’re pleased that steps are being taken by our government to address the unfair regulatory burdens that have been plaguing tourism and business in Niagara for far too long. I’m confident our government and our Premier will make it easier for businesses to thrive and succeed in the Niagara region, something that the former Liberal government failed to do.

Could the minister please elaborate to the House on what is being done to attract tourism and increase business to both Niagara and Ontario as a whole?

Hon. Sylvia Jones: Well, yesterday’s round table, as you know, really showed how we need to work together. We have impacts and regulations that all of our caucus and cabinet colleagues have to deal with, whether it’s municipal affairs and housing, whether it’s infrastructure or finance. All of us need to work together to make sure that the regulations that are in place are protecting our people and our businesses, but also that the regulations make sense. It was enlightening and very helpful to have those stakeholders share very specific examples of how we can do better. I can assure the member that, with his help and with our government open for business, we will do that.

Energy policies

Ms. Jennifer K. French: My question is to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. Speaker, Sunrise Seniors Place non-profit housing co-op is a vibrant 58-unit seniors building in my riding. Sunrise has to replace their makeup air unit, which brings in fresh air from outside. It would improve air quality and reduce energy.

The cost of replacement is $105,000. Sunrise applied for the GreenON social housing grant and was successful. Unfortunately, as of July 9, this grant has now been cancelled and with it the money for Sunrise.

Does this government want seniors in Oshawa to be able to breathe easily, and will this government reinstate the grant to cover the cost of the air quality unit?

Hon. Rod Phillips: Mr. Speaker, through you to the member: I appreciate the question. As I’ve said before in this Legislature, when our government was elected on the basis of getting rid of the cap-and-trade program, responsibly we also needed to wind down the costs of the various items that were being paid for by that program. Very early, we announced to transfer partners that we would be doing that.

It’s being wound down in a very orderly fashion. We’re working with the various organizations that were transfer partners. In some cases, because the contracts have been signed, programs are going forward. In the cases where they’re not, the responsible thing, because the program has been ended, is not to proceed with that program. This is because we believe that affordability is a critical issue. We believe that putting $260 back in the pockets of every family is an important item. We believe that reducing gas prices and natural gas prices are the priority, and that is the approach we’ve taken.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Ms. Jennifer K. French: Again to the minister: One of the Premier’s first priorities was to cancel support for green initiatives, improvements and repairs across our communities. This government cancelled the GreenON social housing grant and so now Sunrise Seniors Place co-op has had to cancel their plans to install this necessary air quality unit. This government cut this grant and seems proud of that decision, but our seniors need to live in healthful environments.

Sunrise reached out directly to the Premier’s office and has heard nothing back, so I’ll ask the minister today for them: Will this government work with Sunrise to ensure they can move ahead with their building improvement plans?

Hon. Rod Phillips: Speaker, again, through you to the member: With the end of cap-and-trade also came the end of that program. This is a government that is enormously sensitive to seniors and to all of our citizens in the Durham region. That’s one of the reasons that we did not proceed with the NDPs plan to close the Pickering nuclear power plant, which would have affected 7,000 people.

The people of Ontario can count on this government to respect seniors and to respect all taxpayers, to behave responsibly with our finances and, obviously, to balance the needs of a healthy environment as well.

Visitors

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I want to recognize the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing on a point of order.

Hon. Steve Clark: Thank you, Speaker. Point of order: I want to introduce, to you and through you to members of the Legislative Assembly, a very special guest in the public gallery: my daughter, Caitlin Clark. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Once again, the minister.

Hon. Steve Clark: I have another introduction today. We have the father of page captain Victoria MacLeod-Varner in the public gallery. I know that her mother gets lots of opportunities to speak, but I wanted to introduce her father, Joe Varner. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): This House stands in recess until 1 p.m. this afternoon.

The House recessed from 1147 to 1300.

Introduction of Visitors

Mr. Bill Walker: I’m not certain if they’ve joined us in the gallery yet, but today we will have Jaymee Maaghop, director of public policy at the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network, and Doug Nugent, with Prostate Cancer Canada Network Ottawa, who is a patient advocate and prostate cancer survivor.

I’ll just offer that there is a breakfast for Canadian cancer survivors tomorrow morning here at the Legislature.

Mr. Deepak Anand: I’d like to acknowledge my friend Dipak Bhatt, who is here in the members’ gallery, along with Rohit Shah.

Mr. Speaker, I made a small mistake yesterday. I said Dipak wrote 389 letters on a grain of rice, which was wrong. It’s actually 396 letters.

Members’ Statements

Conditions in Bearskin Lake

Mr. Sol Mamakwa: On September 20, I spoke about Karlena Kamenawatamin, a 13-year-old girl from Bearskin Lake who had taken her own life. At that time, I also said that Karlena’s death was related to a health crisis, a mental health crisis, and then a crisis related to intergenerational trauma and the housing crisis.

I had an opportunity to visit Bearskin Lake over the weekend after the tragedy and saw many things which I think are important to share in this House today.

Not only did Karlena and her family live in a house which was run down, but her family home had no running water and no electricity, or very limited electricity. Simple things that we take for granted in most homes in Ontario, like cooking meals on the stove and keeping food in a fridge, were not possible—in 2018, Speaker.

Lack of running water meant that the family had to rely on water from other homes in order to bathe, wash dishes, flush toilets etc.—conditions many Ontarians would consider to exist only in the Third World.

To make matters worse, Karlena’s family had moved into a home seven years before, and the electricity had already been shut off—at this address.

I’m left to wonder: Where else in Ontario would such conditions be tolerated?

Canadian Cancer Survivor Network

Mr. Bill Walker: Tomorrow morning, I have the honour of hosting the seventh annual reception for the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network, CCSN, here at Queen’s Park.

I have attended Canadian Cancer Survivor Network events here at Queen’s Park in the past. As you will see tomorrow, they are a great resource for cancer patients and survivors in Ontario. Patients, caregivers and survivors from all over Ontario will be attending, and they look forward to meeting all MPPs and to share their experiences while living with and beyond cancer.

The Canadian Cancer Survivor Network works to promote educational activities for cancer patients, caregivers and survivors on the impacts of cancer. They also empower patients, families and communities by providing access to related counselling, information and support group programs.

This year, they are bringing to all MPPs general awareness and understanding of biologic and biosimilar drugs. These medicines provide patients with more choices for their cancer treatments, and are also an opportunity for potential savings in the Ontario health care system, since some biosimilars will be more affordable for cancer patients.

I also want to recognize Jaymee Maaghop, director of public policy at the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network, and Doug Nugent, with Prostate Cancer Canada Network Ottawa, a patient advocate and prostate cancer survivor. They’re here in the gallery today and look forward to meeting many of us tomorrow.

Please join me in congratulating the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network for all the great work they do. I invite all MPPs to come by the breakfast reception tomorrow in Room 228 from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Sexual violence and harassment

Ms. Laura Mae Lindo: Today in my riding of Kitchener Centre, people are excited as they take

part in celebrations like Oktoberfest and homecoming. While I look forward to joining them all on Friday, I’m also aware that this time on university and college campuses sees a dangerous spike in sexual assaults, especially when alcohol is involved in the celebration.

Organizations like the SHORE Centre, which is the centre for Sexual Health, Options, Resources and Education, remain concerned that people have not been taught about affirmative consent or the role that alcohol plays in consent. Both topics have been removed from the interim sexual health curriculum which is being used in Ontario today. This is not only worrisome but it’s also extremely dangerous.

Today I am standing in the House to call on the Premier and the members of the Conservative caucus to do things differently. I am asking each of you to take concerns around sexual and gender-based violence seriously.

Building a culture of consent takes real work. It takes real political will. Neglecting the need to put financial resources into agencies like the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region will have a lasting impact on what my riding looks like today and how safe survivors will feel during the next few weeks. The organizations cannot rely on individual and community support to build a sustainability plan. That’s not how you build a culture of consent.

It is time for the PC government to do better.

Claude Nunney

Mr. Jim McDonell: This past weekend in my riding of Stormont–Dundas–South Glengarry, we celebrated British Home Child Day and the plight and contribution of the 130,000-plus children who were part of the child immigration movement from Britain to Canada between 1869 and 1938. Orphaned children and children in poverty were relocated as workers looking for a better future in Canada.

One such child, Claude Nunney, was placed in my hometown in North Lancaster in 1905 at the age of 13 and became the most decorated Canadian in military history.

In June 1913, Claude enlisted as a private with the 59th Stormont and Glengarry Regiment. Claude was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions during the Battle of Vimy Ridge in April 1917, where he was wounded twice but continued fighting. Later that year, he was awarded the Military Medal for the greatest strength and courage in actions at Avion. He was hospitalized after being gassed in July of 1917.

On September 1, 1918, at the Drocourt-Quéant Line, positions recently captured by the Canadians were subject to heavy fire and counterattack. On his own initiative, Nunney left his company’s main line and went forward through the artillery barrage to its outpost line, where he ran from position to position to encourage his comrades.

The next day, Private Nunney’s exemplary conduct helped to inspire his company to carry out its objective. He was severely wounded on that day, and died on September 18, 1918. He was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously for the dash and steadfast example he showed during the battle.

A stone monument was placed at the township hall in North Lancaster to celebrate Claude Nunney’s achievements.

Donna Strickland

Ms. Catherine Fife: I’m pleased to stand today to share the news that Dr. Donna Strickland of the University of Waterloo was awarded a Nobel Prize in physics early this morning. Dr. Strickland’s research in chirped pulse amplification, or CPA, has led to significant advancements in corrective eye surgeries.

She is the first woman to be awarded this prize in 55 years and only the third woman in history. This is a significant win not only for Dr. Strickland but for all women and girls who aspire to change the world through science.

While women represent the majority of young university graduates, they are significantly underrepresented in the STEM fields, regardless of their high school mathematics ability. Visibility and recognition are important. Women and girls need role models to see STEM as a place that they too could thrive.

To quote Dr. Strickland, “We need to celebrate women physicists because we’re out there, and hopefully in time it’ll start to move forward at a faster rate.” Let’s ensure that women don’t have to wait another 55 years to be recognized for their contributions to STEM fields.

Please join me today in congratulating Dr. Strickland, the first Canadian woman to win the Nobel Prize in physics.

Cyprus Independence Day

Mr. Aris Babikian: In observance of Cyprus National Day, allow me to recognize and salute the 58th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus. I extend warmest congratulations to the government and the people of Cyprus and pay tribute to Ontarians of Cypriot descent who have become an indelible part of our cultural fabric and whose contribution to the growth, prosperity and vibrancy of our province is appreciated.

We commemorate the deep bonds of friendship that exist between Ontario and the people of Cyprus. The support of the Cypriot Federation of Canada and the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to Canada, His Excellency Vasilios Philippou, are deeply appreciated. I look forward to the further strengthening of our bilateral relations.

We pay tribute to all of those who lost their lives in the wars that took place in Cyprus, especially the 1974 invasion and occupation of northern Cyprus. We also recognize the tremendous contribution of the Canadian Armed Forces and the 28 fallen Canadian soldiers serving under the UN peacekeeping forces in Cyprus.

We extend our province’s gratitude to all those who share this great heritage and whose accomplishments, struggles and sacrifices continue to solidify Ontario’s position as a region renowned for our commitment to tolerance, diversity and multiculturalism.

Anti-smoking initiatives for youth

M me France Gélinas: This July 1, the Progressive Conservative government opened up a huge loophole when it comes to vaping. Vaping was supposed to be restricted. Promotional marketing was supposed to be restricted in Ontario, but on July 1 they changed all of this. There is now a regulation in front of us that basically would allow for the big tobacco companies that own those vaping products to hook a new generation of kids on addicting vaping products; that is, the nicotine contained within the vaping pods in the vaping products.

Kids should not be exposed to vaping industry and to tobacco industry marketing and promotion. We owe it to ourselves, with everything we have done with Smoke-Free Ontario, to not take this huge step backward.

We now know that Juul has a contract with Shell gas stations, so every convenience store will have those big advertisings enticing children and youth to try vaping. The amount of youth in grade 10 and 12 that use vaping regularly is increasing by 400% every year. Two years ago, we were at about 15% of kids; now we are way higher than that.

The government needs to prohibit any vaping marketing, advertising or promotion that could be seen by our children.

Bells of Peace

Mr. Lorne Coe: I’m pleased to rise today to applaud the Royal Canadian Legion and its Bells of Peace initiative. The Royal Canadian Legion was formed at the end of World War I. It is fitting that this year it’s reminding all Canadians to cast their minds to the sacrifices made by so many during and even after the horrible conflict.

For a moment in time, we’re being asked to remember the elation that peace brought to the world at the end of hostilities in Europe, and the cost to achieve it. On November 11, 1918, church bells rang spontaneously in many countries in an outpouring of relief that war was finally over. This year in Whitby and in so many municipalities across the country, bells will again ring out as the sun sets on November 11. At five-second intervals, it will sound 100 times, one for each year since the end of the Great War, honouring the men and women who served in its battles.

I congratulate the Royal Canadian Legion for its initiative and look forward to participating in ceremonies on November 11. Lest we forget. Lest we forget.

Oktoberfest

Mr. Mike Harris: Oktoberfest has a long and rich history, both in Waterloo region and abroad. What started as a Bavarian tradition has grown into a global celebration. Oktoberfest celebrates German food, music, fashion, beer and more.

Hon. Todd Smith: Schnitzel.

Mr. Mike Harris: Yes, and schnitzel.

With Waterloo region’s strong German heritage, Oktoberfest has become a centrepiece of our fall calendar. This year’s celebration marks the 50th anniversary of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, the largest Oktoberfest in North America. I’m excited to say that I will be participating in the opening ceremonies of this nine-day festival, which officially kicks off on Friday, October 5, and concludes on Saturday, October 15.

The not-for-profit organization in charge of organizing the event was founded in 1969 by a group of volunteers committed to contributing to the social and economic vitality of Waterloo region, and, boy, have they ever.

The festival runs every October and is operated by eight year-round, full-time staff, over 450 volunteers and 1,300 community and service club members. The festival will host the largest Thanksgiving Day parade in Canada on Monday, October 8. In addition to various celebrations at festhallen and throughout the nine days, there are 40 family and cultural events—a little something for everyone.

Celebrations such as Oktoberfest are essential for preserving the social fabric of our community and provide a great opportunity to showcase to the rest of the province and the country some of what Waterloo region has to offer.

To community organizers and volunteers who have contributed so much of their time, money and effort towards making sure that this year’s Oktoberfest is the best one yet, I say danke schön and thank you for taking part.

Motions

Committee membership

Hon. Todd Smith: I move that pursuant to standing order 113, the membership of the Select Committee on Financial Transparency be appointed as follows: Mr. Baber, Mr. Downey, Mrs. Martin, Ms. Park, Mr. Romano, Mr. Sarkaria, Ms. Fife, Ms. Shaw and Mr. Vanthof.

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

Motion agreed to.

Statements by the Ministry and Responses

Forest industry

Hon. Jeff Yurek: Speaker, I rise in the Legislature today to share with members an account of the success of National Forest Week, the first for me as Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry.

Last week, people all across Ontario joined the rest of the country in marking National Forest Week. Some people took this opportunity to learn more about Canada’s forest heritage. Others participated in events that raised awareness about this valuable and renewable resource.

Our government is committed to supporting all the people, families and communities who depend on Ontario’s forests. Last Thursday, our government began to fulfill that commitment. I was pleased to announce the first step in developing a provincial forestry strategy with the launch of our round table discussions so that we can build a forestry strategy that will create a sustainable forest management plan, promote economic growth and foster competition in our forestry sector. This is an important first step because forestry is and has always been critical to Ontario’s economic prosperity.

Consider this, Mr. Speaker: Ontario’s forest industry generates over $15 billion in revenues and nearly 260 communities across Ontario depend on the forest sector for 150,000 direct and indirect jobs. The numbers reinforce what we know to be true: Thousands and thousands of hard-working Ontarians, their families and their communities depend on this bountiful, renewable resource.

What really sets our forests apart is the way they are managed. Ontario’s forest management practices are recognized around the world for being sustainable, one of the best. These sustainable forest management practices keep our forests healthy and productive. Healthy forests support a strong forest industry that provides people with jobs and creates a wide range of products like lumber, paper, panels, fuel, medicines and chemicals, and that’s just naming a few. Additionally, they provide recreational opportunities like hiking and hunting, and support our biodiversity.

We need a provincial forestry strategy to chart a path to prosperity, to create opportunities and take advantage of the full potential of Ontario’s forests. We want to ensure the forestry sector is driven by a long-term vision for growth and sustainability, and that communities across the province will share in this prosperity.

Over the coming months, Ontario’s government for the people will be sitting down with the forestry industry, municipal leaders and Indigenous communities to develop this strategy and open Ontario up for business. We are committed to standing up for these families, this industry and all of the people and families who depend upon it.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Responses?

Ms. Judith Monteith-Farrell: I am very happy to rise in this House today to respond to the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry’s statement and congratulate him and the government for recognizing the important role of the forest industry in our province.

National Forest Week is a great time for citizens to reflect on and enjoy our province’s forests. The theme for 2018 is Research Forests: Canada’s Living Laboratories, which recognizes 2018 as the 100th anniversary of the Petawawa Research Forest, which is not only the oldest research forest in Canada but also named forest capital of Canada for 2017-19. This forest is right here in Ontario in Chalk River.

In honour of National Forest Week, I planted a tree in my yard. I am so very lucky to be surrounded by forests in my home, and forests cover my riding of Thunder Bay–Atikokan. I’m out hiking every chance I get. I have the good fortune to have met with the hard-working people who plant our forests, manage our forests, fight forest fires to protect and monitor the resource, and with forest scientists.

I have witnessed the evolution of the front-line forest worker, who used to be a man with a saw who lived in a camp, like my old neighbour Mike Muller, to chainsaw operators, skidder operators, truck drivers and now advanced machine operators, to name a few. I have worked with the unions Unifor and United Steel Workers, who saw the destruction of the industry with many plants being shut down and their members displaced. As sawmills get back up and running now, working with employers, those unions see the challenges of labour shortages and the lack of skilled trades to keep facilities going.

I also hear the struggles of the owner-operator truck drivers who haul wood and wood chips to market. One of their struggles is the state of highways and access roads, something that needs to be factored in when talking about the forest industry.

The forest industry has come a long way. When meeting with the Ontario Forest Industries Association last week, there was such an impressive group of business owners and operators. Several spoke up that they had had up to five generations working in a forest plot, and their passion was inspiring as they spoke of keeping forests healthy and viable and of the 57,000 jobs they create. The products that they were producing were so diverse, from the obvious wood products and paper and cardboard to biomass fuel pellets and chemical derivatives used in, of all things, toothpaste.

The other exciting themes that many of those business leaders spoke of were the opportunity and innovation working with Indigenous companies and communities. Indigenous workers have long been involved with wood harvesting, or bush work, as we call it, but many communities, like those in my riding at Fort William First Nation and Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation, are establishing and partnering with the development of this resource.

The minister spoke of consultation in different communities, and I am so encouraged by that opportunity. There are so many people already engaged but so many more that have ideas and perspectives on forest management and development.

Forests are a renewable resource and can provide so many environmental benefits for our province. It is time for Ontario to notice and take example from smaller countries like Finland that have maximized their resource while maintaining sustainability. Ontario is three times larger than Finland, which harvests 15 million cubic metres, yet Ontario harvests 80% less than Finland.

Forest management and development have long been a subject of controversy because of the impact on the environment, which should always be kept in consideration. As industry leaders indicated, though, they are also very keenly invested in ensuring forests are healthy and protected from climate change.

Petitions

Employment standards

Ms. Marit Stiles: It’s my pleasure to present a petition on behalf of my constituent Rob Gibbons. This is a petition to the Ontario Legislative Assembly:

“Don’t Take Away Our $15 Minimum Wage and Fairer Labour Laws.

“Whereas the vast majority of Ontarians support a $15 minimum wage and better laws to protect workers; and

“Whereas last year, in response to overwhelming popular demand by the people of Ontario, the provincial government brought in legislation and regulations that:

“Deliver 10 personal emergency leave days for all workers, the first two of which are paid;

“Make it illegal to pay part-time, temporary, casual or contract workers less than their full-time or directly hired co-workers, including equal public holiday pay and vacation pay;

“Raised the adult general minimum wage to $14 per hour and further raises it to a $15 minimum wage on January 1, 2019, with annual adjustments by Ontario’s consumer price index;

“Make it easier to join unions, especially for workers in the temporary help, home care, community services and building services sectors;

“Make client companies responsible for workplace health and safety for temporary agency employees;

“Provide strong enforcement through the hiring of an additional 175 employment standards officers;

“Will ensure workers have modest improvements in the scheduling of their hours, including:

“—three hours’ pay when workers are expected to be on call all day, but are not called into work;

“—three hours’ pay for any employee whose shift is cancelled with less than two days’ notice; and

“—the right to refuse shifts without penalty if the shift is scheduled with fewer than four days’ notice;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to honour these commitments, including the $15 minimum wage and fairer scheduling rules set to take effect on January 1, 2019. We further call on the assembly to take all necessary steps to enforce these laws and extend them to ensure no worker is left without protection.”

I am pleased to sign this petition, especially in light of the Premier’s unfortunate announcement earlier today to scrap Bill 148—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I would ask members not to make political statements in conjunction with presenting petitions.

Injured workers

Mr. Joel Harden: I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario entitled “Workers’ Comp is a Right.”

“Whereas about 200,000 to 300,000 people in Ontario are injured on the job every year;

“Whereas over a century ago, workers in Ontario who were injured on the job gave up the right to sue their employers, in exchange for a system that would provide them with just compensation;

“Whereas decades of cost-cutting have pushed injured workers into poverty and onto publicly funded social assistance programs, and have gradually curtailed the rights of injured workers;

“Whereas injured workers have the right to quality and timely medical care, compensation for lost wages, and protection from discrimination;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to change the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act to accomplish the following for injured workers in Ontario:

“Eliminate the practice of ‘deeming’ or ‘determining,’ which bases compensation on phantom jobs that injured workers do not actually have;

“Ensure that the WSIB prioritizes and respects the medical opinions of the health care providers who treat the injured worker directly;

“Prevent compensation from being reduced or denied based on ‘pre-existing conditions’ that never affected the worker’s ability to function prior to the work injury.”

I’ll be signing this petition, and I thank Ana Cruz-Zamara for bringing this to my attention.

Curriculum

Mr. Randy Hillier: I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

“Whereas the Liberal government of Kathleen Wynne, in 2015, imposed on Ontario parents, without proper consultation, an ideological sex ed curriculum that, in many places, was age-inappropriate and had the effect of sexualizing children; and

“Whereas the Wynne sex ed curriculum has, since 2015, forced Ontario teachers to promote ideology over facts, including the controversial and unscientific ‘gender identity theory’;

“We the undersigned petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows”—Speaker, it’s a fairly lengthy petition. I’ll leave it at that, but they have petitioned this assembly much in the fashion that the government has acted.

Curriculum

Ms. Laura Mae Lindo: I have a petition called “Protecting Children: Forward, Not Backward, on Sex Ed.”

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the health and physical education curriculum empowers young people to make informed decisions about relationships and their bodies;

“Whereas gender-based violence, gender inequality, unintended pregnancies, ‘sexting,’ and HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose serious risks to the safety and well-being of young people;

“Whereas one in three women and one in six men experience sexual violence in Canada, and a lack of age-appropriate education about sexual health and healthy relationships leaves children and youth vulnerable to exploitation;

“Whereas one in five parents reported their own child being a victim of cyberbullying; and

“Whereas Doug Ford and the Conservative government is dragging Ontario backward, requiring students to learn an outdated sex ed curriculum that excludes information about consent, sexual orientation, gender identity, sexting, cyberbullying and safe and healthy relationships;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to direct the Ministry of Education to continue the use of the 2015 health and physical education curriculum in schools and move Ontario forward, not backward.”

I fully support this petition, affix my name to it and will give it to page Deven.

Curriculum

Ms. Catherine Fife: I want to thank the students from Waterloo Collegiate Institute for collecting these names for this petition.

“Protecting Children: Forward, Not Backward, on Sex Ed.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the health and physical education curriculum empowers young people to make informed decisions about relationships and their bodies;

“Whereas gender-based violence, gender inequality, unintended pregnancies, ‘sexting,’ and HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose serious risks to the safety and well-being of young people;

“Whereas one in three women and one in six men experience sexual violence in Canada, and a lack of age-appropriate education about sexual health and healthy relationships leaves children and youth vulnerable to exploitation;

“Whereas one in five parents reported their own child being a victim of cyberbullying;

“Whereas Doug Ford and the Conservative government is dragging Ontario backward, requiring students to learn an outdated sex ed curriculum that excludes information about consent, sexual orientation, gender identity, sexting, cyberbullying and safe and healthy relationships;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to direct the Ministry of Education to continue the use of the 2015 health and physical education curriculum in schools and move Ontario forward, not backward.”

I fully support this petition, will affix my signature and give this petition to Toria.

Traffic control

M me France Gélinas: I would like to thank Mrs. Suzanne Moland from Wahnapitae in my riding for collecting all of these names—262 to be exact—on these petitions. It reads as follows:

“Intersection of Highway 17 and Highway 537.

“Whereas residents of Wahnapitae are concerned about the safety of the intersection of Highway 17 and Highway 537 and would like greater traffic control measures in place to prevent further accidents and fatalities; and

“Whereas an accident that occurred on October 1, 2017, resulted in loss of life; and

“Whereas two different accidents occurred on October 13, 2017, that involved multiple vehicles and closed Highway 17 for seven hours, delaying traffic; and

“Whereas the Ministry of Transportation has jurisdiction over highways and is responsible for traffic safety in Ontario;”

They petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

“That the Ministry of Transportation install traffic control measures such as a flashing light at the intersection of Highway 17 and Highway 537 to enhance traffic safety.”

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

Gasoline prices

M me France Gélinas: I would like to thank Terrie Shinton from Levack in my riding for this petition.

“Whereas northern Ontario motorists continue to be subject to wild fluctuations in the price of gasoline; and

“Whereas the province could eliminate opportunistic price gouging and deliver fair, stable and predictable fuel prices; and

“Whereas five provinces and many US states already have some sort of gas price regulation; and

“Whereas jurisdictions with gas price regulation have seen an end to wild price fluctuations, a shrinking of price discrepancies between urban and rural communities and lower annualized gas prices”;

They petition the Legislative Assembly as follows:

“Mandate the Ontario Energy Board to monitor the price of gasoline across Ontario in order to reduce price volatility and unfair regional price differences while encouraging competition.”

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

School facilities

Ms. Laura Mae Lindo: “Fund Our Schools.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas too many children are going to school in buildings without proper heating or cooling, with leaky roofs or stairways overdue for repair;

“Whereas after years of Conservative and Liberal governments neglecting schools, the backlog of needed repairs has reached $16 billion;

“Whereas during the 2018 election, numerous members of the Conservative Party, including the current Minister of Education, pledged to provide adequate, stable funding for Ontario’s schools;

“Whereas less than three weeks into the legislative session, Doug Ford and the Conservative government” had “already cut $100 million in much-needed school repairs, leaving our children and educators to suffer in classrooms that are unsafe and unhealthy;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to direct the Minister of Education to immediately reverse the decision to cut $100 million in school repair funding, and invest the $16 billion needed to tackle the repair backlog in Ontario’s schools.”

I fully support this petition, will affix my name to it and give it to page Deven.

Curriculum

M me France Gélinas: I have this huge petition from the members of Islington United Church of Toronto.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas for six years the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) listened to thousands of former students of residential schools and their families testify to the devastating legacy of this national policy of assimilation;

“Whereas the TRC called upon ‘the federal, provincial and territorial governments, in consultation and collaboration with survivors, Aboriginal peoples and educators, to make age-appropriate curriculum on residential schools, treaties and Aboriginal peoples’ historical and contemporary contributions to Canada a mandatory education requirement for kindergarten to grade 12 students’ (CA62.i);

“Whereas on July 15, 2015, Canada’s Premiers indicated their support for all 94 Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action and said they would act on them in their own provinces and territories;

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

“That the Legislative Assembly of Ontario urge the government of Ontario to fully implement such a curriculum for kindergarten through grade 12; and

“Whereas, in 2017, the government of Ontario had taken first steps to fulfill this action with a planned completion date of fall 2018”;

They ask the Ministry of Education to “immediately complete and implement the comprehensive revision of history, social studies, civics and other curriculum for kindergarten through grade 12 to fulfill the goals cited in call to action 62.i from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report.”

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

Curriculum

Ms. Laura Mae Lindo: I have a petition entitled “Protecting Children: Forward, Not Backward, on Sex Ed.”

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the health and physical education curriculum empowers young people to make informed decisions about relationships and their bodies;

“Whereas gender-based violence, gender inequality, unintended pregnancies, ‘sexting,’ and HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose serious risks to the safety and well-being of young people;

“Whereas one in three women and one in six men experience sexual violence in Canada, and a lack of age-appropriate education about sexual health and healthy relationships leaves children and youth vulnerable to exploitation;

“Whereas one in five parents reported their own child being a victim of cyberbullying; and

“Whereas Doug Ford and the Conservative government is dragging Ontario backward, requiring students to learn an outdated sex ed curriculum that excludes information about consent, sexual orientation, gender identity, sexting, cyberbullying and safe and healthy relationships;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to direct the Ministry of Education to continue the use of the 2015 health and physical education curriculum in schools and move Ontario forward, not backward.”

I fully support this petition.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): The time for petitions has expired.

Orders of the Day

Cannabis Statute Law Amendment Act, 2018 / Loi de 2018 modifiant des lois en ce qui concerne le cannabis

Resuming the debate adjourned on October 1, 2018, on the motion for second reading of the following bill:

Bill 36,

An Act to enact a new Act and make amendments to various other Acts respecting the use and sale of cannabis and vapour products in Ontario / Projet de loi 36, Loi édictant une nouvelle loi et modifiant diverses autres lois en ce qui concerne l’utilisation et la vente de cannabis et de produits de vapotage en Ontario.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Percy Hatfield): Further debate?

Mr. Gilles Bisson: I want to take the time that I have in this debate to give maybe a bit of a different perspective with regard to this legislation. But first of all, before I do, I just want to make it clear so that nobody misunderstands what I’m about to say.

The federal government made a decision. The federal government has decided to legalize marijuana. It is not for this House to decide should that or should that not have been done. We are left with the remnants of a federal decision and we, as a Legislature, across this province, have to decide how we’re going to regulate the use of marijuana and how we’re going to dispense marijuana in this province.

There may be a lot of people in Ontario who like this idea, but there are also people in this province who don’t like the idea. I want to say I fall somewhere in between because I have a bit of a different perspective. My sister Louise is now dead. She became schizophrenic fairly young in age. She was about 17 or 18 years old. She was a perfectly normal young girl growing up, going off to university, doing everything that young people do who are trying to move along with life and, like most people of that age, myself included, doing pot. Unfortunately for Louise, she swore until the day she died that her schizophrenia was actually triggered by the pot.

Far too many times, our family had to deal with the tragedy of that. Louise, a bright, bright young woman who later died when she was about 61 or 62 years old, struggled with schizophrenia from the time when she was about 18 years old. Suicidal—my sister didn’t only have voices; she had visions. She would be sitting here and having a conversation with somebody she saw in the room who was saying things to make her harm herself.

I’ve got to tell you, from her perspective, you can imagine how difficult that was, but from the perspective of friends and family it was horrible, because we didn’t know how to deal with it. We had no idea what schizophrenia was at the time as a family, having to cope with that, how to deal with schizophrenia, what to do to give our sister some support so that she’s able to be safe, survive and have a quality of life.

I’ll tell you, Louise had one heck of a ride. Far too many times she tried to end her life. Why? Because of the schizophrenia. Somebody would say to her, “You are not a good person and you should die.” My sister tried to take her life I don’t know how many times. My mother, my dad and eventually myself, because I was the only family member left in town in Timmins with her, often had to lock her up on a form 1, because it was the only way we could ensure security for her so that we at least could get her back on her meds.

As long as she was on her meds, the schizophrenia was still bad, but she was not as reactive to the schizophrenia as she would be off her meds. We know that the problem with a lot of mental health diseases, such as schizophrenia, is that the person feels that they are okay: “There’s nothing wrong so I don’t need my meds.” The minute they go off their meds, they start to deteriorate, and the symptoms of whatever the mental health illness is come back and sometimes come back raging.

It’s kind of appropriate that we are doing Mental Health Awareness Week this week. We will have, later on this afternoon, people from across Ontario who work in mental health. I would encourage people to go to that reception tonight, up on the second floor, I believe, because the work that they do is really, really tough work.

Unfortunately, I know from the personal perspective of having to deal with my sister, who was schizophrenic—who eventually died of cancer. One thing, in passing, that was very interesting when she died: While she was palliative, it was the only time that she didn’t have any voices. In the last weeks of her life, for some reason, the act of dying took away the voices and the visions, which I don’t quite understand, but it was an interesting thing, just in passing.

In regard to this bill—and I don’t fault the government. It’s not your fault. You’re the government having to enact whatever it is that the federal government has put in place. But there is a debate about the appropriate use of cannabis, especially with younger people.

In the case of my sister, it almost killed her. It almost killed us as a family because we had no idea how to deal with it, and the conflict that we had trying to deal with this was quite dramatic. Eventually—thank God; and I say this as a person who is non-practising—the Canadian Mental Health Association in Timmins wrapped really good services around my sister and eventually had

an ACT aide who was able to make sure that she was taking her meds. After my parents died and I was the sole provider, being in this place, I needed to have somebody back home who was able to make sure she takes her meds. That ACT team allowed her to survive. They would go in every day and they would make sure that she had her meds and make sure that she did the things that she had to do to be able to live an independent life as best as possible.

So I have a bit of a mixed feeling. I don’t do pot anymore. I haven’t done pot since I was around 17 or 18 years old. Most of us who were born in my generation and in generations after have done pot at one time or other in their life, or at least tried it. I was one of the lucky persons who wasn’t affected by pot in the way that my sister was. But there are many young people who had their lives turned upside down, and families turned upside down, as a result of the use of pot.

The problem that we have, as a Legislature, is that we can’t stop what the federal government is doing. That’s not for debate. The federal government has made the decision, and unfortunately we have to deal with that decision pro or against, because there are people in favour of legalizing pot—some of my own family members, I can tell you, as you have family members on your side who think this is a good idea. But I have family members, friends and people that I know who have some difficulty.

One of the things that I’m looking for in this legislation—and I hope that we do proper consultation on this legislation with the public—is: How do we deal with keeping, as much as we can, pot away from young people triggering diseases such as schizophrenia? I know it’s a hard thing to do because people will do what people do, right? It’s just reality. You either get it legally or you get it illegally. There are going to be people who use it no matter what, Mr. Speaker.

We really need to take a look at: What can we do, not just by way of restrictions but by way of programs that help young people understand that utilizing pot could lead to quite traumatic experiences in their lives, as it did with my sister? That’s one of the things that I think this Legislature has to look into. To me, it’s one of the fundamental issues that we’re going to have a hard time dealing with, because the reality is that no matter what we do here, people are going to use it. Mr. Speaker, that’s just the way it is. They either do it legally or illegally.

So, if we’re going to legalize it, we need to find some way of making sure that we, as much as possible, not only try to keep the pot away from people under a certain age, but those under a certain age are also informed about the dangers of using it, because it can be quite traumatic.

Unfortunately, I know a lot of my sister’s friends who went through the same type of experience. There were a couple of clubs that Louise was part of. I used to go to events because, like you, I would get invited to events, but also, I was a family member. We would get into these conversations about what triggered her mental illness. I’ve heard this story way too many times to tell me there is some sort of correlation. I’m not a doctor. I’m not a researcher. I am only going by what I know anecdotally. But we need to find something to do that.

The other thing in this particular debate that I’m a little bit puzzled about, quite frankly, is, why are we following the tobacco laws and not the liquor laws? The government has decided, by way of this legislation, if I understand it correctly—and correct me if I’m wrong. The government is going to allow people to utilize pot in the same areas that you’re allowed to smoke a cigarette. Well, I’ve got to tell you the truth—there’s a whole bunch of things, but first of all, as a non pot smoker, I hate the smell. I live at the corner of Bay and Edward in Toronto, and I live out at Kamiskotia Lake in Timmins.

At Kamiskotia Lake, I ain’t going to smell it, because it’s a pretty big area. If anybody is smoking on that lake, I won’t even know. But when you’re living in downtown Toronto, in an urban centre, or downtown Timmins or Schumacher or wherever it might be, and people are walking up and down the street, you’re going to have the smell of cannabis, and for some of us it’s somewhat offensive. Some people get upset when there’s smoking of cigarettes in a building, let alone smoking of pot on the street.

So I’m curious as to why the government decided to follow the legislation that governs the use of cigarettes. Maybe we needed to have some kind of a hybrid, where we looked at the use of alcohol. We don’t allow people to walk down the street or go into a park with a bottle of beer or a glass of wine or a bottle of rye. If you’re caught, you can be charged, and it happens. People do it, and they get charged.

Why would we allow the use of pot in the same way as a cigarette, and not take a look at trying to find a way—if you want to smoke pot, that’s your business, but that you’re not going to do it in a way that offends other people and their right not to smell it and not to be affected by the intoxication that may come from the use of pot.

You know as well as I do that there are people who misuse alcohol, and the misuse of alcohol can be pretty darn tragic, when it comes to those people affected and what happens when people are inebriated. Well, it tends to be a different type of high, I understand. When you smoke pot, you’re a little bit happier than you would be if you drank alcohol, because one is a depressant and the other one is to make you higher. Nonetheless, I don’t want to be around that.

Call me old-fashioned, but I don’t necessarily want to be around a bunch of people who are smoking pot and acting in whatever way they will, in a happy state—not that I don’t like happiness. I laugh with the members across here often on many things. But there is an issue of sensibilities for people out there.

So I think one of the things that we need to take a look at is, is it appropriate that pot be used in the same way as cigarettes? I don’t know the answer. The government may have some good reasons why they’re doing what they did, and I’m going to be curious to see what’s said in this debate and what’s said in committee. There may be some logical reason why the government has done what it did, but—

Hon. Jeff Yurek: CAMH recommended it.

Mr. Gilles Bisson: Yes, I know. I saw that. I read it in the papers.

Still, you understand from my perspecti