Ontario Hansard — 13 June 2005 (38th Parliament, 1st Session)
2005-06-13
Ontario — Debates (Hansard)
role="main" class="main-container container js-quickedit-main-content" id="main-content">
June 13, 2005
38th Parliament, 1st Session
< Previous sitting day
Next sitting day >
Hansard Transcripts
Votes and Proceedings
Orders and Notices
Hansard Transcripts 2005-Jun-13 (PDF)
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO
ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L'ONTARIO
Monday 13 June 2005 Lundi 13 juin 2005
MEMBERS' STATEMENTS
ASSISTANCE TO FARMERS
RON CHRISTIE
SOUTH CARLETON LEGION
UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN ONTARIO
COUNCIL ON FOREST SECTOR COMPETITIVENESS
COLLISION REPAIR INDUSTRY
ANTI-SMOKING LEGISLATION
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
GOVERNMENT'S RECORD
LEGISLATIVE PAGES
REPORTS BY COMMITTEES
STANDING COMMITTEE ON ESTIMATES
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
GREENBELT STATUTE LAW AMENDMENT ACT, 2005 /
LOI DE 2005 MODIFIANT DES LOIS
EN CE QUI A TRAIT
À LA CEINTURE DE VERDURE
APPRENTICESHIP AND CERTIFICATION AMENDMENT ACT, 2005 /
LOI DE 2005 MODIFIANT LA
LOI SUR L'APPRENTISSAGE ET LA RECONNAISSANCE PROFESSIONNELLE
APPRENTICESHIP AND CERTIFICATION AMENDMENT ACT, 2005 /
LOI DE 2005 MODIFIANT LA
LOI SUR L'APPRENTISSAGE ET LA RECONNAISSANCE PROFESSIONNELLE
APPRENTICESHIP AND CERTIFICATION AMENDMENT ACT, 2005 /
LOI DE 2005 MODIFIANT LA
LOI SUR L'APPRENTISSAGE ET LA RECONNAISSANCE PROFESSIONNELLE
MOTIONS
LEGISLATIVE PAGES
PARTY STATUS
REFERRAL OF BILLS
STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY AND RESPONSES
OPSEU AGREEMENT /
ENTENTE AVEC LE SEFPO
DEFERRED VOTES
PLACES TO GROW ACT, 2005 /
LOI DE 2005 SUR
LES ZONES DE CROISSANCE
REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY
OF PEEL ACT, 2005 /
LOI DE 2005 SUR LA MUNICIPALITÉ
RÉGIONALE DE PEEL
ORAL QUESTIONS
MINISTER'S INTEGRITY
COST OF ELECTRICAL POWER
MINISTER'S INTEGRITY
PROBATION AND PAROLE SERVICES
RURAL HEALTH SERVICES
ONTARIO ECONOMY
AIR QUALITY
TEACHERS' CONTRACTS
COMMERCIAL FISHING
RURAL EDUCATION FUNDING
VISITOR
PETITIONS
HEALTH CARE SERVICES
REGIONAL CENTRES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED
COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRES
PUBLIC TRANSIT TAX CREDIT
TFO
WEARING OF HELMETS
CREDIT VALLEY HOSPITAL
PENSION PLANS
CREDIT VALLEY HOSPITAL
VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS
EDUCATION FUNDING
TEACHER QUALIFICATION
VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS
ORDERS OF THE DAY
LABOUR RELATIONS STATUTE LAW
AMENDMENT ACT, 2005 /
LOI DE 2005 MODIFIANT DES LOIS
CONCERNANT LES RELATIONS
DE TRAVAIL
ELECTION STATUTE LAW
AMENDMENT ACT, 2005 /
LOI DE 2005 MODIFIANT DES LOIS
EN CE QUI CONCERNE LES ÉLECTIONS
ELECTION AMENDMENT ACT, 2005 /
LOI DE 2005 MODIFIANT
LA LOI ÉLECTORALE
ELECTION AMENDMENT ACT, 2005 /
LOI DE 2005 MODIFIANT
LA LOI ÉLECTORALE
KEY AIRCRAFT SERVICES INC. ACT, 2005
KEY AIRCRAFT SERVICES INC. ACT, 2005
ACTON DISPOSAL
SERVICES LIMITED ACT, 2005
ACTON DISPOSAL
SERVICES LIMITED ACT, 2005
KITCHENER-WATERLOO
Y.M.C.A. ACT, 2005
KITCHENER-WATERLOO
Y.M.C.A. ACT, 2005
TYNDALE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
& SEMINARY ACT, 2005
TYNDALE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
& SEMINARY ACT, 2005
INSTITUTE FOR
CHRISTIAN STUDIES ACT, 2005
INSTITUTE FOR
CHRISTIAN STUDIES ACT, 2005
TORONTO ATMOSPHERIC FUND
ACT, 2005
TORONTO ATMOSPHERIC FUND
ACT, 2005
REFERRAL OF BILLS
ASIAN HERITAGE ACT, 2005 /
LOI DE 2005
SUR LE PATRIMOINE ASIATIQUE
HIGHWAY TRAFFIC AMENDMENT ACT
(SCHOOL CROSSING GUARDS), 2005 /
LOI DE 2005 MODIFIANT LE CODE
DE LA ROUTE (PASSEURS SCOLAIRES)
FARM IMPLEMENTS
AMENDMENT ACT, 2005 /
LOI DE 2005 MODIFIANT LA LOI
SUR LES APPAREILS AGRICOLES
ONTARIO WINE WEEK ACT, 2005 /
LOI DE 2005 SUR LA SEMAINE DES VINS
DE L'ONTARIO
ONTARIO WINE WEEK ACT, 2005 /
LOI DE 2005 SUR LA SEMAINE DES VINS
DE L'ONTARIO
SELECT COMMITTEE ON
ELECTORAL REFORM
STATUS OF BUSINESS
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
PARLIAMENTARY CALENDAR
ROYAL ASSENT /
SANCTION ROYALE
The House met at 1330.
Prayers.
MEMBERS' STATEMENTS
ASSISTANCE TO FARMERS
Mr. Ernie Hardeman (Oxford): In October 2003, our provincial PC government was pleased to announce and deliver $20 million under the 3B program
for farmers affected by the BSE crisis. This money went directly to over 6,800 livestock producers throughout Ontario. This money was to help farmers recover a bare minimum of costs to help keep
their family farms up and running.
Last week, however, I was shocked when I began to hear from farmers throughout my riding and throughout Ontario who received a letter from Agricorp telling them
that the Liberal government of the day is required to recover this funding from all farmers who are not enrolled in the CAIS program. Jim Roberts is a beef and sheep producer from Gilford. His
family received $2,000 in 2003, and now, in 2005, is being asked by the Liberal government to return this money, simply because he isn't enrolled in another government aid program, the CAIS
program.
Farmers who received the money in 2003 were never told of this requirement and certainly did not expect today's Liberal government to turn the collection agent
on to our own Ontario livestock farmers.
On page 29 of the Liberal 2005 budget, we noticed a 23.1% budget cut to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Minister Peters, on the other hand, has been
continually telling us that there is no cut and that the real money spent balances out. Now we know where the differences will come from: directly from our farmers.
In 2003, the PC government was working hard to help our farmers affected by the BSE crisis. In 2005, the Liberal government is reaching back into the affected
farmers' pockets and taking their money back to apply it to their current budget. Minister, you can't take 2003 money back and use it for 2005 expenses; it's simply not fair.
What are these farmers going to do now? The Liberal government should immediately apologize to the farmers and tell them they made a mistake, and that they will
be able to keep this much-needed money.
RON CHRISTIE
Mr. Brad Duguid (Scarborough Centre): I rise today to pay tribute to a man who over the course of four decades has made an invaluable
contribution to our province's environment, most recently here in the GTA. The gentleman I'm referring to is Mr. Ron Christie.
On Friday, June 17 of this year, a special luncheon is being held in his honour celebrating his 10 years as chair of the Rouge Park Alliance. Ron was the
founding chair of the alliance, serving from April 1995 until January 2005, although he has been involved with the planning of the park since the early 1990s.
Ron Christie began his public service in 1961 with the Ministry of Natural Resources, after obtaining his master's degree in zoology from the University of
Western Ontario. Until he retired from the ministry in 1993, Ron held a variety of different posts, including assistant deputy minister for southern Ontario.
Ron's activities on behalf of the environment were not restricted solely to the provincial scene; he also served as a member of the federal Green Space
Stewardship Advisory Committee.
I've known Ron Christie for many years, but I've had the opportunity over the last year or so to work more closely with him as a member of the Rouge Park
Alliance.
Through the efforts of Ron Christie, the park continues to flourish and grow. As Ron Christie leaves as chair of the Rouge Park Alliance, let us thank him for
his contribution to the preservation of the Rouge and acknowledge that our children and our children's children will appreciate his legacy for many generations to come.
SOUTH CARLETON LEGION
Mr. John R. Baird (Nepean-Carleton): I rise today to report a great tragedy that took place in my riding of Nepean-Carleton.
Yesterday afternoon, a $1-million fire gutted the Manotick Legion, and that has had a huge effect on the community I'm privileged to represent. There was smoke
coming out of the basement, so all the members quickly escaped, and no one was injured. Deputy Fire Chief Gord Mills said that firefighters had some early success knocking down the fire from inside
the building, but flames spread to the walls and to the loft upstairs.
Thankfully, much of the memorabilia at the Legion from our fighting men and women in the past was saved when the fire was put out around 6 o'clock.
The official name of the Legion is South Carleton branch 314 of the Royal Canadian Legion. This Legion has an extraordinary record in honouring the sacrifices of
our fighting men and women who have made a huge difference to democracy and preserving the way of life we currently enjoy; it is also a real centre of the community where numerous events for
seniors and other public projects are participated in.
"There was a lot of memorabilia in that legion; that's the hardest part," reported one of the legion members. Many legionnaires were concerned about how much of
the medals, souvenirs, plaques, photos and other memorabilia would be saved. Fortunately, many of these memorabilia were saved.
A special thank you to all of the firefighters, many of whom were volunteers, who did an extraordinary job in saving what could have been a much more substantial
cost in life and limb.
UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN ONTARIO
Ms. Andrea Horwath (Hamilton East): This week the University of Western Ontario is recognizing two individuals who have been pivotal in
advancing the rights of Canadian women: Doris Anderson and Dr. Henry Morgentaler, both recipients of honorary degrees from Western.
Author, actor and advocate Doris Anderson pioneered the Canadian media's coverage of women's struggles for equality. As editor of Chatelaine from 1957 to 1977,
Doris commissioned articles on such hard-hitting topics as divorce, abortion, battered children and violence against women. Doris consistently broke new ground, and others followed her lead. Her
body of work earned her a Companion medal of the Order of Canada and a lifetime achievement award from the Canadian Journalism Foundation.
Dr. Henry Morgentaler, like Doris, is an outspoken supporter of women's reproductive rights. Dr. Morgentaler devoted decades fighting for changes to Canada's
Criminal Code that would guarantee in law women's rights to choose.
He established Montreal's first clinic for women in 1968 and worked with the feminist movement to demand safe, timely access to abortion services until the law
was changed. Similarly, he campaigned province by province to ensure that medicare covered the service in every province, a struggle that continues to this day.
Congratulations to these two new Western university graduates, and to Maude Barlow, the other honouree.
In profiling its commitment to women's rights, the University of Western Ontario has gained three outstanding new alumni who were pivotal in advancing the rights
of Canadian women.
COUNCIL ON FOREST SECTOR COMPETITIVENESS
Mr. Michael Gravelle (Thunder Bay-Superior North): Earlier today, Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay released the final report of the
Council on Forest Sector Competitiveness, which he set up in November 2004 to develop recommendations on the best way to strengthen and diversify Ontario's forest-based economy. Concurrent with its
release, the minister announced a number of measures to take force immediately, including the provision of $350 million in loan guarantees to stimulate investment in the industry. The minister also
committed to review the report and respond with a clear action plan in the very near future.
First of all, I want to thank Minister Ramsay for recognizing that the forest industry in our province is in crisis and that the survival of this economic giant
in Ontario requires an immediate response from our government. I also want to thank the members of the minister's council for their hard work and very clear direction as to what is needed to
overcome the diverse problems confronting the industry.
Certainly, as the provincial representative for a riding that contains several of the mills and operations that are struggling to remain viable, I am incredibly
conscious of the need for strong government support at both the federal and provincial levels, particularly if we are to remain focused on avoiding closures of the most vulnerable operations in the
northwest. Personally, I am strongly supportive of many of the recommendations put forward by the minister's council, particularly the need for an independent review of existing forest inventory so
that we can all come to terms with the wood supply issues confronting the industry.
Having said that, all the issues dealt with in the council's report require a speedy response, and I call on the minister today to move quickly to take the
action needed, in conjunction with industry and labour, to keep our forest sector competitive today and in the future.
COLLISION REPAIR INDUSTRY
Mr. Frank Klees (Oak Ridges): On June 1, over 700 individuals from across Ontario who work in the collision repair industry gathered for a
one-day symposium to highlight the state of their industry. The organizer of the symposium, Rosanna Armata, is to be commended for such an outstanding event and for the daily efforts she puts
forward in attempting to forge a trade association dedicated to the collision repair industry.
I would also like to acknowledge the individual who has worked tirelessly on this issue and who first brought it to my attention in 1998. Mr. Julius Suraski is
the industry's strongest advocate, and I look forward to seeing his new venture, a magazine entitled Car Care Professionals, come off the presses next week.
Representatives from all aspects of the collision repair industry came together on June 1. They were represented by members of the Collision Industry Action
Group, the Collision Industry Standards Council of Ontario and the Automobile Repair Regulatory Council. They came to discuss the lack of regulation of this industry, despite the passage of the
Collision Repair Standards Act in December 2002.
This is a mature, thoughtful and responsible industry, and the time has come to either implement the Collision Repair Standards Act or to do something in its
place. I urge the Minister of Consumer and Business Services to move forward on this file. If there are changes to be made to the bill, talk to the industry, and let's get on with it in the
interest of consumer safety and industry stability. The collision repair industry and the consumers of Ontario have waited too long. It's time for action.
ANTI-SMOKING LEGISLATION
Mr. Dave Levac (Brant): I rise to remind this House of the passage of Bill 164, a good piece of legislation that brings the toughest
anti-smoking legislation in North America. But it isn't just me standing here saying that the McGuinty government is doing a good job; others are saying it too.
My local newspaper, the Brantford Expositor, says, "We have to congratulate the government of Premier Dalton McGuinty." The editorial points out that all the
arguments against are about money, not health, and they specifically try to educate one of the members who voted against this legislation, the member from Erie-Lincoln. Here is what the Expositor
said to Mr. Hudak after he said, "I don't think this government accounted for the loss in money at the casinos as a result of this bill."
"We have some numbers for Mr. Hudak:
" -- 16,000 Ontarians are killed by illnesses related to cigarette smoking each year....
" -- Cigarette smoking causes 30% of cancers in Canada and 85% of lung cancers....
" -- The province's economy loses $2.7 billion annually in productivity due to smoking.
" -- Smoking costs the Ontario health care system $1.6 billion each year.
" -- Lung cancer kills an estimated 300 non-smokers each year because of second-hand smoke."
And here's the topper:
"We find those numbers a lot more convincing than anything Hudak can come up with."
The Expositor is right: The legislation is about the health of Ontarians. I hope that that member and six others who voted against the legislation will read the
editorial from the Expositor, take their advice, and join with the vast majority in this House and the vast majority of Ontarians for a healthier Ontario.
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
Mr. Mike Colle (Eglinton-Lawrence): Today, John Tory and the Conservatives have hit a new all-time low in Ontario politics. First it was the
Harper Conservatives and the doctored, secret Grewal tapes; now it's the Tory Conservatives snooping and stalking people and their families. The man who said he wanted to raise the level of debate
in the Legislature has sunk to a new low.
Mr. Tory directed staff, at taxpayers' expense, to literally stalk at least one cabinet minister. Mr. Tory has directed staff to violate people's privacy. This
is Nixon-style, sleazy politics at its worst. John Tory fired his researchers and hired plumbers to spy on cabinet ministers. It's shocking and it's wrong, and it leads to many questions.
How many other cabinet ministers and MPPs has John Tory ordered his peeping Tories to stalk and follow? And how far are they willing to go? Are they following
ministers home? Are they following their family members? Have they bugged their offices or their houses or their cars? How long has this been going on? And what Ontarians really want to know: How
low are the John Tory Conservatives willing to go in their desperation?
John Tory owes Minister Takhar and his family an apology, and he owes an apology to every other cabinet minister he has ordered his peeping Tories to stalk and
follow.
GOVERNMENT'S RECORD
Mr. John Wilkinson (Perth-Middlesex): I'm proud to stand up today to talk about some of the many great achievements of my government. We've been
very busy, as you know, working hard to make sure that Ontario's families see the results of our government's initiatives.
In education, students are starting to see smaller classes for better learning, and we've seen the kind of respect, peace and stability in schools that has been
sadly missing for far too long.
In health care, we've negotiated a four-year deal with doctors. That means we can all focus on working together for better health care for Ontarians. We are
aggressively taking steps to reduce wait times for important surgeries like cataract and cardiac procedures and hip replacements. We're making progress.
The preservation of Ontario's environment is also a main concern of this government. That's why we introduced and passed Bill 133, to tackle industrial polluters
in Ontario. Now in Ontario, if you spill, you pay. We've protected 1.8 million acres of green space for future generations of Ontarians. To help clean up the air we breathe, we've closed the
Lakeview coal-fired plant. That's like taking 500,000 cars off the roads.
After a decade of Tory fiscal mismanagement, our economy has seen a positive shift in the right direction. Since taking office, there have been 178,000 net new
jobs in Ontario.
I'm proud of what our government has been able to accomplish this session, and I look forward to continuing my work on behalf of this government, a government
that is truly dedicated, not to spending their time being the peeping Tories in Ontario; our government is about getting the people's business done right here in this Legislature.
LEGISLATIVE PAGES
The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): I know that today is a day that you have been looking forward to, but there are some individuals here in the
Parliament who are not too happy. It's the last day for the pages, and they have served us so well. They asked me to pass on to you that they said the decorum of the House has improved. Because
they were present in that time, they want to commend you for your wonderful behaviour and for the decorum in the House.
Although we are sad to see them go, we know that they will represent us very well. They will go out to their respective schools and speak about the wonderful
Parliament of Ontario. Let us thank them very much for their service.
Applause.
Mr. Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: --
The Speaker: And there must be a point of order from the member from Niagara Centre.
Mr. Kormos: I ask for unanimous consent for a motion directing that these pages receive their full week's stipend, notwithstanding that they're
only here today.
Interjections.
The Speaker: The member from Niagara Centre has asked for unanimous consent that we give them their full stipend for the week. But I presume
there must be a motion that comes forward on this. First you ask for unanimous consent that you move that motion, and then I'm sure that you have the motion all prepared for us.
Mr. Kormos: During motions.
The Speaker: OK. Thank you.
REPORTS BY COMMITTEES
STANDING COMMITTEE ON ESTIMATES
Ms. Andrea Horwath (Hamilton East): Pursuant to standing orders 59(
a) and 60(a), I beg leave to present a report from the standing committee
on estimates on the estimates selected and not selected by the standing committee for consideration.
The Clerk-at-the-Table (Mr. Todd Decker): Ms. Horwath, from the standing committee on estimates, presents the committee's report as
follows:
Pursuant to standing order 59 --
Interjection: Dispense.
The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): Dispense? Therefore, pursuant to standing order 60(b), the report of the committee is deemed to be received
and the estimates of the ministries and offices named therein as not being selected for consideration by the committee are deemed to be concurred in.
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
GREENBELT STATUTE LAW AMENDMENT ACT, 2005 /
LOI DE 2005 MODIFIANT DES LOIS
EN CE QUI A TRAIT
À LA CEINTURE DE VERDURE
Mr. Hudak moved first reading of the following bill:
Bill 215,
An Act to amend the Greenbelt Act, 2005 and the Municipal Act, 2001 / Projet de loi 215, Loi modifiant la Loi de 2005 sur la ceinture de verdure
et la Loi de 2001 sur les municipalités.
The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
Mr. Hudak?
Mr. Tim Hudak (Erie-Lincoln): This act, if passed, would require the Greenbelt Council, recently appointed, to report back to the Minister of
Municipal Affairs and Housing in four important areas: first, an environmental appeal mechanism for land inside or outside the greenbelt; second, a formula to support greenbelt municipalities;
third, a support plan for agricultural operators within the greenbelt; and fourth, a capital plan to support the success of the greenbelt.
APPRENTICESHIP AND CERTIFICATION AMENDMENT ACT, 2005 /
LOI DE 2005 MODIFIANT LA
LOI SUR L'APPRENTISSAGE ET LA RECONNAISSANCE PROFESSIONNELLE
Ms. Scott moved first reading of the following bill:
Bill 216,
An Act to amend the Apprenticeship and Certification Act, 1998 / Projet de loi 216, Loi modifiant la Loi de 1998 sur l'apprentissage et la
reconnaissance professionnelle.
The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
Ms. Scott?
Ms. Laurie Scott (Haliburton-Victoria-Brock): The bill amends the Apprenticeship and Certification Act, 1998. A committee is established, to
be known as the fuel industry technician advisory committee, for the group of trades or occupations consisting of the activities for which a person is required to have a certificate under
regulation 215/01, made under the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000, in order to carry out these activities.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent for a second and third reading votes on the bill that has been introduced.
The Speaker: Ms. Scott has requested unanimous consent to move second and third readings. Do we have unanimous consent? Agreed.
APPRENTICESHIP AND CERTIFICATION AMENDMENT ACT, 2005 /
LOI DE 2005 MODIFIANT LA
LOI SUR L'APPRENTISSAGE ET LA RECONNAISSANCE PROFESSIONNELLE
Ms. Scott moved second reading of the following bill:
Bill 216,
An Act to amend the Apprenticeship and Certification Act, 1998 / Projet de loi 216, Loi modifiant la Loi de 1998 sur l'apprentissage et la
reconnaissance professionnelle.
The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
APPRENTICESHIP AND CERTIFICATION AMENDMENT ACT, 2005 /
LOI DE 2005 MODIFIANT LA
LOI SUR L'APPRENTISSAGE ET LA RECONNAISSANCE PROFESSIONNELLE
Ms. Scott moved third reading of the following bill:
Bill 216,
An Act to amend the Apprenticeship and Certification Act, 1998 / Projet de loi 216, Loi modifiant la Loi de 1998 sur l'apprentissage et la
reconnaissance professionnelle.
The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.
MOTIONS
LEGISLATIVE PAGES
Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Energy, Government House Leader): I believe we have unanimous consent for the member from Niagara Centre to
place a motion without further debate with respect to pages.
The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): We have unanimous consent, but I will ask: Do we have unanimous consent? Agreed.
Mr. Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): I move that this House recommends that the pages receive their full week's stipend for the week commencing
June 13, 2005.
The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
PARTY STATUS
Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Energy, Government House Leader): Speaking of stipends, I believe I have unanimous consent to move a motion
without notice regarding NDP party status.
The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): The government House leader requests unanimous consent to move a motion without notice. Agreed? Agreed.
Hon. Mr. Duncan: I move that, notwithstanding standing order 2, the New Democratic Party caucus be afforded the status of recognized party in
respect of all procedural and administrative matters, pending the outcome of an eventual by-election in the riding of Toronto-Danforth, at which time the terms of the standing order shall
apply.
The Speaker: Mr. Duncan moves that notwithstanding standing order 2, the New Democratic Party caucus be afforded --
Interjection: Dispense.
The Speaker: Dispense?
Any debate? Seeing none, is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
REFERRAL OF BILLS
Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Energy, Government House Leader): I believe I have unanimous consent to move a motion without notice regarding
discharging of private members' bills.
The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): The government has requested unanimous consent to move a motion. Do we have unanimous consent? Agreed.
Hon. Mr. Duncan: I move that the orders of the House referring the following bills to the following committees be discharged, and that the
bills be ordered referred to the standing committee on regulations and private bills:
In the standing committee on estimates, Bill 137,
An Act to amend the Income Tax Act to provide for a tax credit for expenses incurred in using public
transit;
In the standing committee on finance and economic affairs, Bill 123,
An Act to require that meetings of provincial and municipal boards, commissions and other
public bodies be open to the public;
In the standing committee on general government, Bill 7,
An Act to authorize a group of manufacturers of Ontario wines to sell Vintners Quality Alliance wines;
Bill 58,
An Act to amend the Safe Streets Act, 1999 and the Highway Traffic Act to recognize the fundraising activities of legitimate charities and non-profit organizations; Bill 153,
An Act in
memory of Jay Lawrence and Bart Mackey to amend the Highway Traffic Act; and
That pursuant to standing order 72(a), the orders for second reading of Bill 101,
An Act to amend the Health Insurance Act, and Bill 209,
An Act to amend the
Highway Traffic Act with respect to the suspension of drivers' licences, be discharged and the bills be referred to the standing committee on regulations and private bills.
The Speaker: Mr. Duncan has moved that the orders of --
Interjection: Dispense.
The Speaker: Dispense? Dispensed. Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.
STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY AND RESPONSES
OPSEU AGREEMENT /
ENTENTE AVEC LE SEFPO
Hon. Gerry Phillips (Chair of the Management Board of Cabinet): I rise today in the House to inform members and the public that the McGuinty
government is delivering on its commitment to rebuild Ontario's public services. I'm proud to say that we have reached an historic, tentative four-year collective agreement with the Ontario Public
Service Employees Union. At the heart of this agreement is a mutual interest by OPSEU and the government to rebuild Ontario's public services.
We are a new government with a new approach to collective bargaining, and this approach has paid off.
The Premier, on election night, said to our public servants, "I value your work and I look forward to working with you so we can provide still better services
to our public."
Today I say to our public servants that we remain more committed than ever to rebuilding public services, and we look forward to continuing this work to
deliver the best possible public services to the people of Ontario.
From day one, this has been our goal, and we have made great strides. We have funded thousands of new full-time nursing positions. We've announced new family
health teams to ensure communities have access to medical professionals. We've made the single largest investment in post-secondary education in 40 years. We've hired 1,300 more teachers to reduce
class sizes. We've converted over 500 consultant positions to full-time OPS staff. We've hired 33 new water inspectors to protect Ontario's drinking water. We've hired back 121 meat inspectors into
the public service, as recommended by the Haines report into food safety. We have hired 100 new workplace safety and enforcement staff to protect our workers, with 100 more coming in the next
year.
Our tentative agreement with OPSEU is another significant step.
We inherited a damaged relationship. Thanks to open lines of communication, we are building a strong partnership with our employees to deliver better public
services to the people of Ontario.
In its negotiations, the government must ensure it deals with the bargaining agents who represent our employees with fairness and with respect. We must also be
responsible and accountable with the public's money so as to deliver quality public services in the most efficient way. This agreement allows us to do both.
Collective bargaining is a tough process. There are long days, difficult decisions, and nights when bargaining continues until the sun rises. But this
collective bargaining process is a process that I'm proud to say we are committed to.
We took a new, more constructive approach to bargaining, I must say, on both sides. We agreed to engage a mediator to assist our negotiations in an innovative
way. This has not been done before in previous rounds of collective bargaining with OPSEU. Throughout the process, the lines of communication were open and, for the first time, negotiations did not
have to go down to the wire for an agreement to be reached.
I said from the outset that the government's goal was to negotiate an agreement that was fair to our employees and fair to the public. Our employees deliver
important services. They ensure our water is clean, our meat is safe and our communities are cared for. This four-year tentative deal will bring stability and confidence to our workforce, and, as a
result, our communities will be safer and stronger.
No matter the responsibilities of our employees, they all provide important services to the public. It is work to be proud of.
In closing, it is all about delivering the best public services to the people of Ontario. This agreement will help us achieve that goal.
The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): Responses?
Mr. John Yakabuski (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke): It's my pleasure to respond today to the statement by the Chair of Management Board.
At first blush, most people would agree that it's a good thing not to be having a public service strike. There's no one in the province of Ontario who wants to
see those vital services interrupted, particularly through the summer. But then we have to look a little deeper into it and see the motivation of this government. Last summer was known as the
summer of their discontent. They received a very poor reception throughout the province last summer, post-all of their broken promises and their horrendous budget of last May.
The Premier decided, "Look, I want a quiet summer; I want a little down time; I don't want to be dealing with an OPSEU strike in the summer of 2005," so a
tentative deal was reached on the weekend.
But we do have some questions, and the taxpayers have questions about this deal. Are we continuing to pay more under this government --
Interjections.
The Speaker: Order. The member gave you considerable attention when the statement was made by the Chair of Management Board. Then he asks that
the same respect be given to him when responding to that statement. I would ask your co-operation.
Mr. Yakabuski: Taxpayers are asking the question, are we paying more while we continue to get less from this government? Because since they
were elected, we are seeing no improvement in services but we are seeing the costs of those services go up. Taxpayers have a right to know what they're getting for the money that the government is
collecting from them.
This deal, through the term of it, will cost the taxpayers over $1 billion, and they've a right to know, "What are we getting for this deal?" They're asking
the question, "Are we getting an improvement in the Attorney General's office after a $5-million increase in wages and salaries in the executive offices of the Ministry of the Attorney General?
What are we getting for a $534,000 increase in salaries and wages in the main office of the Ministry of Health?" Taxpayers know that the government has only one source of revenue, and that is them.
Businesses will be asking themselves this question. If the cost of operating the government goes up, so does the cost of doing business in the province of Ontario. How will this impact the
decisions that are made by businesses in the province of Ontario with regard to, "Are we going to establish there or are we going to remain in the province of Ontario while other jurisdictions are
seeing their costs and taxes go down?"
This government has decided to buy labour peace at a cost to the taxpayers of Ontario. The question will remain, can they absorb it or will it be too much as
the terms of this agreement unfold and as time goes by?
Mr. Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): On behalf of New Democrats, I want to commend Leah Casselman and OPSEU, the Ontario Public Service
Employees Union, for their tremendous work at the bargaining table. Leah Casselman has established herself clearly and firmly within the ranks of Ontario's -- no, Canada's -- truly great labour
leaders; as well, the chairs of the two bargaining committees -- Barry Scanlon, corrections, and Marg Simmons from the central team -- with a tremendous amount of work. OPSEU made it very, very
clear that they didn't want to have to strike, but if they had to, they would; make no mistake about it. OPSEU should be acknowledged and commended for their eagerness to remain at the bargaining
table and to bargain even when the government wanted to leave that bargaining table and freeze and squeeze them out.
OPSEU's success in finally putting a significant number of workers in the Ministry of the Attorney General, a significant OPSEU struggle indeed on behalf of
those workers in removing them from unclassified over to classified status, is a great victory for those public sector workers within the Ministry of Attorney General in the province of Ontario. As
well, across the board, OPSEU's success in reducing the number of unclassified workers adds to their success and their tenacity at the bargaining table.
It remains disappointing that this government still hasn't restored significant cuts to benefits that were imposed by the previous Conservative government. It
remains of concern not only to OPSEU workers but to people across this province that this government failed to meet OPSEU on the proposal around factor 80, especially when there were more than
adequate funds in the government stabilization fund, more than adequate monies there, to fund factor 80 with no new cost, no additional cost whatsoever, to the government or the taxpayers of
Ontario.
New Democrats understand how incredibly important public sector workers are to the health, the safety, the security and the well-being of our communities. We
hold those workers in regard, and we say that it's never wrong, ever, for workers to fight for better wages. It's never wrong for workers to fight for job security. It's never wrong for workers
like public sector workers Leah Casselman and OPSEU, first and foremost, at the vanguard, to fight to maintain and rebuild a strong public sector. We are exceptionally proud of OPSEU, its
membership, its bargaining teams and its leadership, and we urge the people of Ontario to give OPSEU due credit for their effective and important struggle on behalf of community safety and public
safety in the province of Ontario.
M. Gilles Bisson (Timmins-Baie James): On veut reconnaître premièrement l'ouvrage qui a été fait par le comité de
négociation de cette entente, spécifiquement SEFPO, M me Leah Casselman et toute son équipe, qui ont travaillé très fort et qui ont été très
dévoués de la part de leurs membres pour être capables de négocier une entente. On pense que c'est un pas très important de la part de SEFPO d'être capable d'avoir
cette entente. Cela démontre quelque chose.
Premièrement, SEFPO a rejeté la première offre du gouvernement par 65 %. En faisant ça, le syndicat a démontré au
gouvernement qu'il n'allait pas accepter l'offre qui a été faite originalement, et les travailleurs ont travaillé de ce point-là.
J'ai eu la chance, comme tous mes collègues dans le caucus NPD, d'aller aux lignes de piquetage qu'ils ont mises en place, les démonstrations, et
toutes les manifestations qui ont été organisées, telles qu'à Timmins, à Sudbury et dans d'autres communautés. On était là pour supporter les travailleurs,
pour s'assurer qu'eux autres donnaient au gouvernement un message très fort : que les travailleurs du syndicat SEFPO voulaient avoir une entente, qu'ils voulaient avoir une entente juste,
et que, si c'était nécessaire, ils étaient préparés à aller en grève. Ils ont envoyé ce message très directement au gouvernement. Finalement, le
gouvernement a reconnu la force de SEFPO et, à la fin de la journée, a fallu négocier une entente.
On dit bravo à SEFPO et à Leah Casselman.
DEFERRED VOTES
PLACES TO GROW ACT, 2005 /
LOI DE 2005 SUR
LES ZONES DE CROISSANCE
Deferred vote on the motion for third reading of Bill 136,
An Act respecting the establishment of growth plan areas and growth plans / Projet de loi 136, Loi
sur l'établissement de zones de croissance planifiée et de plans de croissance.
The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): Call in the members. This will be a five-minute bell.
The division bells rang from 1413 to 1418.
The Speaker: All those in favour, please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.
Ayes
Arthurs, Wayne
Bentley, Christopher
Berardinetti, Lorenzo
Bountrogianni, Marie
Bradley, James J.
Broten, Laurel C.
Brown, Michael A.
Brownell, Jim
Bryant, Michael
Cansfield, Donna H.
Caplan, David
Chambers, Mary Anne V.
Colle, Mike
Cordiano, Joseph
Crozier, Bruce
Delaney, Bob
Dhillon, Vic
Di Cocco, Caroline
Dombrowsky, Leona
Duguid, Brad
Duncan, Dwight
Flynn, Kevin Daniel
Fonseca, Peter
Gerretsen, John
Gravelle, Michael
Hoy, Pat
Jeffrey, Linda
Kennedy, Gerard
Kular, Kuldip
Lalonde, Jean-Marc
Leal, Jeff
Levac, Dave
Marsales, Judy
Matthews, Deborah
McGuinty, Dalton
McMeekin, Ted
McNeely, Phil
Meilleur, Madeleine
Milloy, John
Mitchell, Carol
Mossop, Jennifer F.
Orazietti, David
Parsons, Ernie
Patten, Richard
Peters, Steve
Phillips, Gerry
Pupatello, Sandra
Qaadri, Shafiq
Racco, Mario G.
Ramal, Khalil
Ramsay, David
Rinaldi, Lou
Ruprecht, Tony
Sandals, Liz
Sergio, Mario
Smith, Monique
Smitherman, George
Sorbara, Gregory S.
Takhar, Harinder S.
Van Bommel, Maria
Watson, Jim
Wilkinson, John
Wong, Tony C.
Wynne, Kathleen O.
Zimmer, David
The Speaker: All those opposed, please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.
Nays
Baird, John R.
Bisson, Gilles
Chudleigh, Ted
Flaherty, Jim
Hardeman, Ernie
Horwath, Andrea
Hudak, Tim
Klees, Frank
Kormos, Peter
Marchese, Rosario
Martel, Shelley
Murdoch, Bill
O'Toole, John
Ouellette, Jerry J.
Prue, Michael
Scott, Laurie
Tascona, Joseph N.
Tory, John
Wilson, Jim
Witmer, Elizabeth
Yakabuski, John
The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Claude L. DesRosiers): The ayes are 65; the nays are 21.
The Speaker: I declare the motion carried.
Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.
REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY
OF PEEL ACT, 2005 /
LOI DE 2005 SUR LA MUNICIPALITÉ
RÉGIONALE DE PEEL
Deferred vote on the motion for third reading of Bill 186,
An Act respecting the composition of the council of The Regional Municipality of Peel / Projet
de loi 186, Loi traitant de la composition du conseil de la municipalité régionale de Peel.
The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): Call in the members. This will be a five-minute bell.
Interjections.
The Speaker: Mr. Gerretsen has moved third reading of Bill 186.
All those in favour, please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.
Ayes
Arthurs, Wayne
Bentley, Christopher
Berardinetti, Lorenzo
Bountrogianni, Marie
Bradley, James J.
Broten, Laurel C.
Brown, Michael A.
Brownell, Jim
Bryant, Michael
Cansfield, Donna H.
Caplan, David
Chambers, Mary Anne V.
Colle, Mike
Cordiano, Joseph
Crozier, Bruce
Delaney, Bob
Di Cocco, Caroline
Dombrowsky, Leona
Duguid, Brad
Duncan, Dwight
Flynn, Kevin Daniel
Fonseca, Peter
Gerretsen, John
Gravelle, Michael
Hoy, Pat
Kennedy, Gerard
Lalonde, Jean-Marc
Leal, Jeff
Levac, Dave
Marsales, Judy
Matthews, Deborah
McGuinty, Dalton
McMeekin, Ted
McNeely, Phil
Meilleur, Madeleine
Milloy, John
Mitchell, Carol
Mossop, Jennifer F.
Orazietti, David
Parsons, Ernie
Patten, Richard
Peters, Steve
Phillips, Gerry
Pupatello, Sandra
Qaadri, Shafiq
Racco, Mario G.
Ramal, Khalil
Ramsay, David
Rinaldi, Lou
Ruprecht, Tony
Sandals, Liz
Sergio, Mario
Smith, Monique
Smitherman, George
Sorbara, Gregory S.
Takhar, Harinder S.
Van Bommel, Maria
Watson, Jim
Wilkinson, John
Wong, Tony C.
Wynne, Kathleen O.
Zimmer, David
The Speaker: All those opposed, please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.
Nays
Baird, John R.
Bisson, Gilles
Chudleigh, Ted
Dhillon, Vic
Flaherty, Jim
Hardeman, Ernie
Horwath, Andrea
Hudak, Tim
Jeffrey, Linda
Klees, Frank
Kormos, Peter
Kular, Kuldip
Marchese, Rosario
Martel, Shelley
Murdoch, Bill
O'Toole, John
Ouellette, Jerry J.
Prue, Michael
Scott, Laurie
Tascona, Joseph N.
Tory, John
Wilson, Jim
Witmer, Elizabeth
Yakabuski, John
The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Claude L. DesRosiers): The ayes are 62; the nays are 24.
The Speaker: I declare the motion carried.
Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.
ORAL QUESTIONS
MINISTER'S INTEGRITY
Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): My question is for the Premier. Over the last several days there have been mounting questions about
the standards that you apply to your ministers.
Interjections.
The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): Order. This is just the start of question period, and the Leader of the Opposition hasn't started asking his
question yet.
The leader of the official opposition.
Mr. Tory: In opposition, the Premier was very clear that running personal expenses through a taxpayer-subsidized riding association, to use
his own words, "was wrong." That standard seems to have changed, now that he's in government, thus creating a double standard.
We now see a troubling case of one of the Premier's ministers appearing to be in violation of integrity rules around a company he owns, which has been placed
in a blind trust.
My question to the Premier is this: Do you not think it is appropriate that ministers in your government at the very least "act with integrity and impartiality
that will bear the closest scrutiny," as the act itself states?
Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs): Just so we're clear about the facts of this particular matter -- then
I'm sure we'll want to devote some time to the new standard Mr. Tory is setting by hiring photographers to follow around ministers of this government; I'm sure he's going to want to spend some time
speaking to that -- Minister Takhar has released some documentation, including a copy of a letter sent to Ms. Morrison at the Office of the Integrity Commissioner. The letter, in fact, was sent by
the trustee for the blind trust, which made the circumstances of the meeting especially clear. He was meeting with his wife in order to talk about their daughter's future education and some of the
costs connected with that.
That's the information we have. There are all kinds of speculation and innuendo on the other side, but I know that Ontarians really want to hear whether or not
Mr. Tory thinks it is appropriate for members of his staff to be out there spying on ministers of the crown.
Mr. Tory: In the question I asked, the words that I used, word for word, came from the
preamble to the Members' Integrity Act. I'll reiterate
the point: "Members are expected to act with integrity and impartiality that will bear the closest scrutiny." That is the bare minimum.
Interjection.
The Speaker: Minister of Community and Social Services, please come to order. It will be a bad day if I have to name a minister at this time,
supposedly at the end of the session.
Interjections.
The Speaker: Order. Can we come to order, please, all members.
Mr. Tory: The standard that is set out in the act is the minimum standard. It is the standard. The Premier, when he was in opposition,
demanded a much higher standard. I'm sure the Premier will agree with me that when one visits a business, there's all kinds of information about that business posted on the walls, available on
tables, not to mention the number of people you run into walking down the hallway. If you ask someone that you run into in the hallway whom you know, "How's it going?" you can get information on
how the business is doing.
In light of this reality, and in light of the rules, which are very clear, do you think, Premier, it is appropriate that your Minister of Transportation spent
time at a company that he placed in a blind trust and about which he is not supposed to have any knowledge? Do you think that's appropriate?
Hon. Mr. McGuinty: Again, the circumstances relating to that particular meeting have been made very clear, notwithstanding the innuendo
advanced by the other side. It was a discussion that had to do with the education of their daughter, and that was confirmed by the trustee with responsibility for the blind trust. Beyond that, you
should know that Minister Takhar himself has asked the Integrity Commissioner to take a look at this and to offer his own opinion on that. I think that speaks to his integrity when it comes to
matters like this.
I will remind the member opposite that the last time members raised questions about the Minister of Finance and Mr. Sorbara had the matter referred to the
Integrity Commissioner, the Integrity Commissioner concluded that those allegations had no merit, they were devoid of any factual underpinning, and that they do not come close to providing evidence
of breach of the Members' Integrity Act. That is this party's track record when it comes to allegations.
I fully rely on the information provided by Minister Takhar, and we look forward to receiving the Integrity Commissioner's confirmation.
Mr. Tory: We will all look forward to that.
Mr. Premier, your Minister of Transportation placed his company, The Chalmers Group, in a blind trust.
Section 11 of the Members' Integrity Act says, "The
trustees shall not consult with the member with respect to the managing of the trust property," and yet your minister -- and I'm going to refer to his words, not anybody else's -- your Minister of
Transportation told Sun Media, "We are entitled to get regular reports from our trustees whenever we want."
Premier, this is a clear misunderstanding of the Members' Integrity Act and shows that your minister was probably unclear on the rules and may have conducted
himself in a manner that was inconsistent with those rules. Do you not agree that this apparent misunderstanding, based on his words printed in the media, added to the evidence now before the
public, including the minister's own comments, is precisely the sort of thing that should be referred to the Integrity Commissioner, with a request on your part as the head of the government that
all of the relevant people be interviewed to make sure of what the facts are in this case, given that there's some considerable lack of clarity from the principal? Do you agree with that?
Hon. Mr. McGuinty: The Integrity Commissioner has undertaken that very matter as we speak. I'm sure he's going to want to speak to whomever he
wishes, and we pledge him our full co-operation.
I think there's a very important issue before this House today. Mr. Tory said he was going to introduce a new standard into Ontario politics. We've quickly
discovered what that standard is. He has members of his staff go out with telephoto lenses and lie in wait for my ministers to take pictures of them and their activities. I ask him to tell
Ontarians just how comfortable he feels sending members of his staff to take pictures. I'd ask him as well to inform us whether or not he's recording any conversations, because Ontarians will also
want to know about that.
The Speaker: New question.
Mr. Jim Wilson (Simcoe-Grey): My question is again to the Premier. Premier, let's review the facts as we know them. Your minister was caught
at his company, a company for which he is supposed to have no knowledge; it's supposed to be in a blind trust. The Members' Integrity Act states that he's not to receive updates from those who now
run his company. While your minister is not to receive these updates, he seems to think that he's entitled to regular updates whenever he wants them from the trustee, a trustee who happens to not
only be the CFO of The Chalmers Group but also the CFO of the minister's Liberal riding association.
In the same Sun Media article, the Integrity Commissioner's spokesperson says, "[Ministers] are not permitted to have any knowledge of what is going on and the
trustee is not to discuss anything with the minister."
Premier, given this appearance of a breach by your Minister of Transportation of the Members' Integrity Act, do you not agree that he should step aside pending
a full investigation by the commissioner?
Hon. Mr. McGuinty: No, I don't agree. I do not agree. What we have before us is a letter from the trustee responsible for the blind trust, who
describes what took place at that particular meeting. Mr. Takhar met with his wife, and the subject of the meeting was their daughter's future education at the post-secondary level.
I want to quote from the meeting notes made by the trustee. They say,
"Both of them discussed the following issues: location of the university; reputation of the university/college; program structure and long-term prospects;
course fees -- residence fees -- all costs; daughter preference.
"The pros and cons of the above issues discussed in greater length.
"The financial impact $14,000 to $60,000 per annum.
"I was asked by Mr. Takhar whether this ... could be accommodated in the blind trust.
"I told him that this could be done...."
He concludes by saying, "No other business discussion took place."
They were talking about their daughter's education. That is what happened at that meeting. And, no, I will not ask him to step aside.
Mr. Wilson: Premier, there's very little honour left in this place. When we were in government, we did the honourable thing. I was the first
minister, as Minister of Health, to step aside when questions were raised about what a member of my staff did. Mr. Runciman did the honourable thing. In opposition, you agreed that ministers should
step aside, Premier, and do the honourable thing, do the parliamentary tradition, take ministerial responsibility and wait until investigations are completed. So I ask you again, given the iffy
circumstances of your minister's actions, given that the CFO for his company is also his independent trustee and also the CFO of his Liberal riding association, will you not ask the minister to
step aside and ask the Integrity Commissioner for a full investigation into this matter?
Hon. Mr. McGuinty: Again, this was a meeting that had to do with Minister Takhar's daughter's education. That has been confirmed by the
trustee responsible for the blind trust. Minister Takhar himself has now referred this matter to the Integrity Commissioner. That matter is being addressed in an effective way and the best way
possible that I know of.
I will tell you what is outstanding, Speaker. There is an outstanding issue facing this House today, and that is the new standard set by Mr. Tory. I think he
owes it to the people of Ontario to tell them: How long has he engaged in this practice of sending his staffers around to take pictures of ministers of the crown? Who is he taking those pictures
of? Will he provide us with copies of those pictures? Will he provide us with the negatives of those pictures? And beyond that, will he confirm whether or not he's in fact recording conversations
that have been taking place with any ministers of the crown?
Mr. Wilson: Premier, it's a pretty weak defence. You've got a minister who either doesn't know the rules and doesn't want to follow the law,
or he doesn't care that he breaks the rules and perhaps breaks the law. So we ask you again to stop your spin doctoring; it's not going to work this time. Your minister has been caught with at
least the appearance of doing something wrong and breaking the rules.
Interjection.
The Speaker: Minister of Community and Social Services, come to order.
Mr. Wilson: Why don't you do the honourable thing: Ask the minister to step aside, ask the Integrity Commissioner for a full investigation and
restore some integrity to this place? After all, you're starting citizens' juries and committees to look at how this place works, and yet you won't follow the rules in place today and you won't do
the honourable thing. So I give you one more chance: Will you ask your minister to step aside and do the honourable thing?
Hon. Mr. McGuinty: I can understand why Mr. Tory has chosen not to pursue this line of questioning. Minister Takhar has himself told us about
the subject of this meeting, and that's been confirmed by the trustee responsible for the blind trust. The subject matter of the meeting was their daughter's post-secondary education, and that's
been referred to the Integrity Commissioner by the minister himself.
The real issue before this House today is the new standard set by Mr. Tory when it comes to stalking cabinet ministers, spying on cabinet ministers. I would
ask him to make clear to the people of Ontario why he endorses and approves of this new standard, and would he not provide us with copies of all the pictures ever taken of any cabinet ministers or
any other members of the government?
Interjections.
The Speaker: Order. New question.
COST OF ELECTRICAL POWER
Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): My question is for the Premier. A year ago, the Bowater forest products company came here and said
that your government's policy of driving up hydroelectricity rates was going to put them in trouble and was going to put a number of paper mills across northern Ontario in serious economic
trouble.
Now you have the forest sector competitiveness report, which echoes the same thing: In just the next few months five mills, over 2,000 direct jobs and 9,000
indirect jobs are directly at risk as a result of your government's policy of driving industrial hydroelectricity prices through the roof.
Premier, what does your government intend to do? Are you simply going to write off these mills, write off these jobs and write off these communities? Your
response today was an insult to those workers, those communities and those industries.
Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs): I know that the Minister of Natural Resources has more detail, but let
me just take the first question and say that what we did today, we think, was a step forward. I don't think the communities, which are very concerned about the future of the forestry industry up
there, would see this as an insult; they would see it as an important step forward.
I can tell you that I have had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Nemirow. I have met with him in Washington; I have met with him here in Toronto. I have met
with him together with others connected with the forestry industry. There are some very real issues connected with it, not the least of which is the dollar. We have a trade issue; we have the
sourcing of the pulp. Of course, electricity prices are a real issue, admittedly.
We've made an important first step today. I know the Minister of Natural Resources has more to do. We will continue to work with all of our northern
communities. This is an important foundational economic issue up there. We've taken an important first step today, and there are more to come.
Mr. Hampton: The Premier talks about meetings. These companies aren't interested in more meetings; they're interested in some action. What the
workers in these mills want to know is this: In many cases, these paper mills are surrounded by hydroelectricity dams where it costs one cent a kilowatt hour to produce the electricity, but under
your government's policy, those paper mills are paying seven cents a kilowatt hour for their electricity, while a paper mill in Quebec is paying three and a half cents a kilowatt hour, a paper mill
in Manitoba is paying three cents a kilowatt hour, and, in British Columbia, three and a half cents a kilowatt hour. In the United States -- in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin -- they're paying
four and a half or five cents a kilowatt hour.
You're putting northern Ontario jobs, northern Ontario industries and northern Ontario communities at deep risk. I suggest you keep your eye on Thunder Bay,
where three companies are looking not just at shutting down paper machines but shutting down whole mills. I say to you again, Premier: You're driving up electricity prices. You're making the
problem worse. What are you going to do on the issue of electricity prices that have gone through the roof? Don't promise more meetings. They're not interested in meetings.
Hon. Mr. McGuinty: To the Minister of Natural Resources.
Hon. David Ramsay (Minister of Natural Resources): I know the honourable member knows that we're talking about more than just meetings here.
He knows and is very well aware of the announcement I made this morning in Thunder Bay of a $350-million loan guarantee program for our forest industry companies to make those investments that are
needed to improve their energy efficiency, their utilization of fibre and to look into exploring more value-added production from our northern forests. The member knows that.
He knows that we're working with our companies and dealing with Bowater in particular on a daily basis as they start to make some decisions to reposition their
mill and produce a brand new product for northwestern Ontario.
Mr. Hampton: Minister, your response of loan guarantees was an insult, and that's what companies are saying. Have you looked at Abitibi?
Abitibi is putting for sale their mill in Thunder Bay and the timber limits. Why? Because they need to reduce debt. Bloomberg says that they want to reduce their debt level by 13%, but reducing it
by 13% would take the whole $350-million loan guarantee. These companies want to reduce their debt; they're not interested in the McGuinty government helping them take on more debt.
You're putting $500 million into the auto sector to sustain jobs. It's not debt money; it's direct taxpayer money. You're putting $150 million a year into the
movie and television industry in Toronto to sustain jobs. You're going to put $400 million into the casino in Windsor to sustain jobs. Where's the investment strategy for northern Ontario pulp and
paper mills that don't need more loans -- they need an investment strategy?
Hon. Mr. Ramsay: The member also knows that this was an initial response and that, of all the requirements that the report is giving to the
government, over the next few months we are going to be responding to that and working hand in hand with the industry. In fact, the competitive council has an ongoing working group to make sure
that we work together, and that this is not a report that's going to sit on a shelf, but that we will continue to respond to the needs of the industry to make sure we don't have happen in the
northwest what happened on your watch, when we lost from 6,000 to 11,000 jobs in our resources industry. We're working with the industry; we're working with the communities to make sure we save
those jobs in northwestern Ontario.
The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): New question.
Mr. Hampton: To the Premier: I suggest that you go out and try to peddle that story. What I remember from the NDP government is, we helped
restructure and reposition Spruce Falls and Timiskaming. We repositioned St. Marys. We repositioned Abitibi Provincial in Thunder Bay. We repositioned 22 sawmills. So if you want to go out and try
to peddle that nonsense across northern Ontario, you go ahead.
This is about your government. You've driven up electricity prices. You're putting thousands of jobs at risk. An economist at Lakehead University says that
what your government is doing to the forest sector is going to lead to a 25,000 reduction in Thunder Bay's population, and the loss of not just a hundred but thousands of forest sector jobs.
You've got an investment strategy for the auto sector, an investment strategy for the movie and television sector; where is the investment strategy for the
forest sector? Stop trying to blame somebody else.
Hon. Mr. McGuinty: To the Minister of Natural Resources.
Hon. Mr. Ramsay: I'd like to say to the member that the competitive council report that I released today is basically a blueprint that we have
developed together for the future of the forest industry in northern Ontario. We're working with the forest companies to make sure that blueprint becomes a reality so that we can have a sustainable
resource industry in northwestern and northeastern Ontario. This is very much unlike the 500,000 people who lost their jobs, basically 1,000 a week, during the NDP term of government. We're working
with our northern economy, working with our communities, with our First Nations and with the unions to make sure that we sustain this industry to be strong in northern Ontario.
Mr. Hampton: Here is what's happening: The Abitibi mill in Kenora is saying that they're almost ready to close. Here's the reality for them:
pay seven cents a kilowatt hour. Meanwhile, 90 kilometres away in Manitoba, the Tembec mill also draws its electricity from hydro dams on the Winnipeg River, and they're paying three cents. Three
cents versus seven cents: Hydroelectricity has now become the biggest cost item for that company's mill.
Minister, you didn't announce anything on electricity. You didn't announce an investment strategy. What they're asking is, how are they supposed to compete
with mills in Quebec, mills in Manitoba, mills in British Columbia, mills in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan, when you are forcing their electricity prices through the roof? How are they supposed
to compete?
Hon. Mr. Ramsay: I think the member misrepresents what's going on here and is not looking at the whole picture. I should say, maybe he's not
misrepresenting, but he's not giving us the whole picture.
The Speaker: Some unparliamentary language did come out. Would you like to withdraw those comments?
Hon. Mr. Ramsay: I'll withdraw, Mr. Speaker.
I think the member doesn't want to look at the total picture. He must remember that the Minister of Energy appointed a cogeneration coordinator for the
province of Ontario to work with the resource industries. His team has been working with companies right across northern Ontario. The MNR team has also been working with these companies across the
northwest. I don't think he appreciates what this loan incentive program does. It offers an opportunity for these companies to make investments in cogeneration, other energy efficiency investments
and also fibre utilization investments -- exactly what the companies want. This is what they asked for in the report, and this is how we're responding.
Mr. Hampton: Minister, here's the reality: These mills aren't asking for more electricity. We actually have a surplus of electricity in
northern Ontario and a big surplus of electricity in the northwest. More electricity isn't the issue for them; affordability of the electricity is the issue -- affordability of the price. The only
thing the McGuinty government has done since coming to power is drive the price of their electricity up by close to 30%. Most of these companies have seen their electricity bills go up by over 50%
in the last two and a half years. That's where they're asking for action. They came here a year ago asking for action. The only thing they've seen from the McGuinty government in the last year is
that you've made the problem worse. You've driven up the price of electricity more, you haven't come forward with an investment strategy, and when they say to you, "We're at risk, we're in danger,"
you say, "Well, we'll have another process."
Minister, five mills are at risk of closing in the next six months -- thousands of jobs. What is the McGuinty government's response, other than trying to blame
somebody else and offering more talk?
Hon. Mr. Ramsay: The member is correct as far as working with the mills that are at risk. But they let the mills go during their watch, and
we're not doing that. We're working with them. You let 11 mills go.
Interjection.
Hon. Mr. Ramsay: We gave you the list in the last few weeks.
We're working with those mills that are at risk, and making sure they have the opportunity to make the investments to make themselves whole. I think what the
member needs to understand also is that we have an opportunity for green --
Interjections.
The Speaker: Order.
Interjection.
The Speaker: Member from St. Catharines.
Interjections.
The Speaker: Order Would the government House leader, the leader of the third party and the member from Nickel Belt come to order, please.
New question.
MINISTER'S INTEGRITY
Mr. Jim Wilson (Simcoe-Grey): My question is again for the Premier. I suggest, for the sake of the integrity of your government, that you
should be concerned about the actions of your Minister of Transportation in visiting a company that's supposed to be in a blind trust.
In fact, it appears that your minister either doesn't know the rules or doesn't care, because Mr. Takhar said to Sun Media in a story on the weekend, "Nothing
is prohibited; you should know that. We are entitled to get regular reports from our trustees whenever we want."
Premier, the fact of the matter is that he appears to be in breach of the Members' Integrity Act. The trustee whom you hide behind only reported today to the
Integrity Commissioner. It has taken a month and a half. Only after Mr. Takhar and the trustee got caught did they even bother to contact the Integrity Commissioner, and they did it in such a
hurry, they actually did it in handwriting.
I ask you again, Premier: For the sake of your own personal integrity and that of your government and that of your minister, will you not ask the minister --
since he isn't going to do the honourable thing himself, obviously -- to step aside, do the honourable thing and have a full investigation by the Integrity Commissioner?
Interjections.
The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): I hope that the Minister of Consumer and Business Services will also come to order. The ministers seem to be
much more boisterous than the other members of the government, because --
Interjection.
The Speaker: Order. We are just trying to get through one hour of question period.
Hon. Sandra Pupatello (Minister of Community and Social Services, minister responsible for women's issues): I want to see the pictures.
The Speaker: The Minister of Community and Social Services refuses to adhere to any sort of warning that I give.
Interjection.
The Speaker: The help that I would need wouldn't be coming from anybody, as I'm quite capable of doing the job.
I think the member for Simcoe-Grey had already put his question. Premier?
Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs): Again, the Minister of Transportation indicated clearly what the
purpose of the meeting was. That has been confirmed by the trustee for the blind trust. The Minister of Transportation has taken it a step further and taken it upon himself to bring this matter
before the Integrity Commissioner.
I think we should allow the Integrity Commissioner to review this matter and to take the appropriate time and to interview the appropriate witnesses and to
examine the appropriate documentation. I think that's the fair and responsible thing to do.
What I think is unfair and irresponsible is for Mr. Tory to tell his staff to pick up a camera, equip it with a telephoto lens and begin to stalk cabinet
ministers. I think that is inappropriate and I think that is irresponsible.
Mr. Wilson: Premier, that's a horrible defence, and you know that.
The fact of the matter is your minister has been caught doing something wrong. It's your responsibility to contact the Integrity Commissioner. You're the
leader of the government. These are your advisers, called cabinet ministers.
When you were on this side of the House you were in favour of doing the right thing. You sure have done a flip-flop. All you do now is hide behind a trustee
whose own independence is rather dubious, given that he's also the chief financial officer for the Liberal riding association. You've not contacted the Integrity Commissioner or done the right
thing. All you've done is launch a Chrétien-style attack on us and the people who caught your minister.
Once again, will you contact the Integrity Commissioner, ask that a full investigation be launched, and in the meantime send your minister to the penalty box
until this matter is cleared up? Ask him to step down and do the honourable thing.
Hon. Mr. McGuinty: Minister Takhar has handled this in the appropriate way, in the fair way and in the responsible way. I think we should
allow the Integrity Commissioner to do his work.
I might ask Mr. Wilson if he would feel comfortable if he was being followed by a photographer with a telephoto lens. I might ask Mr. Tory if he thinks it is
appropriate that someone should follow him equipped with a camera and a telephoto lens.
There is an issue before us today, and it is an important issue. It is, to my knowledge, without precedent in this province. It's an issue that has been
introduced by virtue of a new standard set by Mr. Tory. He thinks that it is fitting, right, just and appropriate that a member of his staff follow around ministers of the crown, lie in wait and
surreptitiously photograph them. He thinks that's right, he thinks that's reasonable, he thinks that's responsible; I think he's set a new low for the province of Ontario.
PROBATION AND PAROLE SERVICES
Mr. Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): A question to the Minister of Community Safety. People across this province are incredibly worried about
your scheme to shut down the Ontario parole board. They're worried about community safety. Provincial parolees currently receive a high level of supervision, and enforcement is swift in most cases,
at least to the extent that staffing permits. This is going to end if you dump provincial parole on to the national board of parole and Corrections Canada.
Why do you want to make it easier for very dangerous offenders to get parole and undergo less intensive supervision?
Hon. Monte Kwinter (Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services): I thank the member for the question. First of all, that decision
has not been made. I have a responsibility as the minister to take a look at all of our operations to see where we can do things more efficiently, always keeping in mind public safety.
I think it's important to understand the environment that we work in. The people who come to our facilities are sentenced to two years less a day. The number
of people who actually serve -- and you should know that we have more people on remand in our facilities than we do on charge. The number of people who actually serve a sentence average 54 days.
When you consider that an average sentence is 54 days and they get released, parole is not the issue that it is at the federal level where you have people who are serving life sentences, who are
serving very, very large sentences.
What we're doing is taking a look at why every other province but two does not have their own parole system. I can assure you of this: Whatever decision we
make, it will have no impact on public safety, because that's our paramount concern.
Mr. Kormos: Amongst the people serving provincial offences are some of the most dangerous people in Ontario: child molesters, rapists and,
indeed, yes, murderers.
Look, the National Parole Board has hardly distinguished itself, and you're ready, with their dismal track record, to hand over supervision of some of the most
dangerous people in this province to them. I tell you, it's an extremely risky endeavour. You haven't consulted on this decision. You haven't talked to the parole board staff or probation and
parole about this decision. Indeed, the information released recently is that a murderer was recently denied parole by the vice-chair of the Ontario parole board, a murderer within the provincial
reformatory system.
Minister, tell us today that you are going to consult with parole officers and your provincial parole board before you embark on this very, very risky
exercise.
Hon. Mr. Kwinter: As I stated earlier, we're examining it because we have a responsibility to look at everything that we're doing to make sure
that we can provide the taxpayers of Ontario with a safe and efficient system.
When that decision is taken -- and it hasn't been taken as yet -- we will examine all of the possibilities and will satisfy ourselves that people are not put
at risk, and that those people who are released, whether it is the provincial board or the federal board, are done so with safety in mind.
RURAL HEALTH SERVICES
Mrs. Maria Van Bommel (Lambton-Kent-Middlesex): My question is for the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. In my riding of
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, I have four rural hospitals, and the one at Petrolia is particularly interesting. It is named after Charlotte Eleanor Englehart, who bequeathed the mansion that her husband,
Jake, had built for her to the town of Petrolia when she died in 1908. That mansion is still an integral structural part of the hospital we have there today.
In the late 1990s, the Health Services Restructuring Commission came to Petrolia and the community literally rallied around their hospital and forced the Tory
government to recognize that rural and northern health care had its own unique needs and was important to the people who use it. Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital was amalgamated with Sarnia
General in April 2003 and continues to serve the communities of Petrolia and Enniskillen, and Lambton county.
But lately there has been concern about the hospital, and there has been talk that maybe the hospital is again at risk of closing. Minister, what assurances
can you give the citizens of Petrolia and the surrounding catchment about the future of their hospital?
Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): I can say to the honourable member, who represents her constituents with
vigour, that I appreciate the question on health care, particularly as it comes at least 120 hours after a Supreme Court of Canada ruling that could have implications for medicare, and neither of
the opposition parties here at Queen's Park has shown interest in that issue.
With respect to the Englehart hospital in Petrolia, I can give this member the assurance that its future is bright and that this government has committed to
health care in rural Ontario. Since our coming to office, this hospital has received much more than $1 million in new funding as a result of the initiatives of our government for a wide variety of
things, including enhancements to the capital and to the quality of the equipment. I can give assurance to the honourable member that as our government moves forward to build a better, stronger
health care system in Ontario, the hospital in Petrolia will be at the centre of it.
Mrs. Van Bommel: Minister, I want to thank you for your unequivocal support and reassurance for the citizens of Petrolia and area.
A lot of things have changed in health care since the Tory regime. The instability that was there has now been replaced by a government that has a commitment
to health care and a plan on how to get there.
Minister, I'm confident in our government's commitment to small and rural hospitals. Could you elaborate on how they're going to fit into the health care plan
that you have?
Hon. Mr. Smitherman: As a result of our initiatives with respect to local health integration networks, we're going to engage people from the
local community to help make these final determinations. I can assure the honourable member, though, that as we move forward, we do need to look at opportunities to make sure that each hospital in
our province is fulfilling a vital and very special role.
With respect to securing the future of these smaller rural hospitals, we've provided for larger than per capita investments through a diagnostic and medical
equipment fund. Toward the end of last year, we made a $16-million adjustment to the operating budgets of these smallest hospitals, and more information will be available soon. People will see the
efforts we're going to to establish those resources as a base funding initiative.
As we move forward through local health integration networks and seek to make sure that the health care system is better integrated, we will be making sure
that hospitals like the one in Petrolia continue to play that vital, important role that they have in this community for decades and decades.
ONTARIO ECONOMY
Mr. Jim Flaherty (Whitby-Ajax): My question is for the Premier. We've seen, in almost two years, higher taxes -- dramatically higher taxes --
much higher spending in Ontario and substantial increases in the public debt. As a result, it's not surprising that Ontario economic growth now lags behind Canadian average economic growth. The
Ontario that used to lead Canada now lags behind Canada in economic growth, and for good reason: the largest tax increase in the history of the province of Ontario. Our taxes in Ontario are now
second only to Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec in the entire country.
Is it any wonder that we're lagging behind, particularly in the area of small business? Seventy-nine per cent of small business people say that the most
important thing in their confidence in the Ontario economy is the overall tax burden. What can you say to small business in Ontario, the engine of economic growth, to restore their confidence, to
get Ontario back where it should be, leading Canada, not lagging the Canadian --
The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): Thank you. Premier?
Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs): The member may have missed this, but in May this economy in Ontario
created 32,000 new jobs.
Interjection: Many of those in small business.
Hon. Mr. McGuinty: Many of those in small businesses. Since we've been on the job, 178,000 new jobs have been created in the province of
Ontario. If ever there was a vote of confidence in this economy, it is coming from the private sector that is taking out the loans, making the investments, taking the risks, creating the jobs,
supporting the families and contributing to our quality of life. That, more than anything else this member says, speaks to the confidence that the private sector has in this province and in its
economic future.
Mr. Flaherty: There is no question that this Premier knows how to grow government. We've got a lot more government jobs, we've got a lot more
jobs in the broader public sector, but in the second-largest sector in this province, the retail sector, do you know what's happening? Retail growth in Ontario last year was 3%; retail growth
across Canada -- 5%. Do you know what that means for our economy, Premier? That means $2.5 billion -- those two percentage points.
We're lagging behind the rest of the country. We've lost our economic growth momentum. That's why I say to the Premier, what are you going to do about creating
more debt, which you're doing? Creating more deficit is what you're doing. Discouraging investment of capital is what you're doing, and in particular in the retail sector, which is one of the
foundation areas for new jobs for people entering the workforce. What are you going to do about retail sales?
Hon. Mr. McGuinty: In our first year, the Ontario economy created three times as many jobs as it did in the Tories' first year. In May, 32,000
new jobs created; since taking office, 178,000 new jobs created. The Dominion Bond Rating Service maintained our AA rating and upgraded the long-term outlook.
The auto sector has invested $3.5 billion in this economy. That surely is a vote of confidence about our economic future. I'll tell you one of the reasons why
the auto sector in particular is endorsing this economy. It's because of medicare. And if they had their way, not only would they take $2.5 billion out of our medicare system, they would introduce
more and more private health care that would drive up the cost, not only for Ontarians but for Ontario businesses.
We will continue to grow this economy. We're pleased with the accomplishments we've had so far, but there is more work to be done.
AIR QUALITY
Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): To the Premier: Before the election, you said often that you had a plan to clean up southern
Ontario's air, that you had a plan for cleaner air and a cleaner environment in southern Ontario. But today, much of southern Ontario is under an extended smog advisory. It's not even summer and
already southern Ontario has had 17 smog days, three more than in all of 2004. You said that you had a plan before the election. Where is the McGuinty plan? What is the McGuinty plan to ensure
cleaner air in southern Ontario?
Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs): To the Minister of the Environment.
Interjections.
The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): Order. We have about 13 more minutes for question period, and I think just to get some orderly time, I may
be starting to give a final warning to all members who are continuing to disrupt the proceedings.
I think the Premier said in that confusion, the Minister of the Environment.
Hon. Leona Dombrowsky (Minister of the Environment): This government and this Premier take air quality issues in the province of Ontario very
seriously. That is why we are committed to replacing coal-fired generation. The honourable member has not made that a priority. For this government replacing coal is a priority, and we closed the
first generating station, in Lakeview, last month. We have introduced a five-point air emissions plan. We are capping air emissions on NO x and SO x , not just in the energy
sector but in six new industrial sectors.
Our government is investing in public transit and we're directing two cents of our gas tax to municipalities which will improve and expand transit services.
Our government is committed to cleaner gasoline and we're going to require 5% ethanol in our gasoline by the year 2007, 10% by the year 2010. That's our government's commitment to cleaner air in
the province of Ontario.
Mr. Hampton: We're hearing a lot of hot air from the minister, but what people across Ontario experience is more and more smog days. You claim
credit for closing coal plants. The only coal plant that's closed is Lakeview, and that was closed according to the plan the former government put in place. As far as the largest polluter,
Nanticoke, there is no plan to close Nanticoke. It is belching as much smoke now as it did under the Conservatives. Your plan to close the Atikokan coal-fired generating station is a complete
offside; it contributes no pollution, none, to the southern Ontario airshed. Meanwhile, you are importing more electricity from the United States, and what's that electricity? Coal-fired
electricity. The air is getting dirtier, not cleaner. And so far, we don't see a plan. We see a media spin exercise but no plan. Where's the plan for cleaner air in southern Ontario, as it gets
dirtier every day?
Hon. Mrs. Dombrowsky: This from the leader of a party that had a plan to replace coal by the year 2015, eight years beyond what our commitment
is. I would like to refer the honourable member to the report that came out last week from the Sierra Club of Canada. This is what the Sierra Club has said about Ontario's performance on the
climate change file and improving air quality. They've indicated that the closing of the Lakeview coal-fired plant is a significant step for Canada in fighting climate change. It has also cited
that a recent request for a proposal for clean energy is also taking us a good way along our goal to cleaner air. I want to say that the Sierra Club of Canada has been providing a grade to the
province of Ontario for the last 10 years, and that grade has been F. As a matter of fact, in the year 2001, it was F-minus, and I don't know how you can get an F-minus. This year it is C-plus. We
still have work to do. Our goal is A, but the Sierra Club of Canada has recognized --
The Speaker: Thank you. New question.
TEACHERS' CONTRACTS
Mr. Jim Brownell (Stormont-Dundas-Charlottenburgh): My question is to the Minister of Education. It is good news for Ontario, and particularly
good news for students, that almost every school board in the province has settled its collective agreement based on the provincial framework. We are looking at the road ahead and parents now see
us driving their children toward a very bright future. This new era of cooperation between government and our teachers is a marked departure from the divisive policies of the past government.
Previously, school boards were pitted against teachers, and students were left struggling and missing countless days due to labour unrest.
Students in my riding of Stormont-Dundas-Charlottenburgh are pleased that their school year will not be disrupted by teacher strikes or work-to-rule for three
more years, but they wonder how the framework agreement will affect them directly. Minister, what changes will students see in their schools this September as a result of this provincial
framework?
Hon. Gerard Kennedy (Minister of Education): Thank you to the member who has a long history of supporting publicly funded education, and
that's what the parents and students will see happening this fall, which is an improvement in publicly funded education: 600 more specialist teachers in elementary schools delivering on improved
arts and music and these kinds of enhancements. The last government had a choice; they could have improved public education. Instead, they decided to stampede students out of publicly funded
education into private schools. It was a choice they made. We made quite a different choice.
In high school, there are 1,300 teachers there to help lower class sizes, to improve the prospects especially of struggling students. They are there in
significant numbers; a student success teacher in every school, driving to reduce the dropout rate, shamefully, unfortunately, left to us by the previous government. Most importantly, there will be
a collaborative outlook. That's what comes from the provincial framework: teachers and principals, school boards and the government working together, as we should, to convey an educational
advantage for every Ontario student.
Mr. Brownell: Education under the previous government was defined by striking workers on picket lines. Hospitals, schools, government offices
and other public bodies were crippled by strikes as labour and the government fought over the divisive Tory agenda. I was in the schools; I remember.
Parents in my riding believe that peace and stability in the education system is a prerequisite for learning. Students, we know, don't have much of a chance if
their teachers and principals are distracted by contract talks. To them, an end to work-to-rule and job actions by teachers is an example of how the McGuinty government has established peace and a
healthier learning environment in our schools.
Minister, what is in your plan for continuing to work with teacher associations, school boards, school communities and others to improve student outcomes, and
what is your plan to build on peace and stability to better education in Ontario?
Hon. Mr. Kennedy: Again, I appreciate the question coming from this member, who I know has an abiding belief and faith in public education and
who knows that there was and there has been, unfortunately, a choice. The previous government, when it saw that there were troubles in terms of education and things that had to be done, both to
restore public confidence and make some things work better, took the lazy way out. They exacerbated conflict, they dodged all the tough questions, and they didn't find ways to make it work.
We have put in place a partnership table with the presence of all the education organizations. Trustees and parents, students and school boards come together,
as they did last week, to look at the things that need to be done to help make decisions and to help create a unified agenda for going forward. We will have, this fall, a provincial stability
commission to make sure that we don't just have labour peace; we have a means of co-operating. We'll have a student success commission to drive down the dropout rates. In short, we'll have the kind
of coordination in public education that students have waited for way too long.
COMMERCIAL FISHING
Mr. Bill Murdoch (Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound): My question is to the Minister of Natural Resources. As you will know, in my area they're working on
a fishing agreement with our native people. You also received a letter from the OFAH around May 19, and in that letter they requested that your staff working on this agreement or yourself meet with
some of the clubs that are directly affected by this agreement; namely, the Sydenham sportsmen's club and the Bruce Peninsula club, along with the OFAH. Today, Minister, I would like to ask you if
you would commit to this meeting before an agreement is signed.
Hon. David Ramsay (Minister of Natural Resources): First off, I'd like to commend the member for how he's handling this issue. These issues
are very contentious. Issues in regard to the conflict between commercial fishing and sports angling are contentious to begin with, but especially when First Nations communities want to partake in
the commercial fishery. Trying to negotiate that to make sure that happens is a very contentious issue, and I appreciate the member's approach in this and working with me on this. I would say to
the member, I'm committed to work with him, and we will have those public meetings to make sure that his community understands what we're trying to do in our negotiations.
Mr. Murdoch: Don't be too kind to me because then I'll get in trouble over here too.
I do appreciate what the minister has been doing in working with this problem. I appreciate the fact that he will meet, I understand, with some of the clubs in
our area, along with the OFAH. This is a very contentious issue and we want to make sure that we get a deal that everyone will be -- well, we may not get one that everyone will like, but at least
they'll like it the best they can.
I know in the past you've dealt with some of this, and in the past, when you were a critic, you did mention that everybody should be involved. So will you be
able to meet with them or will it be your team that will meet with the different clubs?
Hon. Mr. Ramsay: I would say to the member, you might want to have the experts come up and meet with your people rather than myself. What I
commit to you is that I'll make sure that people who have been very close to these negotiations will meet with the sports fishery clubs and your community up there to explain the balance that I
think we're getting just right through these negotiations.
I very much appreciate the member's position and the position of the sports clubs that you want to protect the bays for the sports fishery. There's lots of
water out there for the commercial fishery. I think through these negotiations we're going to find the right balance to make sure that the sport angling industry, which is very large in your area
and contributes millions of dollars to this economy, is balanced with the First Nation commercial fishery.
RURAL EDUCATION FUNDING
Mr. Rosario Marchese (Trinity-Spadina): To the Minister of Education: Seven small schools in the Lakehead District School Board are scheduled
to close down, and parents, as you probably would understand, are very concerned. The child advocate is concerned. The child advocate, Judy Finlay, has this to say about the closure of the Fourway
school: "Children aged four and older will be travelling considerable distances on the highway without seat belt, a washroom or adult supervision. In addition ... this highway is routinely closed
in the winter months when the road conditions are poor, leaving the youth stranded and not able to return to their family homes."
Minister, you can't let this happen. What is your plan?
Hon. Gerard Kennedy (Minister of Education): I'm happy to hear from the member, as I think we all are, on this particular issue. It is an
important issue. This is about the fate of rural schools and of smaller schools in one of our boards. It's about a transition between the past, which has been very harsh on those particular kinds
of institutions, and a future where we consider schools more on their merits, more on whether they're good for students, more on what kind of involvement they have from the community, and more on
what impact they have on the local economy. We've asked all those things to be taken into consideration.
I'm sure the member opposite has spoken to the facilitator because his concern is so significant in this regard. He's talked to David Cooke, whom I know he has
awareness of. The former education minister has been in Thunder Bay and has spoken with not just Fourway but Gorham and Ware and a range of schools. He has looked at the decisions that have been
made to see whether two things will be accomplished: Is this in the spirit of the new guidelines, and can a significant benefit be delivered if the new guidelines are applied? That is what --
The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): Thank you. Supplementary.
Mr. Marchese: On April 25, you said it would take "two to two and a half weeks" to come up with a decision on the Lakehead school closures.
Obviously, this deadline has passed. Now we've found out that a review of the closure of the Lakehead schools was completed and handed over to you on June 1, but you still haven't informed us of
your decision.
Minister, you make promises you don't keep; you deliberately delay; you dismiss, apparently, the issue as if it were trivial. Why haven't you told concerned
parents what you're going to do with their schools given that the report was given to you on June 1?
Hon. Mr. Kennedy: I would say to the member opposite that he makes this the last question of the last question period. We have spent a
significant amount of time. I believe he supports the appointment of Mr. Cooke. He knows that we've brought in a new policy. He knows that the policy and the funding behind it materially change the
outlook. He'll be very happy and satisfied. It's very unfortunate we don't have a question period tomorrow. We inevitably would hear from him. The report is due out very shortly, and he may indeed
be pleased with the conclusions. I'll look forward to his comments through other forums.
VISITOR
Mr. Tony Ruprecht (Davenport): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: We have a very important guest in the west gallery, Mr. Michael Gallagher,
from the operating engineers of Ontario.
The Speaker (Hon. Alvin Curling): That's not a point of order.
PETITIONS
HEALTH CARE SERVICES
Mr. Jerry J. Ouellette (Oshawa): The petition reads:
"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:
"Whereas the current government has eliminated OHIP coverage for chiropractic services; and
"Whereas the current government has eliminated and reduced OHIP coverage for optometry services; and
"Whereas the current government has eliminated and reduced OHIP coverage for physiotherapy services; and
"Whereas the current government has refused to fund treatment for autistic children even after the courts and human rights commission ruled it should; and
"Whereas the current government has now decided to fund sex change operations even though the Canada Health Act deems it not an essential health service;
"Therefore we, the undersigned, respectfully petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:
"That the government of Ontario does not fund sex change operations and reinstates funding for delisted health services."
I affix my name in full support.
REGIONAL CENTRES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED
Mr. Michael Prue (Beaches-East York): I have petition that reads as follows:
"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:
"Whereas Dalton McGuinty and his Liberal government were elected based on their promise to rebuild public services in Ontario;
"Whereas the Minister of Community and Social Services has announced plans to close the Rideau Regional Centre, home to people with developmental disabilities,
many of whom have multiple diagnoses and severe problems that cannot be met in the community;
"Whereas closing the Rideau Regional Centre will have a devastating impact on residents with developmental disabilities, their families, the developmental
services sector and the economies of the local communities;
"Whereas Ontario could use the professional staff and facilities of the Rideau Regional Centre to extend specialized services, support and professional
training to many more clients who live in the community, in partnership with families and community agencies;
"Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to direct the government to keep the Rideau Regional Centre open as a home for
people with developmental disabilities and to maintain it as a `centre of excellence' to provide specialized services and support to Ontarians with developmental needs, no matter where they
live."
I am in agreement with this, signed by some 40 people of the Ottawa area, and have affixed my signature thereto.
COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRES
Mr. Bob Delaney (Mississauga West): I'm pleased to assist my colleague from Haliburton-Victoria-Brock in reading this petition on the funding
of a community health centre in Brock township. Further, I congratulate the member on the passage of Bill 216,
An Act to amend the Apprenticeship and Certification Act, on which I have read
petitions myself in the past. I also want to thank Stacey, Kate and Raquel Farrington of Simcoe Street for this petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. It reads as follows:
"Whereas Brock township has been declared an underserviced area by the Ministry of Health with respect to physician services since 1996;
"Whereas the Ontario government announced the creation of 150 family health teams, just like the community health centre in the spring budget;
"Whereas a CHC in Brock township could provide a range of community-based health and social services provided by a multidisciplinary team including physicians,
nurse practitioners, nutritionists, health promotion coordinators, social workers, counsellors and other health professionals needed in our local" Brock "community;
"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:
"That the Brock CHC proposal submitted on February 27, 2003, be funded as recommended by the district health council."
I'm pleased to sign this and to ask Alexander to carry it for me.
PUBLIC TRANSIT TAX CREDIT
Mr. John O'Toole (Durham): It's a privilege to present a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.
"Whereas public transit is an important public good for Ontario which must be promoted;
"Whereas increased ridership of the public transit system will result in benefits such as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the ease of traffic
congestion and gridlock;
"Whereas it is important to provide incentives to commuters to choose public transit as an alternative,
"Therefore we, the undersigned, respectfully petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows: that eligible residents for the taxation year living
within the province of Ontario be able to claim on their income tax an expense credit of" up to "50% for all public transit expenses incurred throughout the taxation year."
I encourage members to support Bill 137 from the MPP for Durham.
TFO
M. Gilles Bisson (Timmins-Baie James): J'ai ici une pétition signée par beaucoup de gens du nord-est de l'Ontario. C'est une
pétition en faveur de maintenir le financement de base pour la TFO.
« Attendu que TFO est un instrument indispensable de développement de la communauté franco-ontarienne;
« Attendu que la programmation et les ressources éducatives de TFO constituent un appui essentiel à l'enseignement dans les écoles
franco-ontariennes;
« Attendu que le Parti libéral s'est engagé, dans son programme électoral, à poser des gestes concrets pour favoriser le
développement de la collectivité francophone de l'Ontario et à soutenir la croissance et l'autonomie de TFO;
« Nous, les soussignés et soussignées, demandons au gouvernement ontarien de maintenir, voire d'augmenter, le financement de base de TFO et
d'accorder à TFO son autonomie par la création, dans les plus brefs délais, de son propre conseil d'administration dont tout le monde tous les membres parlent
C'est signé par du monde à travers le nord-est de l'Ontario. J'aimerais remercier M. Stewart Kiff de m'avoir assisté avec cette
pétition.
WEARING OF HELMETS
Mr. John Milloy (Kitchener Centre): I have a petition in support of Bill 129. It reads:
"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:
"Whereas each year tragedy strikes cyclists, in-line skaters, skateboarders etc. who are involved in collisions on our roadways;
"Whereas many of these involve injury to the head;
"Whereas the cost of treating an individual with a severe head injury can be $4 million to $9 million over the course of their lifetime;
"Whereas wearing a certified helmet can prevent 85% of head injuries;
"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly to swiftly pass Bill 129 and make it mandatory for all individuals to wear a certified helmet when
cycling, in-line skating, skateboarding or using any other type of muscular-powered vehicle on Ontario's roadways."
Of course, I support this petition.
CREDIT VALLEY HOSPITAL
Ms. Laurie Scott (Haliburton-Victoria-Brock): I would like to present this petition on behalf of the member from Mississauga West. The
petitions were sent to him by Tom Glover of Joymar Drive in Streetsville.
"Credit Valley Hospital Capital Improvements:
"Whereas some 20,000 people each year choose to make their home in Mississauga, and a Halton-Peel District Health Council capacity study stated that the Credit
Valley Hospital should be operating 435 beds by now and 514 beds by 2016; and
"Whereas the Credit Valley Hospital bed count has remained constant at 365 beds since its opening in November 1985, even though some 4,800 babies are delivered
each year at the Credit Valley Hospital in a facility designed to handle 2,700 births annually; and
"Whereas donors in Mississauga and the regional municipalities served by the Credit Valley Hospital have contributed more than $41 million of a $50-million
fundraising objective, the most ambitious of any community hospital in the country, to support the construction of an expanded facility able to meet the needs of our community;
"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:
"That the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care undertake specific measures to ensure the allocation of capital funds for the construction of A and H block at
Credit Valley Hospital to ensure that the ongoing acute care needs of the patients and families served by the hospital are met in a timely and professional manner, to reduce wait times for patients
in the hospital emergency department, and to better serve patients and the community in Halton and Peel regions by reducing severe overcrowding in the labour and delivery suite."
I'd like to hand this petition over to Alexander.
PENSION PLANS
Ms. Andrea Horwath (Hamilton East): This petition was signed by people from Oshawa, Ajax, Guelph, Whitby, Scarborough, Bowmanville, Port Hope,
Chatham, Exeter, Tillsonburg, North Bay, many communities which are calling for pension reform.
"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:
"Whereas it has been more than 15 years since the last significant reform of Ontario's pension laws;
"Whereas the New Democratic Party believes that all Ontarians who have worked hard all their lives should be able to live out their retirement years with
dignity and security;
"Whereas the fact that 60% of Ontarians are not covered by a workplace-based pension plan of any kind is simply unacceptable;
"Whereas the fact that 83% of workers in the private sector who do have pensions have absolutely no inflation protection and will inevitably see their pension
benefits seriously eroded over their retirement period; and
"Whereas Ontario's pension backup, the pension benefits guarantee fund, only guarantees benefits up to $1,000 a month and excludes multi-employer plans;
and
"Whereas pension plan members now have to wait two full years before they are able to take the employer's contributions to their plans with them if they
leave;
"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:
"To immediately establish a special legislative committee to examine pension issues and recommend real reforms to protect pensions and ensure all Ontarians
dignity and security upon retirement.
"To support a plan of meaningful pension reform as proposed by Howard Hampton and the NDP whereby:
"All plan members receiving benefits under a defined benefit pension plan in Ontario would receive some inflation protection;
"The pension benefits guarantee fund would be increased to $2,500 a month and multi-employer plans would be covered as well;
"Members would have immediate ownership over all contributions to their plan; and
"Measures would be taken to increase the proportion of workers covered by workplace-based pension plans."
I agree with this petition. I've signed it and send it down by way of Misha. Thank you, Misha.
CREDIT VALLEY HOSPITAL
Mr. Jeff Leal (Peterborough): I have the pleasure today to introduce a petition on behalf of Ms. April Erwin, who lives at Unit 2, 12 Peel Ave
in Brampton, Ontario, L6W 1X2. It's regarding the Credit Valley Hospital capital improvement program.
"Whereas some 20,000 people each year choose to make their home in Mississauga, and a Halton-Peel District Health Council capacity study stated that the Credit
Valley Hospital should be operating 435 beds by now and 514 beds by 2016; and
"Whereas the Credit Valley Hospital bed count has remained constant at 365 beds since its opening in November 1985, even though some 4,800 babies are delivered
each year at the Credit Valley Hospital in a facility designed to handle 2,700 births annually; and
"Whereas donors in Mississauga and the regional municipalities served by the Credit Valley Hospital have contributed more than $41 million of a $50-million
fundraising objective, the most ambitious of any community hospital in the country, to support the construction of an expanded facility able to meet the needs of our community;
"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:
"That the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care undertake specific measures to ensure the allocation of capital funds for the construction of A and H blocks at
Credit Valley Hospital to ensure the ongoing acute care needs of the patients and families served by the hospital are met in a timely and professional manner, to reduce wait times for patients in
the hospital emergency department, and to better serve patients and the community in Halton and Peel regions by reducing severe overcrowding in the labour and delivery suite."
I will attach my signature to this very worthy petition.
VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS
Mr. Ted Arnott (Waterloo-Wellington): I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, and it reads as follows:
"Whereas many volunteer fire departments in Ontario are strengthened by the service of double-hatter firefighters who work as professional, full-time
firefighters and also serve as volunteer firefighters on their free time and in their home communities; and
"Whereas the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association has declared their intent to `phase out' these double-hatter firefighters; and
"Whereas double-hatter firefighters are being threatened by the union leadership and forced to resign as volunteer firefighters or face losing their full-time
jobs, and this is weakening volunteer fire departments in Ontario; and
"Whereas Waterloo-Wellington MPP Ted Arnott has introduced Bill 52, the Volunteer Firefighters Employment Protection Act, that would uphold the right to
volunteer and solve this problem concerning public safety in Ontario;
"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:
"That the provincial government express public support for MPP Ted Arnott's Bill 52 and willingness to pass it into law or introduce similar legislation that
protects the right of firefighters to volunteer in their home communities on their own free time."
I want to thank the folks at the township of Wellington North for circulating this. Of course it has my support as well, and I've affixed my signature.
EDUCATION FUNDING
Mr. Rosario Marchese (Trinity-Spadina): "Whereas during the 2003 election campaign, Dalton McGuinty promised to establish a standing committee
on education to ensure transparency in education funding; and
"Whereas such a committee has not been established; and
"Whereas Ontario's education system is not properly funded and there is no transparency in funding,
"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:
"To immediately establish a standing committee on education to hold public hearings every year on the effectiveness of education funding."
I will sign this petition because I agree with it wholeheartedly.
TEACHER QUALIFICATION
Mr. Peter Fonseca (Mississauga East): "To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:
"Whereas the 2005 graduates of the publicly funded faculties of education in the province of Ontario will have met all the requirements of the individual
faculties; and
"Whereas these same publicly funded faculties of education in the province of Ontario have all met the stringent standards as outlined and controlled by the
Ontario College of Teachers; and
"Whereas the 2005 graduates of the publicly funded faculties of education in the province of Ontario will be placed at a severe disadvantage if they are given
a provisional certificate of qualification by the Ontario College of Teachers,
"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:
"To make the changes necessary to the Education Act and/or its regulations in order to grant the 2005 graduates of the publicly funded faculties of education
in the province of Ontario a permanent certificate of qualification, or to deem that the Bachelor of Education degree granted to 2005 graduates of the publicly funded faculties of education in the
province of Ontario deems them to have completed the equivalent of the Ontario teacher qualification test, thus allowing the Ontario College of Teachers to grant these same graduates a permanent
certificate of qualification."
VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS
Mr. Bill Murdoch (Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound): I thought maybe I wasn't to get one there, and I'd have to hurry mine, but I will anyway, since
nothing's been done with this.
"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:
"Whereas many volunteer fire departments in Ontario are strengthened by the service of double-hatter firefighters who work as professional, full-time
firefighters and also serve as volunteer firefighters on their free time and in their home communities; and" -- to make things short, Mr. Speaker, I'll just read the important whereases.
"Whereas Waterloo-Wellington MPP Ted Arnott has introduced Bill 52, the Volunteer Firefighters Employment Protection Act, that would uphold the right to
volunteer and solve this problem concerning public safety in Ontario;
"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:
"That the provincial government express public support for MPP Ted Arnott's Bill 52 and willingness to pass it into law or introduce similar legislation that
protects the right of firefighters to volunteer in their home communities on their own free time."
I have also signed this.
ORDERS OF THE DAY
LABOUR RELATIONS STATUTE LAW
AMENDMENT ACT, 2005 /
LOI DE 2005 MODIFIANT DES LOIS
CONCERNANT LES RELATIONS
DE TRAVAIL
Resuming the debate adjourned on May 18, 2005, on the motion for third reading of Bill 144,
An Act to amend certain statutes relating to labour relations /
Projet de loi 144, Loi modifiant des lois concernant les relations de travail.
The Deputy Speaker (Mr. Bruce Crozier): Pursuant to the order of the House dated Thursday, June 9, 2005, I'm now required to put the
question.
Mr. Bentley has moved third reading of Bill 144,
An Act to amend certain statutes relating to labour relations. Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion
carry?
All those in favour, say "aye."
All those opposed, say "nay."
In my opinion, the ayes have it.
Call in the members. This will be a 10-minute bell.
The division bells rang from 1545 to 1555.
The Deputy Speaker: All those in favour, stand one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.
Ayes
Arthurs, Wayne
Bentley, Christopher
Berardinetti, Lorenzo
Bountrogianni, Marie
Bradley, James J.
Broten, Laurel C.
Brown, Michael A.
Brownell, Jim
Bryant, Michael
Cansfield, Donna H.
Caplan, David
Chambers, Mary Anne V.
Colle, Mike
Cordiano, Joseph
Delaney, Bob
Dhillon, Vic
Di Cocco, Caroline
Dombrowsky, Leona
Duguid, Brad
Duncan, Dwight
Flynn, Kevin Daniel
Fonseca, Peter
Gerretsen, John
Gravelle, Michael
Hoy, Pat
Jeffrey, Linda
Kennedy, Gerard
Kular, Kuldip
Lalonde, Jean-Marc
Leal, Jeff
Levac, Dave
Marsales, Judy
Matthews, Deborah
Mauro, Bill
McMeekin, Ted
McNeely, Phil
Meilleur, Madeleine
Milloy, John
Mitchell, Carol
Mossop, Jennifer F.
Orazietti, David
Parsons, Ernie
Patten, Richard
Peters, Steve
Phillips, Gerry
Pupatello, Sandra
Qaadri, Shafiq
Ramal, Khalil
Ramsay, David
Rinaldi, Lou
Ruprecht, Tony
Sandals, Liz
Sergio, Mario
Smith, Monique
Smitherman, George
Sorbara, Gregory S.
Van Bommel, Maria
Watson, Jim
Wilkinson, John
Wong, Tony C.
Wynne, Kathleen O.
Zimmer, David
The Deputy Speaker: All those opposed, stand one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.
Nays
Arnott, Ted
Baird, John R.
Bisson, Gilles
Chudleigh, Ted
Churley, Marilyn
Flaherty, Jim
Hampton, Howard
Hardeman, Ernie
Horwath, Andrea
Klees, Frank
Kormos, Peter
Marchese, Rosario
Martel, Shelley
Murdoch, Bill
O'Toole, John
Ouellette, Jerry J.
Prue, Michael
Runciman, Robert W.
Scott, Laurie
Tascona, Joseph N.
Wilson, Jim
Witmer, Elizabeth
Yakabuski, John
The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Claude L. DesRosiers): The ayes are 62; the nays are 23.
The Deputy Speaker: I declare the motion carried.
Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.
Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Energy, Government House Leader): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: I believe we have unanimous consent to
allow the House to meet beyond 6:00 p.m. today to complete certain business.
The Deputy Speaker: Agreed? Carried.
ELECTION STATUTE LAW
AMENDMENT ACT, 2005 /
LOI DE 2005 MODIFIANT DES LOIS
EN CE QUI CONCERNE LES ÉLECTIONS
Mr. Bryant moved second reading of the following bill:
Bill 214,
An Act to amend the Election Act, the Election Finances Act and the Legislative Assembly Act, to repeal the Representation Act, 1996 and to enact the
Representation Act, 2005 / Projet de loi 214, Loi modifiant la Loi électorale, la
Loi sur le financement des élections et la
Loi sur l'Assemblée législative, abrogeant la
Loi de 1996 sur la représentation électorale et édictant la Loi de 2005 sur la représentation électorale.
The Deputy Speaker (Mr. Bruce Crozier): Mr. Bryant?
Is there any debate?
Mr. John R. Baird (Nepean-Carleton): I fear that much of this bill is unconstitutional and will be judged accordingly.
The Deputy Speaker: Questions and comments?
There being none, further debate? Does any member wish to debate?
Mr. Bryant has moved second reading of Bill 214. Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry?
All those in favour, 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 1601 to 1603.
The Deputy Speaker: All those in favour, please stand one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.
Ayes
Arthurs, Wayne
Bentley, Christopher
Berardinetti, Lorenzo
Bisson, Gilles
Bountrogianni, Marie
Bradley, James J.
Broten, Laurel C.
Brown, Michael A.
Brownell, Jim
Bryant, Michael
Cansfield, Donna H.
Caplan, David
Chambers, Mary Anne V.
Churley, Marilyn
Colle, Mike
Cordiano, Joseph
Delaney, Bob
Dhillon, Vic
Di Cocco, Caroline
Dombrowsky, Leona
Duguid, Brad
Duncan, Dwight
Flynn, Kevin Daniel
Fonseca, Peter
Gerretsen, John
Gravelle, Micha