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April 8, 2019

42nd Parliament, 1st Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcript 2019-Apr-08 (PDF)

L089 - Mon 8 Apr 2019 / Lun 8 avr 2019

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Monday 8 April 2019 Lundi 8 avril 2019

Introduction of Visitors

Joel Manning

Oral Questions

Health care

Health care

Teachers

Health care

Education funding

Energy policies

Collective bargaining

Sexual assault crisis centres

Provincial debt

Public sector compensation

Police services

Pharmacare

Northern economy

Educational assistants

Immigration and refugee policy

Northern highway improvement

Birth of member’s niece

Anniversary of accident in Humboldt, Saskatchewan

Wilbert Keon

Speaker’s birthday

Wearing of hockey jerseys

Introduction of Visitors

Members’ Statements

Tenant protection

Earth Day

Canadian Women’s Hockey League

Affordable housing

Organ and tissue donation

Corey Conners

Education

Jason Gordy

Fine Arts Society of Milton

Introduction of Bills

Genocide Awareness, Commemoration, Prevention and Education Month Act, 2019 / Loi de 2019 sur le Mois de la sensibilisation, de la commémoration, de la prévention et de l’éducation à l’égard des génocides

Statements by the Ministry and Responses

Organ and tissue donation

Petitions

Veterans memorial

Northern health services

Campus radio stations

Campus radio stations

Education funding

Campus radio stations

Epilepsy

Autism treatment

Campus radio stores

Mental health and addiction services

Child advocate

Traffic control

Visitor

Orders of the Day

Fixing the Hydro Mess Act, 2019 / Loi de 2019 pour réparer le gâchis dans le secteur de l’électricité

The House met at 1030.

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

Prayers.

Introduction of Visitors

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Before I ask members to introduce their guests, I’d like to welcome some very special guests who are here with us today in the Speaker’s gallery, and I’d like them to stand up: Bill and Carol Baxter from Fergus, and Glenna and Doug Smith from the township of Puslinch. Welcome to Queen’s Park. It’s wonderful to have you here.

Ms. Judith Monteith-Farrell: I’d like to introduce Moira McPherson and Richard Longtin from Lakehead University.

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: I too would like to say hello to Bill Baxter. It’s great to see him here. He was an agricultural representative when I worked for OMAFRA, and a great example in Waterloo region to be followed—very good.

I’d also like to welcome today members of the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association—it’s so nice to have you here—Cathy Abraham, Rusty Hick and Jennifer McIntyre.

Mr. Joel Harden: It gives me great pleasure to welcome today my parents, Rosemary and Reg Harden, from the great riding of Glengarry–Prescott–Russell. Mom and Dad, thanks for helping me get here.

M me Nathalie Des Rosiers: I’d like to welcome to the House Nikki Porter, executive director of Epilepsy Ottawa.

After we’ve introduced our guests, I’d like to ask for a moment of silence for the passing of the father of our legislative intern Hudson Manning.

Hon. Doug Ford: It’s the first introduction I’ve ever had, and it’s so appropriate. My lovely mother came down to pay us a visit. If you think I’m tough to handle, Mr. Speaker, wait till she gets going.

Ms. Suze Morrison: I would like to welcome today Paul Raymond, who is the executive director of Epilepsy Ontario and also a constituent of Toronto Centre. Welcome.

Hon. Christine Elliott: We have medical students here at Queen’s Park today from all across Ontario. Welcome. We’re very pleased to see you all here.

Ms. Marit Stiles: It gives me great pleasure to welcome to the Legislature today, for their first, I believe, lobby day here at Queen’s Park, Cathy Abraham, president of the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association, and Rusty Hick, executive director. Thank you so much for being here.

Mr. Rudy Cuzzetto: I’d like to welcome Yan Shugang, the president of Tsinghua University in China, as well as June He of Environmental Waste International, my constituency assistant Joanna Maio, and Trevor Gordon of Epilepsy Ontario.

Ms. Peggy Sattler: I have several visitors to introduce this morning. I’d like to welcome four students from London who are with the Ontario Medical Students Association: Sydney Eaton, Gali Katznelson, Victor Polins Pedro and Elise Quint.

I’d also like to welcome Jayme Arts and Rochelle Sorzano from Epilepsy Ontario, both of whom represent London and region, as well as Robert McNeil and Kelly Smith, constituents who are here from London West. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Mr. Doug Downey: I’d like to welcome Shawna Bailey, executive director for Epilepsy Simcoe County and Melanie Jeffrey, the president of the board for Epilepsy Ontario.

Mr. Sol Mamakwa: I would like to welcome Deputy Grand Chief Derek Fox from the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, and also Tabatha Bull, chief operating officer for the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. Meegwetch.

Mr. Lorne Coe: I’d like to introduce Dianne McKenzie who is the chief executive officer for Epilepsy Durham Region. Welcome to Queen’s Park, Dianne.

M me France Gélinas: I would like to welcome the Ontario Medical Students Association and, more specifically, the students who came down from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Mr. Stephen Lecce: I want to introduce my friend Anser Daud, who is here with the U of T medical team and the Ontario Medical Students Association. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Mr. Terence Kernaghan: It gives me great pleasure to welcome students from the Ontario Medical Students Association: Victor Polins Pedro, Zachary Weiss, Silvio Ndoja, Adrina Zhong, as well as Robert McNeil, an animal and environmental advocate and a constituent of mine in London North Centre. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Miss Kinga Surma: I would like to introduce two constituents of mine: Donovan McKenzie, CEO of Heart of a Man, and David Charchalis, chief operating officer, Epilepsy South Central Ontario. Welcome to the House.

Mr. Paul Calandra: I would like to introduce Claudia Cozza, the executive director of Epilepsy York Region. Welcome to the House.

Mrs. Nina Tangri: Good morning. I’d like to welcome to the Legislature the team that is hosting the naloxone awareness day. Please welcome David Renwick, Allison Tario, Mark Barnes, Allan Malek, Betsy Nejat, Victoria Ip, David Thompson, Angela Schotsman and Allison Jones. I urge all members in the House to please attend the naloxone awareness reception being held today right after question period in room 228.

Hon. Greg Rickford: I want to introduce my dear friend, my adviser, an adviser to the Premier, and a former great leader in Lac Seul First Nation: Clifford Bull. He is accompanied by Richard Longtin, government relations for Lakehead University, and the president, Moira McPherson, from Lakehead University. Welcome to this magnificent place.

Mr. Stephen Crawford: I’d like to introduce Cynthia Milburn, who is the chief executive officer at Epilepsy South Central Ontario. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Mr. Stan Cho: It’s my pleasure to introduce Leah Sultan-Khan, director of community engagement for Epilepsy Toronto. I’m proud to say she’s a Willowdaler and making a huge difference not just in our neighbourhood but throughout the city. Welcome to the Legislature.

Hon. Jeff Yurek: Today’s page captain, from Elgin–Middlesex–London, is Virginia Will. Her family finally got into the Legislature. They had to go to the other side, but they’re here. Welcome Steve Will, Melanie Will; grandparents Pat Will, Larry Will, Gail Rader, Roy Rader; and her sister Selena Will. Her brother, former page Jacob Will, is back in the House.

Hon. Monte McNaughton: I’d like to welcome to Queen’s Park today a friend of mine, Eric Brouwer, who is from Mt. Brydges. Welcome.

Mr. Dave Smith: I don’t see her yet, but we will be joined today by my wife, Lorien Smith.

Mr. Ross Romano: I would also like to welcome Dr. Moira McPherson, president of Lakehead; Richard Longtin, government relations director at Lakehead; and Chief Clifford Bull, special adviser on Indigenous relations.

Joel Manning

M me Nathalie Des Rosiers: I rise on a point of order. I’m seeking unanimous consent of the House to observe a moment of silence to acknowledge the passing of the father of one of our legislative interns, Hudson Manning. Mr. Manning died of a heart attack while hiking with Hudson on Friday.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Ottawa–Vanier is seeking unanimous consent of the House to have a moment of silence in memory of Mr. Manning. Agreed? Agreed.

The House observed a moment’s silence.

Oral Questions

Health care

Mr. John Vanthof: My question is to the Premier. Late last week, City News broke the news that the Ford government is looking to cut a variety of OHIP-covered health services, not on the basis of what’s good for patients, but to save half a billion dollars. The Premier’s office quickly announced that they would not be asking patients to endure a colonoscopy without anaesthetic, and that is a relief to many people in the province. But that was just one of a long series of cuts that the government is considering.

Can the Premier tell us which health care services he is planning to cut?

Hon. Doug Ford: Minister of Health.

Hon. Christine Elliott: I thank the member for the question because it gives us the opportunity to let the people of Ontario know what’s actually happening.

First of all, the Appropriateness Working Group has been established as a result of the arbitrator’s decision with the Ontario Medical Association, and we are resetting the button on a relationship that has been fractured over 15 years under the previous government. We are in a very appropriate place right now to be working with doctors to improve the patient experience across Ontario.

With respect to the specific procedure that the member referred to, all medical and diagnostic tests are going to be based on what the needs of the patient are, and that specific policy has not moved forward. The report was based on some old and outdated information. That specific diagnosis was ruled out; that was not going to be happening. The full anaesthetic requirements that were necessary would be continued under that particular procedure.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Mr. John Vanthof: As the minister mentioned, the Ford government has created something called the appropriateness group, but their mandate is to find nearly half a billion dollars in cuts, whether they are appropriate or not.

Another service that’s at risk is pain management treatment. People who rely on them say that cutting the treatments will leave them unable to work. Will the Premier rule out cuts to these treatments?

Hon. Christine Elliott: The Appropriateness Working Group is to take a look at what’s going to enhance patient care. I can say that we are very pleased to be working with the Ontario Medical Association on the provisions of Bill 74 that, if passed, will improve patient care. It’s going to make sure that care is based on the patient experience and on evidence. That’s what we need to make decisions on; that’s what we will continue to make decisions on. We will work with the people who provide front-line care in order to do that.

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

Mr. John Vanthof: A review of health services should be focused on what patients need, but under the Ford government it seems entirely focused on how much funds can be cut and how deep the cuts can be. For patients who rely on pain treatment or patients who are waiting for MRIs and other procedures, that’s frightening. Will the Premier come clean today on what services he plans to cut?

Hon. Christine Elliott: The whole purpose of Bill 74, The People’s Health Care Act, is to enhance patient experience, to make sure that people get the services that they need in a timely manner and that those services are connected. That’s what we intend to do. That’s what we’re working on.

We know that the patient experience is not what it should be in Ontario right now, that people are not getting their services when they need them, that when they’re released from hospital they’re not getting home care in a timely manner, and that they sometimes don’t even get home care at all, which means they end up back in hospital. We want to connect services, provide timely access to treatment and make sure that people get the care that they deserve in Ontario. That’s what we’re doing with Bill 74 and with the working group at the OMA.

Health care

Mr. John Vanthof: Once again, my question is to the Premier. For weeks, we have asked the government to publicly commit to public, not-for-profit health care delivery, and for weeks the Premier and the Minister of Health have done anything but that, anything but guarantee Ontarians that their health care scheme will not put our system in the hands of for-profit organizations.

Today, we’ll be presenting amendments to the government’s mega health bill that will ensure our public health system stays public. If this government is truly committed to protecting our health care system, will they support those changes?

Hon. Doug Ford: Minister of Health.

Hon. Christine Elliott: The whole purpose of Bill 74 is to strengthen our publicly funded health care system. I’ve said that time and time again. Speaker, through you: Though the official opposition tries to pretend otherwise, that’s not the case. We are strengthening our public system with our local Ontario health teams that are comprised of local providers. They are going to make sure that there’s coverage across their entire geographic area for all of the patient needs. If there’s any money left over in any one given year, that’s going to go directly back into patient care the following year.

That’s how the system is going to work to strengthen what we already have: our publicly funded and delivered system.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary.

Mr. John Vanthof: Speaker, the minister just did it again: “publicly funded.” What we’re saying is “publicly funded” but more importantly “publicly delivered” health care.

These amendments will enshrine the principles of the Canada Health Act, specifically to protect “against the expansion of private, for-profit delivery of services.” Will the government support measures that will ensure our health care system stays in public hands?

Hon. Christine Elliott: Again, through you, Speaker: I think the member of the opposition is ignoring the facts as they actually are. He knows as well as every other member of the opposition that there is a lot of health care that is delivered privately but through the publicly funded system. What about doctors? What would you do with doctors that are in private practice? Should we not have any doctors? The medical students are here. What should we do, then?

We want to make sure that anyone who needs health care in Ontario can get the health care that they deserve, and it is publicly funded. That’s the important thing; that’s what we’re prepared—

Interjections.

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

Restart the clock. Final supplementary.

Mr. John Vanthof: The people have spoken, and they have told us they do not want the health care system to be dismantled and given away—

Interjections.

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

Interjections.

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

I apologize to the member for Timiskaming–Cochrane for having to interrupt him. Restart the clock. Please place your question.

Mr. John Vanthof: Full privatization of health care goes against who we are as Ontarians and Canadians. But it’s clear that the Ford government has their own priorities: fewer health services and more for-profit delivery. Will the government reconsider and stop its plan to open up unprecedented amounts of privatization of our health care system?

Hon. Christine Elliott: Again through you, Speaker: I do not know where this member is getting this information. Because the people have spoken, and the people want better-connected access to health care services in a timely manner. That’s what people want.

Bill 74 speaks about the increase in strengthening our public health care system. That’s what it’s all about. We want to make sure people get the services they need. That’s what they’re telling us. I don’t know where you’re getting your information, but clearly it’s mistaken.

Teachers

Ms. Marit Stiles: My question is to the Premier. Parents and students were stunned last week to learn that the government is plowing ahead with plans that will lead to layoffs for thousands of teachers and education workers. This morning, we’ve already seen the impact. Global News reports that, on Friday, 1,000 teachers in the Toronto District School Board alone learned they have been declared surplus, and it’s clear that the Ford government’s decision to expand class sizes is responsible.

Does the Premier understand that you can’t build a world-class education system at the same time as you’re laying off thousands of teachers who provide that education?

Hon. Doug Ford: Through you, Mr. Speaker: It just boggles my mind where they get this information from. Let me be very clear: Not one single teacher is going to lose their job. I’m going to repeat it again: Not one single teacher is going to lose their job.

There are currently 125,979 teachers in Ontario, up from 112,000 in 2004. We’re up 13,000 teachers and 109,000 less students. I understand the NDP; they have it tough doing math as well. But it doesn’t add up. It doesn’t add up.

We’re focused on making sure our students are ready for the new economy, making sure they’re ready to get out into the work world and focus on their math skills that—50% of our grade 6 students are failing math. One third of those teachers teaching these students could not pass the same—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary.

Ms. Marit Stiles: Back to the Premier: 1,000 teachers in the Toronto public school board alone get a notice that they likely won’t have a job next year. I call that mind-boggling—yes, I do—and I also call it a fact.

The tens of thousands of parents and education workers and trustees and students who gathered on the front lawn this weekend don’t believe the Premier’s line either. They know that firing teachers and cramming more students into overcrowded classrooms is not a recipe for success. This goes against every ounce of research that’s out there, Premier. Does the Premier have any evidence that larger classes, fewer course options and thousands of unemployed teachers are going to improve our schools?

Hon. Doug Ford: Through you, Mr. Speaker: I have to reference an

article in the paper. Let’s look at the question that was asked in the newspaper over the weekend. I’ll read it: “So when teachers, their unions or their advocates claim that the education system is facing deep cuts or being gutted, are they talking about actual facts or are they engaging in fearmongering?”

I’ll tell you—it’s pretty straightforward: It’s about fearmongering. I have yet to hear the teachers’ union come up with a solution to why half our students are failing math or why one third of our teachers are failing the same test. We’re going to make sure that all new teachers—all new teachers—do proper math testing before they get into the high schools to teach our students.

Mr. Speaker, we’re keeping the class sizes exactly the same through JK to grade 3. We’re adding one student from grade 4 to grade 8. We’re making sure that our students—

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

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Better stop the clock. Members please take their seats.

Next question.

Health care

Mr. Ross Romano: My question is for the Premier. Just this past weekend, the Premier travelled to North Bay and, on his travels, attended the grand opening of a nurse practitioner-led clinic alongside the Minister of Finance.

Ontarians expressed clearly during the election the need to fix the province’s broken health care system. That is why our government has taken steps toward enhancing health care. Our goal of ending hallway health care has been strengthened by North Bay’s new nurse practitioner-led clinic.

Mr. Speaker, can the Premier share more about the great news this new health care clinic brings to northern Ontario?

Hon. Doug Ford: First of all, I want to thank the outstanding MPP from Sault Ste. Marie. He’s done a great job. And I want to thank Minister Vic Fedeli for having us up in North Bay. What great towns both Sault Ste. Marie and North Bay are.

We went to a nurse practitioners’ clinic, a new one that just opened up. They’re expecting to serve over 2,400 people. Their other clinic serves over 3,000.

This is just one step in our plan in making sure we end hallway health care. I had an opportunity to talk to the doctors and the nurses who do a great job there. They’re excited. I think this would be a great footprint—a great footprint to spread across our province to take the rush hour per se off our hospitals and make sure we end hallway health care.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Mr. Ross Romano: Thank you to the Premier for that answer. The opening of the nurse practitioner-led clinic is outstanding news for North Bay and is a step in the right direction for our northern neighbours in ending hallway health care.

This is a government that continues to listen to health care workers on the front lines. The fact is, Ontario’s doctors and nurses were not supported by the former Liberal government. Mr. Speaker, can the Premier tell us more about the critical importance of front-line health care workers in northern Ontario and across the province?

Hon. Doug Ford: I want to thank the member from Sault Ste. Marie once again. It was fabulous to walk into this clinic and listen to the nurses. I said all throughout the election that the backbone of our hospitals, our health care is the nurses, the people who are there front and centre, taking care of our patients.

I’ll tell you a story, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday—I think it was around 1 o’clock—I was going into my office in Etobicoke. I got a phone call from a patient up by the 400 and Finch—the hospital. They said, “They aren’t feeding me. I need help. I need this; I need that. They aren’t giving me proper meals.” So I thought I’d surprise the person. I didn’t have my detail; I just drove up there. I had the best time talking to the nurses, talking to the front-line health care workers. They were shocked to see me, but I told them help is here.

We will always support our nurses. Again, they’re the backbone of our health care system. We were able to speak to the patients in there too, again, appreciating—

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

Education funding

Ms. Marit Stiles: My question is again to the Premier. Let’s talk facts, shall we? Last week—and it’s a fact—over 150,000 students from 700 schools across Ontario fought back against the Premier’s plan to cut their education. They wanted the Premier to hear their voices loud and clear: They reject his moves to increase class sizes, cut time with teachers and jeopardize their quality of education.

But instead of listening to their voices, the Premier dismissed them. He claimed that they didn’t organize for themselves and accused them of being nothing more than—these were his words—“pawns.”

Will the Premier apologize for condescending to and underestimating Ontario students?

Hon. Doug Ford: I just want to remind the big labour leaders of the teachers’ unions that they don’t have a veto on education. They never ran. They’ve been around forever; the same old leaders have been around forever. They’re worried about one thing: They’re worried about lining their pockets with the union dues from the teachers.

Mr. Speaker, I had an opportunity to speak to numerous teachers, but one over the weekend, he was frustrated with the whole system. He said that we’re on the right track. He said, “The only thing I’ve ever got off my union is a slice of pizza—one meeting.” That’s what they’ve received off of their union.

I can tell you one thing: We will make sure that if teachers are involved in walking out of the classroom—like any other job, when you walk out of the classroom, you’re going to be docked pay.

I’ve heard story after story about bulletin boards and cut-out pictures throughout these classrooms—anti-government posters. We don’t believe in that. We believe in making sure we keep—

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

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock. Members please take their seats. Please start the clock.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): No, stop the clock. Sorry.

Government side, come to order. Opposition side, come to order. Order.

Restart the clock. Supplementary?

Ms. Marit Stiles: Mr. Speaker, that about sums up this government: making it up as you go along, right?

The organizers of the Students Say No campaign—I’m going to give you their names: Natalie Moore and Rayne Fisher-Quann—heard the Premier’s comments and drafted a letter in response. Their letter says this:

“We are smart enough to know when we are being shortchanged for your own gain. And we are tired of being disrespected—being told that we don’t have the autonomy, the power or the responsibility to organize ourselves.

“We would greatly appreciate it if you stopped lying to the people of this province in order to discredit our”—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order.

Hon. Doug Ford: Who drove all the buses, the students?

Ms. Marit Stiles: There were no buses.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order. The member for Davenport, come to order and the Premier will come to order.

The member must withdraw her unparliamentary comment.

Ms. Marit Stiles: Sorry, Mr. Speaker. I was reading the letter, but I understand and I withdraw.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I can look after this. Order.

The member can now place her question.

Ms. Marit Stiles: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just to be clear, there were no buses at the student protest, and if you’d shown up at one of them to listen, the Premier might know that.

Does the Premier believe what Rayne and Natalie have to say and will he apologize to them here today?

Hon. Doug Ford: Minister of Education.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members please take their seats. The question’s been referred to the Minister of Education. Members, come to order. I need to be able to hear her.

Interjections.

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

The question’s been referred to the Minister of Education. I need to be able to hear her.

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I can tell you what we’re never, ever going to do on this side of the House, and that is we will never, ever play political games when it comes to student success in the classroom. The people who are out perpetuating falsehoods and absolute misinformation need to be—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’m going to ask the minister to withdraw the unparliamentary comment—

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: I withdraw.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): —and conclude her response.

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: Again, we are never going to play political games when it comes to the success of our students.

You know what? Everything we do is going to be measured and it’s going to be responsible. It’s going to be based on qualitative and quantitative research, like our consultation pointed us to this last fall. What are we focusing on? We’re not focusing on the games that the members opposite are playing with students. Shame on them. We’re going to be focusing on getting back to the basics, focusing on the fundamentals—

Interjections.

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

I’ll remind the government side: Once the ovation erupted, I couldn’t hear the minister. I had to cut her off.

Mr. Wayne Gates: Good.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Member for Niagara Falls, that’s not helpful.

Restart the clock. Next question.

Energy policies

Ms. Lindsey Park: My question is to the Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines and Minister of Indigenous Affairs.

It’s no secret that the previous Liberal government made a mess of our electricity system through misguided policies to benefit insiders and force families and businesses to pay too much for their hydro bills.

Speaker, our government was elected to fix the hydro mess for the people of Ontario. The Liberals tried to fool Ontarians with their Fair Hydro Plan by keeping borrowing costs off the books. No one was buying what they were selling, certainly not in Durham. That became clear on election day.

Can the minister please elaborate on why the previous government’s Fair Hydro Plan was so unfair for the people of Ontario?

Hon. Greg Rickford: I want to thank the member for Durham. She’s a real champion for our energy sector, and I appreciate the work she does for her constituency in Durham.

What a mess this trust fund cover-up was. The Auditor General issues a scathing report. KPMG asked for legal protection in order to work on the scheme. Sounds like a red flag to me, but listen to what our friends at the Globe and Mail reported on this: “Karen Hughes, associate deputy minister of the Treasury Board, said her staff wasn’t comfortable with the plan and didn’t recommend it. Steve Orsini ... said the entire public service neither recommended nor supported the Fair Hydro Plan.” This sounds like a mess, Mr. Speaker.

Bill 87 is appropriately called “clean up the hydro mess act,” and that’s exactly what we intend to do.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Ms. Lindsey Park: I’d like to thank the minister for all the great work he’s done since we were elected last year.

Fixing the hydro mess is a top priority for our government, and I’m so glad we’re already taking steps to deliver results for the people of Ontario. Families and businesses in Durham deserve to have confidence in their electricity system. Restoring transparency is an important first step.

I know there’s more work to be done, Speaker. After 15 years of the Liberals’ backroom deals and hidden accounting schemes, the people of Ontario can now have faith that their government is working to make their lives more affordable. Can the minister tell us what steps the government is taking to put the people of Ontario first?

Hon. Greg Rickford: Transparency is fundamental to this process. Our government replaced the global adjustment refinancing structure with a transparent, on-bill rebate. We believe that families and businesses deserve to know what the cost of hydro is, and we’re in hot pursuit of a cut model instead of further subsidies, but those subsidies will be there on the bill for the people of Ontario to see—not hidden in a corrupt trust fund. More importantly, Mr. Speaker—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’m going to ask the member to withdraw.

Hon. Greg Rickford: Withdraw. More importantly, Mr. Speaker, we’re going to save the province of Ontario billions of dollars in borrowing costs as a result of our fair and transparent plan. We’ll be taking the same approach when it comes to the job-killing carbon tax, which my learned friend here eliminated last fall and the Trudeau Liberals decided to put back in. We’re going to tell Ontarians how much that costs, Mr. Speaker. Just wait and see.

Collective bargaining

Ms. Jennifer K. French: My question is to the Minister of Labour. The Minister of Labour has a vital role in the province and a responsibility to show leadership when it comes to collective bargaining and labour relations in Ontario.

Last week the Premier of Ontario disparaged elected union leaders who are advocating for their members, calling them “union thugs.” Does the minister responsible for labour relations in the province of Ontario agree with the Premier’s name-calling or will she take this opportunity to distance herself from the Premier’s comments?

Hon. Laurie Scott: I’d like to take the opportunity to say that collective bargaining is not at risk in the province of Ontario. Employees can still unionize. We are simply clarifying that some public sector employers are not construction labourers, when we talked about Bill 66 and what we passed.

But, Mr. Speaker, we are actively engaged in the Ministry of Labour with all stakeholders. That’s union sides, non-union sides, that’s businesses. We have a great record in the province of Ontario on dealing with collective bargaining: 98% of the discussions are completed with the two parties at the table.

Mr. Speaker, through you to the member: We have, in the province of Ontario, with this party and this government, a good working relationship with unions. We’ll continue to meet with them and have them at the table. We certainly have disagreements, and we can certainly hear the rhetoric—

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

Supplementary?

Ms. Jennifer K. French: Again to the minister: A lot of folks work in this province, and there is a lot at stake, especially as those workers head to the bargaining table with this government.

As Minister of Labour, she is charged with ensuring fairness, respect and good faith in labour relations in this province. If she won’t distance herself from the name-calling in these comments, then how can she credibly do her job?

Ontarians need to have faith in the principle of good faith. Will the Minister of Labour clearly state that the Premier’s comments were unacceptable?

Hon. Laurie Scott: As the Ministry of Labour, we meet with all stakeholders, all sides of labour negotiations. We provide a service when, as I said, discussions of collective bargaining might be difficult. We, as the Ministry of Labour, provide mediators. We provide arbitrators. We are a neutral body, should that be needed from either side.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: A 98% success rate.

Hon. Laurie Scott: Yes. When we have a record of a 98% success rate in the province of Ontario, I’m very proud of the work that my Ministry of Labour does.

Do we have some interesting discussions? We certainly do, which is very healthy. But the Ministry of Labour is there to be used by both sides of collective bargaining units.

I know the press gets involved. I know that the members of the opposition like to do some fearmongering. But, Mr. Speaker—

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

Next question.

Sexual assault crisis centres

M me Nathalie Des Rosiers: My question is to the Premier. Kathleen Finlay reached out to my office to tell me about her horrible experience of sexual misconduct while in the employ of the Ontario Securities Commission a while back. When she reported the allegation, her boss told her to keep quiet or lose her job. It is with her permission that I’m raising this.

She approached the Premier’s office after the Premier said publicly that he would protect women who came forward to him. She was ignored, but worse than that, the OSC was contacted and she received threatening letters, and thereafter she was in hospital again.

I wrote to the Premier in December and followed up with his office, because I wanted to make sure that his office developed victim-friendly protocols when allegations of sexual misconduct are done.

My question to the Premier is this: Will you promise today to deal with Ms. Finlay’s concern, and will you ensure that there are victim-friendly protocols in your office and throughout the government?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Before I ask the Premier to reply, I’ll remind all members to please make your comments through the Chair.

To the Premier to respond.

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

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: Thank you very much, Premier, for the opportunity to talk today about the protection and advancement of women in our province.

I would like to thank the member opposite for bringing this particular issue to the floor of the assembly. As I am not privy to the exact details of this, I would ask that the member opposite meet with me after question period, so we can have a conversation on how this ministry, as well as this government, can best protect women across Ontario who are trying to escape violence, whether that is sexual assault, domestic assault or sex trafficking in the province. We are highly committed in this government to ensuring the advancement and equality of women.

We have often said in this Legislature that strong women must continue to support women in this case, but it’s up to all members of this assembly, including the strong members who are males in this assembly, to continue to stand against the circumstances that we’ve just heard about.

So, I’d be pleased to meet after with the member opposite, as well as with my staff, to ensure that we have some resolution to this today.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary.

M me Nathalie Des Rosiers: My question was for the Premier because the woman reached out to the Premier’s office, so I hope that the Premier’s office changes the protocol by which they respond.

Furthermore, I think Ms. Finlay and many women have expressed their concerns about the funding of rape crisis centres. I know that Hillary Di Menna published an

article in Now Toronto, because she was fundraising for the Toronto Rape Crisis Centre and she ran into the Premier, and she was really happy when he gave her five dollars to support the Toronto Rape Crisis Centre. But he didn’t seem to know that, in fact, his government had defunded the rape crisis centre.

So I’m asking again: Will this government fund fully the rape crisis centre? It is important. It’s crucial for women that they do so for this year and for years to come.

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: Thank you very much—important question. That’s why this government is committed to $174.5 million in funding, and we were pleased to have an $11.5-million commitment just before Christmas.

Speaker, that’s important because we’re doing a number of things that are new in the province with respect to supporting women who are escaping domestic violence and sexual violence, as well as sex trafficking. We’re making sure that we have more resources in rural communities. I commend the member from Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke and the member from Leeds–Grenville, as well as the member from Lanark, Frontenac and Hastings, for bringing these issues to the floor of the assembly. They were what inspired us to move forward.

I’m presently working with the Attorney General so that we can ensure there are better victim supports across government, and we’re working with the Ministry of Labour so that when we deal with sex trafficking or human trafficking and labour trafficking, we have a resolution to this. We are a government that is committed to wraparound supports, whether that’s Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, the Attorney General, the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services or the Solicitor General. We’re committed to doing that because we believe it is the right thing to do.

Provincial debt

Mr. Stephen Crawford: My question is for the President of the Treasury Board. My constituents are very concerned about the sustainability of Ontario’s finances. Because of poor choices and irresponsible spending, Ontario was left with a $15-billion deficit and inherited $338 billion in debt when the McGuinty/Wynne Liberals left office. Because of the rise in debt levels, Ontario’s interest payments on debt are now the fourth-largest line item, and it costs us $1.4 million to service the debt every single hour. That’s over $30 million in interest payments per day that are not going to roads, hospitals, transit systems and front-line services.

Can the President of Treasury Board inform the House what action the government is taking to address this government spending?

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Thank you to the member from Oakville for that great question. It’s true, Mr. Speaker, that we inherited a spending challenge from the previous Liberal government, an increase of over $200 billion of debt. What did we get for $200 billion? That’s the question. Did we get our health care system fixed? No, we didn’t, because of the minister. Did we get our education and math scores fixed? No, we didn’t. Did we get more hospitals? No, we didn’t.

Let me tell you, Mr. Speaker, the government inherited $72 billion a year spent on wages. The member mentioned $30 million a day in interest expenses. We’ve announced the consultations so we can begin the process to manage wage in a way that is modest, responsible and sustainable. These consultations will inform the government on the next steps to responsibly manage growth. Our government is committed to working with our partners to ensure that every taxpayer dollar is invested in a fair and sustainable way.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary.

Mr. Stephen Crawford: I would like to thank the President of the Treasury Board for his answer. It’s shocking how much debt the Liberals actually managed to rack up. Earlier this month, Minister Bethlenfalvy tabled the 2018 salary disclosure, more commonly known as the “sunshine list.” It showed that in 2018, the number of employees making over $100,000 per year increased by over 20,000 people. Since the Liberals took office in 2003, the list has grown by more than 600% and is now over 150,000 individuals. To me, this shows that the President of the Treasury Board is on the right track by opening up good-faith consultations with our public sector concerning wage growth.

Can the President of the Treasury Board inform this House as to what action is needed now?

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Thank you again to the member from Oakville. Let me be clear, I’m impressed day by day with our public sector, who work hard and are dedicated and work with great diligence, but we must be honest about—

Applause.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Yes, thank you. But, Mr. Speaker, we must be honest about what we can afford while ensuring the sustainability of government programs and services. We cannot manage our spending if we ignore the role that compensation plays in that regard. We must confront intergenerational inequity and we have to do everything in our power to cushion against future shocks.

Let me remind the House that we’re in the 10th year of an economic recovery. We should be more fiscally disciplined to ensure that we can afford the things that matter most, as I mentioned: sustainability of our health care system, sustainability of our education system, sustainability of our social services and our universities. That’s why we announced these consultations, and that’s what we’re going to do.

Public sector compensation

Ms. Sandy Shaw: Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Premier. Last week, the President of the Treasury Board delivered a chilling speech about this government’s plans to squeeze the wages of public sector workers across the province. The government has promised to hold back wages from front-line workers like teachers and nurses—nurses that the Premier just called the backbone of our health care system.

I quote the President of the Treasury Board, who referenced “trade-offs that will lead to reductions in compensation costs.” How much of a reduction in compensation should public sector workers like our nurses be bracing for?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I look to the Deputy Premier.

Hon. Christine Elliott: To the President of the Treasury Board.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Through you, Mr. Speaker, thank you to the member opposite for that question. Our government is committed to restoring sustainability to our public finances while preserving critical front-line services that the people of Ontario depend on. We’ve taken immediate actions: We’ve frozen executive compensation. We’ve frozen broader public service compensation. We’re consulting and we’re taking steps now to fix the incredible mess that we inherited from the previous Liberal government.

One of the first steps that we took was to look at all elements of our expenditures, and compensation represents more than half. We believe it’s our duty to address the sustainability of public sector wage trends. So, Mr. Speaker, we need to take firm action to protect the vital front-line programs and services now for generations of today and for future generations.

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

Ms. Sandy Shaw: Mr. Speaker, my guess is that front-line workers would like to know how much this firm action is going to cost them. Families have been feeling squeezed for very long after 15 years of Liberal governments ignoring the increasing cost of living, leaving us with skyrocketing hydro bills and out-of-control housing costs, all while letting wages fall further behind. Now Ontario families hold record levels of household debt.

So my question is, how can this government find millions of dollars to appoint the Premier’s friends and Conservative Party insiders to cushy patronage positions while asking public sector workers like our nurses to tighten their belts?

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Again, thank you to the member opposite for that question.

Breaking news: We inherited a $15-billion deficit in this province. We inherited $200 billion more in debt since 2003. As someone who worked in the private sector, who worked at a credit rating agency, I know the numbers too well. Inheriting a 40% debt-to-GDP puts this generation of Ontarians at risk, and it puts at risk those programs and services that matter the most.

I mentioned before that what this government is going to do is make sure that we get on a sustainable path so that we can protect core services in our health care, in our social services, in our education and in our justice system for the people of Ontario. That’s what we’re going to do.

Police services

Mrs. Daisy Wai: My question is for the Ontario Solicitor General. Every day, Ontario’s front-line officers do incredible work to keep our families safe. Often this work is silent, preventive and unseen.

Last week, our Premier shared the news that Ontario would once again proudly proclaim the title of Solicitor General.

Mr. Speaker, could the Solicitor General please tell the members of the House about the significance of this change for front-line officers across Ontario?

Hon. Sylvia Jones: It is an incredible honour to serve in Premier Ford’s government with such a great depth of talent in our caucus. I continue to be amazed at how committed and talented the members of caucus are.

I want to assure the member from Richmond Hill that our work continues. It’s all about protecting the front line. It’s all about making sure that victims of crime and the individuals who choose not to respect the laws of Ontario are appropriately dealt with. I will continue to do that, and I will do it in a way that, frankly, I don’t think the Liberals and the NDP do, and that’s by listening—listening to the front line and making sure that they share their best practices and the ideas that they have to make Ontario a safer place. It’s critically important to our work as a government and it’s something that I’m proud to do as Ontario’s Solicitor General.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Mrs. Daisy Wai: I thank the Solicitor General for her response. Our front-line officers, and all of us, are proud to have you as our Solicitor General.

Over the past 15 years, we witnessed the previous Liberal government fail to respect our front-line officers. It is great to see our government act on the commitment to restore the relationship and respect between the government, the front-line officers and the people. As a member of this government, I’m proud to stand here today and know that we have kept another promise we made to the people of Ontario.

Mr. Speaker, could the Solicitor General please share more about the government’s commitment to supporting the front-line officers across Ontario, please?

Hon. Sylvia Jones: Thank you to the member from Richmond Hill for allowing me to share some of the initiatives we’ve already begun in our ministry.

Of course, recently we passed the Comprehensive Ontario Police Services Act, which made some real changes that are going to improve safety in our streets and allow our front-line officers to do the work that they need to keep our community and our families safe.

We’ve already initiated some new programs in our correction facilities because I think we can all appreciate that it is critically important that our corrections officers have the tools they need to get the job done and protect individuals who choose not to respect the laws of the land. There is much work to do with my colleague the Attorney General on the probation and parole side, but I want to assure the people of Ontario that we are working as a cabinet, as a caucus and as a government to make sure our communities are safe.

Pharmacare

Mr. Wayne Gates: My question is to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. This week, I had a constituent come to my office with a very troubling story. She’s a new mom with a six-month-old son who requires prescription formula. The formula was covered by a government program. However, as of April 1, she no longer receives coverage. It will cost this young family $600 a month. I’m going to repeat that: It will cost this young family $600 a month because their private insurance does not cover the formula.

Did the minister not have the foresight to see this coming when they rolled back drug coverage for people in this province?

Hon. Christine Elliott: I thank the member very much for the question. Actually, what was in our thoughts was to make sure that all young people who required medication would be able to get it and that the insurer should be the first payer, but if there isn’t an insurer involved, the young person, child or youth will still get the coverage they need. That was our goal from the beginning, and that is what we are planning to continue. However, if there are circumstances where people are not covered fully, then there is also the Trillium network that they can apply to.

With respect to this particular issue, I would be happy to speak with you about it to see how we can be of assistance to this young woman and her child.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Mr. Wayne Gates: Back to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care: This government has shown time and time again that they will recklessly cut programs in this province without any regard for the effects on everyday people. There used to be a government drug plan program that would help families who need prescription formula, but now if families aren’t covered by a private insurance plan, they’re out of luck. Kids are out of luck.

When will this government stand up, do what’s right and provide all Ontarians with full prescription drug coverage so no child in this province goes without the prescription formula babies need?

Hon. Christine Elliott: Well, back to the member again: If this is a prescription formula that this child needs, then it should be covered. If it’s not covered, there is the Trillium network that they can apply to.

What we’ve actually done is enhanced the system to make sure that all young people are getting coverage in a sensible way. The insurers should be the first payers. I think that’s what the people of Ontario would expect: that if there’s a private insurance plan, it should cover it. But if there isn’t one, we want to make sure every child and young person gets the coverage they need. That is what the plan prescribes. That is what it’s meant to do. If there is some reason why it’s not working for this person and they cannot get assistance through the Trillium network, please, I would like to speak with you about it to see how the ministry can be helpful.

Northern economy

Mr. Dave Smith: I want to make it crystal clear who my question is for: the most excellent Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry.

For 15 years, the previous Liberal government hampered the economic potential of northern Ontario. The Far North Act is a perfect example of how potential jobs and economic growth were limited by the Liberals’ failed policy. We’ve heard repeatedly from our colleagues that no one from this region asked for or even wanted the Far North Act. Making Ontario open for business and, more importantly, open for jobs includes the incredible resources that the Far North has to offer.

Can the minister inform the House on what our government is doing to encourage economic growth in the north rather than putting up barriers?

Hon. John Yakabuski: I want to thank the member from Peterborough–Kawartha for his advocacy and also the work that he’s doing on our caucus advisory team. It’s invaluable work for me as the minister. I also want to thank my colleague the Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines and Minister of Indigenous Affairs for the knowledge that he has on the north and how he has been able to assist me in this process. People in the Far North should be very confident that their interests are well represented at Queen’s Park.

The member is absolutely right: The previous Liberal government was not interested in what the people in the Far North wanted when they brought in the Far North Act. As announced in our fall economic statement, our government is in the process of reviewing the Far North Act and has been seeking input on a proposal to repeal the act. Submissions will continue to be accepted until April 11. That’s going to be a big day in Ontario, Speaker. I look forward to the work ahead as our government is committed to making the Far North open for business and open for jobs.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Mr. Dave Smith: Thank you to the minister for that answer. Our government’s proposal is the type of bold action we need to take if we’re going to make the Far North open for business and open for jobs. I know the people of the Far North will be relieved to know that help is on the way under the leadership of our Premier and this minister. Instead of pandering to special interest groups, our government works for the people. The proposal to repeal the Far North Act will finally help the Far North reach its economic potential.

Can the minister expand on how the proposal will help the people of the Far North?

Hon. John Yakabuski: Thank you again for the supplementary. Our goal is to cut restrictions on important economic development projects in the Far North like the Ring of Fire, all-season roads and electrical transmission projects. Unlike the previous Liberal government, who paid no attention to what the Far North wanted, we will take the time to properly engage with our Far North First Nations partners and other stakeholders. Speaker, we will get this right. We will retain any approved land use plans through changes to the Public Lands Act in addition to any plans that are already at an advanced stage.

Our proposal will unleash the economic potential of the Far North, and we are committed to making sure we create job opportunities for every region across this great province.

Educational assistants

Ms. Peggy Sattler: My question is to the Minister of Education. Following this government’s $1-billion cut to public education last month, 35 educational assistants received layoff notices from the Thames Valley District School Board. This is in addition to the 100 special education learning coordinator positions that were eliminated on March 6. The EA layoffs were announced even as the board prepares for more than 500 students with autism to enter the school system in September, many for the first time.

Speaker, this government wants to talk about math, so here’s my math question to the minister: When you add 500 students with special learning needs to Thames Valley classrooms and take away 35 of the educational assistants who help them, will students in London be better off or worse off?

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: The answer to that question is, stop fearmongering. The fact of the matter is, year in and year out, school boards across Ontario work through an exercise whereby surplus notices are given. My question back to the member opposite is, how many did they lay off last year and the year before that and the year before that? If she were honest with herself and the members of her own caucus as well as the constituents that she’s representing, she would say that this is a normal annual routine activity that school boards—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order.

Your remarks implied an unparliamentary statement. I’m going to ask you to withdraw.

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: Withdraw.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Ms. Peggy Sattler: Again to the minister: Like many other school boards, Thames Valley already has a shortage of educational assistants. These 35 layoffs will just make the shortage worse, especially for students with autism. The loss of these 35 EAs means that EAs who wanted to become certified in applied behaviour analysis are being told to cancel their training because there is no one to cover for them in the classroom.

Can the minister explain how making specialized autism training available to EAs will help support students with autism when EAs can’t be spared from the classroom to participate in this training?

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: Do you know what? We have one great big mess that we need to clean up after 15 years of failed leadership from the Liberal government. And we’re going to get it right because, collectively, between the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services and the Minister of Health and myself, we’re embarking on a consultation that I hope everybody participates in. It’s going to be one of a kind. It’s kicking off in May. I encourage the member opposite to tell her stakeholders to be sure to engage in this consultation. In fact, Minister MacLeod invited everyone in this House to participate as well.

The fact of the matter is, Speaker, we’re going to get it right because, again, we’re not going to stand and thump our chests and fearmonger. We’re going to be in the trenches working alongside all of our stakeholders, just like we did this last fall. Again, our consultation last fall has landed us in very, very good positions moving forward, and I have every trust that the consultation that will kick off in May will do exactly—

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

Immigration and refugee policy

Mr. Billy Pang: My question is for the hard-working and open-minded Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. Recently the Globe and Mail reported that the US government has formally requested that the Canadian federal government renegotiate the Safe Third Country Agreement for asylum seekers.

Speaker, we know that the influx of illegal border crossers has placed a significant strain on Ontario’s social services system. Can the minister please update the House on the efforts of our government for the people—

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’m going to ask the member for Ottawa Centre to withdraw his unparliamentary remark.

Mr. Joel Harden: Speaker, I’m going to have a hard time withdrawing a comment that’s—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I hope the member understands the consequences of refusing to withdraw. I’m going to ask him one more time.

Mr. Joel Harden: Withdraw.

Interjections.

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

I’d like the member for Markham–Unionville to conclude his question.

Mr. Billy Pang: Thank you, Speaker. Can the minister please update the House on the efforts our government for the people is taking to hold the federal government to account for their failed border policies?

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: I want to commend the member from Markham–Unionville for not only being in this assembly but being a strong voice for newcomers in this country and, in particular, within this province. I think he is a great success and a tribute to the immigration system when it’s working in the province of Ontario and in Canada.

The federal government does have sole jurisdiction over immigration and refugee resettlement policy, including those who are eligible to make a claim. But let me be perfectly clear—and we’re not the only ones saying this. Every single Premier, regardless of political stripe, from every province and territory, stood behind our Premier, Premier Ford, in August, telling the federal Liberal government that they must pay for their failed border policies in Quebec.

We have itemized a list of $200 million that we have expected the federal government to pay, and their recent budget is an outright admission to what this government and every other government, provincially and territorially, in the country of Canada has said to the federal government. We’re asking them to pay their bills for their failed border policy—

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

Mr. Billy Pang: Thank you, Minister. Thank you for standing up for Ontario taxpayers.

The

article I mentioned highlights a statement from a federal government official. The official said between 60% and 70% of asylum seekers crossing the border into Canada between ports of entry appear to have entered the United States specifically to claim asylum in Canada. These individuals enter the United States on a visitor’s visa with no intention of seeking asylum, then illegally cross our border claiming refuge. Can the minister explain our government’s position on this matter?

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: This is a very important issue because I believe that Canadians, including all Ontarians, deserve to have confidence in a rigorous immigration process.

We know that the Ontario Auditor General is looking into the costs that our province has incurred as a result of illegal border crossing. In Quebec, we know the Parliamentary Budget Officer—as well as the Toronto neighbourhood studies—has validated our concerns with respect to accommodations and the shelter system. We know the city of Toronto and the city of Ottawa have both come to the table asking the federal government to support us.

That is why this government, along with every other government across this nation, provincial and territorial, has stood behind our Premier, Premier Ford, in asking the federal government to pay its bills. Finally, they have acknowledged, with the recent budget, that what we have been saying for the last 10 months is accurate, but we’re simply saying to them it’s not enough. They are only coming to the table with a minimal amount of money. That is why I think it’s important that the federal government not only acknowledge its problems, but pay for them—

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

Northern highway improvement

Mr. Jamie West: My question is to the Minister of Transportation. Highway 69 is a connective artery between northern and southern Ontario. It is essential for business, trade and tourism in our region and into the north. With many fatalities, Highway 69 has also proven to be an unreliable death trap. It’s been 14 years since the Liberals promised they would complete the four-laning of Highway 69 to Sudbury, and we are still waiting.

The Sudbury Chamber of Commerce has urged this government to fund the four-laning of the last 68 kilometres of Highway 69. Businesses are concerned that northern Ontario’s critical infrastructure and transportation deficit is damaging our local economy. Experts tell me that the cost of demobilizing construction projects and then remobilizing in the future will be incredibly cost-prohibitive. It may be so expensive that Sudbury may never see completion of the four-laning of Highway 69.

Will the minister finally tell the people of the north that this government will invest the money we need to finish Highway 69 all the way to Sudbury, and when should Sudbury expect that completion?

Hon. Jeff Yurek: I’d like to thank the member opposite for that question. This is a government that is going to invest in transportation and roads and bridges and highways across the entire province. We just recently gave $1.3 billion to Ottawa to finish their LRT. We promised a billion dollars to Hamilton for their LRT. We just recently announced $1.3 billion for highway and bridge maintenance across the entire province.

This is a government that’s going to stand by Premier Ford’s promise to build transit across this entire province, and that includes our important highways, roads and bridges. I look forward to having more discussion with the member opposite after our budget announcement on April 11.

Birth of member’s niece

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): A number of members have informed me that they wish to raise a point of order. First of all, the member for Willowdale.

Mr. Stan Cho: I just want to share some happy news with everybody in the House. On Friday, April 5, at noon, my brother and his wife, Richard and Michelle Cho, gave birth to a healthy, happy baby girl, Chase Cho. Congratulations to them.

Anniversary of accident in Humboldt, Saskatchewan

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Minister of Government and Consumer Services.

Hon. Bill Walker: At 12:30, I’d like to welcome all members of the Legislature down to the main staircase for a photo to support organ donation and honour the memories of all those who suffered—it’s the Humboldt Broncos one-year anniversary. We’ll be doing a statement at 1:30 for that as well.

Wilbert Keon

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Ottawa South.

Mr. John Fraser: I have some sad news. Dr. Wilbert Keon, a former Conservative senator and an incredible contributor to health care in our community, in Ontario and in the world, passed away on Sunday. It’s very sad news. His contributions are immeasurable, and I just wanted to make sure that everyone was aware of that.

Speaker’s birthday

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The government House leader.

Hon. Todd Smith: Mr. Speaker, I have some happier news I’d like to share. This member was elected 29 years ago and he hasn’t aged a bit. Today happens to be his birthday. Let’s all wish a happy birthday to our Speaker, Ted Arnott.

Singing of Happy Birthday to You.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you. Please take your seats.

I’m going to ask the government House leader to withdraw.

Laughter.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): This House stands in recess until 1 o’clock.

The House recessed from 1147 to 1300.

Wearing of hockey jerseys

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I understand the Minister of Government and Consumer Services has a point of order.

Hon. Bill Walker: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to seek unanimous consent for everyone to be able to sport a jersey in support of organ donations, and particularly to honour and remember those who were impacted by the tragedy of the Humboldt Broncos that happened a year ago, especially Logan Boulet, who has turned that sad tragedy into a very positive effect that will impact many lives over many years.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Everyone heard that? Agreed? Agreed.

Introduction of Visitors

Mr. Joel Harden: I remain pleased and honoured that my parents, Rosemary and Reg Harden, are here from Vankleek Hill, Ontario—Glengarry–Prescott–Russell.

Members’ Statements

Tenant protection

Mr. Peter Tabuns: Speaker, low-income tenants are being driven out of their homes by predatory landlords. In the past month, I have met with people from three different apartment buildings in my riding who are enduring mass evictions. The landlords want to clear out the buildings, apparently do minor renovations and then rent out the units at dramatically higher rents. Units now going for under $1,000 per month at 245 Logan are being advertised to future tenants at $2,300 per month.

It’s very clear what’s happening here. Tenants—many of them seniors who have lived in their units for decades and paid the rent that allowed the landlord to make a decent profit and maintain the buildings—are now being driven out so that new owners can make a fortune. Not only are their lives being upended so someone can make big bucks at their expense, but the units will be permanently unaffordable for people with low incomes after these changes are made.

That’s wrong. The Ford government needs to act now to protect tenants from these predatory practices.

Earth Day

Mr. Vijay Thanigasalam: First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day is a special day every year when people across the globe hold events and gatherings to show their support for environmental protection.

In Canada, the first official Earth Day was held in 1980, with week-long ceremonies opened by Progressive Conservative MP Flora MacDonald. On Earth Day 2016, the landmark Paris agreement was opened for signatures. Canada agreed to a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Thanks to the leadership of Minister Phillips, Ontario is on track to do our part.

Earth Day this year will be no different, with events around the world. In my riding of Scarborough–Rouge Park, I am proud to say that I am hosting a shoreline cleanup this weekend to keep our beaches beautiful and free of litter, so my constituents and all visitors can enjoy the stunning shore of Lake Ontario.

I will also be attending a number of other cleanup and Earth Day events, including the ones hosted by the CCRA, the Highland Creek Community Association, Friends of the Rouge Watershed and Green Canada.

I hope we can all work together to keep Ontario beautiful and clean for generations to come.

I want to quote from the report. Mr. Onley says, “Every day, in every community in Ontario, people with disabilities encounter formidable barriers to participation in the vast opportunities this province affords its residents—its able-bodied residents—as will be fulsomely described” in the report. “For most disabled persons, Ontario is not a place of opportunity but one of countless, dispiriting, soul-crushing barriers.”

That’s why we’re opening up this place on Wednesday—to make sure that we can listen to people on the front lines. I invite my colleagues on all sides of the House to join us for that event in room 351 on the third floor.

Let’s commit ourselves to a province that’s free from barriers so everybody can live their lives to the fullest.

Canadian Women’s Hockey League

Ms. Lindsey Park: I was disappointed to recently learn that the Canadian Women’s Hockey League would be folding on May 1, 2019. This news is devastating for both players and fans of women’s hockey.

For those who don’t know, this is the league that many of our Olympians play in between Olympic Games, and the competition in the league has been one of the foundations of the Canadian women’s hockey team’s continual top performance in the Olympic Games.

Not only that, but the league also provides a venue for young female hockey players to attend and watch their role models play outside of just the Olympic Games once every four years. I remember being inspired by Sami Jo Small, the women’s Team Canada goaltender, when I attended Toronto Aeros games as a kid. In Durham region, I think of how many young Clarington Flames, Oshawa Lady Generals, Whitby Wolves, Durham West Lightning and North Durham Blades players have been inspired by their play. Many came out to a CWHL game hosted in Bowmanville this season.

Sport is an important part of the cultural fabric of Ontario. Hockey in particular is something that brings Ontarians together, regardless of ethnicity and background, uniting people behind a common love for the game.

I want our incredible female athletes to know that I stand with them to fight for the continued success of our game. By coming together as a hockey community, we will keep these players on the ice.

Affordable housing

Mr. Faisal Hassan: I rise today to speak on the housing crisis taking place in my riding of York South–Weston. Last week, I held a town hall in my riding on housing to hear directly from the constituents. People are stuck, and Toronto’s housing support systems are bursting at the seams.

I heard directly from constituents who have been waiting on the waiting list for affordable housing for more than seven years, whether they were young families, single mothers with children, or those living with disabilities. The system chewed them up and spat them out. For those who were fortunate enough to secure shelter while waiting for affordable housing, constituents reported having to spend the majority of their income on housing. This is in addition to having to live in overcrowded conditions due to price restraints. With more than 100,000 households waiting to access 94,000 social housing units in Toronto, it is safe to say that we are experiencing a crisis.

Again and again, I have been asked by constituents why this government isn’t pushing to build more purpose-built rental units instead of condos that they will never be able to afford.

After 15 years of neglect by the previous Liberals, the people of York South–Weston are hurting, and they know that this current Conservative government won’t be of any help to them. It is making things worse. The people of York South–Weston deserve better.

Organ and tissue donation

Mr. Mike Schreiner: It’s an honour to rise today on the inaugural Green Shirt Day. Today we thank Logan Boulet and organ donors across the country. Logan made the decision to be a donor just weeks before his passing in the tragic Humboldt Broncos bus crash. He has inspired thousands of Canadians to register as organ donors.

I also today want to thank one of my constituents, Janet Parr. Janet is a community hero and organ donation champion who received the Trillium Gift of Life Network’s 2018 Champion Award. A heart transplant recipient, Janet has made an outstanding difference in organ and tissue donations in Ontario.

Janet, along with Linda and Mike Willis, has worked tirelessly to promote organ donations in our community. As a result, the number of registered organ donors in Guelph is far above the provincial average. I want to thank Janet, Mike and Linda for the tremendous work they have done in our community.

I am proud to say that I am one of the 51,160 registered organ donors in Guelph. I encourage everyone across Ontario and across the country to be an organ donor and visit beadonor.ca to sign up today.

Corey Conners

Mr. Randy Pettapiece: Today I rise in the Legislature to recognize the newest sports hero of Listowel in my riding of Perth–Wellington. Yesterday, Corey Conners won the Valero Texas Open and his first PGA tour victory. He has also punched his ticket to next week’s Masters in Augusta, Georgia.

Corey brought his A game to the golf course on Sunday. He made three birdies in the final five holes, shooting a six-under 66. He was 20-under for the tournament.

He is the first Monday qualifier to win on a PGA tour since 2010. This is also his first PGA tournament win. He will join only one other Canadian at next week’s Masters, the great Mike Weir.

Corey got his start putting and ball striking at the Listowel Golf Club. From a young age, we all saw his passion for the game. No matter the career highs or lows, he always remained positive.

Corey is focused on doing his best and leaving it all on the course. His colleagues describe him as a smart, constant and committed golfer. His hard work and determination paid off yesterday in Texas.

Congratulations to Corey and his biggest supporter, his wife, Malory. Both of you stole the hearts of Canadians yesterday. Listowel, Ontario, and Canada will be cheering you on at next week’s Masters. Way to go, Corey.

Education

Mr. Chris Glover: Last Thursday, I joined a few thousand students who were just some of the 100,000 students who walked out to protest against cuts to our schools. Then on Saturday, I marched here at a rally where tens of thousands of students, parents and teachers were rallying for our public education system.

As a teacher in 1997, I marched on Queen’s Park in a similar rally when Conservative Premier Mike Harris launched an all-out assault on our schools. His goal was to create, in the words of the Conservative minister of the day, “a useful crisis” in order to open our schools up for eventual privatization. He said he would start discrediting our school system and launched an all-out verbal assault on teachers and students who were fighting to protect schools.

Last week, the government started using the same rhetoric as the Conservatives used during the Harris years. The Premier called teachers and students “thugs” and “pawns,” saying the system is broken, even though Ontario students are tied for first in reading, seventh in science, and in the top 25% in math in international scores.

There is work to be done to improve our schools, but that’s a continuous job, and you don’t improve our schools by cutting teachers out of them.

Mike Harris underfunded our public schools by $1.2 billion and then launched a $700-million private school tax credit. It is the same privatization agenda that the parents and students and teachers who were marching last week understand is the agenda of this government, and they will fight to protect our school system.

Jason Gordy

Mr. Toby Barrett: It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Jason Gordy on his recent victory at the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi.

Jason Gordy is a well-known and top-notch Special Olympics athlete from Norfolk county. For the past 25 years, Jason has represented my riding at Special Olympics events across Canada, initially as a swimmer; however, now, at age 46, he’s a bowler.

Jason trained extremely hard to hone his bowling techniques, and finally his training paid off. Gordy won gold in the men’s singles competition, with a final score of 502 in 10-pin bowling at the Special Olympics World Games.

Shirley Shaw, the Simcoe community coordinator of Special Olympics Ontario, was quoted in the Reformer: “We were so excited he got gold. We’re more than ecstatic that all of the extra training he put in has really paid off. Jason is a lovely young man that is very involved in the Special Olympics.”

Speaker, Jason Gordy is not only a bowling champion; he also plays golf, he plays basketball, and he’s a junior coach with the swim team.

Gordy truly is an inspiration, and his contributions are greatly appreciated and respected.

Thank you and congratulations, Jason Gordy.

Fine Arts Society of Milton

Mr. Parm Gill: I rise today to highlight the Fine Arts Society of Milton.

I have started displaying local artists’ paintings on the walls of my constituency office in an effort to showcase the talented individuals in my great riding of Milton. Everyone who comes through my constituency office can see the artwork now displayed on the walls and get to know the story of each painter. I will be rotating it every six weeks and look forward to highlighting many more talented artists moving forward. Just as the dining room at Queen’s Park works to promote Ontario’s artists, I am working to do the same in my constituency office to highlight our Miltonians.

Mr. Speaker, the Fine Arts Society of Milton is a non-profit organization that promotes fine art and artists in Milton and the surrounding area.

The first paintings that we’re currently displaying were created by Kirsty Rutter from Campbellville. They include paintings named Hint of Blue, Greeting the Dawn, and Colour Me Not.

I thank Kirsty and the Fine Arts Society of Milton for working with me to create this awesome program.

Introduction of Bills

Genocide Awareness, Commemoration, Prevention and Education Month Act, 2019 / Loi de 2019 sur le Mois de la sensibilisation, de la commémoration, de la prévention et de l’éducation à l’égard des génocides

Mr. Babikian moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 97,

An Act to proclaim Genocide Awareness, Commemoration, Prevention and Education Month / Projet de loi 97, Loi proclamant le Mois de la sensibilisation, de la commémoration, de la prévention et de l’éducation à l’égard des génocides.

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

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Would the member for Scarborough–Agincourt care to briefly explain this bill?

Mr. Aris Babikian: Mr. Speaker, the intention of this bill is to prepare our future generation, our future leaders—to many atrocities that took place around the world. These atrocities took place against humanity. Our future generation—politicians, soldiers, army—should be aware of the kind of world that we are living in. I have spoken with many soldiers when they are posted on peacekeeping missions around the world. When they come back, they are shocked by what they have seen. At least this will give them some kind of pre-posting preparedness to know what they are facing.

Also, many of our neighbours have gone through these sufferings, and this is only to acknowledge their—

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

Statements by the Ministry and Responses

Organ and tissue donation

Hon. Bill Walker: Thank you to all colleagues of all parties for their spirit in sporting jerseys today.

On April 6, 2018, a year ago this past Saturday, Canadians received news of an unthinkable tragedy. A bus carrying the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team to a playoff game collided with a semi truck at an intersection in rural Saskatchewan. In an instant, 16 lives were lost and dozens more were changed forever. An outpouring of grief and support from communities across Canada and around the world took place in the days following the crash.

From out of this deeply felt sense of grief and loss came one glimmer of hope. One of the victims, Logan Boulet, registered to be an organ donor just weeks before the crash, and ended up saving six lives with his very heroic donation. When people learned of this act of heroism, more than 100,000 Canadians rushed to register themselves as donors.

Organ donation truly is heroic. It’s a way of giving meaning to the grieving, and saving lives through sacrifice.

Our government is recognizing Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Month throughout April and today, the Day of Green. Ontarians can register to be a donor online at Ontario.ca/beadonor.

Awareness is critical, because while 85% of the public supports organ and issue donation, only 33% are actually registered donors. That is a shocking statistic. We can and we need to do better. It only takes two minutes to register consent. It’s a simple action that can save up to eight lives and enhance another 75. To be eligible, registrants need to be at least 16 years of age and provide their health card number and date of birth.

There are more than 1,630 Ontarians currently waiting for an organ transplant, and since 2003, more than 17,000 Ontarians have received a life-saving organ transplant.

I’d like to recognize the work of our colleague David Piccini, the member for Northumberland–Peterborough South, for his private member’s bill to promote organ and tissue donation through an improved registration of consent during the renewal or issuance of a health card or a driver’s licence. I’d also like to thank the members of the House for their support for this bill.

I would further like to thank the former member for Northumberland–Quinte West, Rob Milligan, for his hard work on this issue when he was an MPP colleague in this House.

Many of our honourable colleagues join me today in wearing hockey jerseys to commemorate this solemn anniversary. An affinity for hockey is as central to the Canadian identity as our harsh winters or maple syrup. We wear these jerseys in honour of those lost in the tragic crash, and in support of those who have been the beneficiaries of donation.

I ask all members of this Legislature to help me honour the Humboldt Broncos by encouraging as many Ontarians as possible to be a donor.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Responses?

Mr. Paul Miller: Speaker, I rise today in these chambers to reflect upon a moment in Canadian history that no one will ever forget. Each person in this room and, I can imagine, each person in the nation can remember where they were on April 6, 2018.

When reports started to come in about the terrible tragedy in Saskatchewan, many people could not imagine the scope and significance that this great loss of life would have in this country and across the globe.

As the grim reality of the situation near Tisdale, Saskatchewan, began to unfold, a massive outpouring of love, sympathy and empathy swept our nation. Hashtags like #HumboldtStrong quickly went from online solidarity to become massive crowd-funded foundations, with hundreds of thousands of dollars of assistance donated for the families and friends of the 16 young boys, coaches and volunteers who lost their lives, and the remaining 13 victims, who are still struggling with their injuries, both physical and mental, to this day.

Hockey moms and dads are passionate supporters of their kids and young adults throughout their hockey careers. When something like this happens, it hits us all hard.

Across the nation and even across the border in the USA, people started leaving their own hockey sticks outside their doors. #SticksOutForHumboldt” was born out of a need to display people’s grief and to show that the hockey community was there for the people of Humboldt.

While grief over the tragedy continued to pour out for the victims and their families, questions began to be heard about how and why this happened. There was a growing realization amongst the hockey community that they and their children also spend hours of time each year on buses heading to games, tournaments and other events in all kinds of weather. People began to realize that something like what happened to the Broncos could easily have happened to them. How did a transport truck manage to not see the stop sign before, in front of it and at the crossing, and not notice the massive coach bus turning into the intersection where the tragedy took place?

More questions were asked. Who was the driver of the truck? Was he qualified? Were drugs and alcohol a factor? While drugs and alcohol were ruled out as a factor in the collision, there was some question of the qualifications of the driver.

During the trial, in which the driver pleaded guilty to 29 counts of dangerous driving causing death or bodily injury, the judge noted that the driver of the truck had many chances to stop but didn’t, and said it was inconceivable that he missed the intersection’s many large signs, including the flashing lights. The judge went on to say, “Seconds matter. Attention to the road matters.”

The people who work here in this Legislative Assembly also have to heed the judge’s words. As lawmakers and as people of good conscience, we must do everything in our power to prevent a repeat of what happened in Saskatchewan. Transport ministers of each province and at the federal level must be even more vigilant, to ensure that the transport industry remains safe and upholds their duties to maintain public safety and trust.

Transport companies must have strict guidelines on how drivers are properly trained. They must ensure that their fleets are properly maintained and in tip-top condition on our roads. New rules regarding the logging of hours and the right to refuse unsafe work must be standardized and strongly enforced across our country.

While the transportation industry in this country can be proud to call itself world-class, it still faces many challenges. The real problem lies when a small detail is missed, and that small mix-up results in a 50-ton machine, moving at 100 kilometres an hour, blowing through a stop sign with flashing lights and resulting in the worst accident of this kind in Canadian history. Seconds do matter, because if they are not properly accounted for, these seconds can change lives forever.

I want to take my final time today to give my greatest sympathies to the friends and families of the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team who are no longer able to play our national sport.

I would like to take a special moment as well to give my best wishes to those who are still recovering from their injuries. Whether physical or mental, these people need to know that even after one year, the people of this great nation are with you and wish for your full recovery.

I am extremely proud, Speaker, of our people and our country. The people reached out with their support, both emotionally and financially. I know money can’t bring back our loved ones, but it certainly demonstrates to the families and the community of Humboldt that we share your loss and pain, and we should do our very best to ensure that a tragedy like this never, ever happens again.

Speaker, please don’t forget: April is donor month. Make sure you sign your donor cards.

Mr. John Fraser: I just want to begin by thanking the Minister of Government and Consumer Services for finding me a jersey, offering me one, and getting the colour right, and the size almost right.

We’re here today and we are remembering, acknowledging and giving honour to a real tragedy in our nation—a tragedy that touched all of our hearts because it involved young people, it involved our sport, it involved families, and in some way we’re all connected to that. We’re a big country, but we’re all connected together.

We’re also here remembering Logan Boulet, whose donation of organs saved six lives. He was inspired by a coach. He told his dad the year before, “I want to do this,” which is a pretty incredible thing for a 16-year-old to say.

It is a gift—it’s a real gift—and it must have been really hard for his parents, so I want to acknowledge, at that moment when—we can’t imagine it; the unthinkable happens to you, and all you want to do is just crawl in and protect yourself and get away from all of the things that are around you because you’ve just lost your child—that you have the presence of mind and have the courage to say, “I want the loss of his life to make a difference.” That’s what organ donation is all about.

We’re also celebrating the Logan Boulet effect. That’s why we all wore green. I do want to say that I was wearing green—it’s turquoise, and it’s on the palette. I know that some of us had challenges with that today: “That’s not green.”

The point is, we’re all here because we are united in the importance of organ and tissue donation. It’s something that’s important to all of us. We don’t always get that opportunity in this Legislature—to join together and to speak about the things that are important to all of us, that we all agree on 100%.

I’m just honoured to have a few words to say about that today. I want to thank both the member from Hamilton East–Stoney Creek—I got it right—and—

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: Grey-Bruce-Owen Sound.

Mr. John Fraser: —Grey-Bruce-Owen Sound—thank you very much—for their words of remembrance and their words that brought us all together.

Applause.

Petitions

Veterans memorial

Mr. Percy Hatfield: This petition was given to me by D’Arcy Leader from Branch 143 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Windsor.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas during the war in Afghanistan, Canada lost 159 military personnel;

“Whereas those brave souls were driven along the Highway of Heroes between CFB Trenton and the coroner’s office in Toronto;

“Whereas since Confederation, 117,000 Canadian lives have been lost in military conflict;

“Whereas there is a recognized and celebrated plan to transform the Highway of Heroes into a living tribute that honours all of Canada’s war dead;

“Whereas that plan calls for the planting of two million trees, including 117,000 beautiful commemorative trees adjacent to Highway 401 along the Highway of Heroes;”

I’m going to just edit this as I go, Speaker.

“Whereas this effort would provide an inspired drive along an otherwise pedestrian stretch of asphalt;”

Whereas these two million trees will recognize all Canadians who have served during times of war;

“Whereas there is a fundraising goal of $10 million;

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

“That the current government of Ontario put its financial support behind this fundraising effort for the Highway of Heroes Tree campaign.”

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

Northern health services

M me France Gélinas: I would like to thank Joanne Burton and Joanne Thibault—Joanne Burton is from Wahnapitae; Joanne Thibault is from Chelmsford—for gathering this petition. It reads as follows:

“Whereas Premier Doug Ford promised that there would not be cuts to nurses’ positions; and

“Whereas in Sudbury we have already lost 70 nurses, and Health Sciences North is closing part of the Breast Screening and Assessment Service; and

“Whereas cuts to the ... Breast Screening and Assessment Service will result in longer wait times, which is very stressful for women diagnosed with breast cancer; and

“Whereas cuts to the Sudbury Breast Screening and Assessment Service will only take us backwards;”

They petition the Legislative Assembly as follows:

“Provide adequate funding to Health Sciences North to ensure northerners have equitable access to life-saving programs such as the Breast Screening and Assessment Service.”

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

Campus radio stations

Mrs. Lisa Gretzky: I have a petition here called “Campus Radio Stations Are an Essential Service.” I want to thank Brady Holek, who is the station manager of CJAM 99.1 FM, which is our campus radio station in Windsor.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas Ontario campus radio stations consist of over 150 staff members and 3,500 volunteers, a majority of them youth and students;

“Whereas campus radio stations offer training and development for students, both as part of their on-campus course curriculum and within the community at large, including preparation for careers in broadcasting and journalism;

“Whereas campus radio stations in Ontario are key providers of emergency information under the National Public Alerting System;...

“Whereas campus radio stations have a high fixed cost compared to other student services;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to deem campus radio stations an essential fee under the Student Choice Initiative.”

I completely support this petition. I will sign my name to it and send it to the table with page Gwen.

Campus radio stations

Mr. Joel Harden: I have a petition here entitled “Campus Radio Stations are an Essential Service.” It reads:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas Ontario campus radio stations consist of over 150 staff members and 3,500 volunteers, a majority of them youth and students;

“Whereas campus radio stations offer training and development for students, both as part of their on-campus course curriculum and within the community at large, including preparation for careers in broadcasting and journalism;

“Whereas campus radio stations in Ontario are key providers of emergency information under the National Public Alerting System;

“Whereas campus radio stations are an independent news and media outlet for students and communities that provides a platform for marginalized voices;

“Whereas campus radio stations have a high fixed cost compared to other student services;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to deem campus radio stations an essential fee under the Student Choice Initiative.”

Speaker, I want to thank Colleen Zetaruk and the signatories to this petition. I will be giving it to page Julia for the Clerks’ table.

Education funding

Ms. Bhutila Karpoche: This petition is titled “Don’t Increase Class Sizes in Our Public Schools.”

“Whereas the vast majority of parents, students, and educators support smaller class sizes and the current model of full-day kindergarten and want the best education possible for the students of Ontario; and

“Whereas larger class sizes negatively impacts the quality of education; reduces access to teaching resources and significantly diminishes teacher-student interactions; and

“Whereas the impact of larger class sizes will be particularly detrimental to students who need additional support; and

“Whereas Ontario has an internationally recognized public education system that requires careful attention and the investment to ensure all of our students can succeed;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to commit to reducing class sizes, maintain the current model of full-day kindergarten, and make the necessary investments in public education to build the schools our students deserve.”

I thank my constituents of Parkdale–High Park. Also, as a parent of a child in the public education system, I couldn’t agree with this more, and I affix my signature to it.

Campus radio stations

Mr. Chris Glover: I’m reading a petition titled “Campus Radio Stations are an Essential Service.”

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas Ontario campus radio stations consist of over 150 staff members and 3,500 volunteers, a majority of them youth and students;

“Whereas campus radio stations offer training and development for students, both as part of their on-campus course curriculum and within the community at large, including preparation for careers in broadcasting and journalism;

“Whereas campus radio stations in Ontario are key providers of emergency information under the National Public Alerting System;

“Whereas campus radio stations are an independent news and media outlet for students and communities that provides a platform for marginalized voices;

“Whereas campus radio stations have a high fixed cost compared to other student services;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to deem campus radio stations an essential fee under the Student Choice Initiative.”

I support this petition and will pass it to the page.

Epilepsy

Ms. Jennifer K. French: I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from the folks at Epilepsy Ontario.

“Whereas there are over 95,000 people living with epilepsy in Ontario, including 30% who do not have effective seizure control; and

“Whereas Ontario’s community epilepsy agencies provide education and support programs to people living with epilepsy and their families, including seizure management and how to address the many physical, psychological and social challenges that come with living with epilepsy; and

“Whereas epilepsy education and support programs provide a valuable contribution to Ontario’s health care system, but community epilepsy agencies receive no core government funding for these programs; and

“Whereas, by funding epilepsy education programs, the provincial government could reduce unnecessary emergency room usage, help alleviate Ontario’s hallway medicine crisis and save the health care system money;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to provide funding for education and support programs through Ontario’s community epilepsy agencies in the 2019 provincial budget.”

I wholeheartedly support this and will affix my signature and send it to the table with page Katherine.

Autism treatment

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

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

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

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

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

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

I fully support this petition, Speaker, and will be affixing my name to it and giving it to page Ben to take to the Clerks.

Campus radio stores

Ms. Marit Stiles: I’m pleased to present a petition signed by a number of residents in my community.

“Campus Radio Stations are an Essential Service.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas Ontario campus radio stations consist of over 150 staff members and 3,500 volunteers, a majority of them youth and students;

“Whereas campus radio stations offer training and development for students, both as part of their on-campus course curriculum and within the community at large, including preparation for careers in broadcasting and journalism;

“Whereas campus radio stations in Ontario are key providers of emergency information under the National Public Alerting System;

“Whereas campus radio stations are an independent news and media outlet for students and communities that provides a platform for marginalized voices;

“Whereas campus radio stations have a high fixed cost compared to other student services;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to deem campus radio stations an essential fee under the Student Choice Initiative.”

I am very pleased to affix my signature to this petition, and I’ll pass it along to page Gajan to table it with the Clerks.

Mental health and addiction services

Ms. Judith Monteith-Farrell: “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas one in five children and youth in Ontario experience a mental health issue that significantly impacts their lives, and the lives of people around them;

“Whereas there are over 12,000 children and youth on the wait-list seeking mental health and addictions care;

“Whereas the wait times for children and youth seeking mental health and addictions care in the province average three months to 18 months;

“Whereas too many children and youth have died waiting for treatment, and early treatment is more likely to be effective in helping people live full and happy lives;

“Whereas the failure to take action in helping children and youth access mental health and addictions services hurts people, families and Ontario’s communities;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to immediately cap the wait time for children and youth seeking mental health and addictions services to 30 days after these services have been deemed essential, taking all the necessary policy and funding steps to ensure that the minister is able to enforce this cap, and provide children and youth the services they need and deserve.”

I fully agree with this petition, and will sign it and send it to the table with Katie.

Child advocate

Ms. Suze Morrison: I have a petition here entitled “Protect the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth.” It reads:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas children and youth are Ontario’s most valuable resource and deserve the best start in life we can provide;

“Whereas Ontario’s most vulnerable children and youth are too often underserved by our child welfare, mental health, youth justice and special-needs sectors;

“Whereas that lack of service can result in health challenges, lower educational outcomes, reduced opportunity, injury and sometimes even death;

“Whereas children and youth, and in particular vulnerable children and youth, often have no voice and few adults to speak on their behalf;

“Whereas the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth is charged with the responsibility of providing an independent voice for children and youth by partnering with them to bring issues forward;

“Whereas the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth provides a necessary focused approach, putting children and youth at the centre of all their work, that cannot be provided by any other office;

“Whereas the closure of the Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth represents a step backwards for Ontario that will harm our most vulnerable children and youth;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to direct the ... government to reverse its decision to close the Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth.”

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

Traffic control

M me France Gélinas: I would like to thank Laurie Brisson from Wahnapitae in my riding for this petition.

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

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

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

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

They petition the Legislative Assembly:

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

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

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I believe that concludes the time that we have for petitions this afternoon.

Visitor

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Point of order, the member for Don Valley East.

Mr. Michael Coteau: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to take a moment to introduce a good friend of mine, Michael Barbour, who was at Carleton University with me. He’s also a professor out in California. He’s visiting Toronto. But the most memorable and, I guess, notable mention is that he’s a proud Newfoundlander.

Welcome to the Ontario Legislature.

Orders of the Day

Fixing the Hydro Mess Act, 2019 / Loi de 2019 pour réparer le gâchis dans le secteur de l’électricité

Resuming the debate adjourned on April 4, 2019, on the motion for second reading of the following bill:

Bill 87,

An Act to amend various statutes related to energy / Projet de loi 87, Loi modifiant diverses lois en ce qui concerne l’énergie.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Further debate.

Mr. Ian Arthur: It’s a pleasure to rise today and contribute to the debate on this important bill. I’d like to thank the members from Toronto–Danforth and Waterloo for the contributions that they made to this debate already.

In many ways, energy is actually how I ended up in this House. The moment when I read those headlines in the Auditor General’s report about the billions and billions of dollars that had been wasted on energy and subsidies in Ontario—that was actually the moment I decided that I was going to try to step up and try to do something about that. So it’s something that I’ve paid close attention to, and I’m excited to contribute to the debate on it.

But I was hoping to contribute to a debate about how we can move energy to a better place in Ontario, and I don’t know that I’m really going to get to do that, because most of what I’ll be speaking to this afternoon is how this bill changes the garnishes but, really, the meat and potatoes of energy in Ontario are going to stay the same under this new Conservative plan.

It basically relabels and reaffirms the old, bankrupt Liberal unfair hydro plan, and it opens the door—and I find this quite shocking—to a permanent subsidy of hydro bills through the tax base. That’s a scary proposition, Mr. Speaker, because people were up in arms about this borrowing scheme. In many ways, it’s how we ended up with the Legislature that we have now. Folks across Ontario were incredibly upset. The Conservatives have moved it out of the trust—and I do appreciate that—but they’ve moved it into the deficit. They’ve continued the borrowing, and they’ve opened the door to do this on a permanent basis.

I get why this would be politically expedient, because folks may stop paying attention to it as it goes down. This government has no interest in hydro bills actually going up under their watch. We saw what that did to the last government. So a permanent subsidy would be a very useful tool down the road if they can keep it hidden from the public and make sure that people aren’t up in arms about it.

Really, what it does, though, and why I dislike it to its core, is that it’s taking public tax dollars, because we have a partly—or majority—privatized hydro system in Ontario, and is actually funnelling them into private profits. That’s a terrible thing, Mr. Speaker. That is asking the people of Ontario to subsidize profits—not just the interest on the loans, which haven’t gone away, but the profits, potentially, down the road.

I question how fiscal conservatives can be proud of extending mass amounts of debt—temporary rebates—for political gain. Have we not learned our lesson about the dangers of going down this road? Was the last election not a big enough, most glaring example of why that is a poor policy choice going forward? Just this morning, the member from Oakville was lamenting the debt left by the Liberals in one of question period’s softball questions—and this was super-soft; this was a 10-ply question. I’m surprised it actually rolled down to the front benches.

On one hand, they’re attacking terribly incurred debt by the Liberals, but on the other hand, they’re forgoing the opportunity to do anything about it. They haven’t actually changed the Liberal plan with energy in Ontario.

The former CEO of DaimlerChrysler once said that there are two things that made Ontario competitive for manufacturing, and that was our publicly owned health care system and our affordable, hydro-based electricity system, also publicly owned—not fully publicly owned, but publicly owned at the time. He said that if we lost either of those two things, we would be at an increasing competitive disadvantage in Ontario. If either one of those two things go away, we’re in trouble. We’re going to lose those jobs.

We have a government now that, despite everything they say, has left the door open for potential privatization of our health care system, so that for-profit companies can deliver services and get paid by our tax dollars—yes, still publicly funded, but again, that’s what I was talking about earlier: taking public money, tax dollars, and funnelling them into private profits. And they’re continuing with a plan that borrows huge amounts of money and charges us massive amounts of interest—temporary relief on residential hydro bills, but makes us, again, at a competitive disadvantage on hydro rates.

I wonder what he would say now if he could look at the system and see what was happening, and see that we’re not just forgoing one of our potential competitive advantages for manufacturing in Ontario but actually getting rid of both of them, Speaker. It’s quite a shocking thing that this progressive, for-business government is deciding to go down both of these roads—unless you think about what the real motive is, and that is what I was saying earlier: the funnelling of those tax dollars into private profits.

So now we are facing that legislation that opens the door to privatization of health care. We’ve have had it for a long time in hydro. Let’s just talk about that a little more.

Hydro was affordable for 100 years. For 100 years, we had some of the most affordable hydro in the world. That’s an impressive, impressive history. When did that change? It changed in the 1990s. It changed when we began privatizing the hydro system in Ontario. Immediately—you can see it. You look at a graph, and you see where the prices started to skyrocket and you see the instant we started privatizing it.

I won’t deny that there were problems with the hydro system that needed to be dealt with then, but the privatization of it was not the solution that we needed. We needed a more efficient system, a publicly owned system, and we didn’t get that. What we got was an inefficient private system that has caused bills to skyrocket, and that had a massive effect on the last election.

Harris began the privatization with generation. Premier Eves wanted to privatize hydro, but it was too close to an election and he knew what a poor decision it was going to be, so he didn’t. He left it to McGuinty, who spent his entire campaign on an anti-privatization platform. Doesn’t this sound Liberal? He spent an entire campaign talking about not privatizing things, about how important public assets were. His entire platform was based on it. You know, Mr. Speaker, if the Liberals could find it in themselves to govern based on the platforms that they actually ran on—I can’t even imagine. It’s just crazy.

The privatization of Hydro One began under McGuinty—then, again, under Wynne, campaign promise after campaign promise not to further privatize Hydro One.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’m going to remind the House to refer to members by their riding name or their ministerial title, if that’s applicable.

Mr. Ian Arthur: Premier Wynne—sorry; my apologies, Speaker—Don Valley West. I did forget the riding and used the name. My apologies for that. The campaign talk came back to me.

Upon election, the same thing happened again, as it had done under the previous Premier. We had even more privatization. Frankly, it was the nail in the coffin to that government. It led to everything else that we saw in that election. It was the divisive issue. We had our vision of how hydro would go and what it would look like in the future. The government had a lack of vision for where hydro would go in the future, or no real plan in that way. Now we’re kind of seeing where that comes.

It actually reminds me of another kind of privatization debacle, we’ll say, that happened and that has been back in the news recently, and that was the privatization of the 407 under former Premier Harris. It was sold in 1998 for $3 billion and change, and it is now valued at $30 billion—a public asset that we sold for pennies on the dollar for—

Interjections.

Mr. Ian Arthur: I don’t have to? Okay. For pennies on the dollar—

Mr. Rick Nicholls: Actually, you can sit down.

Mr. Ian Arthur: I’m being asked to sit down by members opposite, but I’ll take that as a point of flattery.

It was sold in 1998 for $3 billion and change and is now worth $30 billion, and projected to go to $45 billion in value. That’s the 407. That should have been a public asset, but it’s not. It was sold for political expediency just before an election.

That sounds a little bit like something else that I remember from just before another election. That was the gas plants scandal. It has to do with energy. It was this: “In order to gain some ridings and some votes, let’s make a decision that will cost the people of Ontario a tremendous amount of money”—a tremendous amount of money; billions and billions of dollars—“and let’s shift some gas plants and let’s cancel some contracts.” That also sounds familiar. It’s like history is repeating itself.

I know I’m flip-flopping a little bit back and forth between Conservatives and Liberals, but I really can’t help it, because policy after policy, time after time, bill after bill, it’s Liberal, Tory, same old story. I just don’t get it. I don’t see the difference.

I’ll go back to my food analogy at the beginning, because I like fitting these in sometimes in the Legislature here: You’ve changed the garnishes on a Liberal bill, but you haven’t changed the meat and potatoes. It is the same thing. You’ve changed it from “ratepayer” to “taxpayer,” but you are still borrowing huge amounts of money that we’re going to be paying interest on, and you’ve shifted it into the deficit that you talk about every single day in this Legislature, and about how important it is to get rid of it. While I appreciate it not being hidden in a trust fund—I do appreciate that—moving it into the deficit doesn’t solve the problem.

Again, you see the political expediency coming out here, because eliminating that would cause a spike in residential bills, and that would be politically unwelcome, we will say. We know how much Ontarians care about their bills, so now they’re going to print exactly how much the rebate is on the bill. But it doesn’t actually solve the problem. Frankly, it shows a lack of leadership.

Energy in this House has been debated a lot, and there has been some truly fantastic debate. Some of it might actually even qualify as touching on what leadership in energy would look like.

I’m just going to quote here: “What we are certain of is that this Liberal government’s new hydro scheme is going to be a big hit in the pocketbooks of Ontarians, one of unprecedented proportions. The short-term gain that they’re professing out there, a 25% hydro-rate cut this summer, will lead to long-term pain....”

Who could this masked crusader for the people be? Who could this person arguing against this borrowing scheme be? None other than the member from Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound. Someone who previously condemned something—they’ve given it a new label, they’ve coloured it blue instead of red, but the substance of it is exactly the same, and now he’s standing up to profess the quality of the bill, how much it actually does.

I’m glad, as I said earlier, that the shady trust fund is actually gone and been shifted into the deficit. At least now we get to actually see the cost of borrowing in the deficit, and the billions of dollars it’s going to add every year. But that’s not leadership, Madam Speaker. That is not taking us in a better direction on hydro in Ontario. Frankly, I am skeptical about where this government is going. It was just a few short months ago that the Avista deal between Hydro One and Avista in the States was actually cancelled by regulators, leading to $131 million in penalties. And why?

Because of political meddling—$131 million in fines because of political meddling on the part of this government in energy in Ontario.

Not letting markets do their job—that does not sound like the Progressive Conservatives whom I’ve heard speak before. I don’t really understand where the shift—well, I mean, we all understand where the shift happened. It’s a new Progressive Conservative world out there. I hear the rhetoric every day, but I’m still quite shocked.

Another good example of this: The member from Markham–Stouffville, who I am always pleased is in the House when I am debating, claimed that the member from Toronto–Danforth was making phantom claims when he referred to nuclear going to 17 cents an hour by 2020, but those projections came from the Auditor General, who is your favourite person—sorry, who is this government’s favourite person—when her numbers suit the narrative that they’re trying to create. But when they d