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April 12, 2006

38th Parliament, 2nd Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcript 2006-Apr-12 (PDF)

L059 - Wed 12 Apr 2006 / Mer 12 avr 2006

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Wednesday 12 April 2006 Mercredi 12 avril 2006

MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

Mark Johnston

Social services

Scarborough youth

Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Amateur sport

Hydro rates

Rent bank program Programme de banques d’aide au loyer

Public libraries

Border security

MOTIONS

Committee membership

House Sittings

Women’s right to vote

ORAL QUESTIONS

Hydro rates

Community safety

Ontario budget

Ontario drug benefit program

Native land dispute

Family farms

Education

Tourism

Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board

Fish stocking program

Property taxation

Gaming control

PETITIONS

Frederick Banting homestead

Long-term care

Tuition

Long-term Care

Tuition

Long-term care

Cancer treatment

Long-term care

Gasoline prices

Community mediation

Education funding

ORDERS OF THE DAY

Clean Water Act, 2006 Loi de 2006 sur l’eau saine

ORDER OF BUSINESS

Education Statute Law Amendment Act (Student Performance), 2006 Loi de 2006 modifiant des lois en ce qui concerne l’éducation (rendement des élèves)

The House met at 1330.

Prayers.

MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

Mark Johnston

Ms. Lisa MacLeod (Nepean–Carleton): I’m honoured to stand before you today to offer a tribute for a fallen firefighter in my community. As I speak, hundreds of firefighters and thousands of citizens are mourning Mark Johnston, a respected firefighter, star athlete, community activist and family man from my hometown.

I and other Ottawa residents are heartened that Ottawa firefighters have organized a hero’s honour to remember Mark Johnston. This final mark of respect will no doubt give Mark’s devoted family, his wife, Rebeccah, and his children, Lahra and Trent, comfort that Mark’s work in our community will long be remembered.

Mr. Johnston died on April 7, at the age of 43, after a lengthy battle with colon cancer.

A youthful football player with the Ottawa Sooners and the Gee-Gees, Mr. Johnston had an outstanding career with the Nepean and then Ottawa fire departments. Before passing, Mr. Johnston, along with fellow firefighters Brandon Stewart and Jim Andrews, organized the Quest for a Cure to raise money for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre and make cancer history.

It is only fitting that on behalf of residents in Ottawa and the members of this Legislature, I extend our condolences to the Johnston family for their loss. To quote the Bible, Matthew 5:4 says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

Social services

Ms. Shelley Martel (Nickel Belt): I again want to raise the case of Sara Anderson of Sudbury, who is now in day 10 of a hunger strike to protest the broken promises of this government with respect to some of Ontario’s poorest families.

This government promised to increase social assistance rates annually by the cost of inflation, a promise not met last year when there was no increase in rates at all. This government promised to fully end the clawback of the national child benefit supplement, but has failed to do that. This government has severely restricted access to the supplementary diet benefit, which means people are going without nutritional needs to ensure good health.

The McGuinty Liberal government has failed Sara Anderson, her daughter, and other families like hers. She experienced a cut in her supplementary diet benefit under this government. Her daughter receives the national child benefit supplement from the federal government, and then the McGuinty Liberal government claws the overwhelming majority of that money back. After rent, Sara and her daughter have a little over $300 a month to live on. There is no one here who could possibly argue that that is enough.

At a time when the McGuinty Liberal government recently had a $3-billion windfall, there is no reason why promises like these have not been met. I call on this government to immediately help Sara Anderson and her family by living up to the promises you made to Ontario’s poorest families.

Scarborough youth

Mr. Bas Balkissoon (Scarborough–Rouge River): I am proud to inform the assembly that over the past month there appears to be a renaissance of the young people in my riding of Scarborough–Rouge River.

The youths of Scarborough-Malvern have been making the community proud of their achievements in hockey and basketball. Recently, Dr. Marion Hilliard Senior Public School in Malvern made the first cut and now remains in the top 50 communities competing in the CBC reality series for the title “Canada’s Hockeyville.” I would like to offer best wishes to them in the next round of competition.

The highest level of high school basketball competition in Ontario is the OFSAA quad A championships. To compete at this level requires commitment, dedication and hard work by both players and coaches. The final game in this year’s competition had two Scarborough high schools vying for the crown. Scarborough-Malvern’s Mother Teresa Catholic Secondary School Titans basketball team came away victors over the crosstown West Hill Collegiate Warriors.

These achievements show that given the opportunity and guidance, our youths will work hard toward making their lives better not only for themselves but also for their community as a whole.

Earlier today, the Minister of Health Promotion, Mr. Jim Watson, had the opportunity to personally congratulate the Ontario champions. I would like the assembly to join me in recognizing the Mother Teresa Titans, accompanied by their principal, coaches and school trustee Mr. Oliver Carroll. They are here with us today in the members’ gallery on the east side.

Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Mr. Toby Barrett (Haldimand–Norfolk–Brant): The ag minister has found a distraction from the farm income crisis: Ping-Pong. She has become an expert in deflecting every ball from her side of the table, and she sees the federal government as her opponent.

Minister Dombrowsky supported the McGuinty cuts to agriculture even as Stephen Webster, Ontario dairy heifer exporters president, camped in his car in front of Queen’s Park for the past month. She served up a budget cut of 21% and told farmers to go to Ottawa. So last week, new MPP Lisa MacLeod and I joined 10,000 farmers in Ottawa. The minister wasn’t there. Federal ag minister Strahl wants to fix CAIS, but he cannot act unilaterally. The ball is back on Dombrowsky’s side of the Ping-Pong table.

The March 28 Ontario Farmer reported that the Minister of Agriculture found it a “slap in the face” when farm leaders demanded more assistance from her. Ping-Pong again: The minister just drilled the ball of blame directly at farmers for daring to make their concerns known. That’s out of bounds. This isn’t about you, Minister; it’s about farmers, your 52% cut to agricultural support and your government’s refusal to show leadership on this file or any other file.

Minister, will you acknowledge that you’ve lost control of your ministry? You’ve lost control of the Ministry of Agriculture, and we ask you to resign to allow someone to speak up for farmers.

Amateur sport

Mr. Dave Levac (Brant): I rise today to once again congratulate our many amateur athletes here in the province of Ontario. Amateur athletes train hard to be the best at what they do and represent us on local, regional, provincial, national and, indeed, international stages. Our government created the Quest for Gold lottery to help support these amateur athletes while they train for the Ontario Games, the Commonwealth Games, the Paralympics and, yes, the Olympics. Recipients can receive funding directly or through additional funding for coaches and training opportunities.

In my own riding of Brant, eight outstanding athletes have benefited from this government’s investment: Alexander Radoman-Guillemette, Steve Piatek, Terri McNult, Katie Yamamoto, William Morgan, Adam McCabe, Tanya Hunks and Jenna Kayakjuak. These outstanding athletes deserve our recognition and our support. I thank them, their coaches and their families for the dedication, sacrifice and commitment to each of their respective sports.

To qualify for funding, athletes, among other things, must be based in Ontario, commit to a proper training and competitive program and have a certified coach. Further information can be found on the website of the Ministry of Health Promotion: www.mhp.gov.on.ca.

The Quest for Gold lottery is a government initiative that invests in our youth, and indeed, it is an investment in our future. I thank each and every one of us, including all the members of this House, for supporting our amateur athletes.

Hydro rates

Mr. John Yakabuski (Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke): The hammer came down hard on Ontario residents and businesses today with the announcement of the McGuinty electricity rate hike: an unbelievable 16%. After breaking their promise to maintain rates of 4.3 cents per kilowatt hour, this Liberal gang has whacked Ontarians with a whopping 56% increase in electricity rates since taking office. This latest Liberal hand in your pocket is really going to hurt. People are asking how much more they can take of this tax-and-spend group. Where is the hard-working Ontario family to find the additional money to pay for this government’s failed electricity policy? How is the low-income senior to cope?

This latest McGuinty massacre is just another consequence of their complete lack of understanding of the energy file of this province. These hikes are being driven by the irresponsible and foolish promise to shut down 20% of the province’s capacity without any reasonable plan to replace it. The government is scrambling to find some way—any way—to fill the gap they have created, and they’re willing to pay the providers whatever they want. Sadly, in the end it is the electricity consumer who pays the price for the Liberals’ mismanagement.

On top of the effect of the McGuinty government leveling the biggest tax increases in history, the net effect of this latest announcement will come as very discouraging news to industries and business already reeling from the effects of this government’s addiction to taxation and spending. It’s high time that this government came clean with the people of Ontario and admitted that their energy plan is unworkable and unhealthy for the future of this province.

Rent bank program Programme de banques d’aide au loyer

Mr. Phil McNeely (Ottawa–Orléans): I rise in the House today to congratulate the McGuinty government and, in particular, Minister Gerretsen for introducing additional funding to the rent banks. This program is designed to help protect seniors and low-income Ontarians from eviction should they be unable to pay their rent due to an unforeseen crisis. Last week, the government invested an additional $4 million in the provincial rent program that will help those vulnerable Ontarians who must struggle to make ends meet or tenants who face temporary financial setbacks resulting from an illness, a job loss or a family emergency.

This announcement was great news for Ottawa. We received $254,000 for our rent bank program, which will be available to the city immediately. In Orléans, this funding is especially welcome, as students, single-income families and seniors alike find themselves temporarily in need of assistance to avoid losing their homes. This is just another example of how the McGuinty government has put supports in place for people to use to get back on their feet. These supports are so important for Ontarians who are struggling with financial difficulties.

Monsieur le Président, depuis 2004, l’année où le programme était mis sur pied grâce à un investissement initial de 10 000 $ répartis parmi les municipalités de l’Ontario, 4 177 ménages locataires ont reçu une aide financière et ont évité l’éviction. Maintenant, avec les fonds supplémentaires annoncés la semaine dernière, plusieurs individus vont recevoir de l’aide pour assurer que leur famille ne sera jamais sans logement.

With the additional funds announced last week, we can help even more households receive the help they require to ensure that their families will never be without a home.

Public libraries

Ms. Monique M. Smith (Nipissing): Last Friday I was delighted to welcome the Premier to my community, and while he was there, the Minister of Culture was announcing great news for our small rural and northern libraries. The Ontario government is helping to promote literacy and lifelong learning across the province with a $6-million investment, and specifically in Nipissing, with an investment of $84,000 into rural, remote, francophone and First Nation public libraries. That is great news for our smaller communities.

Families in our communities can go to the library for help with basic reading and writing skills. Our libraries recognize the challenges of living in small communities and will use this new funding for programs and services that meet the needs of local learners. The Bonfield Township Public Library received $10,500, and Mayor Narry McCarthy was delighted. Lise Moore Asselin, at the Mattawa Public Library, told me it was like winning the lottery.

Other area libraries that are benefiting from our contributions are the Dokis First Nation Public Library, the East Ferris Township Public Library, the Municipality of Callander Public Library, the Nipissing First Nation Public Library and the Phelps Public Library, as well as the Powassan and District Public Library.

This is great news for our small, rural, northern, francophone and aboriginal communities and great news for Nipissing—another great day.

Border security

Mr. David Orazietti (Sault Ste. Marie): I’d like to express my concern and that of my community with the US passport proposal and its effect on tourism and cross-border travel. The tourism industry is vital to my riding of Sault Ste. Marie and to our entire province. I implore the federal government House leader, Rob Nicholson, who represents the border riding of Niagara Falls, to educate Prime Minister Harper on this issue.

Last October, Mr. Nicholson said that he feared “the chilling effect” of the passport plan and its effect on tourism and the economy of border communities. He stated, “People who don’t live along the border don’t understand the border,” and that “this is a truly Canadian issue, not just a Niagara issue. This can’t wait for another summer season to come and go. I’m worried about the tourism we’re losing right now.”

I completely agree with the 2005 Mr. Nicholson, who has now, in 2006, remained silent on the issue despite the fact that Prime Minister Harper has raised the white flag to President Bush, saying, “It’s an American law ... I don’t think that there’s any prospect of Congress [changing it].”

Premier McGuinty hasn’t given up. He’s taken over the job that Mr. Harper and Mr. Nicholson are supposed to do. Our Premier has been working with trade, commercial and tourism officials in the US to try to alter this law. He has won the support of the governors in Michigan, New York and Ohio, and he recognizes that the tourism industry is worth $1.6 billion annually in Canada, even if the federal government does not.

I hope that government House leader Nicholson will regain his 2005 form and urge Prime Minister Harper, as he did Prime Minister Martin, to stand up for Canadian border communities, as Premier McGuinty is doing today.

MOTIONS

Committee membership

Hon. James J. Bradley (Minister of Tourism, minister responsible for seniors, Government House Leader): I seek unanimous consent to put forward a motion without notice regarding the membership of certain committees.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Agreed? Agreed.

Hon. Mr. Bradley: I move that the following substitutions be made to the membership of certain committees:

On the standing committee on justice policy, Christine Elliott replaces Elizabeth Witmer. On the standing committee on public accounts, add Lisa MacLeod.

The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

House Sittings

Hon. James J. Bradley (Minister of Tourism, minister responsible for seniors, Government House Leader): I move that, pursuant to standing order 9(c)(i), the House shall meet from 6:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12, 2006, for the purpose of considering government business.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry?

All in favour will say “aye.”

All opposed will say “nay.”

In my opinion, the ayes have it.

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

The division bells rang from 1351 to 1356.

The Speaker: Order. Members take their seats, please.

Mr. Bradley has moved government notice of motion 99. All in favour will please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

Ayes

Arthurs, Wayne

Balkissoon, Bas

Bartolucci, Rick

Bentley, Christopher

Berardinetti, Lorenzo

Bradley, James J.

Broten, Laurel C.

Bryant, Michael

Cansfield, Donna H.

Caplan, David

Chambers, Mary Anne V.

Colle, Mike

Crozier, Bruce

Delaney, Bob

Di Cocco, Caroline

Dombrowsky, Leona

Duguid, Brad

Duncan, Dwight

Flynn, Kevin Daniel

Gerretsen, John

Hoy, Pat

Jeffrey, Linda

Kular, Kuldip

Kwinter, Monte

Lalonde, Jean-Marc

Levac, Dave

Mauro, Bill

McGuinty, Dalton

McNeely, Phil

Meilleur, Madeleine

Milloy, John

Mitchell, Carol

Orazietti, David

Parsons, Ernie

Patten, Richard

Peters, Steve

Peterson, Tim

Phillips, Gerry

Pupatello, Sandra

Ramsay, David

Sandals, Liz

Smith, Monique

Smitherman, George

Sorbara, Gregory S.

Takhar, Harinder S.

Van Bommel, Maria

Watson, Jim

Wilkinson, John

Wong, Tony C.

Wynne, Kathleen O.

The Speaker: All those opposed will please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

Nays

Arnott, Ted

Barrett, Toby

Bisson, Gilles

Dunlop, Garfield

Elliott, Christine

Hardeman, Ernie

Horwath, Andrea

Kormos, Peter

MacLeod, Lisa

Martel, Shelley

Martiniuk, Gerry

Miller, Norm

O’Toole, John

Ouellette, Jerry J.

Prue, Michael

Runciman, Robert W.

Scott, Laurie

Tabuns, Peter

Tory, John

Wilson, Jim

Yakabuski, John

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Claude L. DesRosiers): The ayes are 50; the nays are 21.

The Speaker: I declare the motion carried.

Women’s right to vote

Ms. Andrea Horwath (Hamilton East): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: I wish to remind the House that the women of Ontario got the right to vote 89 years ago today with the passing of

An Act to amend the Ontario Election Act on April 12, 1917.

ORAL QUESTIONS

Hydro rates

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): My question is to the Premier. In the 2003 election campaign, you promised, “The current rate cap will be kept in place until 2006.” Why have you permitted hydro rates to go up as much as 55%? You have zapped the people of Ontario with yet another of your broken promises. I don’t know how they can believe anything you say. Why have you done that?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): I am pleased to receive the question and pleased to have this opportunity to speak to the House and to Ontarians generally about our electricity policy. I am very confident that we’ve made the right decision for the right reasons. It’s not an easy decision for our government, but I’m convinced that it is the right decision for Ontarians.

We’ve decided effectively that we should all pay for the actual cost of producing our electricity. We didn’t do that in the past and the result of that is visible in our monthly hydro bills, where there is a debt retirement charge where Ontario Hydro ratepayers are now making payments, principal plus interest, because in the past under—in fairness—governments of all political stripes, we did not pay for the actual cost of producing our electricity. I think most Ontarians would understand that that is just not sustainable. In supplementary, I’ll speak to more aspects of this.

Mr. Tory: The question, of course, to the Premier was about why you have done, especially in the last three years between 2003 and now, something quite different than you told the people of Ontario you would do. You promised them something very explicit, as you were known to do on many files during the course of the election, to win votes, and then did something quite opposite.

We have your broken promises on hydro rates, we have your broken promises on coal plant shutdowns. The only thing that is well planned about your energy policy is that nothing is firm and nothing is well planned. We have a few windmills operating nowhere near capacity, we have a couple of sod-turning photo ops, but the fact of the matter is that all of the megawatts you remind us about all the time are sitting on paper in some bureaucrat’s office in the Ministry of Energy.

The Windsor Star says, “McGuinty’s energy plan will cost electricity consumers more money, do little for the environment while severely damaging the economy and create a climate of protracted uncertainty that will scare off investors and lead to devastating job losses.” My question is this: When are you going to stop punishing hard-working Ontarians—

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Thank you. Premier?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: To state the obvious, I heartily disagree with the leader of the official opposition’s representation of our policy and its impact on Ontario. The fact of the matter is that we are the first government in a long time—and we would have preferred the other governments got their hands around this in the past—to take this issue on. We have the most aggressive new construction plan for new generation in North America. We have a very aggressive plan as well for renewables and promoting conservation.

I gather that what the leader of the official opposition is saying is that he believes that we should continue to control electricity prices through the government, and I gather he’s also saying that we should cap rates. We have rejected that. That cost Ontario taxpayers $1 billion because of what former Premier Ernie Eves did. We’ve chosen a better route. We think it’s the most responsible route. We believe that we should be paying for the actual cost of our electricity.

Mr. Tory: The electricity consumers and the voters of Ontario certainly didn’t hear much about this when you were campaigning for election, but it’s fine now. The fact is that the Premier knows that Ontarians cannot trust him to live up to his words or his promises on energy, and they feel you can’t be trusted to competently manage the energy file in this province.

You promised you would cap electricity rates and you broke that promise. You promised to close the coal-fired generating plants by 2007 and you’ve broken that promise, irresponsible as it was to begin with. You promised to take politics out of the energy sector. The major power consumers of Ontario say your plan is going to result in a 25% rate increase every single year. When are you going to start being straight with Ontarians about your electricity policy and stop zapping them with your increases and broken promises?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: Again, I gather from the leader of the official opposition’s line of questioning that he would be in favour of capping electricity prices. I think it’s important that Ontarians understand that distinction between me and him.

If we were to subsidize electricity rates as Mr. Tory is proposing, there is a cost connected with that. That money would have to come out of our schools, our hospitals, our social programs, our infrastructure; it would have to come from someplace. We have decided to do what we think is right in the circumstances. That’s not necessarily an easy thing to do, but we think it’s the responsible thing to do. We think that all of us, our generation, should pay for the actual cost of the electricity that we’re buying.

We think it’s wrong to pass that cost down to our children or our grandchildren, as that government did in the past. We are going to live within our means. It’s not necessarily an easy thing to do, but I’m confident and comfortable with the notion that Ontarians will support us on this.

The Speaker: New question.

Mr. Tory: My question again is for the Premier. I’ll tell you, what this Leader of the Opposition is in favour of is Premiers keeping their word, starting with this Premier—for the rest of the very short time that you will have available for you to do that.

Premier, what the people of this province—

Interjections.

The Speaker: Order. The Minister of Natural Resources.

Mr. Tory: My question to the Premier is this: Ontarians have said that they want an electricity plan that is reliable, affordable and responsible. You have promised that conservation is the key to our energy supply success going forward, and despite your minimal efforts, we continue to set new records for demand day after day, month after month, year after year. You have promised that your conservation czar, who is being paid in excess of $300,000 a year, one of the rapidly increasing number of big-pay bureaucrats you have—we hear from him only once or twice a year.

You’ve all but completely broken your promises on conservation. Mailing out coupons and wheeling this $300,000 man out once in a while is not going to help Ontarians to deal with the shock of these bills.

Once the first and only cheque for $125 has been cashed and sent right back to Hydro, what are the Hydro ratepayers going to do?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: In addition to recognizing the importance of having a responsible electricity pricing policy, which means that we all have to pay for the actual cost of production—I think most Ontarians recognize that that’s the right thing to do—we as a government have also recognized that there are going to be some low-income earners who are going to need some special supports. I’m pleased that the Minister of Finance, working very hard, has been able to develop a program that we have just announced: It’s $100 million to assist 1.5 million low-income Ontarians with the rising electricity rates.

I want Ontarians to understand that while it is important that we assume responsibility for the actual cost of our electricity production, we recognize at the same time that some Ontarians are going to have a hard time with that. That’s why we’ve put this particular program in place. That’s why we’re reaching out to low-income Ontarians and telling them, “We understand the nature of your challenges,” and that’s why we’re going to help.

Mr. Tory: Of course, what you’ve done is provide for a program that will give people a maximum cheque of $125, which they will then turn around and send straight back to Hydro, and that will cover the first couple of months. What do they do after that?

What you have managed to do—

Interjections.

The Speaker: I need to be able to hear the questions. It’s not helpful when we have so much noise.

The Leader of the Opposition.

Mr. Tory: What you have managed to do is to raise hydro rates by 55% since you took office, and you have managed at the same time to have a situation in which the CEO of Hydro One gets a bonus of $500,000 without any justification, any criteria that you know about or that you’re able to share with anybody else. That represents another broken promise on your part to rein in these kinds of things or at least to make sure people understood the basis upon which they have it.

Premier, the $500,000 cheque has been cashed, the people paying the bill for it still don’t know why the cheque was given out in the first place, and you’re jacking up their bills by 55%. Why are you doing that?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: The leader of the official opposition is telling us that, were he to earn the privilege of serving Ontarians as their Premier, he would cap their electricity prices. I have a fundamental disagreement with that. I just want to make that clear to him so that the people of Ontario understand that as well.

Let me tell you a bit more about our support program called the Ontario home electricity relief program. It’s going to help low-income families, who will receive a rebate of up to $120, while individuals would receive a rebate of up to $60. Beyond that, we have also doubled our emergency energy fund to $4.2 million. Last year, by the way, we helped some 2,700 households, with an average of $467 in assistance.

Again, I repeat, as we move towards a responsible electricity pricing policy in Ontario, we will not forget those who have some particular challenges, and we will help.

Mr. Tory: I think what the people of Ontario will be noticing is that you don’t come in here once and be straight with them about the promises that you made and either say it was irresponsible to make those promises during the course of the election and that you had no intention of keeping them or that you’ve decided to break your promises and be straight with people about that. We’ve got a broken promise on the—

Interjections.

The Speaker: The Minister of Health will need to come to order.

Mr. Tory: Ontarians have been watching while you broke your promise on rates, they’ve been watching while you broke your promise on supply mix, they’ve been watching while you broke your promise to remove politics from the energy file, they’ve been watching while you broke your promise on conservation, and they’ve been watching while you broke your promise on perks for hydro executives.

Why don’t you start being straight with Ontarians and start today by telling them that you made promises that you shouldn’t have made, that you made promises you had no intention of keeping, and then start to be straight with them on the rest of this file? People are paying more than ever for energy. It has nothing to do with your broken promises. They’re paying at least enough to receive straight answers from you; why won’t you give them?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: Again, I want to make it clear for all members of this House that there is a fundamental difference here in electricity policy. The leader of the official opposition is telling us that is part of his platform now. He is going to cap electricity prices in Ontario.

Ontarians are interested to learn of this news today; industry in particular. Those people we invite to invest in the creation of new generation in the province of Ontario will be particularly interested in that kind of approach.

We are moving ahead with a forward-looking, progressive, responsible electricity policy in the province. It means two things in particular: We think it’s right for all of us to pay for the actual cost of the production of our electricity, but at the same time, we have an eye on those people who are up against it, who have low incomes and who are going to be particularly challenged by encountering the actual cost of electricity. That is why we put in place a number of programs to help them, and that’s in addition to the number of conservation programs that we continue to put in place.

The Speaker: New question, the leader of the third party.

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora–Rainy River): My question is for the Premier. Premier, this is a copy of your 2003 election document. It’s called Hydro You Can Trust, The Ontario Liberal Plan for a Modern, Public Hydro. In this document, you made some very specific promises about hydro rates and protecting consumers. Do you remember what they were?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: Again, I gather the leader of the NDP is making reference to the same policy, which is supported by some members of his caucus, and I’ll be glad to elucidate further for him in the supplementaries. We think we have the right policy in place. We think it’s important that we pay for the actual cost of the production of our electricity. I’m mindful of the fact that electricity prices are going up throughout most of North America.

We are all beset with rising energy prices, but I think one of those things of which I am most proud by way of distinguishing our government from so many others in North America is the support programs we are putting in place for our low-income households. We have put a couple in place now which I think will be very effective at helping low-income Ontarians manage these new, higher electricity prices.

Mr. Hampton: Well, what a surprise: The Premier wouldn’t answer the question about his own election platform. I repeat, this was entitled Hydro You Can Trust, The Ontario Liberal Plan—and in it you say that you are going to cap electricity rates until 2006. You went further on Global Television. You said, “I think the most important thing to do at this particular point in time is to put a cap on those rates through 2006.” Hydro You Can Trust. Premier, why should any Ontarian believe anything you say about hydro rates from now on?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: I’d ask the leader of the NDP if he might want to have a conversation with his newly elected representative, Peter Tabuns, who said at the time we lifted the cap, and I quote, “We fully support your proposal that the price cap removal be implemented in such a way”—in fairness to Mr. Tabuns—“as to minimize the impact on lower income Ontarians, and we look forward to the significant clean air benefits that will result from this....” That is exactly what we’re doing. I want to welcome Mr. Tabuns. There are some people who have support for our policy.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Order. I can wait. Order. Supplementary.

Mr. Hampton: Hydro You Can Trust. I didn’t tell people that I believed in a rate cap. I told people the rate cap was very phony. But this is about your statement, Premier. This is about your statement that you were going to freeze hydro rates through 2006, and now you’ve raised hydro rates over the last three years by 55%. Struggling farmers, hard-pressed small businesses, modest- and lower-income families believed Dalton McGuinty. They believed him when he said, “Hydro You Can Trust.” What’s your answer to those people today, Premier, who trusted you, who believed you and now you’ve whacked them with a 55% increase, even though many of them can’t afford it?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: I think Ontarians are pretty clear about our direction with respect to energy policy. I can understand why they’d be confused about the leader of the NDP’s policy, because he voted against putting a price cap in place and then he voted against taking it off. So it’s pretty hard to figure out where he’s coming from.

We’re putting forward what I believe is a responsible electricity pricing plan. It’s mindful of the fact that electricity prices are going up, not just in Ontario but throughout much of North America. We believe we owe it to our children and grandchildren to pay for our own costs as we go along. At the same time, we also have a responsibility to help low-income households, so again we’ve put in place a couple of programs that will help our low-income earners in Ontario. We think that’s the best of all worlds, something that gives us a sustainable program and something that is sustainable for future generations.

The Speaker: New question, leader of the third party.

Mr. Hampton: What I voted against is a Dalton McGuinty who says one thing before the election to get votes and then does something else after the election.

Premier, I want to ask you about the rest of your double standard, because at the same time you’re whacking low- and modest-income families with a 55% hydro rate increase, we have people like Tom Parkinson, the CEO of Hydro One, getting a $500,000 pay increase, courtesy of Dalton McGuinty, that hydro ratepayers will have to pay. Premier, can you tell all those people who are struggling to pay their hydro bill why Tom Parkinson is getting a $500,000 pay increase and why they have to pay for that?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: We have good news for low-income Ontarians, and it’s found within a couple of our new programs. Well, actually one is an older program—we just doubled the amount available through our emergency energy fund to $4.2 million—and then there’s our just-announced $100-million package to assist 1.5 million low-income Ontarians.

Again, I wonder why the leader of the NDP has now become the champion of low prices because, if you check out page 244 of Public Power, Mr. Hampton says, on the matter of pricing, “You will notice that I did not include ‘low prices’ as a defining principle of our future power system. ‘Low’ is a vague and highly relative term when it comes to power pricing.” I want to welcome him now to lend his assistance to our support for low-income Ontarians when it comes to better managing their electricity prices.

Mr. Hampton: Once again, the Premier doesn’t want to answer the question, but I will try again. Low-income families, modest-income families, hit with a 55% hydro rate increase: You say you’re going to help them. Do you know what your help amounts to? If their hydro bill goes up by $60, you’re going to give them $10. Many of these people don’t have money to pay the rent now. They don’t have money to put food on the table now. You’re going to take another $50 out of them on a monthly basis.

At the same time, Tom Parkinson gets a $500,000 pay increase. In fact, his total pay now is $1.56 million, more than the CEOs of BC Hydro, Manitoba Hydro and Hydro-Québec all put together. Premier, tell me, why should low- and modest-income people, why should struggling farmers who are having trouble paying their bills now—

The Speaker: The question has been asked.

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: I think it’s really important to put this in at least a little bit of perspective so we understand what’s happening in North America with respect to electricity prices. Oddly enough, in Alberta they went up by 23% in January. Maryland will see prices going up from 35% to 72%; Massachusetts, 32%; Louisiana, 28%; New Hampshire, 29%; New York, 30%; New Jersey, 14%; Texas, 21%; New Brunswick, 13%; Nunavut, 15%.

We haven’t been blessed by Mother Nature like Quebec and Manitoba, for example, so that we have access to plentiful amounts of hydroelectricity. But what we have is—

Interjections.

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: I think I’ve just discovered the answer to our energy shortage, Speaker.

The Speaker: Thank you. You may want to pursue that later. Final supplementary.

Mr. Hampton: Premier, the reality is that Ontario hydro rates, if you compare them to Quebec, if you compare them to Manitoba, if you compare them to neighbouring states immediately to the south of us, are rising incredibly. It’s making a huge difference for industry and it’s making a huge difference for ordinary people across this province.

But I want to ask you this: a 55% hydro rate hike already in the first three years, and then you plan to put $40 billion into expensive, unreliable and environmentally risky nuclear plants. Tell us, what is that going to do to hydro rates? What’s that going to do to struggling farmers, small businesses, low- and modest-income people? Where is your plan for people, for industry, for jobs? Because you sure don’t see it today. You see executive salaries—

The Speaker: The question has been asked. Premier.

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: To better inform the leader of the NDP with respect to rising costs in states that are close by, our competitor states, I repeat: In Maryland, they’re going up between 35% and 72% this year; in New York, they’re going up by 30%; in New Jersey, by 14%.

When you break this down to a daily rate hike, it ranges somewhere between 15 cents, I believe, up to 60 cents on a daily basis. I’m not trying to minimize that; it can be a real issue in our low-income households. But that’s exactly why we have established a new program and we’re investing $100 million in that program. That is a significant investment. It’s a real investment. It’s there to help our lowest-income earners manage with these new and, yes, rising electricity prices and again, that’s grounded in a responsible policy.

Community safety

Mr. Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North): My question today is for the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services. On Monday of this week, you accused our leader, John Tory, of grandstanding in this House when he did his job in a responsible manner and questioned you on what your government is doing to stem the activity of guns and gangs outside of the GTA. Now we know why you were so mean-spirited in your response. Yesterday, the 2006-07 expenditures were released. It’s on page 96.

Minister, you are cutting a total of $31.6 million from two key OPP units: investigations and organized crime, and field and traffic services. For your information, Minister, investigations and organized crime include the following: provincial weapons enforcement unit, child pornography section, the drug enforcement section, the anti-racket

section and crime prevention.

Minister, how can you expect the Ontario Provincial Police to properly do their job when you continue to slash their budget in these key areas?

Hon. Monte Kwinter (Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services): I thank the member for his question. I just want to tell him that his information is not correct, and I just want to correct the record for him. Here’s what we’ve given the OPP to date: the provincial weapons enforcement unit, $2.3 million in additional funding announced January 5, 2006.

There will be an additional 51 new OPP officers hired as a result of our 1,000 officers program; guns and gangs task force, announced October, 2005, 32 additional crowns and 26 officers; January 5, $51 million for enhanced anti-gang strategy, including funding for a provincial ops centre to fight guns and gangs; $5.7 million annually for the biker enforcement unit. We’ve also enhanced the program of the criminal investigation service of Ontario.

That is hardly cuts. You should understand: The budget of the OPP is determined by the OPP. We have given them more money than they’ve had in the past, and they determine how they allocate it. I’m just—

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Thank you, Minister. Supplementary.

Mr. Dunlop: Minister, maybe you should reprint page 96 of this book, then. Look at the numbers for yourself. We have witnessed this past weekend the most gruesome bloodshed in the history of our province. It was gang related, gun related and drug related. Minister, will you go back to the cabinet table and properly fund the provincial weapons enforcement unit, the child pornography section, the drug enforcement section, the anti-racket

section and the crime prevention division so that the Ontario Provincial Police, that force, can do their job with the best resources possibly available to them?

Hon. Mr. Kwinter: I just listed for the member the enhancements that we’ve given to the OPP. You should understand that the reason I was so critical on Monday was that the OPP have done an incredible job. I was aware of information. They certainly had the resources that, as soon as they found out about this tragedy that took place, they were able to go in and, the same day after they performed the autopsies, they arrested the five perpetrators. Now, that isn’t an indication that they don’t have the resources to do it.

I have a great deal of faith in the OPP. They provide a fabulous service to the people of Ontario. We should all be proud of them, and they’re getting adequate funding.

Ontario budget

Ms. Andrea Horwath (Hamilton East): My question is for the Minister of Finance. Today’s Ontario alternative budget says, “The McGuinty government should be embarrassed by its response to child care ... Ontario should be taking the lead on child care, moving forward with its own plan.” Minister, the alternative budget shows that you actually have the money to make the right choice on child care. Instead, nine out of 10 families are still without a child care space in the province of Ontario. When are you going to keep your own promise and invest the $300 million that you promised into child care in Ontario?

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Finance, Chair of the Management Board of Cabinet): To the Minister of Children and Youth Services.

Hon. Mary Anne V. Chambers (Minister of Children and Youth Services): I’m really happy to have the opportunity to address this. I’m still looking forward to the support of the NDP for our child care plan, but even without that support, I’m very pleased that our government has sustained every single space that has been created since the start of this 2005 agreement—every single space. That represents more than 50% of the three-year target that we will have achieved just halfway through that plan.

As evidence of support for what our government has done, Kira Heineck, executive director for the Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care, said with regards to our budget, “The move to create long-term stability for the development of the Best Start plan in the face of uncertainty of future federal policy is a sound policy goal and demonstrates—”

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Thank you. Sit down, Minister. The member for Beaches−East York.

Mr. Michael Prue (Beaches–East York): Back to the Minister of Finance: We’ve seen that you’re clawing back the money for children. You’re also clawing back the national child benefit supplement from our poorest children. But there are also other things you’re clawing back. You’re clawing back the $150 million in federal housing money. You’re pocketing the money instead of building the affordable housing Ontarians need. On top of that, you’re cutting the affordable housing program almost in half in your budget, from $111 million last year to $62 million this year.

Minister, how, in all conscience, can you ask the federal government for more money when you won’t even spend the money they gave you on families, housing and the people who need it?

Hon. Mrs. Chambers: To the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Mr. Duncan: This government has an unequalled record in dealing with the vulnerable people of this province, and we’re proud of it. We’ve started today.

When you raised electricity prices 43%, did you do anything for low-income people? No. When you were given choices, as a government, to deal with low-income situations, let’s remember what you did: You raised the gas tax 30 times. You cut mental health funding by more than $65 million. You presided over a doubling of the welfare rolls in this province. Your record is shameful and your question is shameless.

We have invested in increasing the minimum wage. We have raised social assistance benefits. We acknowledge that we want to do more and we’re moving to do more. We have made permanent the incremental clawback monies for the years we’ve been in power. We acknowledge there’s more to do. The people of this province trust this government to deal with the vulnerable and—

The Speaker: Thank you. Sit down, Minister.

Ontario drug benefit program

Mrs. Liz Sandals (Guelph–Wellington): My question is for the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. Your ministry put out estimates yesterday that showed that growth in the utilization of drugs is not as high as expected. If that is the case, why is there a need to change the system?

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): We were pleased yesterday to table our estimates and, alongside those, to table an explanation note with respect to 2005-06. We had projected that our drug costs and utilization might increase by as much as 15%, but at the end of the day it came in around 10%. This, of course, is progress from a financial standpoint.

What we seek to do with the package of reforms that we’ll be moving forward with tomorrow is to get the best possible value for the dollar for these important investments, to be able to enhance access for our patients. I think it’s important to note that while the utilization rates are lower than was projected, any growth that is occurring beyond that of economic growth does pose a threat for the sustainability of health care. Accordingly, we have at all times the obligation of doing the best we can with taxpayers’ money and, accordingly, it’s necessary to try and make sure that we achieve all of the possible benefits that come from the fact that we are a huge volume purchaser.

Mrs. Sandals: The minister has spoken about inefficiencies in the existing system. Could he provide more details on those inefficiencies?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: As I said at the tail end of the first answer, one of the circumstances that has been challenging for us as we’ve sought to do this comprehensive review of Ontario’s drug system is that there seem to be very many cases where the volumes that we’re purchasing are not necessarily being respected. We think it’s important to get respect for the taxpayers’ dollars. The retail adage applies here: “How do we do it? Volume.” But when we look very closely at the costs that we’re paying for our drug product, we don’t see at all counts a recognition for these extraordinary volumes.

The Ontario taxpayer, the Ontario health care system, is one of the largest purchasers of drug products to be found. We’re a very, very good customer. We seek to be in a position to support those products which are truly innovative, and to do it faster and in a more transparent way. But fundamentally, we think it’s important on behalf of the taxpayers of Ontario that we achieve all the benefit we can from the extraordinary volumes that we’re purchasing. Accordingly, we think that we can gain greater efficiency on this score.

Native land dispute

Mr. Toby Barrett (Haldimand–Norfolk–Brant): To the Premier: As you well know, since February 28 a group of people have been occupying a subdivision under development just south of Caledonia and east of Six Nations. I’ve walked in to this occupation a number of times, and I can assure you that all concerned wish for a peaceful resolution. However, this standoff has been running for well over six weeks now. Premier, where is your leadership on this? What have you done to resolve this dispute?

Interjection.

Mr. Barrett: I ask for some respect for the people down there.

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): I’ll refer this to the minister responsible for aboriginal affairs.

Hon. David Ramsay (Minister of Natural Resources, minister responsible for aboriginal affairs): I very much appreciate the question from the member. This is a very serious situation, as the member knows, and I want to assure him that the Ontario government has been on top of the situation. As we speak now, a meeting is going on with all the parties involved in this. We’ve had people on the ground over the last few days talking to the various parties in preparation for this meeting. There is a proposal that is being considered today at this meeting among all parties. I have to be very hopeful that we’re going to see a peaceful end to this situation.

Mr. Barrett: Premier, you have bounced this over to your minister responsible for aboriginal affairs. I’m assuming that when the minister makes reference to “all parties,” he is also referring to the federal government and, I would hope, referring to the people who are right within that site. What I will say, however, is that all people locally see is the OPP. They see the provincial police; they don’t see the RCMP or Canadian forces. They clearly have a perception that this is a provincial issue. I’m told by the federal government that this is a provincial issue.

Premier, this is right your own backyard: It’s merely 90 minutes from Queen’s Park. I can walk you in. I can walk you, Minister, in to the site. My point is, it has now been six weeks of strife and turmoil for all concerned. We’ve seen six weeks of you turning your back. The question is, when will you step up to the plate, take some responsibility and show—

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): The question has been asked. Minister?

Hon. Mr. Ramsay: First of all, I’d like to assure the member that the province has been taking a lead role in this. In fact, I’ve been in daily contact with Minister Jim Prentice of the federal government in regard to this. I have been speaking to the municipal official on the ground, Mayor Trainer, after her meeting with Jim Prentice in Ottawa on Friday.

I’ve also been talking to the developer, the two Henning brothers, the owners of Henco, and understand, and quite frankly I expressed the government’s sympathy and concern for the financial situation that they’re in, and said to them that we’re also there to help them through this as we work to resolve this in a peaceful manner.

Family farms

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora–Rainy River): My question is for the Premier. In the election, you promised farmers a new generation of farm income supports. Tim Stratichuk and Julien Papineau are grains and oilseeds farmers from Essex county here today with a clear message for you and your government: Quit blaming Ottawa. Grains and oilseeds farmers need an immediate cash infusion and a risk management program.

Young farmers like Tim and Julien are the future of Ontario’s food industry, yet your government is allowing them to be pushed off the lands because of punishing American subsidies. Premier, will you immediately implement a long-term, made-in-Ontario risk management program, as Quebec and Alberta have done, or do you subscribe to the view of your assistant deputy minister for agriculture, that the family farm is dead and only large commercial farm operations should survive?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): To the Minister of Agriculture.

Hon. Leona Dombrowsky (Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs): I’m very happy that there are representatives from grains and oilseeds here in the Legislature today and that they will be able to hear from me directly with respect to this very important issue.

I have been at the table with your representatives since November and made it very clear that the province of Ontario agrees with your representatives that you deserve a multi-year strategy, in partnership with this government and the federal government. I’ve made it very clear as well—and I had the opportunity to meet with the federal minister this week—that there is an urgency in your sector that needs to be dealt with right away. Ontario is here. We’re at the table, and we have dollars available. We are asking the federal government to come and talk with us so that we can provide the resources, provide the support that this industry needs and deserves today.

Mr. Hampton: Minister, you seem to say one thing here today, but your assistant deputy minister says very loudly and very clearly that he doesn’t think there’s any room for the family farm in Ontario anymore. And it’s clear that, even with the announcements and reannouncements of your government, the $80 million that went to grain and oilseed farmers didn’t do the job. When you lose over $100 per acre, your $80 million works out to only $5 to $15 an acre, which means farmers are deep in trouble. Farmers need an immediate cash infusion of $400 million to offset their 2005 farm losses.

My question again, Minister: Do you side with your assistant deputy minister, that there’s no room for the family farm in Dalton McGuinty’s Ontario, or will you follow leaders like Quebec and Alberta and immediately implement a long-term risk management program?

Hon. Mrs. Dombrowsky: First of all, I would say to the honourable member, if you check the public record, you will very clearly see that this government has been there for all farmers, regardless of the size of farm, regardless of the type of farm and regardless of where they are located. Our government has provided $125 million, because we recognize the immediate hurt in the agriculture sectors. We have been there, and we continue to be there. We have money at the table. We want to work with farmers.

We want to accommodate what they’ve indicated very clearly they need, and that is a multi-year partnership so they don’t have to come to the province and to the federal government every year. We want that partnership with the federal government; that’s who has to come to the table. We’re here.

Education

Mr. David Orazietti (Sault Ste. Marie): My question is to the Minister of Education. But before I say anything further, I want to congratulate the minister on her appointment.

We’ve come a long way in reversing the damage done to the education system by the former Conservative government, but there is still much work to do. Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve been debating Bill 78, the student performance bill, in which we’re proposing amendments to the Education Act and the Ontario College of Teachers Act. These changes would, if passed, provide the legal support necessary to further support our government’s goal of increasing student achievement. Minister, can you please tell me how this act relates to our overall plan to improve education?

Hon. Sandra Pupatello (Minister of Education, minister responsible for women’s issues): I want to congratulate this member who, with a long history in the field of education, is known in Sault Ste. Marie as a great teacher. We’re pleased to have him here as part of our caucus.

I am very pleased to speak about the bill that is in debate in the House now. This bill is about the modernization of education. This House doesn’t see many education bills that are intended to move education forward. This bill is specifically related to student success. It is about the modernization of our systems, to be able to drive success for our students. The bill that we’re debating in this House is, in fact, about our students. I hope the kids here in the House are Ontario students. The bill that we’re talking about is one for you.

Mr. Orazietti: As a former teacher who was subjected to the NDP’s social contract and was continually attacked by the previous government, whose education minister set out to deliberately create a crisis in education, I can tell you that, from the parents, students and teachers I’ve been speaking with, our government is making huge strides in creating greater stability, with respect for all parties, to ensure that students in Ontario reach their maximum potential.

Minister, I also understand that this bill provides important changes for new teachers since the bill is proposing to eliminate the poorly devised teacher testing program. As we move forward with this legislation, what are we doing to ensure that teachers have the support and resources they need to ensure our students succeed?

Hon. Ms. Pupatello: I am happy to report that much work was done by my colleague who was Minister of Education. Minister Kennedy brought forward some significant improvements for teachers, and in particular for new teachers. What was created was the new teacher induction program. That is meant to replace what was largely seen as an ineffective, pen-and-paper test with real assistance to bring new teachers into the classroom. We are hearing very good reports about this and we look forward to seeing significant differences and improvements, once again as we strive for success for students in our classrooms.

Tourism

Mr. Ted Arnott (Waterloo–Wellington): My question is for the Premier. The people who work in Ontario’s tourism industry are planning ahead for the summer season, but they are facing extraordinary challenges: higher electricity prices announced today because of the provincial government; a massive decline of visitors from the United States, partly because of the provincial government; and high fuel costs, partly because of the provincial fuel tax—all of these factors under the control of the provincial government.

As if this weren’t enough, Ontario tourism is also challenged by the strength of the Canadian dollar and the looming prospect that our American visitors may soon need a passport to get back home.

We all know the provincial government is fixated on Toronto and the recent budget was Toronto-centric, and the Premier’s response, when I last raised this, clearly illustrated that fact. But what about the rest of the province? Why is the government unwilling to assist the tourism industry outside Toronto?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): To the Minister of Tourism.

Hon. James J. Bradley (Minister of Tourism, minister responsible for seniors, Government House Leader): As the member would understand, the operating budget for the purpose of promoting tourism right across the province has remained relatively the same over the years. He would recognize that substantial investments have been made right across the province. This morning, for instance, I was talking to people in Cornwall on the radio station about an $80,000 investment being made there for the premier destination program. My parliamentary assistant, Jim Brownell, made the announcement yesterday about that.

That’s an example you’ll see right across the province as strategic investments are being made.

Despite the fact that your leader keeps saying in the House that the government is spending too much money—he calls us spendaholics, that we should be retrenching—we are making strategic investments rights across Ontario to ensure tourism continues to thrive. But what we will need is some substantial help from the federal government on the issue of border crossings. I know—

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Thank you. Supplementary.

Mr. Arnott: In recent days there has been a recurring pattern in this House, where the provincial Liberal government blames all its shortcomings on the new federal government. And here they go again.

Ontario’s tourism industry is a $21-billion industry, directly employing more than 213,000 people. It is because of insufficient support from the provincial government for marketing that many of those jobs are now at risk. Instead of pointing fingers at the new, accountable government in Ottawa, when will the provincial government take responsibility for what it can do to promote all of Ontario as a tourism destination of choice?

Hon. Mr. Bradley: First of all, I’ve got to say to my friend that I’m very much surprised he would spend his time in the House trying to defend the indefensible, that being the position taken by the Prime Minister on an issue, when asked about it after his visit to Washington. I have a friend, Rob Nicholson, who is the government House leader federally. Back in the fall of 2005, Rob Nicholson was saying exactly the same thing I am saying.

I notice that, as a result of this issue being raised in this House, in fact the external affairs minister has now denied the Prime Minister thrice, and is in fact on this occasion now saying that he’s going to reopen the issue the Prime Minister was prepared to cast aside.

My advice to your leader is to pick up the phone and get onside of the passport issue, because that would have the most devastating effect on the province of Ontario of any initiative brought forward.

Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board

Mr. Rosario Marchese (Trinity–Spadina): I have a question to the Minister of Education: Minister, last week your ministry ordered the Dufferin-Peel Catholic school board to make a series of cuts to the services they provide students. You demanded a concrete response by the end of the week, which was last Friday. Can you tell the House what, if anything, the trustees have told you?

Hon. Sandra Pupatello (Minister of Education, minister responsible for women’s issues): I think we should rephrase and make the information quite accurate in terms of what has happened with the Dufferin-Peel Catholic board.

First of all, there is a longstanding, lively relationship between our ministry and this board as it pertains to their budgeting process. Over the course of the last several months, we have been working with them to speak with them. Ultimately, the former minister did send education experts, people with long legs in the education fields, to be able to walk in there and say, “Here’s what we are going to look for,” and “Here’s what we found.” The report was then tabled with the trustees, and this past Friday the trustees met. I am now looking forward to working with this board to resolve their issues.

What we have said publicly and privately, from my perspective from this chair, has been the same: We anticipate working closely together to resolve our issues.

Mr. Marchese: Minister, I know you have received several letters from the trustees. One of them says the following: “We have taken a stand. We have placed children first! It is not our job to make cuts that will result in an inferior, diminished system. By filing a deficit budget, we have said to the ministry, in the strongest way we have at our disposal, that current funding levels are not good enough.”

They’re saying they need money. The investigator, in his report, is very clear on this matter. When will you mend the Conservative funding formula so that schools and boards don’t have to cut valuable education programs? When will you do that?

Hon. Ms. Pupatello: I want to say that what’s very good about this board and our ministry is that we agree on one thing: that we are here for the kids in those classrooms and we are here for students’ success, from JK right through to high school and beyond. That’s what we’re here for. We’re dealing with a school board right now that in the last year had a 3% increase in enrolment and a 19% increase in funding.

As a new minister for this portfolio, I look at this and I say, why are they in deficit? Let’s have a closer look. We did that, and we do have questions, as do the parents who have children in this school board. I have said very clearly, as late as yesterday, they can choose to have a very public discussion, or they cannot waste that kind of time; they can roll up their sleeves and get to work, as I am in this ministry, because we are here for the kids. We’re going to fix the problems with Dufferin-Peel Catholic board, both sides, working collaboratively—

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Thank you.

Fish stocking program

Mr. Bill Mauro (Thunder Bay–Atikokan): I’d like to ask the Minister of Natural Resources if he could explain a press release from the member from Oshawa about chinook salmon.

I was in the House and heard the minister’s answer to the member’s question. Having read the member from Oshawa’s press release, I’m wondering if the member from Oshawa was in the House to hear the answer.

What is the position of the government of Ontario on chinook salmon stocking, and is the member from Oshawa’s press release inaccurate?

Hon. David Ramsay (Minister of Natural Resources, minister responsible for aboriginal affairs): I’m very pleased to have this question to clarify the very erroneous press release that was put out by the member from Oshawa. I don’t know why he is assuming what government policy is, but he certainly caused a lot of concern in the angling community by just inventing facts that aren’t true. I’d like to clear it up by saying and assuring the member—

Hon. James J. Bradley (Minister of Tourism, minister responsible for seniors, Government House Leader): It may be an honest mistake.

Hon. Mr. Ramsay: I’m sure it was an honest mistake—that we are continuing to stock—

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): I’d ask you to withdraw the “not true” remark.

Hon. Mr. Ramsay: I withdraw. I would like to say that we are going to continue, as he would know as the previous Minister of Natural Resources, to stock chinook salmon in Ontario.

Mr. Mauro: I’m happy to know that the ministry is continuing to develop fish management plans that ensure ecological sustainability while at the same time enabling Ontarians to maintain fishing traditions.

Minister, can you please inform the Legislature how the ministry determines stocking levels for salmon or any stock species?

Hon. Mr. Ramsay: I know, as our member knows and as the ex-minister should know, that all fish rehabilitation, whether it be stocking or habitat improvement, is based on science. You also look at the factor of the number of prey fish that are in that water body. You want to make sure, in this case, that the salmon, the top predator that it is, has enough food to sustain itself. That’s why the levels of stocking are adjusted from year to year.

The member knows that. He should maybe check with us before he sends out these press releases.

Property taxation

Mr. Tim Hudak (Erie–Lincoln): I have a question to the Premier. In addition to the 56% increase in hydro prices of the McGuinty government and new taxes and user fees, residents across the province of Ontario are experiencing skyrocketing property assessment increases. Brian Maguire, who is the chair of CORRA—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Stop the clock. We have only about five minutes left. Let’s keep it calm. The member for Erie–Lincoln.

Mr. Hudak: Brian Maguire, the chair of CORRA, the Confederation of Resident and Ratepayers Associations, representing taxpayers here in the city of Toronto, has joined us in the gallery here today. He would like to know if the Premier will support the Homestead Act, Bill 75, which will cap property assessment increases at 5% per year.

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): To the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Finance, Chair of the Management Board of Cabinet): First he starts the fire, and now he wants to try to put it out. That’s what this is all about. You should listen carefully to what he’s saying, because this is a gang that in eight attempts—not one, not two, not three, not four, not five, not six, not seven, but eight attempts—you did nothing.

Now the member proposes to cap assessments. Let me tell you what that could mean. That could mean that low-growth areas will be paying a higher relative portion of property taxes than high-growth areas. That’s why you and your government rejected it not once, not twice, not three times, not four times, not five times, not six times, not seven times, but eight times. You were wise to do that, because this system is like that old carnival game where you hit something down here and something pops up over there. Things popped up eight times for them. We’re going to get it right.

The Speaker: Thank you. Supplementary.

Interjection.

The Speaker: Minister, sit down. Supplementary.

Mr. Hudak: That was a disappointing but sadly unsurprising response from the Minister of Finance, a Minister of Finance who, as energy minister, presided over massive spikes in energy prices, was a member of a cabinet that increased taxes substantially on working families, seniors and young people, and who is obviously out of touch with the challenges faced by seniors and working families in Dalton McGuinty’s Ontario.

Minister, you know it’s not just CORRA but other ratepayer groups, including the Federation of North Toronto Residents Associations, the Federation of Urban Neighbourhoods—Ontario, the Canadian Snowbird Association, CARP, among other organizations, which have come fully behind the Homestead Act, which would put a cap on assessments at 5% a year and finally bring some relief.

I know the minister supports higher taxes and higher fees. Surely, Minister, you’ll have some mercy for Ontario taxpayers and dare to back this act—

The Speaker: The Minister of Finance.

Hon. Mr. Duncan: We increased the seniors’ property tax credit, and what did he do? He voted against it. In this budget, we have an enhancement to the seniors’ property tax credit, and what did you and your leader do? You voted against it. That gang made a mess of the assessment system in this province.

We had a thoughtful report from the Ombudsman, with 22 recommendations that we’re working on. We’re not going to make the mistakes that they made. We’re not going to try to pretend that you can fix this easily. What we’re going to do is make the right decisions. We’re going to make decisions that will serve the interests of all ratepayers across this province. In the words of your own local newspaper, “Hudak acknowledged ... the problem is an unexpected result of the legislation” he and “his fellow Conservatives pushed through.”

Our commitment—

The Speaker: Thank you, Minister. Stop the clock.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Order. I can wait. New question.

Gaming control

Mr. Michael Prue (Beaches–East York): My question is for the Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal. Minister, on September 16, 2005—some six months ago—I wrote to your office seeking assurances that you would honour a commitment that there would be no additional racetrack slots beyond those that had been promised for Picov Downs and Quinte Exhibition, and I also sought your assurance that there would be no further commercial or charity slots anywhere else in Toronto.

To date, six months have gone by, and you have never written me back. So I am asking you here in this House today: Will you honour the commitment that was made by your predecessor, the now minister of economic renewal? Will you honour what he had to say from January 20, 2005, and ensure that there will be no further gaming available in east Toronto? The people of my riding want to know that—

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): The question has been asked. Minister?

Hon. David Caplan (Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal, Deputy Government House Leader): I want to thank the member for the question. My colleague Minister Cordiano announced on January 20, 2005, the government’s policy around gaming expansion. That remains the government policy.

I find it somewhat passing strange that it was he and his party which introduced casino gambling into the province of Ontario and that he now rails against this particular move. Our government isn’t only satisfied with that; we’ve taken a significant responsible gaming message and a responsible gaming program to make sure that we are achieving the revenues for the people of Ontario to invest in health care, education and infrastructure, but we’re also ensuring that we are there to help, to support, to research, and to provide the necessary services to those who find themselves in some crisis, working with my colleagues in health and in health promotion. We’ve taken a balanced approach—

The Speaker: Thank you, Minister. This completes the time allocated for oral questions.

PETITIONS

Frederick Banting homestead

Mr. Jim Wilson (Simcoe–Grey): “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas Sir Frederick Banting was the man who discovered insulin and was Canada’s first Nobel Prize recipient; and

“Whereas this great Canadian’s original homestead, located in the town of New Tecumseth, is deteriorating and in danger of destruction because of the inaction of the Ontario Historical Society; and

“Whereas the town of New Tecumseth has been unsuccessful in reaching an agreement with the Ontario Historical Society to use part of the land to educate the public about the historical significance of the work of Sir Frederick Banting;

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

“That the Minister of Culture endorse Simcoe–Grey MPP Jim Wilson’s private member’s bill entitled the Frederick Banting Homestead Preservation Act so that the homestead is kept in good repair and preserved for generations to come.”

Obviously, I agree with the petition, and I’ve signed it.

Long-term care

Mr. Rosario Marchese (Trinity–Spadina): “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas long-term-care funding levels are too low to enable homes to provide the care and services our aging seniors and parents who are residents of long-term-care homes need, with the respect and dignity that they deserve; and

“Whereas, even with recent funding increases and a dedicated staff who do more than their best, there is still not enough time available to provide the care residents need. For example, 10 minutes, and sometimes less, is simply not enough time to assist a resident to get up, dressed, to the bathroom and then to the dining room for breakfast; and

“Whereas those unacceptable care and service levels are now at risk of declining;

“We, the undersigned, who are members of family councils, residents’ councils and/or supporters of long-term care in Ontario, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to increase operating funding to long-term-care homes by $306.6 million, which will allow the hiring of more staff to provide an additional 20 minutes of care per resident per day over the next two years (2006 and 2007).”

I support this petition.

Tuition

Mr. Richard Patten (Ottawa Centre): My petition is to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Ontario Liberal government has announced it will increase tuition fees in September 2006;

“Whereas the additional funding announced last year will be phased in over five years and will barely bring Ontario post-secondary education funding to the national average;

“Whereas this reality will mean that the climate of underfunding will persist for at least another four years and will consequently undermine efforts to improve the quality of education;

“Whereas tuition fees have already increased significantly over the past 15 years....”

It goes on to identify some other areas. It says:

“We, the undersigned”—all students—“support the Canadian Federation of Students’ call to extend the tuition fee freeze and petition the Legislative Assembly to:

“—freeze or reduce tuition fees for all students studying in Ontario, effective September 2006; and

“—expand access to Ontario’s new up-front grant program for all students in need, including continuing education, part-time, full-time, college, undergraduate and graduate students.”

Long-term Care

Mr. Gerry Martiniuk (Cambridge): I have a petition provided to me by the Stirling Heights long-term-care centre of 200 Stirling Macgregor Drive in Cambridge, Ontario, with hundreds of signatures of good citizens of Cambridge, and directed to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas long-term-care funding levels are too low to enable homes to provide the care and services our aging seniors and parents who are residents of long-term-care homes need, with the respect and dignity that they deserve; and

“Whereas, even with recent funding increases and a dedicated staff who do more than their best, there is still not enough time available to provide the care residents need. For example, 10 minutes, and sometimes less, is simply not enough time to assist a resident to get up, dressed, to the bathroom and then to the dining room for breakfast; and

“Whereas these unacceptable care and service levels are now at risk of declining;

“We, the undersigned, who are members of family councils, residents’ councils and/or supporters of long-term care in Ontario, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to increase operating funding to long-term-care homes by $306.6 million, which will allow the hiring of more staff to provide an additional 20 minutes of care per resident per day over the next two years (2006 and 2007).”

I agree with the contents of the petition and sign my name thereon.

Tuition

Mr. Rosario Marchese (Trinity–Spadina): I have thousands of names on these petitions, and they read as follows:

“Whereas the Ontario Liberal government has announced it will increase tuition fees in September 2006;

“Whereas the additional funding announced last year will be phased in over five years and will barely bring Ontario post-secondary education funding to the national average;

“Whereas this reality will mean that the climate of underfunding will persist for at least another four years and will consequently undermine efforts to improve the quality of education;

“Whereas tuition fees have already increased significantly over the past 15 years while the quality of education has declined;

“Whereas some have argued that rising tuition fees are acceptable because the government has increased student aid funding, but this new investment will be clawed back through tuition fee increases; and

“Whereas the vast majority of Ontario families will not qualify for the new Ontario grant program and will have to rely on debt to pay the higher fees; and

“Whereas giving Ontario families more access to debt to pay higher tuition fees is not a long-term solution to the funding crisis in Ontario’s colleges and universities;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, support the Canadian Federation of Students’ call to extend the tuition fee freeze and petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to:

“—freeze or reduce tuition fees for all students studying in Ontario, effective September 2006; and

“—expand access to Ontario’s new upfront grant program for all students in need, including continuing education, part-time, full-time, college, undergraduate and graduate students.”

I support this petition.

Long-term care

Mrs. Maria Van Bommel (Lambton–Kent–Middlesex): This is a petition sent by my constituents at Babcock Community Care Centre in Wardsville, and their families.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas long-term-care funding levels are too low to enable homes to provide the care and services our aging seniors and parents who are residents of long-term-care homes need, with the respect and dignity that they deserve; and

“Whereas, even with recent funding increases and a dedicated staff who do more than their best, there is still not enough time available to provide the care residents need. For example, 10 minutes, and sometimes less, is simply not enough time to assist a resident to get up, dressed, to the bathroom and then to the dining room for breakfast; and

“Whereas those unacceptable care and service levels are now at risk of declining;

“We, the undersigned, who are members of family councils, residents’ councils and/or supporters of long-term care in Ontario, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to increase operating funding to long-term-care homes by $306.6 million, which will allow the hiring of more staff to provide an additional 20 minutes of care per resident per day over the next two years....”

I’m pleased to present this to the page from my riding, Jenna Zwambag, who lives about 10 minutes away from Wardsville. Thank you, Jenna.

Mr. John O’Toole (Durham): In the last few weeks, I, like many other members, have visited many nursing homes: Community Nursing Home in Port Perry, Fosterbrooke Long Term Care Facility, Strathaven and Marnwood. On their behalf, I’m reading a petition into the record, and I’m going to shorten up the petition.

“We, the undersigned, who are members of family councils, residents’ councils and/or supporters of long-term care in Ontario, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to increase operating funding to long-term-care homes by $306.6 million, which will allow the hiring of more staff to provide an additional 20 minutes of care per resident per day over the next two years (2006 and 2007).”

I’m pleased to support that in respect of the constituents of the riding of Durham.

Cancer treatment

Mrs. Carol Mitchell (Huron–Bruce): I have 116 signatures on this petition.

“Whereas Ontario has an inconsistent policy for access to new cancer treatments while these drugs are under review for funding; and

“Whereas cancer patients taking oral chemotherapy may apply for a

section 8 exception under the Ontario drug benefit plan, with no such exception policy in place for intravenous cancer drugs administered in hospital; and

“Whereas this is an inequitable, inconsistent and unfair policy, creating two classes of cancer patients with further inequities on the basis of personal wealth and the willingness of hospitals to risk budgetary deficits to provide new intravenous chemotherapy treatments; and

“Whereas cancer patients have the right to the most effective care recommended by their doctors;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Parliament of Ontario to provide immediate access to Velcade and other intravenous chemotherapy while these new cancer drugs are under review and provide a consistent policy for access to new cancer treatments that enables oncologists to apply for exceptions to meet the needs of patients.”

I affix my signature to this petition.

Long-term care

Mr. John Yakabuski (Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke): I am pleased to present this petition on behalf of long-term-care centres in my riding. I was pleased to meet with the administrators of those centres last week. This particular one comes from Valley Manor in Barry’s Bay.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): We need to remember that we are just to read petitions, not editorialize about them. I want to tell all members at this point that it’s not necessary to read the entire petition. You can paraphrase it. We have a lot of members who want to put petitions in every day, and if we do that, we get more petitions in. So thank you very much.

Mr. Yakabuski: Thank you very much.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas long-term-care funding levels are too low to enable homes to provide the care and services our aging seniors and parents who are residents of long-term-care homes need, with the respect and dignity that they deserve; and

“Whereas, even with recent funding increases and a dedicated staff who do more than their best, there is still not enough time available to provide the care residents need. For example, 10 minutes, and sometimes less, is simply not enough time to assist a resident to get up, dressed, to the bathroom and then to the dining room for breakfast; and

“Whereas those unacceptable care and service levels are now at risk of declining;

“We, the undersigned, who are members of family councils, residents’ councils and/or supporters of long-term care in Ontario, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to increase operating funding to long-term-care homes by $306.6 million, which will allow the hiring of more staff to provide an additional 20 minutes of care per resident per day over the next two years (2006 and 2007).”

I support this petition. I affix my name to it, and I will send it down to the table with Leah.

Gasoline prices

Mr. Gilles Bisson (Timmins–James Bay): I have a petition here in regard to the skyrocketing price of gas. It reads as follows:

“Petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the average price of gasoline has skyrocketed to over $1 a litre, the highest price at the pumps in” a long time;

“Whereas high gas prices are causing great hardship” to Ontario “motorists, small business owners and industry;

“Whereas the McGuinty Liberals promised to take action to keep gas prices low;

“Whereas the McGuinty Liberals have broken that promise and have done nothing to help ordinary families getting hosed at the pumps;

“We petition the Ontario government to immediately pass Bill 74, the Keep Your Promises at the Pump Act, which would make the Liberals keep their promise to freeze gas prices for 90 days ... the Keep Your Promise on the Gas Price Watchdog Act, which would force the Liberals to keep their promise to establish a gas price watchdog to protect consumers....”

I have signed that petition, and I know Mr. Bartolucci will do the same.

Community mediation

Mr. Mario G. Racco (Thornhill): “Support Community Mediation

“Whereas many types of civil disputes may be resolved through community mediation delivered by trained mediators, who are volunteers who work with the parties in the dispute; and

“Whereas Inter-Cultural Neighbourhood Social Services established the Peel Community Mediation Service in 1999 with support from the government of Ontario through the Trillium Foundation, the Rotary Club of Mississauga West and the United Way of Peel, and has proven the viability and success of community mediation; and

“Whereas the city of Mississauga and the town of Caledon have endorsed the Peel Community Mediation Service, and law enforcement bodies refer many cases to the Peel Community Mediation Service as an alternative to a court dispute; and

“Whereas court facilities and court time are both scarce and expensive, the cost of community mediation is very small and the extra expense incurred for lack of community mediation in Peel region would be much greater than the small annual cost of funding community mediation;

“Be it therefore resolved that the government of Ontario, through the Ministry of the Attorney General, support and fund the ongoing service delivery of the Peel Community Mediation Service through Inter-Cultural Neighbourhood Social Services.”

Education funding

Mr. Ernie Hardeman (Oxford): I have a petition signed by a great number of residents in Oxford county. It’s to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Ontario government already fully funds 93% of faith-based schools in Ontario, but the remaining 7% receive no funding, solely because they are not Catholic;

“Whereas the United Nations Human Rights Committee ruled in 1999 and again in 2005 that this arrangement is discriminatory and violates basic international human rights law that Ontario formally agreed to uphold;

“Whereas all three parties represented in the Legislature support Catholic separate school funding, as guaranteed by the Constitution of Canada, so that the only fair and viable solution to the discrimination is to extend funding to the small religious minorities that are currently excluded;

“Whereas the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that Ontario has the constitutional power to provide funding to non-Catholic faith-based schools;

“Whereas Ontario is the only western democracy that fully funds faith-based schools of one religion to the total exclusion of all other religions, while all other provinces except the Atlantic provinces fund faith-based schools and have thriving public school systems;

“Whereas the cultural survival of the affected minority groups is at stake; and

“Whereas faith-based schools produce responsible and productive citizens; and

“Whereas the Multi-Faith Coalition for Equal Funding of Religious Schools in December 2004 submitted to the Minister of Education a detailed proposal for the funding of non-Catholic faith-based schools in a manner that is fair and accountable and protects and enhances the public interest;

“We call on the Ontario Legislature to pass legislation to provide equitable funding in respect of all faith-based schools in Ontario without religious discrimination and without any reduction in funding for public education, with accountability requirements and standards in place to ensure that the public interest is safeguarded.”

I present this petition on their behalf.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

Clean Water Act, 2006 Loi de 2006 sur l’eau saine

Ms. Broten moved second reading of the following bill:

Bill 43,

An Act to protect existing and future sources of drinking water and to make complementary and other amendments to other Acts / Projet de loi 43, Loi visant à protéger les sources existantes et futures d’eau potable et à apporter des modifications complémentaires et autres à d’autres lois.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Minister?

Hon. Laurel C. Broten (Minister of the Environment): I’m very pleased to rise today to begin the debate on second reading of Bill 43, the proposed Clean Water Act. I’ll be sharing my time with my parliamentary assistant, John Wilkinson, the member for Perth–Middlesex.

Our government is breaking new ground in safeguarding our drinking water with our proposed bill. This unprecedented piece of legislation sets prevention above all else as the fundamental principle.

As the honourable members know, water is the most critical element in supporting life. Millions of people around the world struggle to find and bring home safe, clean drinking water for their families, and it’s one of the toughest challenges that they meet in their everyday life. In the developing world, some 80% of all diseases are related to water, and each and every year, millions of people die either from dehydration or poor sanitation. Most are young children under the age of five.

Water quality may well be the single most pressing environmental issue in the world today. Yet, as a society, we have not always invested the attention and level of respect that this life-sustaining resource deserves. Here in Ontario, with more than a quarter of a million lakes, rivers and streams, we are blessed with a great abundance of water. We all share a responsibility to protect these resources and to ensure that people everywhere, all across our province, have drinking water that is safe, clean and reliable; our health and well-being depend on it.

We need to be confident that the water coming out of our taps is safe to drink and that the water sources we rely on are clean and free from contamination. Unfortunately, we’ve seen what happens when that public confidence is lost. No one can or should ever forget Walkerton and those terrible events in May 2000, when the town’s water source became contaminated. Seven people died and thousands became seriously ill. Some may suffer lifelong health problems, particularly kidney problems, as a result.

Sadly, although the water contamination in Walkerton was clearly one of the worst situations in modern Ontario history, it was not an isolated incident. People from the township of Beckwith and the city of Kitchener have also witnessed first hand what happens when their drinking water sources become contaminated. We must be vigilant in protecting people against these kind of threats, just as we must carefully monitor new and emerging threats, such as lower water levels related to global warming.

People in communities large and small throughout this province have told us loudly and clearly that preventing contamination and ensuring clean, safe drinking water is critical. This bill, the proposed Clean Water Act, answers their call.

If Bill 43 is passed by this Legislature, the people of Ontario will have some of the best-protected drinking water in the world.

Si le projet de loi 43 est adopté par l’Assemblée législative, les résidents de l’Ontario auront l’une des eaux potables les mieux protégées au monde.

I’m proud to point out that it is with the wholehearted support of environmental and health experts that I bring forward this bill for second reading. In the words of Dr. Greg Flynn, president of the Ontario Medical Association, who endorses this bill:

“Clean water is a fundamental determinant of public health. The Walkerton tragedy showed us that Ontario’s drinking water sources needed better protection from pathogens and other contaminants. The Clean Water Act is good preventative medicine for Ontario.”

The proposed Clean Water Act focuses on prevention. Preventing a problem from happening in the first place is far better than attempting to fix it after the fact. It would empower local communities to take steps to prevent potential threats to local drinking water from becoming serious problems. It would do this by requiring a source protection plan for each watershed in Ontario.

The proposed Clean Water Act is locally driven. We believe that local authorities are in the best position to determine the protection measures that are needed, how these measures should be carried out and who should take responsibility for leading them.

The proposed act will be based on the best available science. If we are going to effectively protect our drinking water, we need to know how much we have in reserve, how it replenishes itself and what threats exist to our supply.

I want to highlight

section 13 of the proposed act, where we indicate that local source protection committees will have to prepare assessment reports that provide unprecedented detail on the local water supply. I invite members to review subsection 13(2), which sets out the requirement for water budgets, clear identification of vulnerable areas, intake protection zones, and lists of activities that could be seen as threats. This would be the first time in Ontario’s history that watershed protection would be based on comprehensive, scientifically sound information. What’s more,

section 98 of the bill would give my ministry rule-making authority to ensure that a high level of detail is provided in assessment reports. Our government has committed over $67 million to fund source water protection research by conservation authorities and municipalities.

We also want to encourage voluntary action to resolve threats to drinking water. We believe that the vast majority of identified threats should be able to be resolved by local officials and landowners. Our government has consulted widely across the province on the issues of water quality and water quantity, and we have heard broad community-based agreement that we need to do a better job of protecting our water resources, from the source to the tap.

Over the past two months, I have travelled throughout the province talking to people about our proposed Clean Water Act. I’ve met with mayors, farmers and conservation authorities as well as health authorities, water experts and, of course, citizens, and I have absorbed what they have had to say about the protection of their drinking water. My ministry officials have also consulted widely with community leaders and local associations to gather additional input on water quality and water quantity issues. Based on all of the good and thoughtful advice we have gathered, I am confident that we are taking the right steps to protect Ontario’s drinking water with the proposed Clean Water Act.

Throughout my discussions over the past couple of months, local stakeholders have consistently expressed support for the principles enshrined in the proposed bill. People right across Ontario agree that water protection must be viewed as a shared responsibility and that local action is the most effective means of ensuring our water quality and supply.

Les Ontariens et les Ontariennes conviennent que la protection de l’eau est une responsabilité qui doit être partagée et que les mesures prises à l’échelle régionale constituent de la meilleure façon d’assurer la qualité de l’eau et son approvisionnement constant.

Perhaps most importantly, everyone I spoke to agreed that we need an approach that is both practical and workable and one that makes sense in all areas of the province in both rural and urban communities. I’ve had the opportunity to meet with a number of farmers and people who live in smaller towns, and I’ve learned that they’re still somewhat uncertain about what the Clean Water Act would mean for their land and their communities. We’ve heard their concerns, and we take them very seriously. We know that some of the very best stewards of our land and water are our farmers.

We need to ensure that the legislation we propose supports the viability and prosperity of farms and small towns right across rural Ontario.

I want to say what a tremendous privilege it was for me to meet so many community leaders from Sudbury to Windsor and many points in between, and I want to assure them and the members of this House that we have listened carefully to what they have told us. I’d like to tell this Legislature about a few of the people I met during my travels and what they told me.

In Windsor, I met with Tom Wilson and representatives from Essex region and I heard that because of a spill upstream, Windsor had to close its water intakes, and the whole community came very close to using up its water reserves. In Sudbury, I met with Deputy Mayor Ron Bradley and heard about the detailed studies they’ve undertaken there to protect their main water resource, Ramsey Lake, against municipal and industrial pollution. In North Bay, Mayor Victor Fedeli told me about the excellent collaboration to protect and monitor Trout Lake.

I learned from Marc Charron, the chair of the local conservation authority, about the challenges of protecting a watershed that runs from Lake Nipissing all the way to the Ottawa River. In Guelph and Hamilton, I met with students and researchers who will shape our next generation of public policy around water protection. It was a wonderful opportunity to hear their insights and feel their enthusiasm. In fact, it was a powerful reminder that our actions must be based on sound science.

In the Kitchener area, I spoke with Peter Krause and the Grand River Conservation Authority, along with regional chair Ken Seiling, about the unique challenges they face. In their region, they are working to find a balance when rapidly growing communities and industries are located close to wellheads. I look forward to visiting Walkerton and Ottawa in the weeks ahead, and hearing from their local officials and water experts with respect to their views of the legislation.

Staff from my ministry had the opportunity to meet with Ontarians in communities such as Woodstock, Ottawa, Orillia, Thunder Bay and Schreiber, and they have relayed back to me what they have heard. Everywhere we went, the message came through clearly: Clean water is a priority for the people of Ontario. Clean, safe drinking water is not only vital to the health and well-being of Ontarians; it is vitally important to Ontario’s economic health and prosperity.

In essence, the proposed Clean Water Act is good for Ontario, and it is especially important for smaller rural communities. Bill 43 will give local communities the authority to make the decisions that affect their local water resources, and to take action to protect the sources of their water from contamination. It is important to highlight that local water protection plans would be developed through an open and transparent process and would include input from local residents, businesses and stakeholders.

Section 7 of the proposed Clean Water Act requires that each source protection authority would establish a drinking water source protection committee for their area.

Section 7 also clarifies that it’s my responsibility to appoint committee chairs, after considering the local authority’s recommendations. This means that both the committees and their chairs will be the best, most knowledgeable and most representative group we can bring together with the common goal of ensuring safe, clean drinking water for their community.

Section 99 of the bill also requires that we would have the ability to make regulations governing the appointment of source protection committees. This is extra added assurance that each community will be fairly represented. Most importantly, it will help us replace the old piecemeal approach to water protection with something broad and inclusive. Where threats to local water sources are identified, the proposed Bill 43 would ensure the development of practical local solutions. Those solutions would give all the residents peace of mind and greater confidence in their water supplies.

However, I think it is important to point out that the proposed Clean Water Act is just part of our government’s larger commitment to protecting the environment. That commitment rests on the belief that a clean environment is essential to a healthy and prosperous Ontario. Protecting our water resources includes safeguarding our Great Lakes and other inland waters, as well as preventing pollution and contamination from seeping into our lakes, rivers and aquifers.

All Ontarians deserve to have safe, clean, affordable water, and that requires protecting the natural sources of our drinking water and upgrading the essential infrastructure that delivers clean water to our taps. That is why our government is putting into action a comprehensive water plan based on the belief that we must defend our resources now to protect them for the future.

We are strengthening protection for the Great Lakes through the Great Lakes Charter annex, a historic agreement that our government signed with the governments of Quebec and of our US neighbours, which bans water diversions and promotes conservation of water on both sides of the border.

We are also addressing the need to develop a water investment strategy for upgrading and replacing our province’s essential water infrastructure to make sure that the water coming from our taps is clean, plentiful and affordable.

Our water plan is comprehensive and encourages good water practices by supporting our shared responsibility to protect and conserve our critical water supplies. Ontario’s water plan to safeguard our water resources depends on the commitment and support of our many partners. Specifically, I want to recognize my colleagues, the Ministers of Public Infrastructure Renewal, of Natural Resources, of Northern Development and Mines, of Municipal Affairs and Housing, of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, of Finance and of Economic Development and Trade.

Each minister and each ministry is working in support of a progressive, strategic and comprehensive approach to preserving Ontario’s water. Together we are working on an integrated water strategy, a plan to invest in Ontario’s aging infrastructure and respond to the needs of all Ontarians for safe, sustainable and affordable drinking water.

Our commitment also involves working with municipal leaders and conservation authorities to protect and conserve drinking water for people in every community across Ontario.

Our government recognizes that in order to protect water, we need to have strong standards, clearly defined roles and responsibilities and the appropriate resources to do the job right. We need to both protect our water resources and deliver safe, clean, affordable drinking water. The proposed Clean Water Act will protect the quality and quantity of our natural water. We will ensure that lakes, rivers and aquifers are protected against contamination and depletion.

La loi proposée protégera la qualité et la quantité de notre eau naturelle. Nous nous assurons ainsi que nos lacs, nos rivières et nos aquifères sont protégés contre la contamination et le tarissement.

With our proposed Clean Water Act, I am convinced that we are taking the right steps for protecting and sustaining the quality of Ontario’s water. We’re taking action on the priorities and concerns of the people of Ontario. Whether you’re a property owner, a parent, a farmer, a small business person, the mayor of a big city or a small village, we all want the same thing: clean, safe drinking water.

I call on all members to join me in supporting second reading of Bill 43. The House has a tremendous opportunity, starting today, to protect the future well-being of millions of Ontarians. Surely that is one of the fundamental reasons that we are all here.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Michael Prue): Further debate.

Mr. John Wilkinson (Perth–Middlesex): I want to join my friend the Minister of the Environment and thank her for allowing me to share with the leadoff today on second reading debate and to have this opportunity to outline for honourable members some of the highlights of Bill 43, the proposed Clean Water Act.

If passed, this legislation would play a major role in fulfilling our government’s commitment to ensuring that all Ontarians have access to safe drinking water. We believe, along with Justice O’Connor, that protecting water at its source is the first vital step in providing safe drinking water, and to ensure that protection we need to prevent pollution from contaminating the lakes, rivers and aquifers that supply the water that comes out of our taps.

We also recognize that the best way to plan and carry out water protection measures is by viewing the entire watershed as a single, coherent entity. Moreover, the science of watershed protection has come a long way over the years. We are committed to capturing the benefits of that new knowledge by ensuring that Ontario’s source water protection efforts are planned and implemented on a sound scientific basis.

We believe that everyone in Ontario has a right to safe, clean drinking water. We also believe that protecting our water resources is very much a shared responsibility. But because each community and indeed each watershed is unique, we are convinced that local authorities are in the very best position to plan and implement the protection measures that will ensure the safety of our drinking water. These fundamental principles are at the heart of Bill 43, the proposed Clean Water Act. Under the provisions of this groundbreaking legislation, local communities for the first time would be required to work together to create and implement plans that protect the sources of their drinking water.

If passed, Bill 43 would accomplish three key objectives: First, it would require local communities to look at any activities that could threaten their water quality and water quantity and to take action to reduce or remove the threat. Second, it would give local authorities the power to take preventive measures before a threat to the local water supply can develop. This means that municipalities would be able to take action on both existing and potential threats to local water sources.

Third, the proposed legislation would allow the whole community an opportunity to participate in the process of developing practical and effective solutions through full and public consultation on every source protection plan.

Under Bill 43, public consultation will be a critical component of the source protection framework.

I said that local water source protection plans must be based on sound scientific principles. To ensure that communities have the resources that they need to complete the required studies, we, our government, recently committed a total of $67.5 million to support this work. This money will flow to municipalities and conservation authorities over the next five years, with $51 million devoted to technical studies by local communities, and $16.5 million targeted to conservation authorities. This is to ensure that they have the staff and resources needed to carry out their new responsibilities under the proposed bill.

Members should also be aware that Bill 43 provides guidelines on the process that communities would follow as they prepare their local source water protection plans. This process has a total of five steps.

In step one, conservation authorities and municipalities would map out local drinking water sources that need special protection. This would include areas immediately around wellheads and water intakes, recharge areas and vulnerable aquifers.

In step two, local authorities would use a science-based approach to measure and to assess the threats to water quality and quantity. These threats would then be ranked according to their relative importance. Local authorities would make decisions on threats that require immediate action, threats that simply need to be monitored to ensure that they don’t become more serious, and threats that can simply be managed over time through voluntary action.

In step three of the process, local partners would be brought together to deal with threats identified. Municipalities would work with conservation authorities, farmers and other property owners, industry, community groups and the public to develop workable, effective plans to deal with each threat.

In step four, the local water source protection plans would be put into action. Implementation would be accomplished through official plans, zoning bylaws, provincial approval schemes, municipally issued permits, negotiated responses and, of course, voluntary actions. Under the proposed bill’s provisions, local municipalities would receive special authority to take action on significant threats to their most vulnerable drinking water supplies. The province will also bear responsibility to take action where necessary.

Finally, step five involves careful and continuous monitoring of each source protection plan. This would be done to measure the effectiveness of the actions taken to protect drinking water sources and to ensure that local drinking water supplies continue to be adequately protected into the future.

As members can see, municipalities and conservation authorities right across this province will have key roles to play in the process proposed under Bill 43. Municipalities would generally be responsible for developing and implementing risk management strategies for local supply wells and intakes. They would also have the authority to require local businesses, farmers and other property owners to take steps to remove any significant threats to local drinking water that were identified. Conservation authorities would play a broader coordinating role.

They would generally be responsible for source protection planning across the entire watershed, and for supporting local municipalities by gathering information, assessing and ranking threats to the water supply, consulting, and integrating municipal strategies into larger watershed plans.

I think it’s important to point out that the source protection planning process anticipated by Bill 43 would involve not just local governments and conservation authorities, but all other members of the community as well. For example, industry, businesses, farmers, ratepayer groups and other property owners, public health units, environmental and community groups, along with members of the public, would all be actively involved in helping to finding solutions early on in the process through representation on local source protection committees.

The proposed Clean Water Act would also help protect the Great Lakes, the source of drinking water for the majority of Ontarians. In addition to local authorities preparing source protection plans around the Great Lakes, they will have to consider existing agreements related to the Great Lakes basin, such as the Great Lakes Charter Annex and the Great Lakes water quality agreement. The minister would also have the authority to set specific source protection targets for the Great Lakes to ensure that plans met the goals of these agreements.

Moreover, the proposed bill would also allow the Minister of the Environment to create committees to provide advice on matters affecting the Great Lakes, as needed.

Our government’s approach to safeguarding Ontario’s drinking water involves better protection of water resources, better water treatment measures and better overall program delivery. The Clean Water Act is the most recent action we are proposing in this regard.

But we have also implemented a broad range of other important measures, including tough new rules for managing nutrients and for permits to take water; major new investments in scientific studies needed to support local source protection efforts; significant improvements to the regulation of drinking water systems; strong new standards for drinking water quality and testing; and a range of measures to improve the operation of municipal water systems.

As the minister has pointed out, Bill 43 is part of our government’s commitment to implement all of the recommendations of the Walkerton inquiry. The proposed legislation will support the 22 recommendations on drinking water source protection from the part two report. I distinctly recall that each and every one of the three political parties represented in this House campaigned as one in the 2003 election on the combined promise to implement all of the recommendations of His Honour Justice O’Connor.

We’re at a crossroads. The question is not whether we should have a multi-barrier approach to protect our most valuable sources of drinking water; the question is not whether we should do this; the question is: How? This debate is about the implementation. This debate culminates over a year’s worth of consultation, perhaps even years of consultation, within the affected sectors about what the best way is for our government to proceed. We’ve listened to those comments, and they’re all incorporated in this bill.

I want to say to our friends on the other side, particularly the critic for the official opposition, the member for Haliburton–Victoria–Brock, and to one of our newest members, Mr. Tabuns, the new member for Toronto–Danforth—we welcome you here, sir—that we as a government look forward to working with all interested parties in Ontario and in this House to come up with the very best piece of legislation so that we leave, collectively, a legacy that says that when a problem was presented to us and we all agreed to take action, we got down to work and worked collegially and effectively to have the very best protection. I believe that the people of Walkerton demand no less from us.

In conclusion, I believe that this is important legislation and that it will have many benefits for people and communities throughout Ontario today and into the future. It is something that our children and grandchildren will be proud that we all worked on together in this Legislature. If passed, Bill 43 would give the people of Ontario some of the very best–protected drinking water in the world. So I’d like to call upon all members of the House to join me and the minister in supporting this very necessary legislation.

The Acting Speaker: Questions and comments? The member from Victoria–Haliburton–Brock.

Applause.

Ms. Laurie Scott (Haliburton–Victoria–Brock): Oh, a round of applause from the opposition.

I’m pleased to speak today, and I will speak at length, about the Clean Water Act, Bill 43. We certainly all are in agreement that clean water is essential. Having a nursing background, I know the minister mentioned that it is essential for health in Ontario. So I think all of Ontario as a province, and all citizens want to see clean water brought forward.

It’s been over two years that the government has had to bring in some type of clean water protection act. It was to be source water protection, but it’s called the Clean Water Act. That’s fine. There have been consultations, and we appreciate some that have gone on. I appreciate the minister telling us where her next travels will take her, because it is important to consult. I think everybody agrees with the general purpose of clean water.

We’ve met and discussed a lot with municipalities, farmers and landowners, and there’s a lot of concern with the bill. This is part of our parliamentary process, to have discussion, and there is a lot of discussion going on. I have a lot of papers with feedback on the bill, and I will be going into that in detail later.

There are questions with the conservation authorities and questions with the municipalities as to what roles they will have. There are questions about who’s going to identify, where the science is directly going to come from, source protection authorities that are in place, areas that don’t have conservation authorities, the source protection committees, what composition they will be made up of, and will all the stakeholders be able to be represented equally? These are large areas of the province.

So we have a lot of concerns, a lot of feedback. We’re glad to hear the government’s going to be responsive, because we’re going to be counting on it. We want them to go out on committee and have a lot of public hearings, because this bill is not going to work if we don’t have the full co-operation of everybody in Ontario.

Mr. Bob Delaney (Mississauga West): As always, it’s a plea